How Do You Talk To Young Children About The First Thanksgiving ?

llustration from the book, GIVING THANKS, A Native American Good Morning Message, by Chief Jake Swamp, illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr.

It is difficult to escape the ubiquitous imagery of Native Americans and Pilgrims that can be found during the month of November. And like most of America, you may be gathering with friends and family for a special feast when the Thanksgiving holiday rolls around.

So how do you teach young children about this holiday?

Like all information we give young children, it should be age-appropriate. Keep the story of how Thanksgiving came to be simple and explained in terms that children can understand.

While we as adults know that the relationship between Europeans and Native Americans was complex and not without shameful acts of violence perpetrated by the newcomers, that information is better left to sharing when children are older. There was initial cooperation between the Europeans -later referred to as Pilgrims or travelers- and the indigenous people that inhabited the land before they arrived.

Here is how to talk about it with the Nursery School and Kindergarten set:

The colonists sailed across the Atlantic ocean in 1620 in a ship named the Mayflower. Young children love to hear stories about adventure and learn a little bit about geography too.

In 1621, the Pilgrims celebrated a successful harvest with a three-day gathering that was attended by members of the Wampanoag tribe.

Such an event was not a new idea; celebrations of the harvest by both the Pilgrims and the Native Americans were commonplace.

Teaching children about the concept of harvest: reaping the benefits of nature and hard work is a valuable take away and plants the seeds (pardon the pun) of cause and effect for them.

That we have set aside a time to share a meal with the people close to us and give thanks is a good thing and a cause for celebration. Placing the emphasis on reflection and gratitude is something that everyone can embrace, even the very young.

Asking them to think of the things that they are grateful for, or that make them happy is an excellent way to start. You can make that conversation a "go round" with each person at the table, offering up what they are thankful for. If the group isn't too large, you can make it a memory game, with each person repeating the things that were mentioned before, just like the game..."Going On A Picnic".

Whether sharing a simple meal or spending a few moments counting our blessings, the Thanksgiving holiday inspires us to be reflective and thankful.

I am grateful for my family and friends and the wonderful readers and supporters of Little Folks Big Questions.

Have a wonderful holiday!