First Thanksgiving

           I read a book titled First Thanksgiving written by Jean Craighead and illustrated by Thomas Locker. I chose to read this book to the students because the book corresponds with the theme of fall that the class is studying. The book is about the first Thanksgiving that the Pilgrims and Indians had together. Teaching students about the holiday of Thanksgiving through the book will help them understand why we celebrate the holiday, which is quickly approaching.

            The children sat in a circle around me while I read the book to them. I sat in a chair so that they could easily see the book. While I was reading I asked the students questions about the book. Some examples of questions I asked where: What did they eat at the first Thanksgiving? What did Squanto teach the Pilgrims to grow? What was the name of the ship the Pilgrims sailed in?

              I applied my class readings to the experience by remembering the different components that are essential to reading aloud. I read slowly, clearly and remembered to ask meaningful questions about what they thought about things in the story. I made sure the students could all see what was in each picture and understood what was going on in the story.

            I felt very good about the experience of reading to the students. They were interested in the book and responded well to my questions. They thought that the Pilgrims and Indians were very interesting and paid very close attention to the story line.

            I didn’t have any problems when reading the story to the children. They all listened well and responded to my questions. Having the student close to me made their behavior easier to monitor. I feel like they enjoyed the story and learned a lot from me reading it to them. After reading the book the students will be ready for the holiday of Thanksgiving and understand why we celebrate and how the tradition originated.