THANKSGIVING & PILGRIM WEB SITES

ON THE INTERNET

 

Access these sites through your computer’s Internet connection.  Open the underlined address (URL).  Information can be printed or downloaded to your computer.  Be sure to follow links to other sites and find your way back with the “back” button.

 

All of the sites listed were active as of October 31, 2006.  The evaluation is by the AVA Center staff according to the amount of information given and its potential use in the classroom.

 

ABSOLUTELY FOR THANKSGIVING    

http://www.theholidayspot.com/thanksgiving/index.htm

Child-friendly site for Thanksgiving information and fun.  Sections include: Hilarious Jokes, History & Origin, Games!, Delicious Recipes, Screensavers & Wallpapers, Greeting Cards, Community Board, Crafts, Round the World, Letter Heads, A History of Turkey, Thanksgiving Poll, Thanksgiving Quiz, and much more.  Excellent

 

ALL THE BEST FREE TEACHER RESOURCES                       

http://home.amaonline.com/teacherstuff/holiday.htm

A large number of links to Thanksgiving and Christmas information for teachers.  Excellent

 

AMERICAN THANKSGIVING FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

http://www.night.net/thanksgiving/

The First Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Fun (games, music, poems, coloring pages), The Thanksgiving Feast (recipes, menus, graces) and lots of links.  Excellent

 

THE AMERICAN TRADITION AND THE SENSE OF PURITAN                   

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~CAP/puritan/purmain.html

An essay on the role of the Puritans and the Pilgrims in shaping the “sense” of America.  Click on Two Histories: Context and Development for an essay on the differences between the Pilgrims and the Puritans.  Pilgrims (and Puritans) in the U.S. Capitol focuses on images of the two in the U.S. Capitol building.  Great for teacher background understanding.  Excellent

 

BILLY BEAR’S THANKSGIVING

http://www.billybear4kids.com/holidays/thanksgiving/thanksgiving.htm

Online games (Thanksgiving Word Search, Tic Tac Toe…3 Turkeys in a Row, Turkey in the Straw), Post Office Fun (print Thanksgiving stationery), Thanksgiving Puzzles (I seek-a-Thanksgiving-Word, Thanksgiving Crossword), Thanksgiving crafts (pictures to print on transfers for t-shirts or placemats), Fall Leaf Art, Thanksgiving Wallpaper, Icons and Screensavers, Harvest Wallpapers, Clipart, Maze Games and more.   Excellent

 

BOUNTIFUL THANKSGIVING    

http://www.kate.net/holidays/thanksgiving/

Fun info and activities for elementary students.  Sections include: Screensaver, Wallpaper, History/Documents/Places, Educational Materials, Thanksgiving Day Parades, Preparation/The Big Day, Food/Recipes, Food Safety/Holiday Health, Crafts & Decorating Ideas, Activities/Games/Puzzles, Coloring Pages, Clipart/Backgrounds/Icons, Computer Goodies, and General Thanksgiving links.  Excellent

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING                                          

http://teacher.scholastic.com/thanksgiving/index.htm

Scholastic’s web site on Thanksgiving.  Sections: 1620-1621 See the Picture Timeline, Relive the Voyage on the Mayflower, Experience Life in Plimoth 1621, Play the Thanksgiving Cyber-Challenge, Research Starter: Plymouth Colony, and a Teacher’s Guide.  Excellent

 

THE GENEALOGY OF THANKSGIVING                       

http://www.genealogyforum.com/gfaol/Thanksgiving/index.htm

Sections include: Thanksgiving in the Genealogy Forum, A Special Thanksgiving Poem, The Origins of Thanksgiving, Mayflower Surnames, Thanksgiving Internet Sites, Thanksgiving Files, Recipes, and more.  Note: We found a couple of broken links on this site.  Excellent

 

A GIRL’S WORLD THANK-A-THON CELEBRATION            

http://agirlsworld.com/amy/pajama/thanksgiving/index.html

Girls from around the world tell their stories and memories of Thanksgiving.  Includes: Mixed Up! (Thanksgiving Dinners), Ouch! (Embarrassing Moments at Thanksgiving Dinner), Thanksgiving Memory and Family Traditions, A Thanksgiving Friendship Tea, Sock Hop (games and activities) and Spider on the Web (links).  Excellent

