TL;DR:

• Thanksgiving lessons should explore diverse perspectives, focusing on gratitude and Indigenous history.
• Grade-specific approaches: High school delves into critical thinking, middle school integrates cross-disciplinary learning, and elementary focuses on themes of respect and community.
• Resources like NMAI and Edutopia offer tools for inclusive and thoughtful Thanksgiving teaching.

For many students and families, Thanksgiving holds deep significance, yet the way it’s presented in classrooms has historically lacked depth and inclusivity. Educators can guide students across all grade levels to explore Thanksgiving from multiple perspectives, fostering critical thinking and respect for cultural diversity.

Understanding Thanksgiving Through High School Lenses

For high school students, it’s essential to ground Thanksgiving in the broader context of Indigenous history and cultural resilience. The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) offers a valuable resource: Essential Understandings About American Indians. This document reveals how Indigenous peoples are not only a part of American history but also vibrant cultures that continue to shape modern America.

One of NMAI’s foundational insights is that Indigenous cultures are “diverse, dynamic, and vital” rather than relics of the past. With their advanced critical thinking skills, high school students can use this framework to deconstruct and rebuild their understanding of Thanksgiving. Please encourage them to explore how colonization impacted Native communities and discuss how Indigenous cultures and traditions remain influential today.

Through this lens, Thanksgiving becomes more than just a day on the calendar—it’s a complex historical narrative that allows for discussions on identity, perspective, and cultural resilience.

Middle School: Exploring Thanksgiving Through Cross-Disciplinary Connections

For middle school students, Thanksgiving can be approached across subjects, integrating social studies, language arts, and art. Edutopia suggests emphasizing that Thanksgiving can offer a chance for reflection on gratitude and community rather than focusing exclusively on the historical myths of Pilgrims and “Indians.” Students can investigate various Indigenous perspectives and discuss the holiday’s role in shaping American identity. For example:

• Social Studies: Analyze Thanksgiving myths and compare them with historical accounts. This approach allows students to see how narratives can shape perceptions.
• Language Arts: Read Indigenous poems or stories about gratitude and community. Have students write reflective pieces on what Thanksgiving means to them.
• Art: Explore Native American art forms or create art that symbolizes gratitude and respect for nature and community.

Elementary School: Instilling Respect and Curiosity

For younger students, Thanksgiving should introduce respect, community, and sharing themes. Educators can create age-appropriate activities beyond traditional stories, focusing instead on universal values and Indigenous connections to the land.

• Storytelling and Picture Books: Utilize children’s literature that tells Thanksgiving stories from Indigenous perspectives or about gratitude and community.
• Hands-On Activities: Have students create “gratitude trees” or “community quilts,” where they share things they are thankful for, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Thanksgiving.

Cultural Understanding Through Science and History

Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity to dive into science and history, looking at Native American food systems, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship. In science classes, students can learn about the “Three Sisters” planting technique—corn, beans, and squash—a method that exemplifies the sustainable practices of Native American communities. History lessons can explore how Native American knowledge contributed to the colonists’ survival and the eventual Thanksgiving myth.

Resources for Inclusive Thanksgiving Lessons

• NMAI Essential Understandings provides a foundational framework for discussing Native American cultures as dynamic and contemporary, offering students a holistic understanding.
• Edutopia’s Guide on Thoughtful Thanksgiving Teaching: A practical resource to reframe Thanksgiving’s message with historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity.
• Smithsonian Ideas for Teaching Thanksgiving: Offers creative ways to incorporate Indigenous stories, including the Maya Creation Story, to illustrate Indigenous perspectives on origins, community, and the natural world.

Conclusion

Teaching Thanksgiving thoughtfully across K-12 classrooms ensures students develop a well-rounded perspective on history, culture, and values. By embracing inclusive and cross-disciplinary approaches, we allow students to appreciate Thanksgiving as more than a historical holiday; it’s an opportunity to reflect on cultural diversity, resilience, and shared humanity.

About Suzanne Rogers

Suzanne M. Rogers is an accomplished, passionate, technology-inspired educator, experienced conference presenter, and yoga enthusiast. She is the Assistant Director of Public Relations at LISA Academy Public Charter Schools. In addition to her 20 years of work in education, Suzanne also serves on the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Educator Advisory Board, the UCA Executive Advisory Board, the UCA MAT Program Advisory Board, and the SAU ERZ Advisory.

Suzanne’s passion for education and her community is evident in her involvement in these organizations, where she works tirelessly to support students and educators. As an #ArmyMom and former #AFbrat, Suzanne brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding firsthand the sacrifices made by military families. Suzanne exemplifies dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence.