Ben Franklin's Birthday is Coming(January 17th)!

Ben Franklin’s birthday is January 17, 1706. He had lots of sayings on how to live one’s life. For example,” If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him.” He also said, “ An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Learn about this famous “founding father” of our country with this webquest!

Webquest:

1. Ben Franklin was a inventor, scientist,writer,statesman and librarian. Believing we could save fuel by using natural light of the sun, Ben first suggested an idea we use today. _______________________Find the answer at:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/inventors/page/f/franklin.shtml

2. Ben Franklin signed FOUR important documents in U.S. History. Name these four documents:_____________, ________________, _____________and _________________Franklin didn’t patent any of his ideas because he didn’t wish to make any money from his ideas. List THREE of his inventions:_________,__________ and ___________.Find the answers at this link: http://www.ducksters.com/biography/ben_franklin.php 

3. Often called the “ First American”, Ben Franklin became a printer, inventor, writer and eventually became ambassador to which country during the Revolutionary War?____________What musical instrument did Franklin invent?___________________ Franklin also started the first________________ and first___________________ in Philadelphia. Find the answers at this link: http://www.ducksters.com/biography/ben_franklin.php

Fun Facts about Ben Franklin

1. While swimming, young Ben used a kite to pull him along the water!

2. Young Ben used some money his parents gave him and went to the store to make a purchase.  He noticed a  young boy blowing a whistle and  asked if  he could buy it.  When he got home, his family laughed that he spent much more than he should have done. Later in life when Ben saw people overpaying for things, he said, “They  give too much for their whistles.”

3. As a young man, Ben  became a vegetarian and lived on potatoes, raisins and bread. With the extra savings and time, Ben purchased books and said he had more time to read.

Test your Knowledge on Ben Franklin: 

1. Ben Franklin is found on which US currency?

A. One dollar bill

B. Ten dollar bill

C.  Hundred dollar bill 

2. In addition to inventing bifocals, a device to reach for items using a  long wooden pole with a grasping claw at the end and an odometer, Franklin invented:

A. electricity

B. lightning rod

C. electronic calculator

3. Ben started the first volunteer fire department , the first free hospital and the

A: first public library in Philadelphia 

B. first pizza restaurant in Philadelphia

C. first public school in Philadelphia

Extension Activities:

• Illustrate a quote of Ben Franklin: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_franklin.html 

• Have one student be Ben Franklin and another be the interviewer. Have students give a short news interview for the class by asking and answering 3 questions.

• If you could go back in time and meet Ben Franklin. What would be a question you would ask of him?  Explain why this question would be something you’d like to have Franklin answer.

* Discuss character traits such as honesty, helpfulness, trustworthy, etc. Ask the students to find 3 character traits about Ben Franklin. Find evidence from the activity to support the traits given to Franklin.  Have students make a list of 3 character traits they feel they have and why they selected the traits.

Check out the complete resource(9 web questions,more fun facts and additional extension activities): http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Benjamin-FranklinA-WebquestExtension-Activities-1645550

Gail

New Year's Traditions from Around the World-Possible Interactive Notebook Activity

Teachers: Click here for the complete Freebie(with Extension Activities): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Years-Eve-Customs-from-Around-the-World-FREEBIE-2215707

Looking for a possible Interactive Notebook Activity to use with kids just before the holidays(or the week you return in the new year)?

NEW YEAR’S EVE TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

by
Gail Hennessey 

Bonne annee(French)

Frohes neues Jahr(Germany) 

Felice anno nuovo(Italian) 

Gott nytt ar(Swedish)

Feliz ano nuevo(Spanish) 

Shana tova(Hebrew)

Hauoli makahiki hou(Hawaiian) 

Gelukkig nieuwjaar(Dutch) 

Fun World New Year ’s Factoids! 

1. In Russia, divers place a New Year’s tree into Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake. 

2. Did you know that in Denmark, people like to through old broken dishes at the front door of friends, at New Year’s Eve? 

3. Did you know that eating 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight is considered good luck in Spain? 

4. Hogmanay is a custom celebrated in Scotland at New Year’s. The word means “last day of the year”. One of the activities is “first footing”, being the first person to visit a neighbor or friend in the new year. Usually, a gift is brought, too. 