 

KIDS DOMAIN THANKSGIVING                                   

http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/thanks/

Lots of fun activities: E-cards, Crafts & Recipes, Online Games, PC Downloads, MAC Downloads, Thanksgiving Clip Art, Activities & Games, Pictures We Drew, Pictures to Draw and Color, Mazes, Word Puzzles, Thanksgiving Tales, Books to Read, Thanksgiving History, and Links.  Excellent

 

MAYFLOWER AND EARLY FAMILIES

http://www.mayflowerfamilies.com/default.htm

In-depth information on the Mayflower and the first settlers.  Sections: Colonial Life, Mayflower Compact,  Mayflower Passengers, Mayflower Ship, Genealogies, Pilgrim Anniversaries, Diaries & Such, Document Center, Native Americans, Native Genealogies, Names & Events, Pirates & Treasure, Salem Witch Trials, Ship Passengers, Vital Records and Wills & Deeds.  Excellent

 

NOBLE: THANKSGIVING            

http://www.noblenet.org/year/thanksgiving.htm

Thanksgiving links from the North of Boston Library Exchange.  Sections: General Sites, Thanksgiving History, Reading & Activities, and Food and Recipes.  Excellent

 

OFFERING THANKS: JAPAN, THAILAND AND THE UNITED STATES   NEW!

http://pulseplanet.nationalgeographic.com/ax/features/1100/index.html

A look at how the three nations give thanks.  Excellent

 

PILGRIMS THEME PAGE            

http://www.easyfunschool.com/ThemeFunPilgrims.html

A theme page with links to websites on the Pilgrims.  Sections: Online Lesson Ideas, Snack Ideas, Craft Ideas, Printables, Games and Suggested Reading.  Excellent    - see also Lesson Plans section.

 

 

PLIMOTH PLANTATION – LIVING BREATHING HISTORY          http://www.plimoth.org/

A huge reference on Plimoth and the early settlers.  NEW:  Click on Learn for Historical Background, Online Activities and Education Programs.  Click on You Are the Historian for a detailed online interactive investigation.   Outstanding.   Excellent

 

THE PLYMOUTH COLONY ARCHIVE PROJECT                    

http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/users/deetz/

“This Plymouth Colony Archive presents a collection of fully searchable texts, including: court records, colony laws, seventeenth century journals and memoirs, probate inventories, wills, town plans, maps, and fort plans; research and seminar analyses of numerous topics; biographical profiles of selected colonists; and architectural, archaeological and material culture studies.”  Very extensive.  Suitable for junior/senior high students and up.  Includes several lesson plans. Excellent

 

REFERENCE RESOURCES – THE PLYMOUTH COLONY     

http://www.kidinfo.com/American_History/Colonization_Plymouth.html

A long list of links for students on the Plymouth Colony, the Mayflower, other Colonies, and the Native Americans the first colonists encountered.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING                

http://www.mckinneyisd.net/Campuses/school_websites/walker/TeacherCreated/thanksgiving/thanksgiving.htm

A site for students about Thanksgiving.  Sections: About Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Stories and Poems to Read, More Information About Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Games, and Thanksgiving Activities.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING AND PILGRIM LINKS           NEW!         

http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/thanksgiving.htm

A page of links to websites for students on Thanksgiving.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING CENTRAL                                

http://rats2u.com/thanksgiving/thanksgiving_index.htm

A huge site for activities and information.  Sections include: Animated Gifs, Books, ClipArt, Crafts, Fonts, Games, History, the Mayflower, the Pilgrims, the Indians, Thanksgiving 4 Kids, Poetry, Songs, Stories, Prayers, Parades and much more.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING CLIP ART

http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/thanks/clipart.html

Colorful Thanksgiving clipart to print out or to use on a school’s web site.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING CRAFT PROJECTS    

http://craftsforkids.about.com/msubthanks.htm

About.com’s site of craft projects for kids for Thanksgiving.  Note: Be sure to scroll down for the full list of crafts.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING CRAFTS, DECORATIONS AND PRINTOUTS       

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/

A site for elementary students with crafts on Thanksgiving. Includes 12 printable books and several craft projects.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING CRAFTS FOR KIDS                           

http://www.childfun.com/themes/thanks_craft.shtml

A list of crafts for children.  Examples: Thanksgiving Quilt, Thanksgiving Centerpiece, Corn Cob, Hand Thanksgiving Card, Egg Turkey, Potato Turkey and several more.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING DAY AT ALPHABET SOUP               

http://www.alphabet-soup.net/hol/thanksgiving.html

A fun site on Thanksgiving for primary students.  Includes games, poems, art and more.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING GAMES FOR KIDS, FAMILY & CLASSROOM                

http://hometown.aol.com/Panda34911/Thanks/HolidayFunPg12Thanks.html

Family Thanksgiving fun with a Maze, Word Search, Recipes, Thanksgiving Poetry, Books, Greetings, Turkey Gobblers (jokes), Crafts and terrific links.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING LINKS                NEW!

http://www.mcsdk12.org/curr/Thanksgiving/index.htm

Links to webquests, websites, crafts, activities and more.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING LINKS               

http://the_english_dept.tripod.com/thanksgiving.html

A page of links on Thanksgiving.  Includes lessons, history, games and more.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING ON THE NET               

http://www.holidays.net/thanksgiving/

Stories, puzzles, pictures to print and color, the history of Thanksgiving and harvest festivals going back to Roman times, America’s First Thanksgiving, the 1996, 1998, and 1999 Thanksgiving Proclamations, The Thanksgiving Turkey, National Day of Mourning, Goodies, Crafts and Home Decorations.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING ONLINE GAMES        

http://akidsheart.com/holidays/thanks/thgame.htm

Fun, online games from A Kids Heart including: Pin the Beard on the Turkey, T-U-R-K-E-Y, Turkey in the Straw, Pilgrim Jigsaw Puzzle, Pilgrim Greeting Jigsaw Puzzle, Turkey in Wreath Greeting Puzzle, Pumpkin Harvest Game and Tic-Tac Turkey.  Note: Also includes two Bible games.) Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING POWER (DAD AND THE CARVING KNIFE)        

http://www.grandpatucker.com/power-thanks/power01.html-ssi

A hilarious poem about a Dad’s attempt to use his new electric carving knife to carve the Thanksgiving turkey.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING RESOURCES FOR YOUNG LEARNERS AND THEIR TEACHERS

http://www.gaillovely.com/thanksgiving.htm

Thanksgiving links for primary students and educators.  Includes: Teacher Resources and Things to Do with Your Students.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING THEME PAGES                                                                                   

http://atozteacherstuff.com/themes/thanks.shtml

Thanksgiving theme pages for teachers including Word Puzzles, Crosswords, Books, Thematic Units & Activities, and Fun Stuff.  Includes lesson plans.  Excellent

 

WORKSHOP QUEST: THANKSGIVING RESOURCES ON THE WEB FOR EDUCATORS

http://www.midgefrazel.net/wqthanks.html

Resources for teachers on Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims.  Divided into three parts: Teacher’s Guide, Classroom Activities and Just for Fun.  Outstanding.   Excellent

 

 

AMERICA’S HOMEPAGE – PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS

http://pilgrims.net/plymouth/

The home page for the city of Plymouth, Massachusetts information on the First Thanksgiving, a virtual tour of Plimoth Plantation, recipes, travel & tourist information, Native American history, and more.  Very Good

 

DLTK’S THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES                                     

http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/thanksgiving/

Child-friendly activities including: Thanksgiving Coloring Pages, Native American Coloring Pages, Thanksgiving Crafts, Thanksgiving E-cards, Thanksgiving Recipes, Thanksgiving Songs, and Thanksgiving Writing Paper.  Very Good

 

4FREE THANKSGIVING CLIP ART                               

http://rats2u.com/thanksgiving/thanksgiving_clipart.htm

Thanksgiving clip art, icons, borders, banners, lines, fonts, midi files, wav files and much more.  Very Good

 

GRANDPA TUCKER’S THANKSGIVING – RHYMES & TALES       
http://www.grandpatucker.com/thanksgiving/index.html-ssi

Thanksgiving poems, stories and songs.  Very Good

 

THE HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING                   NEW URL!

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=mini_home&mini_id=1083

A History Channel site on Thanksgiving.  Sections: First Thanksgiving, Mayflower Myths, Pilgrim Interviews, Proclamation, Video: History of Thanksgiving, and Resources.  Very Good

 

IT’S TURKEY TIME!                      

http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson036.shtml

A lesson planning article for teachers on turkey.  Includes games and activities for younger and older students.  Very Good

 

JAMESTOWN VIRTUAL COLONY                     

http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/socialstudies/projects/jvc/

Information on Jamestown, Virginia’s first settlement by Europeans.  Includes links to Lesson Plans and Webquests.  Very Good

 

MAYFLOWER HISTORY              

http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/

Detailed information on the Mayflower, its passengers and the early Pilgrims.  Sections: Introduction, Mayflower Passengers, History, Genealogy, Full-Text Primary Sources, Mayflower Paintings and more.  Click on the Introduction for Information for Teachers about teaching about the Mayflower and the Pilgrims.  Note: We found a couple of broken links on this site.  Very Good

 

PILGRIM AND THANKSGIVING LINKS          

http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/zes/Pilgrims/default.htm

A page of links for elementary students on the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving.  Very Good

 

PILGRIMS               

http://www.kidskonnect.com/Pilgrims/PilgrimHome.html

A site for students on the Pilgrims, the Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving.  Very Good

 

 

THANKSGIVING E-THEME                     

http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000445.shtml

A page of links to websites about Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims.  Very Good

 

THANKSGIVING FROM THE PILGRIM HALL MUSEUM    

http://www.pilgrimhall.org/thanksg.htm

Includes an online exhibit “Giving Thanks: The Religious Roots of Thanksgiving”, The “First Thanksgiving” and the Pilgrims, the Evolution of the Modern Thanksgiving, and the Native American National Day of Mourning.  Very Good

 

THANKSGIVING FUN FOR KIDS

http://www.bethanyroberts.com/Thanksgivingfun.htm

 fun site for primary students .  Sections: Crafts & Recipes; Games & Activities; Songs, Poems, Jokes & Tongue Twisters; and Links.  Very Good

 

THANKSGIVING ON THE WEB                                      

http://home.aristotle.net/thanksgiving/default.asp

A colorful site with Favorite Thanksgivings (readers’ favorite Thanksgiving memories), Postcards, Recipes, Fall Colors(places to see the brightest fall foliage), Turkey Facts, Turkey Trivia, and Thanksgiving Day Sites.  Very Good

 

THANKSGIVING RECIPES FROM AMERICA’S PAST                      

http://www.pilgrimhall.org/thanksrec.htm

A group of Thanksgiving recipes from the Pilgrims to the second World War.  Includes: Pumpion Pie, Red Kidney Beans, Plymouth Succotash, English Roast Turkey, English Plum Pudding and more.  Very Good

 

WILLIAM BRADFORD: HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH PLANTATION c.1650 

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1650bradford.html#New%20governor,%20first%20marriage

From the Modern History Sourcebook, excerpts from the journals of William Bradford, one of the leaders of the Pilgrims.  Sections: On the Mayflower; How they sought a place of habitation; The Mayflower Compact; Treaty with the Indians; New governor, first marriage; First harvest; and Private and communal farming.    Very Good

 

 

ANNE’S THANKSGIVING GIFS                                                                          

http://d21c.com/AnnesPlace/Thanks.html

Thanksgiving-themed gifs (clip art).  Pictured: Acorns, Banners, Baskets, Corn, Vegetables, Floral, Food, Greetings, Lines, Pilgrims & Indians, Pumpkins, Turkeys and Miscellaneous.  Good

 

AWESOME CLIPART FOR KIDS – THANKSGIVING             

http://www.awesomeclipartforkids.com/cat.cfm?cat=Thanksgiving&sec=Holidays

Child-friendly clipart and more for kids.  Includes: Backgrounds, Banners, Clipart, Coloring Pages, Fonts, Icons, Lines, Wallpapers and Skins.  Good

 

DIGITAL HISTORY – PRIMARY SOURCE DOCUMENTS                 

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/documents/documents_p1.cfm

Primary source documents for the earliest European explorations and settlements.  Scroll down for documents.  Good

