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First Graders Share Their Gratitude During Thanksgiving Performances
As the culmination of their fall studies on Thanksgiving, both first grade classes prepared a special performance for their parents, grandparents, and siblings. “In social studies this year, we engaged in understanding the origins of the holiday of Thanksgiving,” says teacher Nicole Schoentag. “We looked at the story of the Wampanoag and the settlers and asking the questions ‘Why did these two very different groups of people choose to act peacefully toward each other?’ and ‘Why did the Wampanoag decide to help the settlers?’” Adds teacher Barbara Eisenhauer, “Our Thanksgiving unit introduced the first graders to many of the misconceptions about the first Thanksgiving. They also learned about the talented and persistent Sarah Hale, who famously campaigned for the creation of the holiday!”
Both Thanksgiving performances had students singing songs about being thankful and songs about the United States, including “The Song of Peace” and “This Land is Your Land.” Throughout the performance students shared what they are thankful for this year. “The students showed quite a bit of empathy and compassion when they discussed how the settlers and Wampanoags must have felt when they met each other for the first time,” says Ms. Eisenahauer. “A performance like this is an excellent leadership opportunity for our students,” explains Ms. Schoentag. “They get to act as hosts, welcoming their loved ones into their classroom. They get to share their learning and hard work with their community. They get to teach others about the importance of stopping our busy lives and appreciating all that we have. It was a really special afternoon.”
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