Teaser
Take a variety of perspectives into account before moving past the first Thanksgiving.
Description
Students read several versions of the story of the first Thanksgiving. They analyze the source and perspective of each version, and discuss the reasons that the story of the first Thanksgiving might generate so much controversy.
Article Body
This lesson does a good job of positioning students to understand and evaluate the perspectives of secondary sources on the First Thanksgiving. Students begin by establishing a common understanding of the "mainstream narrative" of the First Thanksgiving, either from their own experience, books on Thanksgiving written for young children, or a website like this one from National Geographic Kids. (Other, similar sites are also linked near the bottom of the lesson).
In groups, students then read accounts of the first Thanksgiving from one of four points of view: mainstream accounts, Native American educators and public school leaders, conservative and Tea Party activists, and Native Americans critical of the holiday. Multiple articles are provided for each category so teachers may choose the articles most appropriate for their students. After analyzing each category of sources in small groups, students come together as a class to discuss the various perspectives of the accounts they read. This is an ideal opportunity for teachers to highlight the importance of paying attention to source information and reading historical accounts with a critical eye.
Some modifications may be necessary depending on your students' ages, abilities, and background knowledge. Students may need additional background information on the sources depending on their familiarity with the different point-of-view groups. You may also need to modify some of the texts depending on students' reading levels. Also, see the rubric below for more background information and historically accurate information about the first Thanksgiving.
The lesson concludes with a series of discussion questions that do a good job of helping students to think more carefully about the social and political impact of accepted historical narratives. For example, "What's at stake in interpreting the story [of the First Thanksgiving]?" These questions help students start digging into why we remember the past in particular ways and compare stories about the past generated by collective memory with evidence-based accounts of the past.
Time Estimate
One-two class sessions
Rubric_Content_Accurate_Scholarship
Yes. One of the highlights of this lesson is that it requires students to compare accounts and judge the quality of evidence used in those accounts.
Rubric_Content_Historical_Background
No. Teachers may want to explore the sites listed here. Among the sites listed, some of the most useful and easily accessed background information can be found here and here.
Rubric_Content_Read_Write
Yes. The lesson requires only minimal writing, but does include some discussion questions that could be used as writing prompts.
Rubric_Analytical_Construct_Interpretations
Rubric_Analytical_Close_Reading_Sourcing
Yes. Teachers will want to provide some background information on the various sources of the story, as understanding the perspective of each source is crucial to this lesson.
Rubric_Scaffolding_Appropriate
Yes. Teachers may want to adapt some of the text for younger students or for English Language Learners.
Rubric_Scaffolding_Supports_Historical_Thinking
Rubric_Structure_Assessment
No, but the discussion questions could be used as writing prompts and an assessment. This approach would provide a way for teachers to assess how well students have grasped the varying perspectives and supporting reasons discussed in the lesson.
Rubric_Structure_Realistic
Rubric_Structure_Learning_Goals