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING SAMPLER                   NEW!

http://www.dixie.fcps.net/WebQuests/Thanksgiving/thanksgiving_web_quest.htm

Fun videos and word games for Thanksgiving for elementary students. Good

 

HISTORY OF JAMESTOWN                    

http://www.apva.org/history/index.html

A brief history of the Jamestown settlement.  Good

 

HOW THE PILGRIMS LIVED – 1621                              

http://www.nationalcenter.org/Pilgrims.html

An account by pilgrim Edward Winslow reporting back to England the progress of the colony.  Good

 

THE MAYFLOWER AND EARLY FAMILIES                

http://www.mayflowerfamilies.com/default.htm

Information on the passengers on the Mayflower and the earliest colonists.  Includes: Mayflower Compact, Mayflower Passengers, Mayflower Ship, Genealogies, Diaries & Such and much more.  There is a lot of information on this site but it is a little hard to navigate.  Best for older students.  Good

 

THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT

http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/D/1601-1650/plymouth/compac.htm

The full text of the Mayflower Compact in which the pilgrims committed themselves to the founding of a colony.  Good

 

PILGRIM LINKS                

http://kindergartenclass.netfirms.com/pilgrims.htm

A brief list of links to websites on the Pilgrims for primary students. Good

 

THE PILGRIMS VOYAGE – A MAP AND THE MAYFLOWER          

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/map/

A site for primary students with craft instructions for making a map of the Pilgrims’ voyage and a model of the Mayflower.  Good

 

THE PILGRIMS: VOYAGE TO FREEDOM                                                                    

http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/pilgrims1.htm

The story of the Pilgrims’ journey and their first year in Plymouth.  See the links also.  Good

 

THE PILGRIMS VOYAGE – A MAP AND THE MAYFLOWER          

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/map/

A site for primary students with craft instructions for making a map of the Pilgrims’ voyage and a model of the Mayflower.  Good

 

PLYMOUTH MA. – ITS HISTORY AND PEOPLE

http://pilgrims.net/plymouth/history/index.htm

A look at the history and famous people of Plymouth, Massachusetts.  Good

 

THANKSGIVING                

http://www.vickiblackwell.com/thanks.html

A list of links about Thanksgiving. Suitable for elementary students.  Good

 

THANKSGIVING AND PILGRIMS

http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/thanksgiving.htm

A page of links to Thanksgiving and Pilgrim sites.  Good

 

THANKSGIVING AT PRIMARYGAMES.COM                        

http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/thanksgiving/thanksgiving.htm

Thanksgiving activities for primary students.  Good

 

THANKSGIVING BOOKLIST                        NEW!
http://www.readwritethink.org/calendar_images/calendar360/thanksgiving_books.htm
A Thanksgiving booklist divided by age and reading levels.  Good

 

THANKSGIVING COLORING PAGES FOR KIDS                   

http://www.coloring.ws/thanksgiving.html

Coloring pages to print out for kids.  Good

 

THANKSGIVING HISTORY AND TRADITIONS

http://wilstar.com/holidays/thanksgv.htm

Information on the history and traditions of Thanksgiving.  Take the Quiz then Read the Story.  Includes a Word Search.    Good

 

THANKSGIVING IN AMERICAN HISTORY                            

http://www.plimoth.org/Library/Thanksgiving/th1.htm

The history of this national holiday.  Good

 

A THANKSGIVING QUILT

http://www.teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-6803.html

Use the printable sheet to print out a quilt that primary students can draw on using a Thanksgiving theme.  Good

 

THANKSGIVING SONGS

http://www.preschooleducation.com/sthanksgiving.shtml

Simple songs with familiar tunes for with lyrics for Thanksgiving.  For Kindergarten or 1st grade students.  Good

 

THANKSGIVING WEATHER – THE WINTER OF 1620-1621

http://www.stormfax.com/thanksgv.htm

A brief page on the conditions during that first winter.  Good

 

