Exploring Thanksgiving Traditions

8th GradeSocial Studies45 min

Learning Objective

I can analyze the historical events and cultural traditions associated with Thanksgiving.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

7 min

The First Thanksgiving: What Really Happened

Uncivil History

Guided Notes

9 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • Before the pilgrims, the Dawn Land was home to busy communities led by political leaders called sachems, who had been trading with Europeans for over 100 years.

  • The Separatists, later known as Pilgrims, fled to Holland to escape persecution by King James, then sought a patent to build a colony in America for religious and economic reasons.

  • The first Thanksgiving was a three-day harvest feast shared between the English and Wampanoag, but the peace was short-lived due to cultural and religious differences.

Practice

14 min

9 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Describe two ways the traditional story of Thanksgiving differs from the historical events described in the video.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts