Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the history and significance of Thanksgiving.

Materials and Prep

• Pen or pencil
• Plain paper or notebook
• Access to a computer or library books

Before starting this lesson, it would be helpful to have a basic understanding of what Thanksgiving is and why it is celebrated.

Activities

1. Research: Use the computer or library books to research the history of Thanksgiving. Find out when and why it started, and how it has changed over time. Take notes on important facts and interesting details.
2. Timeline: Create a timeline of Thanksgiving using your notes. Include important events and dates related to the holiday. Be creative and use drawings or symbols to represent each event.
3. Thanksgiving Traditions: Write a short paragraph about your family's Thanksgiving traditions. Include what you usually do, what foods you eat, and any special activities or games you play. Share your paragraph with a family member or friend.
4. Gratitude Cards: Make gratitude cards for your family or friends. Write a short message expressing your gratitude and appreciation for them. Decorate the cards with colorful drawings or stickers.

Second Grade Talking Points

• "Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States to give thanks for the blessings of the year."
• "It is believed that the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621 when the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to celebrate a successful harvest."
• "The Pilgrims were a group of people who sailed from England to America on a ship called the Mayflower."
• "The Native Americans helped the Pilgrims survive in the new land by teaching them how to grow crops and hunt for food."
• "Thanksgiving became an official holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving."
• "Traditions vary from family to family, but many people celebrate Thanksgiving by gathering with loved ones, eating a special meal, and expressing gratitude."
• "Some popular Thanksgiving foods include turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie."
• "It is important to remember the history and meaning of Thanksgiving, as well as to show gratitude for the blessings in our lives."