Teaching the Real Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month

The story of the first Thanksgiving should be visited from many different viewpoints. Help students to understand Thanksgiving by allowing them to discuss and debate real events that occurred during the first holiday.  

Begin with a virtual tour of the area where the first Thanksgiving took place:

Understand the story of the first Thanksgiving from the Wampanoag Indians point of views:

Think about pilgrims' way of life during the first Thanksgiving:

Then, listen as Native American girls discuss their viewpoints about Thanksgiving:

Review the story of the first Thanksgiving as it is told to us when we are children:

How do children re-tell the first Thanksgiving?

Begin a class debate about the first Thanksgiving and how it is portrayed in schools and history books:

Finish with activities that focus on Native Americans, Thanksgiving, and giving thanks:

Notable Native Americans:

Write your own "My Thanksgiving Tale":

Thanksgiving Thank You Cards in English & Spanish: 

40 Thanksgiving Coloring Handouts:

Click to get more Thanksgiving and Native American activities!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Beth, Educator Helper