Mini Unit on Thanksgiving

*This lesson is for high school and mature middle school classes.

I've rounded up great materials and resources to get your students talking about what really happened with the Pilgrims and the Natives, and how we have celebrated them for the past 100 years.

Day 1: Gallery Walk of Photos and Artwork

I've compiled a set of 8 photos from the 1921 300th anniversary celebration of the Pilgrims' arrival and their first Thanksgiving with the Natives. Students will complete a KWL and then a gallery walk in order to analyze the different photos and artwork. Students love these historical photos - and three of them are panoramic (spread over three sheets of paper). I've also included a digital version for students who are absent this day or who want a closer look at the photos by zooming in on their computers.

Day 2: Memory Palace Podcast Guide and Discussion

This podcast, just over 10 minutes long, is all about the 300th anniversary celebration that happened in Plymouth, Ma in 1921 - the same one students saw in the images the period before. However, this podcast gives the perspective of Charlotte Mitchell, Massasoit's only living heir, who took part in the celebration.

Using a graphic organizer, students will organize information about Mitchell and Massasoit, as well as details of the celebration that Mitchell found highly offensive. DiMeo, the podcast host, delivers a wonderful narrative of the events full of biting irony in order to reinforce the purpose of the podcast episode.

Day 3: NPR Opinion Piece and Class Discussion

This online opinion piece, "For Many Native Americans, Fall Is The Least Wonderful Time Of The Year," by Savannah Maher, offers a current Native view point on the various holidays and traditions that fill each fall season. Students annotate the article, answer some guide questions, and then finish with a classroom discussion about what is discussed in the article.

Days 4 & 5: Letter to Future Anniversary Celebration Coordinators

Now that students have a strong understanding of what happened at the 300th anniversary celebration, as well as current Native views on celebrations about Pilgrims and Thanksgiving, students will analyze the preparations for the future 400th anniversary celebration that will happen throughout 2019 and 2020. Using the official website for the celebration, students will analyze visuals (the new commemorative license plate design and other merchandise for sale), events, and exhibits in order to determine if they could be seen as offensive or are historically inaccurate.

As a final assessment, students will write a letter to the organizers. Students are instructed to critique event plans with both praise and concerns. For each students need to provide specific details and examples, and for all concerns students must provide a solution and explanation. This is a great opportunity for students to write with meaningful purpose and to write for a live audience outside of the classroom.