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Summary and Objective
Students will understand that the modern day perception of Thanksgiving is different and will compare and contrast with the first feast in 1621. By recreating the actual first Thanksgiving menu they will glean a better knowledge of the interaction between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. It should be noted that a half a day will be needed for this activity and parental and field trip permission slips will be needed.
(Suggestion: The teacher might like to coordinate with a first grade teacher to host a Thanksgiving meal, preferably in an outdoor location, as a nice option. The older students will enjoy presenting what they have learned about Thanksgiving to their younger schoolmates.)
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Research using the internet and several historical books and articles on Thanksgiving. "1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving". National Geographic Society. 2001. "People of the Breaking Day". "Giving Thanks: The 1621 Harvest Feast". Scholastic Press. 2001.
Step 2.
Use the PVMA historical "Keeping Thanksgiving" kit, which is an optional resource.
Step 3.
Students will create an authentic menu that can be served at the feast. Use "1621 Harvest Feast" as a resource.
Step 4.
Students will reenact the actual first Thanksgiving feast in a wooded, forest-like setting, or anywhere outside, for a realistic feel.
Step 5.
Students will explain the meal and that both the Native Americans and the Pilgrims treated each other equally. Both brought food to the table to be shared - kind of in the sense of a potluck among allies.
Step 6.
Students will understand the significance of the meal. After living through the first winter, the Pilgrims realized the importance of relying on the knowledge and experience of their Native American neighbors for food and some of the basic necessities to survive.
Step 7.
Students will write a 1-2 page reflective essay on their experiences, detailing their interactions with their first grade partners and understanding that our modern day perception of Thanksgiving is different.(MLA format handout)
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