In school throughout America boys and girls celebrate Thanksgiving by dressing up as Pilgrims and Indians, and having a feast in their classrooms. They listen to a story about how they were helped by the Indians, but what they miss is the real drama behind the Pilgrims' first year in the New World. These hardy settlers were lucky to have survived at all, and those who did lived with the loss of loved ones and fear of Indians. They endured bitter cold, deadly diseases, and lack of food.
The purpose of PILGRIMS is to give the students a closer look at the struggle that was part of everyday life in Plymouth Colony. By the end of this unit, students will have a deeper understanding of why the Pilgrims gave thanks and why we honor them today. In November, the second grade will perform this journey to the parents.
