LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Myth and truth: "The First Thanksgiving"

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=65

A lesson plan for grades 6–8 English Language Arts

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Students learn to think critically about commonly believed American myths in this lesson that explores the first “Thanksgiving”. As an introductory activity, students participate in a free-write or class discussion about the difference between truth and fiction. Then, students read “Of Plymouth Plantation” by William Bradford and consider the manner in which the author portrays the first meeting between the Native Americans and the colonists. After reading the story, students compose questions for analysis, and then share their questions in small groups. As a postreading activity, students are asked to consider how Bradford’s report is similar or different than their initial impressions. In the second session, students share their thoughts on the first Thanksgiving, and these responses are recorded on the board. Students revisit this list as they attempt to break the myths about the relationship between colonizers and Native Americans. Using materials provided by the teacher and web resources suggested by Readwritethink, students work in groups to examine what truths and contradictions there might be in the assigned myths. Finally, students present their myths and understandings to the class. Readwritethink provides a handout for students to use when evaluating a common myth and a presentation rubric.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 6

  • Goal 2: The learner will explore and analyze information from a variety of sources.
    • Objective 2.01: Explore informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
      • monitoring comprehension for understand of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
      • studying the characteristics of informational works.
      • restating and summarizing information.
      • determining the importance and accuracy of information.
      • making connections between works, self and related topics/information.
      • comparing and/or contrasting information.
      • drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
      • generating questions.
  • Goal 4: The learner will use critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate print and non-print materials.
    • Objective 4.01: Determine the purpose of the author or creator by:
      • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
      • exploring any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, or propaganda techniques.
      • identifying and exploring the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.
      • analyzing the effects of the author's craft on the reader/viewer/listener.

    Grade 7

    • Goal 2: The learner will synthesize and use information from a variety of sources.
      • Objective 2.01: Respond to informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
        • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
        • analyzing the characteristics of informational works.
        • summarizing information.
        • determining the importance of information.
        • making connections to related topics/information.
        • drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
        • generating questions.
    • Goal 4: The learner will refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate text and multimedia.
      • Objective 4.01: Analyze the purpose of the author or creator by:
        • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
        • examining any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, or propaganda techniques.
        • exploring and evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.
        • understanding the effect of the author's craft on the reader/viewer/listener.

    Grade 8

    • Goal 2: The learner will use and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
      • Objective 2.01: Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
        • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
        • recognizing the characteristics of informational materials.
        • summarizing information.
        • determining the importance of information.
        • making connections to related topics/information.
        • drawing inferences.
        • generating questions.
        • extending ideas.
    • Goal 4: The learner will continue to refine critical thinking skills and create criteria to evaluate print and non-print materials.
      • Objective 4.01: Analyze the purpose of the author or creator and the impact of that purpose by:
        • monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
        • evaluating any bias, apparent or hidden messages, emotional factors, and/or propaganda techniques.
        • evaluating the underlying assumptions of the author/creator.
        • evaluate the effects of the author's craft on the reader/viewer/listener.