Through these Common Core-aligned lesson plans and The First Thanksgiving online activity, students will explore the relationship between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag, including their experiences, actions, and decisions relating to the settlement of Plimoth colony.
Grades
6–8
The focus of The First Thanksgiving for students at this level is to explore the Pilgrims' and Wampanoags' experiences, actions, and decisions as they relate to the settlement of Plimoth colony.
Throughout the unit, students will develop an understanding of historical events from different perspectives while practicing research skills, reading comprehension, and various forms of writing.
Students will:
Depending on the grade level and maturity level of each class, activities can be facilitated as independent work, collaborative group work, or whole class instruction.
If there are fewer computers than students, group the students by reading level. Assign each student a role: a driver who navigates the activity, a timer who keeps the group on task, and a note taker. If there are more than three students per computer, you can add roles like a team leader, a team reporter, etc.
If you are working in a learning station in your classroom, break your class into different groups. Have rotating groups working on the computer(s), reading printed background information, holding smaller group discussions, etc.
You may also want to create a special display of thematic books in your classroom library. Check out the Thanksgiving Book List or the Colonial America and Native Americans Book List for suggested print materials. Include room for the projects that your students will create through the unit.
These writing-based tasks incorporate the three types of writing required by the Common Core Standards. Use one or more as a culminating assessment for your students.
Imagine you have a pen pal in another country who is a student your age. The student knows little about U.S. culture. In a friendly letter, tell the student the story of the first Thanksgiving. Share with the student the ways in which your family’s Thanksgiving traditions are similar to and different from the first Thanksgiving feast.
Remember:
The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag had different lifestyles. In a short essay, explain the similarities and the differences between the two groups and their daily lives. Then explain how the skills that the Pilgrims and Wampanoag had contributed to the first Thanksgiving feast.
Remember:
Imagine that your state declares that schools will be open on Thanksgiving. The state also says, however, that a school district can decide to close for the day if it wants. Appeal to your district’s superintendent and ask her to close the school, so you and your classmates can celebrate Thanksgiving. Write an argument that clearly outlines why your school should close for the celebration of Thanksgiving.
Remember:
Alternately, write an argument supporting the superintendent’s decision to keep schools open on Thanksgiving. You still should present a claim with reasons to support it.
Common Core State Standards for Grades 6–8
Voyage on the Mayflower Lesson Plan
Pilgrim and Wampanoag Daily Life Lesson Plan
The Thanksgiving Feast Lesson Plan
Narrative Task
Expository Task
Argumentative Task
Bring the history of Thanksgiving to life with virtual field trips to Plimoth Plantation, slide shows, and more.
GRADES
PreK–K, 1–2, 3–5, 6–8
Plan your year ahead with these teacher-tested multimedia units including audio and online publishing resources for students, plus lesson plans and free printables for you.
Students will see beyond the kids table as they research the significance of Thanksgiving.
Teach your students about 17th-century America and the history of Thanksgiving with ready-to-go classroom activities, book resources, colorful crafts, and more.