5. Christmas trees are made into bonfires to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands. This custom is done to symbolize getting rid of the old and welcoming the new year. 

6. In Switzerland, don’t be surprised if you see people drop a bit of cream onto the floor on New Year’s Eve. It is thought that this will bring good luck in the new year. 

7. In the South American country of Venezuela, people like to write a wish on a piece of paper and then burn it so that the wish may come true in the new year. 

8. In the country of Italy, many people like wearing RED underwear at New Year’s believing the color will bring good luck in the new year. In other cultures, especially several countries in Latin America, wearing YELLOW is considered good luck. 

9. In Mexico, don’t be surprised if you see people carrying empty suitcases around their house or street on New Year’s Eve. The custom is done if you would like to travel in the new year. 

10. The custom of having a ball drop from Times Square, in New York City, on New Year’s Eve began in 1907. Some people in the south, believe eating black eyed peas will bring prosperity in the new year. 

11. In Austria, people like to waltz when midnight strikes in the new year. 

12. Did you know that throwing a bucket of water outside a window at midnight on New Year’s Eve is done in Puerto Rico? It is to get rid of bad spirits. 

13. In Ireland, people bang bread on the walls and doors of their homes at midnight. This is done to scare away evil spirits and to bring good luck. 

14. Finding an almond in rice pudding on New Year’s Eve means good luck in the new year. This custom is found in Sweden and Norway. 

15. People in the Philippines believe that round things bring good luck and often wear cloths with polka dots on New Year’s Eve. Another custom is to have all the lights on in the home on New Year’s Eve so that it will insure a good new year. 

16. Did you know that April Fool’s Day involved New Year’s Day? People used to celebrate the new year around March 25-April 1st. When the calendar changed the new year to January 1st, pranks were played on those that continued to celebrate the New year on April 1. 

YOUR TURN:

1. Which 3 customs did you find the most interesting? Why? 

2. How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve?

3. New Year's Eve is a time to make a resolution for the New Year. What is a goal which you'd like to try and work to accomplish in 2020?

4. Illustrate one of the customs listed above.

5. Using a world map, locate the different countries mentioned in this list. Write ONE fact that you might know about each of these countries.

6. Rewrite 5 customs from the list and make mistakes in spelling or grammar. Exchange  your list with another student for them to be a "proof reader" to find the errors.

Check out my fun/informative web quest on the history of New Years. 

Learn about the history of New Year's with this fun/informative web quest. There are nine questions, lots of interesting customs of how people celebrate New Year's around the world, comprehension questions, extension activities and the key. Great activity for reading for information and research/computer skills. Included are also other holiday New Year's celebrations including Diwali, Chinese New Year, Songkran and Rosh Hashanah. The resources also mentions how April Fool’s Day originated over when to celebrate New Year's! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Years-Eve-Webquest-on-its-history-and-customsExtension-Activities-1584695 

IMPEACHMENT: What is this Word Called Impeachment? FREEBIE

   

What is this Word Called IMPEACHMENT?

By

Gail Skroback Hennessey

Click here for the free downloadable version: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Impeachment-FREEBIE-5098948
This resource may be of interest during the upcoming weeks to use with their students.

With two articles of impeachment against Donald J. Trump,(the 45th president of the United States), he became only the 3rd president in U.S. history, to ever be impeached. Impeachment is the process of removing a president from office for violating the Constitution. A vote, on December 18th, of 218 was needed in the House of Representatives(one more than 1/2 the members) for the impeachment to move forward to a senate trial. 

1. The other two presidents who were impeached were Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson.

2. *Richard Nixon decided to resign before a vote for impeachment was made. Nixon was told that he would be impeached and probably lose a senate trial and be removed from office.

3. The two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump are abuse of power and obstruction of Congress(refusal to turn over evidence to congressional subpoenas). He is accused of illegally pressuring a foreign country(Ukraine) to interfere in our election process to find information that could be harmful to a possible political opponent in the 2020 election, Joe Biden.

4. A trial to determine the removal of a president from office following an impeachment, is presided over by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Currently, that person is John Roberts.

