Thanksgiving Lesson

 

1. Warm-Up Discussion Questions

  • What holidays in your country celebrate gratitude or family?

  • What traditional foods do people eat during those holidays?

  • Why do you think giving thanks is important?

2. Vocabulary Preview

Harvest – the time when crops are collected
Feast – a large meal with many dishes
Tradition – a custom or belief passed down over time
Gather – to come together
Gratitude – feeling thankful
Parade – a public celebration with marching people, music, and floats

3. Reading Passage: The Story and Traditions of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It began in the early 1600s, when English settlers known as the Pilgrims arrived in North America. Their first winter was very difficult, but with the help of the Wampanoag people, they learned how to grow local crops such as corn and squash. After their first successful harvest, the Pilgrims held a feast to give thanks. They invited members of the Wampanoag tribe, and together they celebrated for three days.

Today, Thanksgiving has become a holiday focused on family, food, and gratitude. Families gather from different places to share a large meal. Traditional foods include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many people also watch the famous Thanksgiving Day parade, which is shown on television. In the afternoon, some families watch or play American football.  In the morning, many high schools have a football game, which are also known as Turkey Bowls.  Although the customs have changed over time, the main idea of Thanksgiving remains the same: taking a moment to appreciate the good things in life.

4. Multiple-Choice Questions

1. Why did the Pilgrims celebrate the first Thanksgiving?

A. To honor the end of the war
B. To give thanks for their successful harvest
C. To celebrate the building of new homes
D. To welcome new settlers

2. Who helped the Pilgrims learn to grow crops?

A. English settlers
B. Spanish explorers
C. The Wampanoag people
D. Their families from Europe

3. Which food is traditionally eaten on Thanksgiving today?

A. Rice and beans
B. Turkey and pumpkin pie
C. Fish and noodles
D. Lamb and salad

4. What do many people watch on TV during Thanksgiving?

A. A cooking show
B. An awards ceremony
C. A parade
D. A soccer match

5. What is the main idea of Thanksgiving today?

A. Competing in sports
B. Traveling to new places
C. Buying gifts for friends
D. Appreciating the good things in life


For discussion: After watching this video, would you like to go to the annual Thanksgiving parade in Philadelphia this Thursday?  Why or why not?


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