U.S. HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS – 17TH CENTURY                

http://www.law.ou.edu/hist/

A look at primary documents from the 17th century about the New World.  Includes: The First, Second & Third Virginia Charters, The Mayflower Compact, The Charter of Massachusetts Bay, The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, The Connecticut Colony Charter and the First Thanksgiving Proclamation.  Includes the text, not photos.  Good

 

VEGETARIAN THANKSGIVING FEASTS

http://www.vegweb.com/food/events/index-thanksgiving.shtml

A large collection of terrific vegetarian recipes suitable for all.  Some can be adapted for the classroom.  Good

 

A VIRTUAL TOUR OF PLIMOTH PLANTATION                                             

http://pilgrims.net/plimothplantation/vtour/index.htm

Take a virtual tour of Plimoth Plantation.  Note: Some of the links are broken.  Good

 

THE WAMPANOAG – PEOPLE OF THE FIRST LIGHT                       

http://www.bostonkids.org/educators/wampanoag/index.htm

“Boston Children's Museum and Wampanoag Indian Advisors jointly offer this website to help educators present the history of Wampanoag people with accuracy and respect.”  Sections: What You Need to Know; Collections & Resources; Evaluating Resources; Books, Videos & More; New England Events; Beyond the Museum and more.  Good

 

 

LESSON PLANS & CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

 

AMERICA CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING – CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES     

http://www.readwritethink.org/calendar/calendar_day.asp?id=360

Activities, lesson plans and more on Thanksgiving.  Excellent

 

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER: CREATING A MULTICULTURAL THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION – LESSON PLAN                       

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20021127wednesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons

A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on Thanksgiving.  “In this lesson, students will create a Thanksgiving menu and pre-dinner blessing or ritual that is sensitive to five different imaginary Thanksgiving guests from a variety of backgrounds.”  Excellent

 

LET’S TALK TURKEY – THE COST OF THANKSGIVING DINNER – LESSON PLAN

http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/index.cfm?lesson=EM48&page=teacher

An Economics lesson plan for grades 9-12 on the financial cost of Thanksgiving dinner.  Excellent

 

MYTH AND TRUTH: THE “FIRST THANKSGIVING” – LESSON PLAN                 

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=65

A lesson plan for grades 6-8 on the first Thanksgiving.  “Did the Wampanoag bring the pilgrims popcorn on the first Thanksgiving, as some versions of the story would suggest? Or is that just a myth?   Behind every myth are many possible truths allowing us to discover who we were as peoples and who we are today. By exploring myths surrounding the Wampanoag, the pilgrims, and the "first Thanksgiving," this lesson asks students to think critically about commonly believed myths regarding the Wampanoag Indians in colonial America.”  Excellent

 

PACKING THE PILGRIM’S TRUNK: PERSONALIZING HISTORY IN THE ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM  - LESSON PLAN              

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=400

A lesson plan for grades K-2 on the Pilgrims.  “This theme exploration helps students explore who the Pilgrims were, learn about their trip aboard the Mayflower, and discover how they adapted and built new lives at Plymouth Colony. But more importantly, it helps students discover connections between their own life experiences and those of the Pilgrims, making history interesting, meaningful, and relevant.”  Excellent

 

PILGRIM ACTIVITIES                  

http://www.plimoth.org/learn/education/kids/index.asp

Activities for students about the Pilgrims from the Plimoth Plantation website.  Sections: Object of the Month, Homework Help, Make It at Home, Recipes, Talk Like a Pilgrim, Coloring Pictures, Stories and Riddles.  Excellent

 

PILGRIM STUDY UNIT                 

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/lesson-plans/lesson-793.html

A group of lesson plans on the Pilgrims.  Includes 7 lessons.  Note: You may see an ad before going to your page.  Click on the link at the upper right to continue on to the lessons.  Excellent

 

THE PILGRIMS AND PLYMOUTH COLONY – 1620 – A STUDY GUIDE  

http://www.rootsweb.com/~mosmd/index.htm

A study guide for teachers and students on the Pilgrims and the Plymouth Colony.  A huge resource.  Includes some lesson plans.  Excellent

 

PILGRIMS THEME PAGE – LESSON PLANS               

http://www.easyfunschool.com/ThemeFunPilgrims.html

A theme page with links to websites on the Pilgrims.  Sections: Online Lesson Ideas, Snack Ideas, Craft Ideas, Printables, Games and Suggested Reading.  Excellent    - see also Websites section.

