Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will understand the history of Thanksgiving and its significance in American culture.

Materials and Prep

• Access to Crash Course videos on Thanksgiving history
• Paper and pen for notes
• Curiosity and enthusiasm!

Activities

• Watch Crash Course Videos: Start by watching Crash Course videos on the history of Thanksgiving to get an overview of the topic.
• Research: Dive deeper into the history of Thanksgiving by researching key events and figures related to the holiday.
• Create a Timeline: Create a timeline of important events leading to the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

Talking Points

• Introduction to Thanksgiving: "Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada to give thanks for the blessings of the harvest and of the preceding year."
• History of Thanksgiving: "The first Thanksgiving in the United States was celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621."
• Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation: "President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War."
• Traditional Thanksgiving Foods: "Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are traditional foods served during Thanksgiving dinners."