Throughout the month of November, all embraced the Thanksgiving season here at SMART START. Students learned about the history of the holiday while reflecting on the many things they are grateful for through a variety of hands-on activities.
Follow along to experience the festivities with our young learners!
Studies commenced with a special project- thankful books! This entailed a four step process:
1. decorate the cover of a pumpkin shaped book at school
2. bring the book home
3. fill each page with things to be thankful for
4. bring back to school to share
The finished products turned out wonderfully and all were eager to showcase them. Aspects of appreciation included: family, friends, food, houses, toys, pets and more! This assignment provided the opportunity to thoughtfully and creatively detail things to be thankful for while also promoting public speaking skills and parent/family involvement.
Peers took turns contemplating at a themed display. An assortment of books and décor were available to explore. Prekindergartners identified a few of our seasonal spelling words such as, corn, apple and ship while preschoolers noticed the letters "P" for pumpkin and "T" for turkey.
Classmates collaborated to color a Thanksgiving tablecloth. All discussed their family traditions, special memories and holiday plans while working on holding their markers in proper writing position. The table cloth turned out beautifully!
Each year, a Friendsgiving feast is held at SMART START! All participated by bringing in a food item and assisting with additional tasks at school. Our grateful group gathered to enjoy the delicious meal they arranged. The table displayed an array of traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as, turkey, cranberry sauce, cornbread, mashed potatoes, pumpkin bread and stuffing. One by one they declared something they were extra thankful for this year.
Prior to the feast, friends fashioned rainbow macaroni necklaces that they wore for friendsgiving!
Budding bakers put their culinary capabilities to work making bread and butter.
Butter recipe goes as follows:
- fill a jar about halfway with whipping cream
- add salt to taste
- place a marble inside
- vigorously shake the jar- (the marble will eventually not be heard, but keep shaking!)
- stop shaking the jar once there is a solid cube of butter surrounded by liquid (buttermilk)
Although through a different process, we discussed how the pilgrims also made their own butter. All were quite proud of their efforts and expressed how they enjoyed their bread and butter with their families.
Click below to hear our enthusiastic chefs!
Pupils challenged their fine motor skills, hand to eye coordination and concentration while crafting pomanders. These classic scented decorations consist of piercing clementines with cloves. Once complete, the finished products were wrapped in tulle and tied with a ribbon.
SMART START's colony engaged in an informative storytime in our outdoor classroom. The class wore themed hats while learning the context of the first Thanksgiving.
Here are a few facts learned:
- The pilgrims sailed on a ship called the Mayflower and voyaged to North America/New World
- They established a colony in Plymouth, MA
- A tribe of Wampanoags helped the pilgrims adjust to their new land
- Samoset and Squanto were the first two Native Americans to visit the pilgrims
- All enjoyed a harvest celebrations feast/first Thanksgiving
We hope you enjoyed reading about our Thanksgiving unit!
Click below to view our Thanksgiving highlights
🦃SMART START🦃
