Blog | ThinkCERCA

Leveled Close Reading Lessons About the Origins of Thanksgiving

Written by Elizabeth Riley Boyer | November 20, 2015

It's that time of year again. Pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and football. But as most adults know, the myth of Thanksgiving differs quite a bit from actual story. This year, we're asking teachers to engage their students in a discussion or debate about the origins of Thanksgiving using ThinkCERCA's free close reading lessons that dig into the details of the first Harvest Celebration. Ask your class to #CERCAitout by supporting their Claims with Evidence from the following leveled texts.

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How Thanksgiving Became a Holiday
What were the steps necessary for Sarah Josepha Hale to successfully make Thanksgiving a national holiday?
Grades 3-5
CCSS.CCRA.R.3
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Harvest Celebration
How did the tradition of American Thanksgiving become what it is today?
Grades 9-10
CCSS.CCRA.R.8
View Lesson >>

Talking Turkey About the Real First Thanksgiving
How did common Thanksgiving misconceptions begin and why do they continue today?
Grades 11-12
CCSS.CCRA.R.5
View Lesson >>

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