Thanksgiving Then and Now

So each year on the day before we let out for Thanksgiving we do a Then and Now rotation to give the kiddos an idea of how Native Americans and Pilgrims lived.

Popcorn-
We start by reading The Popcorn Book by Tomie dePaola.  Then we use a double bubble to compare popcorn back then and popcorn now.

You can buy popcorn on the cob from many grocery stores for local farms.  Put it in the microwave and cook it for about 1-2 minutes. Stay by the microwave so you can hear it start popping. I also buy a bag or two of popped popcorn from the grocery store so that the kids can try both kinds.

Butter-
At this rotation students get to make their own butter and then spread it on some bread and eat...  To make home made butter you combine 2 oz of whipping cream, a bit of salt, and a marble in a small plastic container.  Glad containers work the best. Make sure the container lid is on the tight.  Then have students start to shake.  Keep shaking until your butter turns to a solid.  Drain off the liquid and spread it on some bread.

Native American Talking Stick-
We start by reading a book about the tradition of the Native American talking stick.  Then students add curling ribbon, beads, and feathers to a stick in order to make their very own talking stick.

Pumpkin Pie-
Start by reading a book about how Pumpkin Pie is made.  Then students get to test a homemade pumpkin pie.  To add some fun students make pumpkin pudding that they can then put on graham crackers to eat.

You can download my Thanksgiving rotations here.