Welcome to today’s edition of Top 5 Resources. Today’s theme is Thanksgiving. Albeit a little early, I thought I would post this before Thanksgiving so that you have time to pull things together. If there is any theme that you’d like resources for, please feel free to let me know. Remember too, that any websites listed were child appropriate and family friendly at the time this was written. However, due to the constantly changing nature of the internet, it is always advisable to check out a site before letting your little ones lose on it.
These people know history. And they are excited about sharing history with you. This link has 5 videos about the history of Thanksgiving and the plight of the pilgrims. This is an interesting activity for older elementary, especially when they get to that stage of asking ‘why’ for everything!
#2. Scholastic
Hooray for the scholastic store which has free lesson plans and activities on the first Thanksgiving. The lesson plans are divided into age groups so whether you’re teaching Kindergarten or 6th grade, you have a lesson!
#3. Annie’s “Thanksgiving Just For Kids” Page
This site has just about everything you could possibly want as far as Thanksgiving crafts, ideas, stories, and games. There are easily over 100 links to other Thanksgiving pages, plus some pretty cool crafts that go a little beyond your typical pine cone turkey (although that’s there too!)
#4. 5 Within 5: My Thanksgiving Book List (Here is my ’top 5’ books within our ’top 5’ resources)
Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks
Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving
#5 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The official website of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has a fun & games section, great information on how to create a float, how the giant balloons are made, history of the parade and other fun information. This would be great to use those last few days before Thanksgiving when your kids get into ’holiday mode’. (Or are mine the only one who do that?)