Activity Overview
There are different legends that have arisen surrounding the Pilgrims, the Wampanoags, and the First Thanksgiving. While facts and myths have been woven together for many years about the origin of the national holiday, we can still celebrate the message of thankfulness, friendship, and harvest with our students.
Use a storyboard to retell the story of Thanksgiving. For younger students, read a story and have the students make a summary of the story with six parts (as below), or with a Beginning/Middle/End structure. Have your older students research different versions of the Thanksgiving story or historical accounts, and let them create a short narrative of their findings.
Below is an example of what a short historical narrative might look like.
The Church of England, headed by the king himself, was the national religion in England in the late 1500s and 1600s. Those who did not follow it were often treated badly.
A group of Separatists, people who wanted to separate from the official church, left England for religious freedom and went to Holland. Then after a few years, these "pilgrims" sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World.
After a two-month journey, the Pilgrims landed in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. They built a settlement there. They were free to practice their own religion, but they did not have enough supplies to feed themselves for long.
Soon, the Pilgrims met the Wampanoag tribe, who are already living in the Massachusetts Bay area. They helped the Pilgrims get through the tough, first winter.
The Native Americans also taught the Pilgrims many important skills, such as planting and growing corn.
The Wampanoags and Pilgrims joined together in a feast celebrating and giving thanks for the harvest. Their hard work meant they would have food for the winter.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write different parts of the story of Thanksgiving in the description boxes.
- Illustrate each description using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
There are different legends that have arisen surrounding the Pilgrims, the Wampanoags, and the First Thanksgiving. While facts and myths have been woven together for many years about the origin of the national holiday, we can still celebrate the message of thankfulness, friendship, and harvest with our students.
Use a storyboard to retell the story of Thanksgiving. For younger students, read a story and have the students make a summary of the story with six parts (as below), or with a Beginning/Middle/End structure. Have your older students research different versions of the Thanksgiving story or historical accounts, and let them create a short narrative of their findings.
Below is an example of what a short historical narrative might look like.
The Church of England, headed by the king himself, was the national religion in England in the late 1500s and 1600s. Those who did not follow it were often treated badly.
A group of Separatists, people who wanted to separate from the official church, left England for religious freedom and went to Holland. Then after a few years, these "pilgrims" sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World.
After a two-month journey, the Pilgrims landed in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. They built a settlement there. They were free to practice their own religion, but they did not have enough supplies to feed themselves for long.
Soon, the Pilgrims met the Wampanoag tribe, who are already living in the Massachusetts Bay area. They helped the Pilgrims get through the tough, first winter.
The Native Americans also taught the Pilgrims many important skills, such as planting and growing corn.
The Wampanoags and Pilgrims joined together in a feast celebrating and giving thanks for the harvest. Their hard work meant they would have food for the winter.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write different parts of the story of Thanksgiving in the description boxes.
- Illustrate each description using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about The Story of Thanksgiving
Engage Your Class with a Thankfulness Tree Activity
Invite students to create a Thankfulness Tree on a classroom wall or bulletin board. Each student writes something they're thankful for on a paper leaf and adds it to the tree. This visual display fosters gratitude and community, making the message of Thanksgiving meaningful for everyone.
Guide Students to Brainstorm What Thankfulness Means
Ask students to share what being thankful means to them and list their ideas together. This opens discussion and helps children connect personally to the Thanksgiving theme before starting the activity.
Model How to Write a Thankful Statement
Demonstrate writing a specific, heartfelt statement of thanks (e.g., "I am thankful for my friend who helps me when I'm sad"). This shows students how to be thoughtful and encourages genuine responses.
Encourage Peer Sharing and Reflection
Invite students to share their thankful leaves with the class or in small groups. This builds empathy and helps students appreciate each other's perspectives on gratitude.
Celebrate the Finished Thankfulness Tree Together
Take a moment to appreciate the completed tree as a class. Discuss how gratitude can be shown all year long, not just at Thanksgiving. This reinforces the lesson and helps students carry the message forward.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Story of Thanksgiving
What is the true story of Thanksgiving for students?
Thanksgiving began when Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans shared a feast to celebrate the harvest. The Pilgrims, who came to America seeking religious freedom, survived their first harsh winter with the help of the Wampanoag, who taught them important farming skills. The event is remembered for its messages of thankfulness, friendship, and cooperation.
How can I teach the Thanksgiving story to elementary students?
Use a storyboard or simple story structure (Beginning/Middle/End) to help students retell the Thanksgiving story. Read a narrative aloud, have students summarize key events, and encourage them to illustrate each part for better understanding.
What are some easy Thanksgiving lesson ideas for the classroom?
Try activities like retelling the Thanksgiving story with storyboards, researching different versions of the holiday, creating historical narratives, or having students illustrate important scenes. These engage students while teaching history and gratitude.
Why is the Wampanoag tribe important in the Thanksgiving story?
The Wampanoag tribe played a crucial role by helping the Pilgrims survive their first winter and teaching them farming techniques. Their cooperation and knowledge made the first Thanksgiving feast possible.
What are some myths and facts about Thanksgiving?
Common myths include the idea that Thanksgiving was the first friendly meeting between Pilgrims and Native Americans, or that turkey was the main dish. Facts show that the event was a harvest celebration, included various foods, and that relationships between settlers and Native Americans were complex.
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