Social Studies: Pilgrims, Plymouth, and Thanksgiving
Learning about the Mayflower, Plymouth, the Wampanoag, and the harvest gathering
Social Studies: Pilgrims, Plymouth, and Thanksgiving
Learning about the Mayflower, Plymouth, the Wampanoag, and the harvest gathering
Social Studies - Grade 2-3
- 1
The Pilgrims traveled across the Atlantic Ocean on a ship. What was the name of the ship, and why was the trip difficult?
Think about what it would be like to live on a small ship for a long time.
The ship was called the Mayflower. The trip was difficult because it was crowded, the ocean was rough, and the voyage took many weeks. - 2
The Pilgrims started a settlement called Plymouth. In which present-day state was Plymouth located?
Plymouth was located in present-day Massachusetts. - 3
Who were the Wampanoag, and why are they important to the story of Plymouth?
Remember that the Wampanoag were already living in the region before the Pilgrims arrived.
The Wampanoag were Native people who had lived in the area for a long time. They are important because they helped the Pilgrims learn about the land and were part of the harvest gathering. - 4
Put these events in order by writing 1, 2, and 3: The Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth. The Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower. A harvest gathering was held.
The correct order is 1: The Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower. 2: The Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth. 3: A harvest gathering was held. - 5
The first winter in Plymouth was very hard for the Pilgrims. Name one reason it was difficult.
Think about what people need to stay healthy in winter.
The first winter was difficult because the weather was cold, food was limited, and many people became sick. - 6
Squanto was a Patuxet man who helped the Pilgrims. What is one way he helped them?
Squanto helped the Pilgrims by teaching them how to plant crops, fish, and learn about the land. - 7
Circle the sentence that is true: A. The Pilgrims built Plymouth in a place where no one had ever lived. B. Native people had lived in the Plymouth area long before the Pilgrims arrived.
Think about who was already living in the region.
Sentence B is true. Native people had lived in the Plymouth area long before the Pilgrims arrived. - 8
What was the harvest gathering sometimes connected to the first Thanksgiving?
The harvest gathering was a meal and celebration after food had been grown and gathered. Some Pilgrims and Wampanoag people took part in it. - 9
Name two foods that may have been eaten at the harvest gathering. Do not list foods just because they are common today.
Turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie are common today, but they were not the only possible foods long ago.
Two foods that may have been eaten are corn and wild fowl. Other possible foods include fish, deer, beans, squash, and berries. - 10
How is Thanksgiving today different from the harvest gathering long ago?
Compare what people do today with what people did in 1621.
Thanksgiving today is a national holiday when many people gather with family or friends and give thanks. The harvest gathering long ago was connected to the Pilgrims, the Wampanoag, and food from the harvest. - 11
Read the sentence: The Pilgrims came to Plymouth in 1620. Is this a fact or an opinion? Explain your answer.
This is a fact because it can be checked using historical records. - 12
Read the sentence: The Mayflower was the best ship ever. Is this a fact or an opinion? Explain your answer.
Facts can be checked. Opinions tell what someone thinks or feels.
This is an opinion because people may not all agree that the Mayflower was the best ship ever. - 13
Look at a simple timeline with these dates: 1620, 1621, today. What happened in 1620, and what happened in 1621?
In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth. In 1621, a harvest gathering took place after crops had grown. - 14
Why is it important to learn about both the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag when studying Thanksgiving?
A complete history includes more than one point of view.
It is important because both groups are part of the history. Learning about both helps us understand the story more fairly and completely. - 15
Draw or describe one respectful way people can show thankfulness today.
One respectful way people can show thankfulness is by saying thank you, helping others, sharing food, or spending time with family and community.