Teachers.net
Columbus - Thanksgiving lesson plan
Students learn the history of Thanksgiving and Columbus Day, and they also create a "New World" mural in small groups.
Education World
You Are the Historian: Investigating the First Thanksgiving
Students examine the facts and myths that surround the "First Thanksgiving" (the harvest celebration of 1621) at Plimoth Colony. They study the role that historians play in the collection and dissemination of history and use their...
Teacher Created Resources
Thanksgiving Coupon Book
Learners create a Thanksgiving coupon book. In this holiday lesson, students review the history of Thanksgiving and create coupon books to give to someone who they are thankful for.
Curated OER
Thanksgiving Mural
Learners create a mural of the history of Thanksgiving. In this holiday lesson, students recall the history of Thanksgiving and create a mural of the holiday using large paper and crayons.
Hubbard's Cupboard
The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving
Young scholars explore holidays by participating in class singing activities. In this Thanksgiving history lesson, students discuss the importance of Thanksgiving Day and read several poems which discuss the history of Thanksgiving....
Scholastic
Thanksgiving Lessons Grades PreK-2
A quintessential resource for teaching an elementary unit on the first Thanksgiving addresses a variety of skills, including informational reading, critical thinking, comparing and contrasting facts, technology tools, and historical...
Curated OER
Tracing Our Own Family Pilgrimages
The Pilgrims may have arrived in North America by way of the Mayflower, but chances are, your class members' ancestors came to the United States in another way. Guide them through an exploration of their own heritage, countries of...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving Turkey Napkin Holder
Studens create turkey napkin holders. They discuss how Thanksgiving originated and why we celebrate this holiday. They create their napkin holders using craft sticks, glue guns, construction paper, feathers, and glitter.
Curated OER
Thanksgiving History
First graders decode Thanksgiving vocabulary while learning about the history of this holiday. In this Thanksgiving history lesson, 1st graders listen to a story, trace their hands to make turkey feathers and listen to a turkey poem. ...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving Web Quest
Learners review the reasons why Thanksgiving is celebrated in the United States. Using the internet, they research the history of the holiday and discover what the first Thanksgiving was like. They also examine a typical menu for a...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving: Multiple Perspectives
Students examine different perspectives about Thanksgiving that include those of the European Settlers and the Native Americans. They read and discuss an article about Plymouth being "America's Hometown." They develop a landmark for...
Curated OER
Immigration and Oral History
Students examine immigration. In this oral and social histories lesson, students analyze primary sources to research immigration history in their community. In this year-long research project, students participate in visual and...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving Menu
Learners explore the First Thanksgiving. For this U.S. history lesson, students read about the Pilgrims and Native Americans and discuss how they obtained and prepared food. Learners develop a possible first Thanksgiving menu and draw a...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving History
First graders gain knowledge about the first Thanksgiving, how the pilgrims lived and the differences between our Thanksgiving today and the Thanksgivings of the past. They recognize different parts of the word Thanksgiving.
Curated OER
Popcorn History
Students investigate the history of popcorn. They research the history of popcorn using the internet. Students work in small groups to create a timeline outlining the history of popcorn.
Curated OER
Historical Fiction- Thanksgiving
Students write a story. In this historical fiction lesson plan, students research how Thanksgiving began. Students write a fictional story where they are a main character of this time period.
Curated OER
Pilgrims: The First Americans
Fifth graders become familar with the pilgrims and first Thanksgiving through essays about important people of the time. In this Thanksgiving lesson, 5th graders choose an important figure from the time of the Pilgrims and write a two...
Curated OER
Thanksgiving: a History of Today's Celebration
Students recognize the historical development of the Thanksgiving holiday. They identify Thanksgiving traditions and symbolism. They share what they are thankful for.
Curated OER
Colonization and American Indian Perspectives
Students investigate the colonization of the United States by researching Thanksgiving. In this U.S. history lesson, students discuss the concept of Thanksgiving, who created it and what it was intended to do. Students practice letter...
Agriculture in the Classroom
A Rafter of Turkeys
How did that turkey get from the early Aztec culture to your table? Learn about the history of wild and domesticated turkeys in North America, as well as their inclusion in Thanksgiving traditions, with a two-part agricultural science...
Curated OER
Blessing Boxes
Students create "Blessing Boxes" to show what they are thankful for in this Art lesson ideal for the Thanksgiving holiday. The materials needed include empty (and clean) milk cartons, brown construction paper, and magic markers.
Curated OER
Paper Bag Pilgrim Dolls
Stuents create paper bag versions of "pilgrim dolls" in this excellent Art lesson for the time just before Thanksgiving break. The plan uses staples or glue to attach dolls and includes a picture diagram and two "cut-out" templates to...
Curated OER
Paper Bag Turkeys
Students create paper bag versions of turkeys using old newspapers, paint, brown paper bags, and pre-cut turkey "heads" in this Art lesson for the pre-Kindergarten to 2nd grade classroom. The lesson can be used prior to Thanksgiving break.
Curated OER
Freedom Fighters Throughout American History
Students use the internet to research people who have contributed to the cause of freedom. They identify examples of freedom which are important to them and categorize them. In groups, they create a timeline of the Freedom Fighters and...