In November, gratitude fills our classrooms — not just in the crafts we make or songs we sing, but in the connections we build through learning.

One of my favorite ways to nurture those connections is with something simple and timeless: nursery rhymes.

These short, rhythmic verses aren’t just cute traditions — they’re powerful tools for building language, literacy, and social-emotional growth in early learners.

🦃 Why Rhymes Belong in Every Pre-K Classroom

Nursery rhymes naturally teach rhythm, repetition, and rhyme awareness, which are key building blocks for reading readiness. When children hear and repeat rhyming words, they begin to tune their ears to the sounds of language — an early step toward phonemic awareness.

But rhymes also bring children together.

Whether we’re clapping, acting, or singing, the shared experience of rhythm builds community and joy — something every classroom needs a little extra of in November!

💛 Teaching Gratitude Through Rhyme

Gratitude can be a tricky concept for little ones to grasp.

That’s where songs and rhymes can help. The repetitive patterns make abstract ideas more concrete — and add a touch of playfulness to learning social-emotional skills.

This week, my students and I are diving into “Five Fat Turkeys.”

It’s a silly, joyful rhyme about friendship and togetherness — perfect for November!

Here’s how we use it:

• 🎶 Movement: Waddle like turkeys as we count down from five, ten or 20 depending on how high your students are counting.
  
  
• 🧩 Language: Emphasize rhyming words (“tree” and “see,” “do” and “too”).
  
  
• 💬 Connection: Pause to ask, “What are you thankful for today?”. Use chart paper or a piece of construction paper and record their answers. I was super lucky this year and a business donated a large number of Post It chart paper and I was able to grab some! The kiddos love writing on it and then I also have them find and circle letters in their name or a friend’s name!
  
  

It’s simple, quick, and full of laughter — and it helps children feel gratitude while practicing key pre-reading skills.

🛍️ Related Resource: “Five Fat Turkeys” Adapted Book + Rhyming Activity

Pair your free visual set with the full adapted book and rhyming activity pack on Teachers Pay Teachers.

This bundle includes movable Velcro pieces, rhyming word cards, sequencing mats, and black-and-white printables for differentiation.

🦃Find it on TPT → “Five Fat Turkeys Adapted Book + Rhyming Activity”

As the holidays approach, remember: it’s not just about what we teach — it’s about how we make our students feel.

Nursery rhymes bring warmth, laughter, and connection into the classroom. They remind children that learning is joyful, and gratitude is something we can practice every day.

Here’s to a November full of rhymes, gratitude, and gobbles! 🦃