How is it Already November?

What Early Elementary School Parents Can Look Forward to During the Month of November

Welcome back! Lexi here, founder of Open Door Learning (ODL). Every month, I share a simple guide to help you know what to expect in school. This way, you can confidently support your child and stay ahead of communications, celebrations, and learning goals.

November is filled with gratitude, shorter school weeks, seasonal excitement, and big moments for your child’s learning. Here’s what you can expect:

School Schedule Changes and Days Off

Schools usually have multiple days off in November:

• Veterans Day

• Teacher professional development days

• Thanksgiving break

• Possible early dismissals

  
  

Time off from school can be hard for both students and parents, as it disrupts your normal routine. Talk with your child about the days they will have off and come up with a plan for what those days will look like.

Check out this scavenger hunt that you can complete with your child in the park!

Scavenger Hunt in the Park .pdf

Download PDF • 539KB

Plan Ahead Tip: Post a visible calendar at home so your child can see upcoming changes in their routine, like days off from school. This is a practice that can be done each month. Here is a calendar you can print off and use for this month:

November 2025 Calendar

Gratitude and Fall Themed Activities

Some schools celebrate Thanksgiving directly, while others focus on:

• Gratitude

• Kindness

• Community and togetherness

• Seasonal fall crafts

  
  

If you are looking for some stories to read with your child that fit nicely with the themes of gratitude, kindness, and togetherness, here is a list of my favorites:

• Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds

• Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora

• The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

  
  

An activity that I loved doing in my classroom around this time was creating Thankful Placemats. Students would write or draw the different things they are thankful for. This activity was great for students who celebrated or did not celebrate Thanksgiving, as it was a placemat anyone could use for mealtime. These placemats also inspired meaningful conversations around the dinner table. Try this at home and see how it goes!

Report Cards or Progress Updates

November is often the month when many schools send home report cards or progress updates. If this is your first time receiving one this school year, you might be wondering what it all means — and that’s completely normal!

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Report cards are a snapshot of growth, not a final judgment. At this stage, teachers highlight both strengths and areas that are still developing.

• Early elementary students are still building foundational skills in reading, writing, math, and social-emotional learning. It’s normal for some skills to be emerging — and for others to need extra practice.

• Don’t stress! The goal is to understand where your child is thriving and where they may need support, not to compare to anyone else.

  
  

Helpful tips for parents:

• Ask the teacher questions if anything is unclear or you want advice on supporting learning at home.

• Focus on 1–2 goals at a time. For example: practicing sight words, reading a few minutes daily, or writing simple sentences. Small, consistent steps make a big difference.

• Need extra guidance? My Report Card Review Service walks you through the report card with a certified educator and helps create a clear, actionable plan.

  
  

Remember: report cards are tools to guide learning, not a measure of your child’s worth. Celebrate their accomplishments, notice their growth, and reach out if you need help — you are not alone in supporting your child’s learning journey!

November SEL Tip: Practicing Empathy

November is a wonderful time to help kids notice and understand the feelings of others. Practicing empathy helps children build strong relationships, cooperate with classmates, and act with kindness — skills that are just as important as reading and math!

What empathy looks like in young kids:

• Recognizing when someone is happy, sad, frustrated, or excited

• Responding with kind words or helpful actions

• Thinking about how others might feel in different situations

  
  

Try this at home — “Empathy in Action”:

1. Storytime reflection: While reading together, pause and ask: “How do you think this character feels? Why?”

2. Everyday empathy: Talk about family, friends, or neighbors: “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?”

3. Role-play: Switch roles in a small scenario and discuss feelings.

4. Gratitude + empathy combo: Discuss ways to help or support someone you’re thankful for.

   
   

Tip for parents: Model empathy out loud — share how you notice others’ feelings and respond kindly. Kids learn a lot by watching adults practice empathy in real life. By practicing empathy regularly, children strengthen social-emotional skills that help them navigate relationships, solve conflicts, and feel connected to others.

Try this activity at home with your child, “Gratitude Leaf Pile”:

1. Have your child draw and cut out leaves for the month.

2. Each day, write or draw something you’re grateful for OR one kind action you did today.

3. Add the leaves to a bowl, wall, or garland.

4. At the end of November, read through all the leaves together and celebrate your child's gratitude and kindness!

   
   

Questions or Support?

If you’re looking for ways to support reading, writing, or math at home — or you want help understanding your child’s report card — I offer free consultations and parent-friendly learning plans that make a big impact.

Until next time,

Lexi :)