Classroom Thanksgiving Feast

In the month of November, my class learns about the Pilgrims coming to the New World. We share the good, the bad and the funny stories with one another. Although they learn the typical information, I always add some of the more interesting facts from Don't Know Much about the Pilgrims. I think one of their favorite stories is that the Pilgrims could not take a bath during the 66 days they sailed on the Mayflower from Holland to the New World. Some think it is cool, while others are absolutely grossed out! During this time, the kids write more paragraphs than they could ever want to, as they describe their new learning.
This year, after all of their hard work was done, we got together with Mrs. McCurdy's class and had a feast! We were the pilgrims and her class was the Indians. We made costumes, read poems, and exchanged gifts (necklaces and place mats). My room moms did a wonderful job decorating the room and getting all the food together. As the kids came in, all the lights were off and the room was lit by a few candles. The kids were adorable as they said what they were thankful for. They also enjoyed all of the delicious food that the families prepared. They had turkey, corn, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, cranberries, salad, 7 pumpkin pies (yes, I said SEVEN!!!) - you name it and it was there. The kids just loved it. It was a great payoff after all of their hard work.