5. Donald Trump’s impeachment trial most likely will take place in January, 2020.

6. Acting as the jury, the senators must swear an oath to promise to consider the evidence, without any bias.

7. As with previously impeached presidents, Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson, while the trial is going on, Donald Trump can continue in his position.

8. All 100 senators vote after hearing the evidence given in the trial. Both Bill Clinton and Andrew Johnson were acquitted and served out the remaining days of their term as president. To convict a president, you need 67 votes. (2/3s of the 100 senators). At this time, there are 47 Democrats and 53 Republicans, so unless 20 Republicans decided to vote guilty, it is unlikely that Donald Trump will be removed from office.

9. If a president is found guilty during the trial, he is immediately removed from office and the Vice President becomes president. The 25th amendment to the Constitution spells out the rules of succession.

10. Interestingly, when the founding fathers wrote up the Constitution, they first determined under what grounds and how a president could be removed from office BEFORE the qualifications to run for president were determined.

TEACHERS:

Questions for Students:

1. Some argue that a President should only be removed at the voting booth. Others say if a President does something wrong, that is why the Constitution addresses the possible removal of a President from office. Have students share their opinion.

2.  Why do you think the founding fathers said the vote in the Senate for removal needs to be 2/3s of the 100 senators?

3. Why might members of Congress be hesitant to vote to remove a president?

Check out my web quest, What is this Word Called Impeachment? 

There are 10 web questions on this topic(including the Order of Succession and the Checks and Balances between the three branches of government). There is also a short Did You Know? section and several comprehension questions. The Teacher Page includes the key and several extension activities. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Impeachment-What-is-this-Word-Called-Impeachment-A-Webquest-3170373

Note: Illustrations from:

https://publicdomainclip-art.blogspot.com/2007/09/united-states-capitol-building.html

https://wpclipart.com/American_History/presidents/Donald_Trump.png.html

https://wpclipart.com/holiday/election_Day/scales/scales_2.png.html

History of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree-Possible Interactive Notebook Activity

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Possible Interactive Notebook Activity

* Click here for Free download: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rockefeller-Center-Christmas-Tree-Interactive-Notebook-ActivityFREEBIE-2906947

1. In 2019, a Norway Spruce tree from the village of Florida, New York, was selected as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.

2.  The tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was 100 ft. tall (1999).

3. Trees usually arrive in New York city by flatbed truck(with a sign saying it was the Rockefeller Center Tree). In other years, a tree has come to the city by a barge and one was actually brought in by helicopter! 

4. The history of the tree dates back to the Great Depression. At the construction site, workers erected a 20 ft. tall tree.  The balsam fir was decorated with paper garland, some tin cans and strings of cranberries. Some references say some blasting caps and gum wrappers were also used to decorate the tree. 

5. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree goes up the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. It is taken down at the end of the twelve days of Christmas, on January 7th. 

6. The singing of “Joy to the World” has been a tradition following the tree lighting ceremony, since 2011.

^{7. Since 2004, the Christmas tree has been topped with a star weighing 550 pounds and measuring 9.5 ft in diameter. There are 25,000 crystals and a total of one million facets in what is called the Swarovski Star. It was designed by Michael Hammers, a German artist.}

^{8.  Only one Rockefeller Center Tree was not from a state in the USA.  In 1966, Canada donated a tree.  Trees have come from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Connecticut.}

^{9. Did you know that there are  five MILES of electrical wire strung with light bulbs used to decorate the tree? There are 50,000 colored LED lightbulbs.}

^{10 . Since 1971, the tree has been RECYCLED after the holiday season. The tree has been turned into mulch and donated to the Boy Scouts of America. Mulch was also used  for nature trails in the city. The U.S. Equestrian team in New Jersey has been given the trunk to be used as an obstacle jump. Since, 2005, the tree is milled and given to Habitat for Humanity to be used in housing construction. Houses in New York, Louisiana and in the countries of India and Brazil have been constructed from the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree!} 

^{11. To be considered for the Rockefeller Center Tree, the tree must be at least 75 ft. tall and 45ft. in diameter.} 

12. For most of the holiday season, the tree is lighted from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm. On Christmas Day, the tree shines brightly for 24 hours.

