Turkey Day Topics for Engaging Classroom Discussion
As you approach those few days of class before Thanksgiving Break, where students’ minds are starting to drift towards turkey and time-off, what topics do you focus on in the classroom? If you’re interested in discussing the holiday season with students, you can use one or all of the articles below to create some fun classroom conversations. As students explore the articles, they will learn how this year compares to holidays past, how prices are determined, and what decisions consumers make during the holiday season.
CNN Travel: Brace for a Very Busy Thanksgiving Travel Season
Questions for students to consider: What reasons are given for the increase in holiday travel compared to years past? Are there interesting facts or figures in the piece that you want to highlight?
U.S.A. Today: Worst Bird Flu in Years Drives Up Egg Prices
Question for students to consider: How/ Does Bird Flu impact the price of a Thanksgiving meal?
The New York Times: Turkeys Will Be More Expensive Than Ever This Thanksgiving, and Harder to Get
Questions for students to consider: What reasons are given for expensive turkey prices? What decisions are consumers having to make?
Money: Inflation Isn’t the Only Reason Your Turkey Will Cost More This Thanksgiving
Question for students to consider: What does the The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report say about the supply of turkeys?
Walmart: Walmart is Helping Customers Set the Table this Holiday Season with This Year’s Thanksgiving Meal at Last Year’s Price
Questions for students to consider: What is Wal-Mart doing to “keep this year’s Thanksgiving Meal at Last Year’s Price?” Do you think this is a good strategy? Why or why not?
After reading and discussing the articles with students, extend this lesson by asking students to plan out their own Thanksgiving meals using price information from local grocery stores. Give students a set budget and see what kinds of meals they come up with. Once they have “shopped,” ask them to share their thoughts and experience either with a partner or as part of an all-class discussion.
