Though it started as an annual tradition in 1863, Thanksgiving didn't become a federal holiday until 1941. Today it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November with family gatherings and an abundance of food. Originally, it was a day to give thanks to God but has become a holiday celebrated by everyone, regardless of their faith or beliefs. Ancient origins of the holiday can be traced to harvest festivals. However, it is taught in schools and throughout modern culture that the holiday is a celebration of the unity found between English settlers and Native Americans after the harsh and deadly winter at Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Use Teaching Resources to Embrace Thanksgiving in Your Classroom
Thanksgiving holds a special place in the hearts of Americans of any age. It's a time of family, history, and tradition. It's also a time to celebrate and share fellowship and gratitude. In the classroom this can be a very exciting time. In your classroom it can become a time to embrace new concepts and ideas.
If you're tired of the same old hand turkeys and pilgrim hats, you've come to the right place. Teaching your young students about Thanksgiving presents an abundance of opportunity to share knowledge and get creative. Thanksgiving lessons, activities and worksheets can help you teach everything from geometry and science to history and creative writing. From Thanksgiving themed word puzzles to math activities and storytelling lesson plans, you'll find it all here at TeacherPlanet.com.