13. According to the head gardener,Erik Pauze, no one has tried to harm the tree. There is a fence around it and there is 24 hour security to make sure no one tries to harm the tree.

14. Did you know that the tree isn’t watered?The cold temperatures and nature help to keep the tree fresh.

15. People can submit photographs of trees for consideration to become the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.  A helicopter is also used to search the northeast for the perfect tree.

^{16. From 1942-1944, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree was not lighted due to World War 2.}   

^{17. In 1980, for a few minutes, there was a human ornament on the tree as someone attempted to climb it! The man was quickly arrested.}

^{YOUR TURN:}

^{1. Pretend you are the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Tell about a day in your life. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you feel? Etc.}

^{2. Design a new tree topper for the tree.}

^{3. Illustrate one of the facts.}

^{4. Which THREE facts were most interesting to you?}

^{5. Write sentences for the vocabulary words recycled, diameter and equestrian.}

^{6. Look up Habitat for Humanity, World War 2 and the Great Depression. Write 4 facts learned.}

Check out these resources to use for this time of year:

1. During the holidays is a great time to share with kids the many traditions which have been shared with different cultures. Learn the history behind some popular holiday traditions from around the world with this webquest: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holiday-Traditions- from-Around-the-WorldWebquest-2864257

2. A Christmas Carol is probably the most popular holiday story. Have your students learn about Charles Dickens,one of the most famous writers of all times! 8 informative web questions. Additional activities/links,too. It is said Dickens used an amazing 4.6 million different words in his writing! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Charles-Dickens-A-Webquest-200480. I also have a Reader's Theater Script on the life of Charles Dickens. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Charles-Dickens-A-Readers-Theater-Script-3286350

3. Which president didn't allow a Christmas tree because he was an environmentalist? Which president organized a snowball fight in the White House for kids(using cotton balls). Which president hired a camel to entertain kids at Christmas time? Learn 12 informative facts about the Holidays at the White House: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holiday-Traditions-at-the- White-House-Interactive-Notebook-Activity-2219599

4. Need a fun/informative activity to celebrate the New Year after vacation? There are nine questions, lots of interesting customs of how people celebrate New Year's around the world, comprehension questions, extension activities and the key. Great activity for reading for information and research/computer skills. ( Diwali, Chinese New Year, Songkran and Rosh Hashanah included): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/New-Years-Eve-Webquest-on-its-history- and-customsExtension-Activities-1584695

Gail

Photograph from: http://publicdomainclip-art.blogspot.com

A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens

With this being the time of year for the story, A Christmas Carol, it's a great opportunity to learn about its author,Charles Dickens. One of the most famous writers of all times,Dickens also wrote Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield and more. 


Today, a person who is very tight with money, is often called a scrooge, after, the main character in A Christmas Carol. Did you know that several other words and phrases were coined by Charles Dickens?

Words such as abuzz, flummox, the creeps,round the clock and whiz-bang are credited with Dickens. Other words that Dickens helped to popularize include, kibosh, butter-fingers,boredom,messiness,squashed,bah humbug,and tousled. 

Interesting Facts about Charles Dickens:

1. In addition to a canary(named Dick), dogs(including Mrs. Bouncer), Charles Dickens had two pet ravens. Both were named Grip. The first was stuffed and now resides in the Philadelphia Free Library. 

2. A paw of a Dickens’ cat, Bob, became a letter opener after it died. You can see the letter opener on display at the New York Public Library. 

3.Someone said that if you counted all the words which Dickens used in his writing, it was an amazing 4.6 million different words! 

4. Charles Dickens may have had epilepsy. He also may have had obsessive-compulsive behavior making him comb his hair hundreds of times a day or to touch something several times for good luck.

5. Phrases including “Merry Christmas!” and “Bah! Humbug” became popular after reading Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

6. Did you know that Charles Dickens created 989 characters for his 

books?

7. Hans Christian Andersen was a good friend of Dickens. Interestingly, after 5 weeks of being a guest of Dickens’ home, Andersen was encouraged to leave when Dickens wrote on the mirror in Andersen’s room, “Hans Andersen slept in this room for five weeks, which seemed to the family like AGES”.

