How to Keep Students Engaged During Thanksgiving Week (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Thanksgiving week is one of the most unpredictable times of the semester. Students are distracted, attendance may fluctuate, and it’s tempting to hit pause. But with the right mix of creativity and purpose, this can actually be one of your most memorable weeks.

1. Choose Purposeful Play

You can keep the learning light without losing focus. Phlebotomy Feast: Thanksgiving Order of Draw Activity transforms a holiday theme into a skill-based competition.

2. Problem-Solve with a Seasonal Spin

Students love medical mysteries—and the Thanksgiving Medical Mystery Case Studies let them apply assessment and diagnostic reasoning in a creative way.

3. Reinforce Real-World Safety

It’s also a great week to highlight fire safety and teamwork with Thanksgiving Fire Safety in the ER—a scenario-based lesson that fits perfectly into emergency or safety units.

4. Keep the Energy Positive

Pair themed lessons with gratitude reflections or student shout-outs to close out the semester strong. You can even reference How to Create a Positive Classroom Culture in Your Health Science Course for inspiration on building community.

Thanksgiving week doesn’t have to be chaotic—it can be one of the most joyful, connected weeks of your semester.