Objective

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

Materials and Prep

• Whiteboard or large paper
• Markers or crayons
• Printed pictures of Thanksgiving symbols (turkey, cornucopia, pilgrim hat, etc.)
• Printed pictures of Thanksgiving foods (turkey, pumpkin pie, corn, etc.)
• Printed pictures of Native Americans and Pilgrims
• Thanksgiving-themed storybook

Activities

1. Show the pictures of Thanksgiving symbols and discuss their meanings.

Ask the student to identify each symbol and explain what it represents. Discuss how these symbols are related to Thanksgiving.

2. Discuss the story of the first Thanksgiving.

Using the printed pictures of Native Americans and Pilgrims, explain the story of the Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together to celebrate a successful harvest. Show the pictures as visual aids.

3. Create a Thanksgiving collage.

Provide the student with markers or crayons and the printed pictures of Thanksgiving foods. Have the student glue the pictures onto a whiteboard or large paper to create a Thanksgiving collage.

4. Read a Thanksgiving-themed storybook.

Select a Thanksgiving-themed storybook and read it aloud to the student. Encourage the student to ask questions and discuss the story afterwards.

Kindergarten Grade Talking Points

• "Thanksgiving is a special holiday when we give thanks for the good things in our lives."
• "Thanksgiving symbols are things that remind us of this holiday. Some symbols include turkeys, cornucopias, and pilgrim hats."
• "The first Thanksgiving happened a long time ago. It was a celebration between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans."
• "Pilgrims were people who came to America on a ship called the Mayflower. They wanted to have religious freedom."
• "Native Americans were the people who already lived in America. They helped the Pilgrims learn how to grow food and survive in their new home."
• "During Thanksgiving, we often eat special foods like turkey, pumpkin pie, and corn. These foods remind us of the first Thanksgiving feast."
• "Thanksgiving is a time for us to be thankful for our family, friends, and all the good things in our lives."