By Laura Baker

Many children associate the Pilgrims with Thanksgiving. This unit will focus on why the Pilgrims came to the New World and the sacrifices they made.

I can write a meaningful story. I can write with lots of details. I can retell stories to describe Past events, people and events. I can tell whether the story is real or fantasy.

Many children associate Pilgrims with Thanksgiving, but many do not know why the Pilgrims came to America and what they faced when they arrived in the New World. I intend to go beyond their prior knowledge to answer those questions. My goal is for the children to put themselves in the place of the Pilgrims to enhance learning and writing skills.

Students will be able write a narrative story. Students will learn about the Pilgrims and the sacrifices they made. Students will learn to add details to their stories. Students will be able to retell the Pilgrim story.

Why did the Pilgrims leave England? The Pilgrim’s voyage on the Mayflower. The Pilgrim’s first winter in Plymouth.

Families do many things together. Write about something you like to do with your family. Describe what you like to do and include where you like to do it. Include many details. You have learned a lot in first grade about the Pilgrims. Write a story about your favorite part of the Pilgrim story. Include details about their journey on the Mayflower and meeting Squanto.

Waters, Kate. On the Mayflower, New York: Scholastic Press, Waters, Kate. On the Mayflower, New York: Scholastic Press, Waters, Kate. Sarah Morton’s Day. New York: Scholastic Inc., Waters, Kate. Sarah Morton’s Day. New York: Scholastic Inc., 1989.