For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal live. John 3:16 (NIV)

Within the website, you can first sort pictures based on myth and fact. Next, view the only primary document about the Harvest Celebration of 1621 written by Edward Winslow. The historians help you to understand what is written and help you and your students draw conclusions.

Another segment of the website allows you to delve deeper into the lives of the English Colonists and the Wampanoag People.

Extremely interesting is examining the time line leading up to the 1621 Harvest Celebration and the opposing points of view. Most students (and adults) have never heard these specific pieces of information or facts from history. Seeing the story from both points of view is integral to the learning of the truths behind the holiday that we celebrate today.

The website does provide a teacher's guide. The ages of your students will dictate how much of the site you will share together. It usually takes me almost a complete hour to share the whole site with upper elementary students. With lower elementary children, pick and choose what aspects you want to address and shorten the lesson.

Concluding the lesson, focus on what is believed to be true at the beginning of the lesson and some key differences learned and then how this can be shared these with family members as they gather around the feasts to give thanks. One key point worth making is to be sure everyone learns that a "Day of Thanksgiving" for the colonists meant a very long day in church. What they were engaging in was actually a Harvest Celebration and how these two ideas merge for us as people who have much to be thankful for and really don't worry too much about the harvest to sustain us through the winter.

Visit http://plimoth.org/education/olc/ to experience this website for yourself and to share with your students.

Download a free resource packet that includes this activity along with more Thanksgiving Ideas and Activities at http://technologylessonsforteachers.com

For years Kathy has been a "Gadget Girl." She loves technology! Tie that to her extensive teaching background and she has been able to interest, invigorate, and inspire children and teachers to use technology in a rich, exciting manner.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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