Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. It has its roots in religious and cultural traditions, and it is a time for people to gather with family and friends to give thanks for the blessings of the past year.

History

The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving dates back to the early 17th century when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims had arrived in the New World in 1620 and struggled to survive, but with the help of the Native Americans, they learned to cultivate the land and grow crops. The harvest feast was a way for them to give thanks for a successful harvest and to celebrate their friendship with the Native Americans.

Traditions

Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated with a variety of traditions, including a large feast featuring roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many families also watch parades, football games, and participate in volunteer activities to help those in need.

Study Guide

What is the origin of Thanksgiving?

The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving dates back to the early 17th century when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

What is the significance of the Thanksgiving feast?

The feast was a way for the Pilgrims to give thanks for a successful harvest and to celebrate their friendship with the Native Americans.

What are some traditional foods eaten on Thanksgiving?

Roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are some of the traditional foods eaten on Thanksgiving.

What are some modern traditions associated with Thanksgiving?

Many families watch parades, football games, and participate in volunteer activities to help those in need.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fourth Grade. Famous Americans

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)

TIME, CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE

SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PAST AND ITS LEGACY.

KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:

Key people, events, and places associated with the history of the community, nation, and world.

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

What are the Basic Values and Principles of American Democracy? Why is it important for Americans to share certain values, principles, and beliefs?

American identity: Students should be able to explain the importance of Americans sharing and supporting certain values, principles, and beliefs. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Describe holidays Americans celebrate and explain how they reflect their shared values, principles, and beliefs, e.g., the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Presidents’ Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Analysis and Interpretation

Compare different stories about a historical figure, era, or event.

Topic 3: The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the People from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political Heritage

How democratic values came to be, and how they have been exemplified by people, events, and symbols.

The student understands historic figures who have exemplified values and principles of American democracy.

Topic 4: The History of Peoples of Many Cultures Around the World

Major discoveries in science and technology, their social and economic effects, and the scientists and inventors responsible for them.

The student understands the development of technological innovations, the major scientists and inventors associated with them and their social and economic effects.