 

TEACHING ABOUT THANKSGIVING               

ftp://ftp.halcyon.com/pub/FWDP/Americas/tchthnks.txt

A teaching unit on Thanksgiving that separates the Thanksgiving “myth” from the historical facts as known.  Includes an Introduction for Teachers, setting straight some of the myths that have grown around the story of the First Thanksgiving.  Provides the Plymouth Thanksgiving Story with both information on the Puritans and the Native Americans in the area, Study and Discussion Questions, Ideas for Enrichment, How to Avoid Old Stereotypes, Bibliography, Recipes, A Thanksgiving Prayer from the Iroquois (Seneca) People, Indian Corn, Recipes from the Woodland Culture Area, and the Story of the Corn Husk Doll.  Excellent

 

THANK YOU NOTES: WRITING THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE UNITED STATES – LESSON PLAN

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20011121wednesday.html?searchpv=learning_lessons

A lesson plan for grades 6-12 on Thanksgiving.  “In this lesson, students investigate the history of presidential proclamations and develop their own Thanksgiving Proclamations, highlighting current issues and sentiments.”  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING ACTIVITIES                

http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/november/thanksgiving_activities.html

A page of links to Thanksgiving activities for students, divided by grade level.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS                   

http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Thanksgiving/thanksteach.html

A full page of links to lesson plans and activities.  Outstanding. Note: We found a couple of broken links on this site.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING TEACHING THEMES             NEW!

http://www.teach-nology.com/themes/holidays/thanks/

A collection of Thanksgiving-themed activities.  Sections: Writing Sheets, Crafts, Downloads, Recipes, Songs, Vocabulary Builders, Games, Lesson Plans, Webquests, and more.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING THEME UNIT                                                  

http://www.abcteach.com/Thanksgiving/ThanksgivingTOC.htm

A huge site for teachers on Thanksgiving. Sections: Thanksgiving Story Starters, Turkey Patterns, I am Thankful, Thankful Words, How to Cook a Turkey, Math Problems, Turkey Poetry, Mayflower Supply List, Native American Report, Venn Diagram, Pilgrim Child Shape Book, Pilgrim Woman Shape Book, Thanksgiving Cards, First Thanksgiving (gr.3-4), First Thanksgiving (gr. 4-6), Mayflower Color Book Cover, Family Thanksgiving Color Page, Thanksgiving Menu, Crossword, Online Crossword, Crossword 2, Online Crossword 2, Word Search, Pilgrim Hat Shape, Cornucopia Shape Book, Turkey Shape Book, Corn Shape Book, Cornstalk Shape Book, 3-sided Diorama, More Activities, Word Unscramble, Border Paper, Border Paper (primary), Thanksgiving Poetry Form, and more.  Outstanding.  Excellent

 

THANKSGIVING THEME UNIT                          

http://www.edhelper.com/Thanksgiving.htm

Thanksgiving Reading Comprehensions, Animals, Thanksgiving Story Starters, Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzle, Math Worksheets, Logic Problem, Dot to Dots, Coloring Pages, Mazes and Puzzles.   Excellent

 

 

CREATING A COLONY IN THE NEW LAND     - LESSON PLAN                  

http://www.coollessons.org/colony.htm

A link-based lesson plan for elementary students on the first colony.  Very Good

 

CROSSROADS: AMERICAN HISTORY CURRICULUM        

http://www.eduref.org/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Social_Studies/US_History/crossroads.html

An American History curriculum for grades K-16.  Click on sections 3, 4, and 5 and then on The Founding of New Societies 1607-1763 in each section.  Includes information and lesson plans for each grade level.  Very Good

 

THE MAYFLOWER PASSENGERS AND THEIR FIRST YEAR IN AMERICA – LESSON PLAN

http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/crossroads/sec3/k2/unit3/u3g2l1.htm

A lesson plan for 3rd grade on the Mayflower.  They will study why the Pilgrims came to America, what they found there, and the story of the first Thanksgiving.  Very Good

 

MAYFLOWER/PILGRIMS/THANKSGIVING LESSON PLANS                     

http://www.proteacher.com/090096.shtml

A page of links to lesson plans on the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving.  Very Good

