Saturday, November 23, 2013

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Mayflower Resources and Freebies


Start your discovery of the Mayflower at the History Channel!  They offer several videos, including Deconstructing History and The History of Thanksgiving.  Examine the myths or read about the Pilgrims!

Take a look at the passenger list of the Mayflower and find out a little about each person at Mayflower History!  They have a great list of primary sources to examine!

Don't miss Scholastic's The First Thanksgiving and tour the ship!  They have a printable game called,
and

Visit Plimoth Plantation and read stories for children!






And my favorite Thanksgiving Clipart from My Cute Graphics!

My Thanksgiving Writing Papers!


Saturday, November 2, 2013

Thanksgiving Thoughts and Freebies


It is Turkey Time again!  Just a few weeks to focus on the holiday and bring a touch of thankfulness to our classrooms.  Have you ever thought that Thanksgiving and the history behind it wasn't in your standards and something that you couldn't teach?  
What about using the theme in your shared reading time? Use the historical perspective during your ELA block.  There are wonderful non-fiction resources online!
And of course poetry and reader's theater always fit in our lessons!


The best place to start is The First Thanksgiving by Scholastic.  You can find a guide for lessons, 12 reader's theaters. video, virtual field trips, etc.  


Read Write Think offers great lesson plans:


My favorite activity for the little ones is the Thanksgiving bracelet.  Students can retell the story of the Pilgrims and the Mayflower by using the beads.  They love taking these home to share with family.  Send the story home with the bracelet.


Use these books to help them understand the story.





Thanksgiving Poem "Giving Thanks" 


More to come on the Mayflower, so check back soon!