8. A “new”treat called the lollypop was featured in several of Dickens’ books.

Activities: 

1. Illustrate a quote of Charles Dickens and write a brief paragraph explaining what you think the quote is saying:
A. “The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.” 

B. “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” C. “Procrastination is the thief of time, collar him.” 

D. “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else.” 

E. “There is always something for which to be thankful.” 

2.  Would you have enjoyed reading an installment book, popular during the time of Charles Dickens? Why, why not?

3. Dickens got lots of his ideas for his characters from people he met in his life. Who might be 3 people you'd use in a story that you have met? Why would you use these people in your story?

Resources of Interest:
1. My webquest includes 8 fun/informative questions to learn about Dickens. Additional activities/links,too. 

Skills include:reading for information and using research/computer skills. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Charles-Dickens-A-Webquest-200480

2. In addition to a webquest, I have a Ms. Bie Ografee Reader’s Theater Script on Charles Dickens. Great for this time of year! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Charles-Dickens-A-Readers-Theater-Script-3286350

December 1st is Rosa Parks Day!

            Rosa Parks Day is December 1st!

On December 1, 1955, a tired seamstress living in Montgomery, Alabama, made history. Rosa Parks was an African American woman who broke the law when she refused to give up her seat on a crowded bus for a white passenger. Her act of civil disobedience resulted in her being kicked off the bus and her arrest! She was charged  and found guilty of violating the segregation law of the city even though she had NOT taken a white-only seat that December day.That action resulted in a long boycott against the buses in Montgomery lasting 381 days and led to a Supreme Court action which overturned such discrimination laws. Rosa Parks is called the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement”.

When Parks received the Congressional Gold Medal(the highest civilian honor of our country), President Bill Clinton said of her,” We must never ever, when this ceremony is over, forget about the power of ordinary people to stand in the fire for the cause of human dignity.”

Use December 1st, designated as Rosa Parks Day, to discuss the contributions of Rosa Parks.

Your Thoughts:

1. Have you ever taken a stand about something?

2. Perhaps you have seen someone being bullied. Did you say or do anything? 

3.What makes someone a hero? Would you say that Rosa Parks was a hero?(Why,why not?) Find a news story that shows an act of heroism.

Did You Know?

1. White people, even those that couldn’t read or write, were “grandfathered” into being able to vote without a literacy test. A law stated that if a relative could vote before the Civil War, you could, too,without haven’t to show you could read.

2. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, made Jim Crow laws illegal in the United States.

3. The term “Great Migration” was used to describe the six million African Americans who moved from the South while Jim Crow laws were legal

4. When Rosa Parks died, she was the first woman and second African American to lie in state in the Capitol Building. President George H. W. Bush, ordered all flags at half staff in her honor, on the day of your funeral.

5. There is a statue of Rosa Parks in the Statuary Hall of the US. Capitol Building. 

6. In 2014, an asteroid was named in Rosa Parks' honor (asteroid 284996)

7. Time Magazine named Rosa Parks one of the 20 most influential figures of the 20th century.

Check out this Reader’s Theater Script on Rosa Parks for kids to learn all about her life and contributions:  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rosa-Parks-A-Readers-Theater-Script-2041121

Gail

Note:photograph from wpclipart.com

Holocaust Memorial Photograph Activity(FREE)

I took this photograph while on a walking tour of Vienna, Austria. I developed this short activity which I thought teachers might find of value.

You can also click here for the free downloadable version: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holocaust-Memorial-Photograph-Activity-FREE-5037978?fbclid=IwAR0ieA6ZOt04yHC9jpaJs5RI0ameQSDxgKsxWpyWXecrcwVM0Y-Gr8sOuZI#show-price-update

The Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial is also known as the Nameless Library. The memorial is located in Jewish Square or Judenplatz, Vienna, Austria.

1. What do you notice about the books on the shelves?

2. Arranged in this way, what wouldn’t you be able to know about the books?

3. Do you notice anything about the library doors?

4. What do you think the artist, Rachel Whiteread is trying to state with her memorial to those who died during the Holocaust?

*Photograph by Gail Hennessey

Turkey Fun Factoids!