 

Mr. Donn’s Thanksgiving Lesson Plans and Activities  

http://members.aol.com/DonnHolidays/Thanksgiving.html#Top

Links to lots of lesson plans and activities for elementary students.  Very Good

 

A PILGRIM CONVERSATION – LESSON PLAN

http://www.teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-3247.html

A lesson plan for grades 3-5 in which students must create an imaginary conversation between the first Pilgrims to land at Plymouth discussing their feelings.  NOTE:  When you click on the link you may arrive at the Membership page.  At the very top right is a link “Go to Your Link”.  Click on this for the lesson plan.  Very Good

 

PLYMOUTH AND JAMESTOWN  - A COMPARISON 

http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/socialstudies/projects/jvc/unit/broad/plymouth.html

A lesson plan that compares the colonies at Plymouth and Jamestown. “This lesson will compare and contrast Plymouth and Jamestown, the first two English colonies in America. Jamestown and Plymouth, while both English colonies, were very different in terms of goals, people, and beliefs. Understanding the characteristics and development of these two colonies is crucial in understanding the divergent paths taken by the North and the South in United States history.”  Good

 

THANKGIVING: THE MAYFLOWER – LESSON PLAN

http://atozteacherstuff.com/pages/441.shtml

A lesson plan for grades 1-2 on the Mayflower.  Students create a craft following the reading of a book about the Mayflower.  Good

 

A THANKSGIVING CROSSWORD PUZZLE                  

http://iteslj.org/cw/1/af-thanks.html

A crossword puzzle of Thanksgiving terms for primary students.  Good

 

THANKSGIVING THEME UNIT               NEW!

http://www.buddyproject.org/thematic/thanksgiving.asp

A brief thematic unit on Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims.  Appears to be aimed at primary students. Good

 

THANKSGIVING WEB-QUEST                 NEW!

http://www.osbornnet.org/mon/webquests/thanksgivingwebquest.htm

A webquest for intermediate students on Thanksgiving.  “Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? How did the holiday begin? Who declared Thanksgiving a national holiday? What was the first Thanksgiving like? Who attended the first Thanksgiving? Why is Thanksgiving always celebrated in the fall?”  Very Good

 

THE WAMPANOAG INDIANS HELPED THE PILGRIMS – LESSON PLAN    NEW!

http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/crossroads/sec3/k2/unit3/UNIT3-K-Lesson2.html

A kindergarten lesson plan on the ways the Wampanoag helped the first settlers. Good

 

WHY DID THE PLIMOTH SETTLERS CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING? – LESSON PLAN

                                                                                                NEW!

http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/crossroads/sec3/k2/unit3/UNIT3-K-Lesson1.html

Despite the heading this lesson plan is for kindergarten students on the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving.  Good

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEBQUESTS

 

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING WEBQUEST                    NEW!

http://www.salesianhigh.org/faculty/wri/fthanks.html

A webquest for high school students on the first Thanksgiving.  “Which is the most accurate?  Why?  Download into WORD this file: The First Thanksgiving: The Most Accurate Illustration.  Write first the number of the picture you think best illustrates the real first Thanksgiving.  Then write your reasons why.  When done with your writing, add your name to your WORD document, print it, and hand it in to your teacher

Study Norman Rockwell's painting of an American Thanksgiving in the 20th Century.  Now describe a painting you would create showing the real first Thanksgiving.  Download into WORD this file: The First Thanksgiving: My Illustration.  Describe the setting: Where are your characters?  Think of your painting as a stage; what is your stage setting?  What season is it?  What is the weather like? Describe the characters:  Who  will you include in your painting?  What do they look like?  What kind of clothes are they wearing?  What are they doing? Describe the expressions on your characters' faces: What are their emotions?  Why? Describe the details: What are they eating?  What kind of tables, dishes, etc. will you show in your painting?

If you study Norman Rockwell's Thanksgiving painting, you can easily catch the theme of the painting: "Thanksgiving is a time for Americans to be grateful for all of the good things we have in this great country of ours."  End your writing project with a concluding paragraph: What is the theme of YOUR painting?  Why?”   One of a few at this grade level.