Time To Be Thankful!

This week we are learning about The First Thanksgiving. The kids love listening to the stories and discovering what life was like in the 1600's! I just get a kick out of how shocked my little ones are as they find out what kids their age did in the past. As we read the book "The Story of the Pilgrims", I explained how the pilgrims were on the Mayflower for 66 days and related it to the number of days we have been in school this year (67 days - how perfect!) It really shook one of my kiddos, who screamed, "WE'D ALL BE DEAD! JUST DEAD!" Sigh! Sometimes I wonder what it is like inside their brains :) They were rolling on the floor laughing when I read the name "Squanto". I asked one what was so funny, and he said "That's what we do in PE." I kindly explained "No honey, that is called squatting." I love them! They truly make my days full of laughter! So here's a breakdown of what we've been up to so far!

We started our week by reading two wonderful stories about the first Thanksgiving! We then created a flow map to sequence the events that occurred! First we discussed the sentences and decided the order. We glued them onto the chart. Next we found the corresponding pictures for each sentence. After gluing all the sentences and pictures in the correct order, the students filled in the missing words - most of which were sight words we are focusing on! They really loved this activity and I loved that it combined sequencing, critical thinking, and sight words!

 The finished product:

 If you would like to make a First Thanksgiving flow map with your class, feel free to purchase the activity in my TPT store by clicking the picture below:

We also learned about the trip on the Mayflower and discussed what three things we would bring with us if we had to go on the journey!

 One of my very favorite activities is our "Pilgrims & Native American Thanksgiving Plate" activity. We have been discussing healthy foods and the different sections of the 'MyPlate'. We decided to see how healthy the first Thanksgiving feast was! We researched and read about the foods that they ate and organized them onto the MyPlate. (For more information about MyPlate visit: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/) Didn't it turn out great?

 While we created the large plate, the students also completed a visual by drawing and coloring the plate! Click on the link below to grab a copy for yourself:

Finally, we created a Venn Diagram comparing the Wampanoag Children to the Pilgrim Children that we read about. The kids had some fantastic ideas!

Oh what fun! We have a few more activities planned the rest of this week and for our SUPER short 2-day week next week so I'll be sure to share! As we get closer, all I can think about is Thanksgiving dinner - yum! I am so THANKFUL you stopped by! Hope to see you again soon :)