Each grade in the early childhood division at JKHA focused on learning about the story of Thanksgiving at an age appropriate level. In addition, each grade cultivated an environment in their classrooms which centered around hands-on experiences that incorporated literacy, math, fine motor and social and emotional development.

Starting with the youngest learners, Nursery 3 made cranberry jelly for the Early Childhood Feast, as well as Native American headdresses. These students also made napkin rings and table centerpieces for their Thanksgiving meals at home.

In pre-k, students focused on learning the names of the different parts of a turkey’s body. Did you know a turkey has a beard? Students worked on dictating things that they were thankful for, made applesauce and corn salad for the Early Childhood Feast and learned many new Thanksgiving songs. Students made special Thanksgiving centerpieces for their own Thanksgiving tables and made Native American necklaces, bracelets and headdresses which they wore to the Thanksgiving Feast.

Lastly, kindergarten students started the week with a ‘Thanksgiving’ morning attended by some parent volunteers. Students prepared fruit cornucopia for the Early Childhood Feast, made Native American inspired vests and head dresses and played a number matching Thanksgiving inspired coloring game.

Students brought the learning home when parents worked with their children on things they were thankful for. In class, students classified their list of things they are thankful for and made thankful wreaths.

Throughout early childhood, the messages focused around being thankful and appreciating the world they live in, family they have, school community they are a part of and the special friendships they have made.