Pilgrims for Kids: A Simple History of the First Thanksgiving

Have you ever heard of the Pilgrims? They were a group of people who traveled all the way from England to America in search of a new life. They wanted to be able to practice their own religion freely, and they believed they could find a better life in the New World.

The Pilgrims set sail on a ship called the Mayflower in 1620. Their journey was long and difficult, and they faced many challenges along the way. When they finally arrived in America, they landed in a place called Plymouth, in what is now Massachusetts.

The Pilgrims were not used to the harsh conditions of the New World. The winter was long and cold, and they didn't know how to grow food in this new land. Many of them became sick and died. But the Pilgrims were determined to survive, and they learned to adapt to their new environment.

The Pilgrims were helped by the Native Americans who lived in the area. The Native Americans taught them how to grow crops like corn and beans, and how to hunt and fish. The Pilgrims and the Native Americans were able to live together peacefully for a while, and they even shared their food and resources.

In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims had a big feast to celebrate their first harvest in the New World. They invited the Native Americans to join them, and they all ate together. This feast is now known as the First Thanksgiving.

The First Thanksgiving is a celebration of the harvest, and it's also a symbol of peace between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. It's a reminder that even though they came from different backgrounds, they were able to come together and share a meal.

Fun Facts about the Pilgrims

• The Pilgrims were called "Separatists" because they wanted to separate from the Church of England.
• The Mayflower took about two months to reach America.
• The Pilgrims built their first homes out of wood and thatch.
• The Pilgrims ate a lot of wild turkey, deer, and fish.
• The First Thanksgiving lasted for three days.

Activities for Kids

Here are some fun activities you can do to learn more about the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving:

• Draw a picture of the Mayflower.
• Make a Thanksgiving feast with your family.
• Write a story about a Pilgrim family.
• Visit a museum or historical site that has exhibits about the Pilgrims.

The story of the Pilgrims and the First Thanksgiving is an important part of American history. It teaches us about the courage and resilience of the early settlers, and it reminds us of the importance of being thankful for what we have.