In 1620, the settlers, or Pilgrims, they sailed to America on the May flower, seeking a place where they could have freedom of worship.

After a two-month voyage they landed at in icy November, what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts.

During their first winter, nearly half of the settlers died of starvation or epidemics.

With the help of the Indians, the settlers learned to how to fish, farm, and hunt.

All summer long they waited for the harvests with great anxiety, At last, they harvested in Autumn.

And therefore it was decided that a day of thanksgiving to the Lord be fixed.

So they gathered together to celebrate the harvests with the Indians. Later, they celebrate the Thanksgiving Day every year on the 4 th Thursday of November!

Step 3 Clear away new words and phrases 1) feast 盛宴 2) turkey 火鸡 3) dessert 甜点 4) pumpkin pie 南瓜饼 5) mark the day 庆祝这天 6) walnut 胡桃 7) parade n. v. 游行 on parade 接受检阅，参加游行 The strikers paraded through the city center. 8) carve 把（熟肉）切成片 9) preside at 主持 The manager presided at the meeting yesterday. 10) prayer 祈祷，祷告 11) make an effort to do sth. 努力做某事

Step 4 Scanning Read the text for the first time and choose the best topic for the passage: A. The Origin of Thanksgiving Day B. The Thanksgiving Meal C. Thanksgiving Day

Step 5 Intensive reading 1) What was the purpose of the first Thanksgiving festival? 2) What is the traditional food for the festival? 3) Why is Thanksgiving Day in many ways similar to the Chinese festival of Mid-autumn Day? The first settlers celebrated the festival to give thanks to God for their good harvest and also gave thanks to Indians who helped them. The traditional food is turkey. It’s a time for the family to get together for dinner.

1) This festival is a time when the family comes together for a meal and gives thanks to God for the blessings they have received. (para. 1) Ex: I will never forget the days _____we were children and played together. 这个节日里全家人聚在一起吃饭，感谢上帝给 予的赐福。 when

2 ） It is on that holiday that all the family make a special effort to get together.(para. 2) Ex: It was last night _____ we saw a play together. 是在这个节日各个家庭想方设法回家团聚。 that

3) The Thanksgiving meal is traditionally turkey, which was the food for the first Thanksgiving. (para. 3) Ex: She won a gold medal, _____ her family considered an honor. 感恩节的传统食物是火鸡，它也是第一次感恩 节的食物。 which

Step 6 Key to exercises: 1. to escape religious persecution. 2. They wanted to thank God for the blessings they received and thank Indians for their help. 3. President Lincoln.

Step 7. Summary In this class, we have learned about some knowledge about Thanksgiving Day. We have enjoyed some delicious food and be impressed with the happy atmosphere of the festival. We should learn to be grateful to others who help us in our daily life. Step 8. Homework: Write a short thanksgiving letter to your parents or teachers.