The Pilgrims may have arrived in North America by way of the Mayflower, but chances are, your class members' ancestors came to the United States in another way. Guide them through an exploration of their own heritage, countries of origin, and immigration stories with a social studies instructional activity that focuses on the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Concepts

heritage, families, family history, pilgrims, colonial america, thanksgiving, Holidays, immigration

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

family heritage, immigrants, pilgrims, thanksgiving, social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Incorporate aspects of social studies and language arts into the lesson

Classroom Considerations

• Lesson notes sensitivity to some families' concern with the legal status of their immigration, and how to address these issues
• Requires modification for lower grade levels or struggling readers

Pros

• Applies a well-known historical event to learners' personal lives
• Offer extension opportunities

Cons

• Links to worksheets do not work, so you will need to create your own