The First Thanksgiving

During October, November, and December, Jessie, Elizabeth, and Esther are helping to host holiday parties in four local elementary and junior high schools. This past month, of course, we have focused on the history of the first Thanksgiving in the colonies. We have shared ALOT about why the pilgrims decided to leave England and make the perilous journey to the New World. We have also shared about the difficulties they faced that first winter and the help given them by Father through the Native Americans.
At the beginning of each party, we introduce new vocabulary words. Then, we tell a story or do a skit about the first Thanksgiving.

For most of these students, it is their first time to celebrate Thanksgiving, and they are very eager and excited to listen and participate.

We always give the students time to ask questions and to review what they have learned.
We explain to them how we use the Thanksgiving season to thank Father for all the things He has done for us throughout the year. Then, using a web of gratitude, we let the students tell us how they are thankful. They have given some interesting responses: baseball, parents, teachers, us, pizza, butterflies, money, vacations, etc. When we tell them that students in America get out of school for Thanksgiving, they DEFINITELY think their country should start celebrating this holiday too.
We end the party by letting the students participate in a game of Pictionary, reviewing the new vocabulary words. We are very happy to have the opportunity to host these parties in the public schools here. We really look forward to sharing the TRUE meaning of Christmas during next month's parties.