The First Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving
An Internet Hotlist on The First Thanksgiving

created by Melanie Heitmann
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Introduction
There is a lot to learn about The First Thanksgiving! In addition to time spent researching this topic in the library, we will also use the internet to find out more about this special holiday. Below is a hotlist of websites where you will find important information about The First Thanksgiving. Please read each website’s description carefully before getting started.

The Internet Resources

The History of Thanksgiving

The History of Thanksgiving - This is The History Channel’s website and it includes thorough information on The First Thanksgiving. Before you study this website, I’d like you to think about how you would describe The First Thanksgiving. Think of as much information as possible, and then I’d like you to read the sections titled 'The First Thanksgiving' and 'Mayflower Myths'. In class we will discuss your perceptions of The First Thanksgiving and how they compare to the accurate history.

The People of Thanksgiving

Pilgrim Hall Museum - This is Pilgrim Hall’s website. Pilgrim Hall is a museum of Pilgrim possessions and it also includes valuable information on The First Thanksgiving and the pilgrim people. On this page I would like you to read about the Wampanoag, the native people. Select 'The Pilgrim Story” on the left, and then under subject headings, choose “Who were the Native People?”.

Thanksgiving Celebrations

The Thanksgiving Holiday - This is an informative website that contains useful information on the history and celebrations of both common and uncommon holidays. In the time of The First Thanksgiving, many Native Americans suffered injustice. Please read the article on “The National Day of Mourning”.

Discovery

Plimoth Plantation - This is Plimoth Plantation’s website. Plimoth Plantation is a living history center that recreates what it was like during the pilgrim days in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Under “Discover More” located at the top of the page, select “Articles and Essays” and then choose “Colonial Life”. Here I would like you to read the article titled “The Mayflower Compact”.
Scholastic Books and Thanksgiving - This is Scholastic Book’s website and it contains educational information on many of the subjects you study in school. I’d like you to read about The Thanksgiving Feat by clicking on the appropriate tab. From there, please complete the Web Quest activity. We will discuss your research and answers in class.
Thanksgiving Food - Today one of the most common ways we celebrate Thanksgiving is to share food with family. For this exercise, go to the Food Network’s website to look at Thanksgiving recipes. Read through the recipes and select some that look interesting to you. Be prepared to share your Thanksgiving food ideas with the class. This is meant to be a fun exercise!

Teacher Resources

Theme Units - This is a teacher’s resource website. There are activities and lesson plans to help students learn about Thanksgiving.

Content by Melanie Heitmann, mkheitmann@hotmail.com
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listthefirsmk.html
Last revised Tue Oct 16 17:18:53 US/Pacific 2007