In November nights officially get longer and days get shorter. Check out our list of fun November themes and homeschool activities to do with your kiddos this month. With nature study, liturgical living, food, books, and learning activities we have you covered with fun homeschool lesson plans all month long.
Nature Study In November
Cooler days and colder nights reign as the last of the leaves fall from the trees. It is the perfect time to get out and explore the final days before winter. Grab your nature journal and get outside to Take a Hike Day on November 17.
- Corn – Fun corn facts for kids
- Peanut harvest
- Turkeys – find out more about these fun birds and print and color your own picture here.
- Beaver Moon
- Indian Summer – Read a version of the legend of this warm weather season
- Take a Hike Day (17) – A simple sensory walk makes a great hike on a tough school day.
Faith Themes In The Month of November
The end of the church year is upon us as we remember the souls in heaven this month. November 2 is a good day to visit and tidy graves in your local cemetery. Don’t forget to find your Advent wreath and find your candles before the end of the month. (I like to put a reminder on my calendar for Nov. 15 to make sure I am on top of this one!)
- All Saints Day (1) – Read I Sing a Song of the Saints of God
- All Souls Day (2)
- Dia de los Muertos (1-2) Read I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story to understand this hispanic celebration. Make your own sugar skull art project.
- Make lanterns for Martinmas (11)
- St. Andrew’s Day can be celebrated with scones! (30)
- Last Sunday in November – First Sunday of Advent
Food And Family Themes In November
Highlighted below are my family’s food favorites. I love any excuse to serve a sandwich while nachos and French Toast are regular favorites. I will get the kids to make bread on the 17th. Candy Day on the 4th is a great excuse to pull out the remaining Halloween candy and do a little candy math with it.
- National Sandwich Day (3)
- National Candy Day (4)
- National Nachos Day (6)
- National Homemade Bread Day (17)
- Pecans
- Cranberries (read Cranberry Thanksgiving!)
- Yams or sweet potatoes
- Thanksgiving Dinner
- National French Toast Day (28)
Books Perfect For November Learning
These are some of my children’s favorite books about American Thanksgiving. Most of these are lighthearted fun. Be sure to check out the learning activities below for even more selections.
- Thanksgiving is Here by Diane Goode
- This First Thanksgiving Day
by
- Goody O’Grumpity
by Carol Ryrie Brink
- The Pilgrims First Thanksgiving
by
- This is the Turkey
by
- A Turkey for Thanksgiving
by
- Thanks for Thanksgiving
by Julie Markes
- Give Thanks to the Lord by Karma Wilson
Thanksgiving Is Here!This First Thanksgiving Day: A Counting StoryGoody O’GrumpityThe Pilgrims’ First ThanksgivingThis Is the TurkeyA Turkey for ThanksgivingThanks for ThanksgivingGive Thanks to the Lord: Celebrating Psalm 92Cranberry Thanksgiving (Cranberryport)The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to VeteranA Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson: A Classic illustrated editionThe Tomten and the FoxGeorge Washington’s BreakfastRabbits Rabbits Everywhere: A Fibonacci Tale (Charlesbridge Math Adventures)Are You My Mother ?Little Women: The Original Classic Novel (Illustrated, Unabridged)The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia Book 2)Anne of Green GablesI Sing a Song of the Saints of GodI Remember Abuelito
November Field Trips For Your Homeschool Study
If you have a historical site near you related to the Pilgrims then this is the time to take advantage. Fortunately there are native american sites all over the country. This gives us the perfect opportunity to share stories of those who came before the Pilgrim settlers kids will hear so much about this month.
- Go to an Art Museum Day. Be sure to download your free guide to Taking Kids to the Art Museum from Art History Kids here. (9)
- Visit a local Native American historical site
Crafts And Activities For November Learning
So many wonderful authors have birthdays in November. Pick your favorite and have cake to celebrate his or her birthday! I have sprinkled a few meaningful crafts throughout, but don’t underestimate the fun of watching a video and discussing together or trying the tongue twisters. Sometimes simple activities are the best!
- Find out more about Native Americans this month and try your hand at a Native inspired craft to help your kids learn more about these early peoples.
- Daylight Savings Time Ends (5). Find out more about why we have it here.
- Learn some homeschool phrases in Japanese or explore these Japanese cultural contributions for Japanese Culture Day (3)
- Election Day – On a presidential election year do not miss this unit study from Silverdale Press. It is a Barnhill family favorite.
- Give a tongue twister a try on International Tongue Twisters Day (12)
- Make a poppy for Veteran’s Day. (11) Read The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans by Barbara E. Walsh
- National Origami Day. Give it a try! (11)
- For Robert Louis Stevenson’s birthday read A Child’s Garden of Verses or check out a few poetry selections here. This would be a great day to celebrate with a poetry tea! (13)
- Read The Tomten and the Fox by Astrid Lindgren to celebrate her birthday. (14)
- Read George Washington’s Breakfast to celebrate Jean Fritz’s birthday! (16)
- Learn more about Fibonacci numbers (or this video for older kids) on Fibonacci Day. You can also read Rabbits, Rabbits Everywhere: A Fibonacci Tale and try your hand at this activity. (23)
- Read Are You My Mother to celebrate P.D. Eastman’s birthday. (25)
- Read Little Women (or watch your favorite movie version) to celebrate Louisa May Alcott’s birthday. (29)
- Read The Chronicles of Narnia (or watch the movie) to celebrate C. S. Lewis’s birthday. (29)
- Read Anne of Green Gables (or watch your favorite version) to celebrate Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birthday. (30)
More Monthly Themes
Want more monthly themes for your homeschool? Check out these other posts!
- December Themes
- January Themes
- February Themes
- March Themes
- April Themes
- May Themes
- June Themes
- July Themes
- August Themes
- September Themes
- October Themes
Enter your email to download our printable themes checklist and monthly calendar.
- A No-Guilt Approach to Christmas School - November 17, 2023
- Revolutionize Your Homeschool Routine: Unlocking the Potential of Seasonal Homeschooling - November 3, 2023
- Introducing the Wonder World Podcast - October 20, 2023