Description

Looking for History of Thanksgiving activities that teach the real story? This History of Thanksgiving bundle gives you two no-prep lessons: a reading comprehension activity with Pilgrim and Wampanoag primary sources, plus a self-checking video activity on The REAL History of Thanksgiving and the National Day of Mourning.

Instead of the one-happy-feast version, students read, analyze primary sources, watch, and self-check their way through the whole story of Thanksgiving. Use one activity, or both across Thanksgiving week.

What’s Included

• History of Thanksgiving Reading Comprehension Activity: five-part reading with graphic organizer, text-dependent questions, Pilgrim vs. Wampanoag source analysis, Sarah Josepha Hale’s letter to Lincoln, a self-checking color-by-number, and a bonus picture book read-aloud
• History of Thanksgiving Video Activity: The REAL History of Thanksgiving and The National Day of Mourning videos, analysis questions, and two self-checking Magic Picture Reveal activities
• Print AND digital versions of both (Google Slides force-copy links included)

What Students Will Do

• Read the history of Thanksgiving and answer text-dependent questions
• Compare the Pilgrim (Separatist) and Wampanoag perspectives using primary sources
• Analyze the letter that helped make Thanksgiving a national holiday
• Watch two videos and answer analysis questions
• Self-check their answers as hidden pictures appear

Why Teachers Love It

• Two complete Thanksgiving lessons in one download, ready to teach tomorrow
• Save compared to buying the reading and video activities separately
• Teaches the whole story of Thanksgiving from more than one perspective
• Self-checking activities mean less grading
• Print or digital, so it fits any classroom setup, including Google Classroom
• Created by a veteran history teacher and school administrator who uses these in real classrooms

Perfect For

• Thanksgiving lessons and activities for grades 4–8
• Teaching the real story of the first Thanksgiving
• National Day of Mourning lessons
• Native American Heritage Month (November)
• Plymouth Colony and colonial America units
• The week before Thanksgiving break and sub plans
• Homeschool families

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s in the History of Thanksgiving bundle?
Two resources: the History of Thanksgiving Reading Comprehension Activity and the History of Thanksgiving Video Activity, each in print and digital versions.

What grade is it for?
Upper elementary and middle school, grades 4–8.

Does it teach the Wampanoag perspective?
Yes. The reading compares Pilgrim and Wampanoag perspectives, and the video activity covers the National Day of Mourning.

How long will it take to teach?
Each activity takes about one to two class periods, so the bundle easily covers Thanksgiving week.

Note: The reading download is large (about 1 GB) because it includes the bonus read-aloud video, so it may take a few minutes on school Wi-Fi.

Looking for more November lessons? Check out the Veterans Day and Day of the Dead resources in the November collection.

This purchase is for use in one classroom. For school or site licenses, please reach out directly.