AMAZING TURKEY FACTS!
Possible Interactive Notebook Activity.
Click here for user friendly version: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/TURKEYS-AMAZING-TURKEY-FACTS-FREEBIEInteractive-Notebook-Activity-2170325



November is Thanksgiving time and most of us will be celebrating with a turkey dinner. Did you know that the Native American Indians were raising turkey as far back as 1000 A.D. ? Did you know that the Aztecs, of Mexico, were raising turkeys even earlier, about 200 B.C. ? Did you know that the state of Minnesota raises more turkeys each year than any other state? An estimated 46 million turkeys are raised in Minnesota each year! Share these fun factoids on the turkey with family and friends!

1. Did you know that Ben Franklin wanted the turkey as our country’s national symbol? Some say he just said it was “more respectable” than the bald eagle!

2. For short distances,wild turkeys can fly up to 55 mph and run up to 25 for short distances. Domesticated turkeys are usually too heavy to fly...at all!

3. If you get up close to a turkey, they don’t have any external ears BUT still have a great sense of hearing!

4. The only breed of poultry native to the Western Hemisphere is the turkey.

5. If you are wonder what a group of turkeys is called, it’s a flock. A baby turkey is called a poult(or goblet). Groups of turkeys are also called rafters.

6. Only male turkeys can gobble! Females make clicking sounds.

7. Tiny stones in a turkey’s stomach help the turkey grind and digest
food. This part of the stomach is called the gizzard.

8. Someone counted that a turkey has about 5,500 feathers! Eighteen make up the tail fan of a male turkey. Another source says they only have about 3500. That’s still a lot of feathers!

9. The flap of skin under a turkey’s chin is called the wattle.

10. Called the snood, the flap of skin over the turkey’s beak can turn different shades of red depending on the turkey’s mood.

11. The month of June is called National Turkey Lovers’ Month.

12. Find droppings of a turkey? Did you know you can tell whether it was left by a male or female? Female turkeys leave behind droppings looking like the letter J and a male turkey’s dropping are spiral shaped.

13. Did you know that after walking on the surface of the moon, in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin ate roasted turkey?

14. Guinness Book of Records says a whopper of a turkey tipped the scale at 86 pounds.

15. Four towns in the USA are named Turkey.(They are found in NC, Arizona, Texas and Louisiana). Pennsylvania has two townships with the name Turkey in their name. (Upper Turkeyfoot and Lower Turkeyfoot)

16. Wishing on the wishbone of a turkey is a tradition at Thanksgiving. The person getting the largest part supposedly gets their wish granted.

17. The idea of a president pardoning(sparing) the life of a turkey is credited with President George H.W. Bush. The first official pardon was given in 1989.

18. Only male turkeys parade their fan of feathers(like a peacock).

19. Some people make turducken at Thanksgiving. This is a turkey which is stuffed with a duck that is stuffed with a chicken!

TEACHER PAGE:
Extension Activities:
1. Illustrate/color a turkey fact.
2. Pretend you are a turkey. Write a persuasive paragraph stating why
people should eat chicken, fish or beef instead of you!
3. Use the vocabulary words in a sentence.
4. Name 5 countries(other than the U.S.A) found in the Western
Hemisphere! Write TWO facts that you may know about each of
the countries listed.
5. Have small groups of students make 4 factual statements about
turkeys and 4 opinion statements about turkeys. Exchange and have another group determine which are facts and which are opinion statements.
6. Write a poem using each letter of the word, TURKEY.
Some Sources:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/14-fun-facts-about-turkeys-665520/?no-ist

http://www.coolfactsforkids.com/turkey-facts-for-kids/

http://www.allparenting.com/my-life/articles/969379/20-thanksgiving-fun-facts-to-teach-kids

Other resources to check out for November:

1. A Visit With Love Brewster: A Pilgrim at Plymouth Colony(A Reader’s Theater Script): A Ms.Bie Ograffee Reader's Theater Script, an interview with Love Brewster, a Pilgrim of Plymouth Colony.Love was an actual member of the 102 Pilgrims that came to America. He was about nine years old. The play includes info on Mayflower, first winter and Thanksgiving feast. Fun facts,Comprehension questions, extension activities, links.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pilgrims-A-Readers-Theater-Playfirst-Thanksgiving-2137703

2. Mayflower and Pilgrims: A Webquest: Learn about the Mayflower and the Pilgrims with this informative web quest!There are ten informative text web quests,extension activities,fun facts. Skills include:reading for information and using research/computer skills. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mayflower-and-Pilgrim-Webquest-403880

3. Turkeys and Thanksgiving: A Webquest: Want a fun and informative activity to teach your students about the history of Thanksgiving?This webquest has ten informative text questions on the history of Thanksgiving(including the Macy's Day Parade). TURKEY facts,too! http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-and-Turkey-Webquest-403849

Thanksgiving is Coming: Pilgrim Factoids! Possible Interactive Notebook Activity

Pilgrim Factoids
Possible Interactive Notebook Activity
by
Gail Skroback Hennessey

1. Over the years, many people took samples of Plymouth Rock. Today, it is now 1/3 the size it was during the time of the Pilgrims.

2. The sailors on the Mayflower didn’t care for the Pilgrims and called them “flib-gabbety puke stockings” because so many of the Pilgrims got seasick.

3. Would you wear the same clothes for 66 days? The Pilgrims did! 

4. The Pilgrims didn’t have forks on the table at Thanksgiving. Forks weren’t popular until the 18th century.

5. There weren’t any ovens to make pumpkin pie and sugar was in short supply. The Pilgrims also didn’t have cranberry sauce to eat at Thanksgiving.

6. Historians believe that in addition to turkey, the Pilgrims ate lots of venison, cod, clams, sea bass and lobster at their Thanksgiving feast.

7.  Did you know that there wasn’t any milk at the first Thanksgiving? There weren’t any cows brought over on the Mayflower!

8. Here is a list of some of the unusual names of some of the Pilgrims:  Oceanus, Resolved, Peregrine, Wrestling, Love, Remember, Humility  

9. The Mayflower traveled at a speed of 2 mph and traveled 2750 miles from England to North America.  The voyage took 66 days.

10. During the first winter, most of the Pilgrims lived aboard the Mayflower. Half the Pilgrims did NOT survive the first winter.

11. Of the 102 passengers, there were 34 children on the Mayflower’s voyage.

12. The Wampanoag Indians were guests at the first Thanksgiving.

Extension Activities: 

1.  Each family on-board the Mayflower could only bring one trunk of possessions with them.  What would be 7 things you’d  pack?

2. Some historians think when the Mayflower was no longer sea-worthy, its lumber may have been used in the construction of a barn. Read the story here: http://www.gailhennessey.com/index.shtml?barn.html  You can also get a free download at this link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mayflower-What-Might-Have-Become-of-the-Mayflower-A-Reading-Passage-1438415

3. See a list of the Passengers on the Mayflower in 1620: https://www.geni.com/projects/Great-Migration-Passengers-of-the-Mayflower-1620/8

4. Illustrate a factoid about the Pilgrims.

5. What would be the two most difficult things for you if you were a pilgrim living in the 1600s?

Link for Teachers:

http://www.plimoth.org/learn/just-kids/homework-help

Additional Resources:

Additional Resources of Interest:

1. A Ms.Bie Ograffee Reader's Theater Script, an interview with Love Brewster, a Pilgrim of Plymouth Colony.Love was an actual member of the 102 Pilgrims that came to America. He was about nine years old. The play includes info on Mayflower, first winter and Thanksgiving feast. Fun facts,Comprehension questions, extension activities, links: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pilgrims-A-Readers-Theater-Playfirst-Thanksgiving-2137703

2. The Mayflower was named after a flower called the "Trailing Arbuttus". This flower is an evergreen with a white flower and pink center. Learn more about the Mayflower and the Pilgrims with this fun webquest. Extension activities, additional information and links, and the key are provided: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mayflower-and-Pilgrim-Webquest-403880

3.Want a fun and informative activity to teach your students about the history of the first Thanksgiving?This webquest has 11 informative text questions on the history of Thanksgiving and turkeys. Hope you find it of value to use with your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-and-Turkey-Webquest-403849