Thanksgiving seems to embody so much "Americanism" probably not a real world ... good food, family, thankfulness, blessings, freedom, and football (wink)
I feel that Thanksgiving is a special time to remember how America has become what it is by so many different groups of people who came here for her freedom.
I feel that Thanksgiving is a special time to remember how America has become what it is by so many different groups of people who came here for her freedom.
In fifth grade, we study American history the good, the bad, and the ugly and one of the GOOD aspects of our country is how so many different countries, continents, and cultures have merged here. As we look around our room, we can see that America is not for just one group of people - it is for everyone and every country, continent, and culture has created what America is today. We wanted to illustrate the different heritages represented in a unique way by going WAY back and learning a bit about our own family heritage. For some of us, a specific culture is quite fresh, perhaps we even celebrate in unique cultural way each holiday season. SHARE these traditions, hold on to them as families!
However, being "American" many of us, including myself, tend to be what I like to call "true Americans" (wink jk) which is really just my special term for "mutt" ;) Because of our beautiful diversity, many of us have become a blend of countries and cultures and cannot trace our roots back - if that is your family's case, please talk to your child and have them choose a country that they are interested in or want to learn more about. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THIS STRESSFUL. Our purpose is to enjoy researching the many cultures that make our country and to have FUN!
Here is a fun video we watched that highlights America as a "Great Melting Pot" and our great immigrant heritage:
However, being "American" many of us, including myself, tend to be what I like to call "true Americans" (wink jk) which is really just my special term for "mutt" ;) Because of our beautiful diversity, many of us have become a blend of countries and cultures and cannot trace our roots back - if that is your family's case, please talk to your child and have them choose a country that they are interested in or want to learn more about. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THIS STRESSFUL. Our purpose is to enjoy researching the many cultures that make our country and to have FUN!
Here is a fun video we watched that highlights America as a "Great Melting Pot" and our great immigrant heritage:
We have also been reading the story "How many Days to America: A Thanksgiving Story" That shares a unique twist on the traditional "Pilgrim" tale and tells of an oppressed, modern day family who flees their country and finds a safe haven on our shores.
We are excited to see where many of us are from way back when, as well as find out how many countries around the world today celebrate around this holiday season.