The purpose of this learning experience is to foster a sense of community and gratitude among preschool students by engaging them in creating a Thanksgiving feast that includes everyone. Through collaborative activities with peers, teachers, and parents, students will explore the concept of community and thankfulness. This project encourages self-directed learning, critical thinking, and effective communication as students reflect on their roles within their classroom community and express appreciation for one another.
Learning goals
The learning goals for this project are to foster a sense of community and gratitude among preschoolers by collaboratively creating a Thanksgiving feast. Students will engage in self-directed learning by reflecting on their contributions and receiving feedback from peers and teachers. They will develop an academic mindset by exploring their identities and roles within the classroom community. Through critical thinking and problem-solving, students will consider diverse ways to include everyone in the feast. Effective communication skills will be honed as they listen, share, and express thankfulness during circle time and the feast exhibition.
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Products
Throughout the week, students will collaboratively create a "Thankful Tree" where each leaf represents something or someone they are thankful for, contributed by each student. By the end of the project, students will have prepared a shared Thanksgiving feast, where each child brings a snack to contribute to a communal bowl, symbolizing the diversity and unity of their classroom community. These activities will culminate in a feast day exhibition, where students present their "Thankful Tree" and enjoy the shared meal, fostering a sense of belonging and gratitude.
Launch
To kick off the learning experience, gather the students in a circle and introduce the concept of a Thanksgiving feast by sharing a story about a diverse group of friends coming together to celebrate. Invite students to share what they know about Thanksgiving and discuss what it means to be part of a community. Engage them in a simple activity where they draw or color a picture of their family or community, fostering a sense of belonging and identity. Conclude by introducing the essential question: "How can we create a Thanksgiving feast that celebrates and includes everyone in our classroom community?"
Exhibition
On the day of our Thanksgiving feast, each student will contribute by bringing a snack to add to a communal classroom bowl, symbolizing the importance of sharing and community. This shared feast will be a celebration where students can present their contributions and express gratitude for their classmates. Parents and teachers will join the event, providing an opportunity for students to communicate their learning and reflections on community and thankfulness.
