1. The pilgrims and thanksgiving
CLIL Lessons in 3a/b (History) and 4ab (English) at NMS/HS Ansfelden
Daniel Smrcek | Verena Kaselitz | Josefa Reisenbichler

2. Aims of the lesson – What we wanted them to understand
Contemporary relevance
Pupils should understand that throughout history people had to leave their country because of their religion.
Even back then it was a life-threatening undertaking to flee the country.
Thanksgiving relates to the history of The Pilgrims.
Historical relevance
The United States are a nation of immigrants.
Native Americans helped them to survive.

3. Key questions Why did the Pilgrims leave England?
How dangerous was their journey to America?
Which problems did the Pilgrims have to face?
Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving?

4. Introduction to the topic
th century
Oh dear, it‘s almost winter
I show you how to survive
They hate us
Happy Thanksgiving

5. Key sentences
In the 17th century the Pilgrims were persecuted on religious grounds.
In 1620 they decided to sail from Plymouth in England to Virginia in America.
Their sailing ship was called the Mayflower.
The Mayflower went off course because of the wind.
When the Pilgrims arrived in America they didn‘t have enough food for the winter.
Native Americans helped them to survive in America.
The following year the Pilgrims and the Native Americans celebrated Thanksgiving together.

6. Key words

7. Video analysis watch the clip and summarize it in your own words

8. Follow up activities
Pair work: Use the sketch in your school exercise book to tell your neighbour the story of the Pilgrims. Afterwards your neighbour should retell the story without using the school exercise book. Help her/him if necessary.
Use the key words to form your own sentences and tell them to your classmates.
Worksheets
Words: What do they eat on Thanksgiving

9. pumpkin
Variation: Let them create their own crossword puzzle

10. Thanksgiving Dinner