Traditions for Thanksgiving around the world might look different but share a common theme . . .gratitude! In Canada, they have Thanksgiving in October, with feasts and family time similar to the United States. Germany’s Thanksgiving is called Erntedankfest, a harvest festival with music, dancing, and a parade. In Japan, Labor Thanksgiving Day focuses on peace and hard work. Of course, each of these celebrations shows how countries have unique traditions of giving thanks, often involving yummy food, family gatherings, and festive activities. Here are some more ways to teach Thanksgiving around the world and other country traditions.
How do Different Countries Celebrate Thanksgiving Around the World?
Lithuania
In Lithuania, their version of Thanksgiving is called the Lithuanian Harvest Festival, or Nubaigai, celebrated on October 5. It’s also known as the Festival of the Old Woman, where they give thanks for the year’s harvest. Of course, you can make it interactive by crafting a traditional Lithuanian wreath with the kids. This hands-on activity not only adds fun to the lesson but also helps students connect with Lithuanian culture and understand the universal spirit of gratitude found in harvest festivals around the world. So, while munching on some Lithuanian treats, students can dive into the world of ancient traditions and modern celebrations, seeing how different cultures appreciate the bounty of the earth.
Thanksgiving Puzzle Stations
Students learn more about Lithuania and Nubaigai while solving Thanksgiving puzzles.
First, the Thanksgiving Breakout Puzzles feature six stations and 18 questions for students to answer about Thanksgiving around the world. Overall, I love to make this a competition and have the students work in pairs or on their own to race to the finish!
All you have to do is hang the 6 decoder pages to get started.
The Thanksgiving puzzle stations include:
- 18 Questions
- 6 Types of Puzzles
- Recording Sheet
- Student Directions
- Answer Key
- Teacher Directions
- Early Finisher Activity
- Hint Cards
United States
Of course, many of your students are familiar with Thanksgiving traditions in the United States, but they might not have all the historical background to go with it! Check out some activities to read more about the United States’s Thanksgiving and practice gratitude.
Thanksgiving Color by Number
Another way to celebrate is with a Thanksgiving Color by Number.
In this United States Halloween activity, your students start with an anticipation guide before they read. Next, they read about Thanksgiving, answer questions, and mark the text for evidence. Finally, they color the picture according to their answer and complete the anticipation guide portion after reading.
Many teachers use this as a cross-curricular activity for ELA and social studies. In addition, it’s a perfect early finisher activity.
Create a Gratitude Jar
In the United States, Thanksgiving is about sharing what you are grateful for. Have your students create a class gratitude jar like this activity from PBS Kids. Have your students begin a gratitude jar and write down things they are thankful for on small pieces of paper. Next, place the gratitude papers in the jar. Wait until Thanksgiving week and have students share everything they appreciate in their own lives!
Collaborative Thanksgiving Poster
Another activity for Thanksgiving is a collaborative poster. Have your students color blocks to put together for a colorful, fun turkey-themed Thanksgiving poster. I absolutely love watching students work together with this calm, coloring activity. Of course, it’s a perfect before-break activity or brain break for your students.
Learn About the Wampanoag Tribe
The full story of the First Thanksgiving isn’t always shared in school curriculum.
Of course, the Wampanoag tribe played a key role in the first Thanksgiving story, helping the Pilgrims survive in the New World and joining them in the first Thanksgiving feast. Share with your students how the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims shared a meal and their own cultures. Remember to keep it real by discussing the deeper history and changing relationships between Native Americans and settlers, making the story both fun and meaningful. This is a great way to make United States Thanksgiving more about traditions for Thanksgiving around the world!
China
Next, Chinese Thanksgiving is called the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. It is celebrated to thank the moon and enjoy mooncakes, a special kind of sweet pastry. It’s like Thanksgiving because it’s all about being with family and giving thanks, happening in late September or early October. Share about Thanksgiving around the world and throw in some fun facts about the Moon Festival: how people light lanterns, share stories about the moon goddess, and enjoy the beauty of the full moon. It’s a great way to show kids that the idea of gathering and giving thanks is celebrated in many different ways across the globe.
Thanksgiving Around the World Cube Code
Learn about Chinese Thanksgiving and other countries with the Thanksgiving Around the World Cube Code!
Your students will learn about Thanksgiving around the world, and Thanksgiving traditions in Germany, China, Japan, India, Lithuania, and Ghana.
Overall, this activity includes puzzles in six stations through reading comprehension passages. It’s perfect for introducing Thanksgiving around the world without any prior knowledge!
- Fill in the Blank
- Find the Paragraph
- True or False
- Lock Combination
- Multiple Choice
- Main Idea
- Topic
After completing all stations, students color and put together their cubes. The “flaps” of the cubes have a fun design to add a pop of color and make assembly easier. Finally, hang the cubes around the classroom for a colorful and fun decoration made by your students!
Reading About Thanksgiving Around the World
You may discover that students in your class celebrate “American” Thanksgiving in different ways in their homes. Why not embrace those traditions by having your students share them as well as reading books about Thanksgiving around the world? Overall, this helps students feel comfortable addressing their own Thanksgiving traditions.
Duck for Turkey Day by Jacqueline Jules (Author), Kathryn Mitter (Illustrator)
First, Duck for Turkey Day is a children’s story about Tuyet, who learns the importance of cultural diversity in Thanksgiving celebrations when her family serves duck instead of turkey. Use this book for young children to discuss and research global Thanksgiving traditions, fostering awareness and appreciation of cultural differences. In addition, prompt discussions on gratitude, family customs, and how various cultures celebrate gratitude-themed holidays.
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O’Neill Grace
Next, 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving shares the story of 1621 from different perspectives, including the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. Add historical context to your lessons with awesome photos and facts from National Geographic. Chat about how places celebrate Thanksgiving and gratitude. Show that Thanksgiving isn’t just about turkey and pie but also about understanding and respecting different cultures.
Matzo Ball-Wonton Thanksgiving by Amelie Suskind Liu and Leslie Lewinter-Suskind
Finally, Matzo Ball-Wonton Thanksgiving is a fun tale about blending cultural traditions. This story combines Jewish and Chinese culinary traditions to create a memorable family feast. Teach Thanksgiving around the world while showcasing how different cultures can come together to create something new and exciting. Finally, spark discussions about cultural diversity, inclusivity, and the meaning of gratitude. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids thinking about their own family traditions and how they might share and learn from different cultures during Thanksgiving and beyond.
Why is it Important to Learn About Thanksgiving Around the World?
Exploring Thanksgiving around the world helps students appreciate the diverse cultural traditions. By learning how different cultures celebrate Thanksgiving, students can gain a broader understanding of gratitude and togetherness. That’s the essence of Thanksgiving around the world! Dive into various activities in your classroom to explore these global traditions further.
What Thanksgiving Around the World activities are you excited to introduce to your students?
