1. Thanksgiving

2. Thanksgiving: History On Sept. 6, 1620, a group of about 100 Puritans (later known as Pilgrims) left England for the New World (America) on a ship called the Mayflower. The Pilgrims left England to find religious freedom. Once in the New World, the Pilgrims settled in a town called Plymouth in what is now Massachusetts. The Pilgrims were unprepared for the harsh winter and very few of them survived (only about 50 people survived). That spring, two Native Americans named Samoset and Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to plant crops and avoid plants that were poisonous. The next harvest was very successful thanks to the Native Americans’ help. The Pilgrims decided to throw a celebratory feast and invited the Native American tribes to join them. The celebration lasted for three days. This feast is considered the first Thanksgiving. Plymouth, Massachusetts Home of the first Thanksgiving 

3. The First Thanksgiving

4. Thanksgiving Today Thanksgiving is always celebrated on the 4 th Thursday in November. This year it’s November 24 th. Thanksgiving is an American national holiday, which means all government offices, banks, post offices, and schools are closed. Many businesses also close on Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving, to give their employees time with their families. Most shops are open on Thanksgiving, though they may close early to go home for dinner with their families. Many restaurants stay open for customers who prefer to eat out rather than cook at home. Since many people also have Friday off work, the day after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. People start buying their Christmas gifts.

5. Thanksgiving: Traditions Thanksgiving Dinner –The biggest symbols of Thanksgiving are the foods Americans eat for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey and stuffing mashed potatoes and gravy cranberry sauce pumpkin pie

6. Thanksgiving: Traditions Football –Most Americans either watch football games on TV or play their own football game. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade –Thanksgiving is associated with the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. –The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in the early 20 th century as a way to attract people to their store. –Today, it takes place in New York City and is the most famous and biggest parade in the country.

7. Thanksgiving: Traditions Giving Thanks –Typically, during the Thanksgiving dinner each member of the family will talk about what they are thankful for this year.

8. What are you thankful for? With a partner, discuss the following questions: 1.What or who are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season? Why? 2.Why should people take time to give thanks? 3.Does China have a holiday similar to Thanksgiving?

9. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

10. Audio Clip Activity

11. Expressing Thanks Thanksgiving is a time to express what you are thankful for in your life. Normally, while your family is eating Thanksgiving dinner, everyone will mention something that they are thankful for. Activity: What are you thankful for? –Write one paragraph about what you are appreciative for in your life. –You will share your thoughts with the class.