Lesson Plan

The History of Thanksgiving

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

The first Thanksgiving is the focus of a lesson that boosts reading comprehension and interview skills. Half the class reads about Pilgrims while the other half reads about the Native American, Squanto. After answering questions, pupils interview one another to gain knowledge about the other's topic. A discussion connects the lesson's theme of gratitude to pupils' real-life experience. 

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CCSS: Designed
Instructional Ideas
  • Complete the lesson before the holiday break
  • Schedule time in the library or computer lab for learners to conduct their research
  • Post the lesson's closing questions on the classroom blog—direct participants to answer it and reply to their peers
Classroom Considerations
  • Requires copies 
  • Read the Teacher's Note in the Opening to Lesson section—plan to further the discussion with the class members
Pros
  • The lesson looks at the holiday from both perspectives—Native Americans and Pilgrims
  • Offers modification ideas
  • Provides links to related lesson plans
Cons
  • None
Common Core