The Story of Thanksgiving

Last updated Thursday, October 16, 2003

Author: Nancy J. Skarmeas
Illustrator: Stacy Venturi-Pickett
Date of Publication: 1999
ISBN: 0824941640
Grade Level: Kindergarten
Date(s) Used: November 2003

Synopsis: This book tells the story of the first Thanksgiving-how the pilgrims came to America on the Mayflower in search of religious freedom, how they landed at Plymouth Rock, and how the Native Americans taught them to plant and then joined them in a Thanksgiving feast.

Craft ideas:

• Make a "hand turkey" - trace your hand, cut out, and decorate as a turkey with the thumb as the head.
• Bring ahead option - Make noodle necklaces with string and noodles as in the book.
• Make turkey bodies and paper feathers of many colors to place behind the turkey as in the book.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!