Thanksgiving is the perfect time to teach children valuable life skills, including manners at the dinner table. Whether preparing for a big family gathering or a quiet meal at home, incorporating a Thanksgiving Manners for Kids lesson is a fun and educational way to build social skills. Kids will enjoy learning polite phrases, practicing gratitude, and participating in interactive activities.
This activity centers around role-playing with a Yes, Please, No, Thank You Thanksgiving Manners Printable (download link at the bottom). Children will learn to accept or decline food politely while building confidence and communication skills.
Why Teach Thanksgiving Manners for Kids?
Good manners are essential for building positive relationships and showing respect for others. Thanksgiving provides an ideal opportunity to focus on these skills because:
It reinforces gratitude: Teaching children to say “yes please” or “no thank you” ties directly to Thanksgiving’s theme of thankfulness.
Family gatherings encourage interaction. During the holiday, Children often meet relatives or family friends, making it an ideal setting to practice social skills.
Food is central to Thanksgiving. By trying a variety of dishes, kids can learn to express their preferences respectfully.
Thanksgiving Manners for Kids Activity
You can create a hands-on activity mimicking passing dishes at the Thanksgiving table using this printable and some small paper plates. Here’s how to set it up:
Materials Needed:
- Yes Please, No Thank You Thanksgiving Manners Printable
- Small 6” paper plates
- Scissors and glue
- Cardstock (optional, for durability)
Directions:
- Print the food pictures: Use cardstock for durability to reuse them every Thanksgiving.
- Cut and glue: Cut each food item onto small paper plates to create your pretend dishes.
How to Play:
- Introduce the foods: Hold up a food plate and ask the child to identify the food item.
- Role-play responses: Ask if the child likes it. If yes, they respond with “Yes, please.” If not, they say, “No thank you.”
- Pass the plate: Have the child pass the dish to the person next to them, saying, “Would you like some [food item]?” Encourage the other child to respond politely.
- Repeat with all dishes: Go through the different food items, allowing every child to practice saying “yes please” or “no thank you.”
This activity makes manners fun and builds confidence in children as they learn to articulate their preferences respectfully.
![Small Paper Plates - [100-Pack] - (6-Inch Round) - White 6 Inch Paper Plates, Lightweight Uncoated Disposable Plates - For Crafts, Events, Projects, Dry Foods & General Use](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AIAO1lv7L._SL160_.jpg)
Last update on 2025-07-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ready to get started with your Thanksgiving Manners for Kids lesson?
Download the Yes Please, No Thank You Thanksgiving Manners printable below.
Combining fun, creativity, and life lessons creates an unforgettable Thanksgiving experience that helps children grow socially and emotionally. This Thanksgiving, let’s help our kids learn the art of gratitude, respect, and kindness—one “yes please” or “no thank you” at a time.
YES PLEASE NO THANK YOU
Play the Thanksgiving manners game
Books About Manners for Kids
Use storybooks to teach preschoolers about manners, whether it’s at school, home, or holiday parties.
Last update on 2025-07-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Teresita
Saturday 28th of May 2022
Thank you for sharing this idea! You are helping children with intellectual disabilities learn good manners in an easy way.
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