With only three kiddos out we had a great and busy day.
We spent the morning discovering what the first Thanksgiving was really all about. I asked the kids what they thought was eaten on that fateful day. Many of them said turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls, and cranberries. They were astounded when I said that the only one that was correct was green beans. Potatoes were not in America at this time, they had wild turkey (which trust me is NOTHING like domestic turkey), cranberries were too tart to eat, and there were no rolls made at this time (probably more like a corn bread). Next, I asked them to tell me who was at this feast. They answered pilgrims and indians. Actually, there was Puritans. The name pilgrim was given by a story teller years later and stuck. There were no silver buckles at this time like we picture. Also, puritans only wear black and white on Sunday. Since it was a Thursday, they were more likely wearing blue and green. The native side was correct. However they did not wear feather headdresses like the kids pictured. They are a NE regional tribe. They did not dress like the Plains Indians we are used to studying. They also did not live in tipis. This was not a day of thanks at this time. The Indians and Puritans got along but were not friends. Many tribes died out due to Smallpox which was brought over with the Europeans. This disease often wiped out entire Indian populations. It was more than likely a very tense dinner. So many of us have been taught myths and even dressed up in the wrong costumes in our early school days. I remember making Indian headbands with feathers and acting out a peaceful feast with all the wrong foods. I felt is was important to burst your kiddos fictional bubble so they now know the factual truths. :0) Ask your child which Indian tribe the Puritans ate with. If they can tell you write the name of it in the planner for $10.
Homework tonight is a reading comprehension sheet on the Turkey vs. Bald Eagle debate as the US National Symbol. Kids need to read it again, (we read it in class together), complete the questions on the back, and then complete the fact and opinion activity. I love the last question: If the Turkey was the National Symbol, would we still eat it on Thanksgiving? Yikes…scary thought!
In language class, we have been learning how to write letters (personal and business). Tomorrow, kids will practice addressing envelopes. Therefore, they need to know their address (or addresses if they have split homes). Please write them in the planner for them. Don't forget the zip code. We talked about how this area has more than one zip code. Again, if students have two homes due to divorce, please write BOTH addresses in the planner for them. Thanks!
St. Johns has invited all of you to their Christmas Lighting event. Please attend if you can. Thanks.
Tomorrow is a half day. Kids are dismissed at noon. Please send kids in the morning as we have a lot to do before we leave for the break. Thanks!
There is no school Wed-Fri. We return to school the following Monday.
Pumpkin Pie and whip cream will be served for snack tomorrow after we learn the history of it.
Have a fantastic night. I won't blog again until Sunday.
Mrs. Grewell
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