Thanksgiving seems to embody so much "Americanism" I know, I know, not a real word ... good food, family, thankfulness, blessings, freedom, and football (wink) Thanksgiving is also a special time to remember how America has become what it is because of so many DIFFERENT groups of people and cultures who came here for her freedom. |
In fifth grade, we study American history the good, the bad, and the ugly. One of the GOOD aspects of our country is how so many different countries, continents, and cultures have merged here. When we look around our classroom, we can see that America is not for just one group of people - it is for everyone and every country, continent, and culture has helped create what America is today.
To help illustrate the different heritages represented in a unique way, we are 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 a 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 some might call "mutts" (wink). 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 have made our country and to have FUN!
Here is a fun video we watched that highlights America as a
"Great Melting Pot " and our strong immigrant heritage:
To help illustrate the different heritages represented in a unique way, we are 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 a 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 some might call "mutts" (wink). 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 have made our country and to have FUN!
Here is a fun video we watched that highlights America as a
"Great Melting Pot " and our strong immigrant heritage:
We are excited to see where many of us are from, way back when, and what countries we represent in the classroom. We are also looking forward to finding out how countries around the world celebrate the holiday season.