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Academic Standards
 

Learning Objective: 

Children will determine how to use good table manners at Thanksgiving.

 

Social Studies Focus:

Thanksgiving

 

Social and Life Skills Focus:

self-management

 

Page 4 skill:

visual discrimination

 

Vocabulary:

feast, manners

 

CCSS (and states that have similar standards):

RI.K.1 key details, RI.K.4 vocabulary, RI.K.7 use visuals, RL.K.1 key details (literature), SL.K.1 collaborative discussions, SL.K.2 confirm understanding by answering questions

Download TEKS Standards
Download CCSS Standards

Watch the video

Build background knowledge about Thanksgiving by watching “Hooray for Thanksgiving!” When you’re done watching, ask the following question: What is your family’s Thanksgiving tradition?

Preview new vocabulary words

Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce this issue’s featured words.

Set a purpose for reading

  • Have students do a picture walk through the issue. Then read and discuss the cover. Ask children if they know of any good table manners.
  • Then, before turning to page 2, say, “As we read the article, think about how you can use good manners.”
  • After reading each box, pause to let children respond to the question or prompt.
  • When you get the Talk About It sidebar, ask kids to tell whether they would try each food by saying “Yes, please” or “No, thank you.” Then challenge kids to find the hidden pea in each photo!
  • Complete the page 4 activity as a group or individually.
  • When you’re done reading, do the Dance Break!

Deepen students’ learning with any of these supplemental activities:

Play the online game: My Thanksgiving Dinner

(skill: nutrition))

Complete a hands-on activity: Menu Manners

Children create menus and practice good manners by playing “Thanksgiving Restaurant.” (skill: social and life skills, dramatic play)

Read a paired text: 

Read At Our Table by Patrick Hulse for an inclusive celebration of Thanksgiving. This beautiful book takes history into account while celebrating community, culture, tradition, and belonging.