Myths, Truths, and Uncertainties Surrounding the Thanksgiving Story Lauri Carideo Gabrielle Ehlers Brianna Scott Tamara Stovall

INTRODUCTION

Introduction Social Studies Curriculum omits controversy Thanksgiving story – Presented with myths – Lacks truths – Uncertainties remain Accurate teaching of Thanksgiving – Should allow students to explore different accounts, exhort myths, understand truths, internalize the Holiday, and relate it to their personal experiences Standards

Content Knowledge

A typical Thanksgiving Narrative… The Pilgrims sailed from Europe on the Mayflower to escape religious persecution and settled at Plymouth Rock. To rejoice their survival in “The New World,” they celebrated the first Thanksgiving in A local Indian named Squanto befriended the Pilgrims and introduced them to local Indian tribes. The Pilgrims invited the Indians to celebrate the first Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims and Indians feasted on turkey, potatoes, berries, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and popcorn. They became great friends.

Mayflower Passengers Myths Not all Pilgrims Truths Many ordinary folk, English Separatists, and other colonists Uncertainties Plymoth colonists used religious justifications for their poor treatment of the Indians

Squanto Myths Formed instant and positive relationship with Europeans Truths Captured by an Englishman, sold into slavery in Spain, eventually escaped Most of his tribe killed from an epidemic brought to his village by the Europeans Translated for the settlers and taught them how to farm Uncertainties Motives Cause of death

The ‘Frist’ Thanksgiving Myths 1621 was the ‘first Thanksgiving’ The menu consisted of modern day Thanksgiving food Truths Both groups celebrated many Thanksgivings prior to 1621 There was a feast in 1621 Uncertainties How the Indians and Europeans came together for the feast

Relationship Between Indians & Europeans Myths The Indians and Europeans became great friends Truths Things quickly went downhill after 1621 – Epidemic – Competition for resources – Pequot War & King Philip’s War

Teaching Narrative

Thanksgiving Lesson Plan Lesson apart of Unit on Myths Lesson Rationale Standards and Social Studies Skills Objective Context Lesson Flow Differentiation Assessments Field Trips (optional) – Field Trip info to Plimoth Plantation (approx. 4 ½ hours from NYC) Field Trip info to Plimoth Plantation (approx. 4 ½ hours from NYC) – Virtual Field Trip Virtual Field Trip

Questions?