Thanksgiving Then and Now Worksheet – Kick off Thanksgiving with joyful learning! These cheerful Thanksgiving Then and Now Worksheet feature adorable turkey designs, fall icons, and fun holiday prompts that support literacy, math, and early learning skills—wrapped in Thanksgiving joy.
Thanksgiving Then and Now Worksheet
Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition that brings family and friends together to give thanks for all the blessings in their lives. As we reflect on the history of Thanksgiving, it’s interesting to see how the holiday has evolved over time. The Thanksgiving Then and Now worksheet provides a fun and educational way for students to compare and contrast how Thanksgiving was celebrated in the past versus how it is celebrated today.
Exploring Thanksgiving Traditions
The first section of the worksheet prompts students to research and list traditional Thanksgiving foods, activities, and decorations from the past. This gives students the opportunity to learn about the origins of popular Thanksgiving traditions, such as the first Thanksgiving feast between the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621. Students can also discover how Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. By delving into history, students gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of Thanksgiving and how it has shaped American traditions.
Next, students are asked to investigate how Thanksgiving is celebrated in modern times. They are encouraged to compare their findings with the traditional practices they learned about earlier. This exercise allows students to see how Thanksgiving has evolved over the years, with new traditions and customs emerging alongside the classic ones. For example, students may note the rise of Friendsgiving celebrations, where friends gather to share a meal and gratitude with one another. By exploring the similarities and differences between past and present Thanksgiving traditions, students gain a better understanding of how culture changes over time.
Creating a Thanksgiving Timeline
In the second part of the worksheet, students are tasked with creating a timeline of Thanksgiving events. They can choose significant moments in Thanksgiving history, such as the establishment of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924 or the first televised National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation in 1947. By organizing these events chronologically, students develop a better sense of the holiday’s evolution and how it has become a cherished part of American culture.
Students can also add their own personal experiences to the timeline, such as memorable Thanksgiving dinners with family or volunteering at a local food bank during the holiday season. This allows students to connect their own traditions and memories to the broader history of Thanksgiving, reinforcing the importance of gratitude, community, and giving back. By completing the Thanksgiving Then and Now worksheet, students not only learn about the history of Thanksgiving but also gain a deeper appreciation for the holiday’s enduring spirit of togetherness and thankfulness.
Thanksgiving Worksheets Printable:
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