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ESL Thanksgiving

ESL Thanksgiving

As an EFL teacher in Asia, I've rarely had the opportunity to teach about the American holiday of Thanksgiving.

 

Jump to ESL Thanksgiving Activities

 

It seems I hardly have time to squeeze in a lesson about Thanksgiving between Halloween and Christmas!

 

If you're lucky enough to teach about Thanksgiving, feel free to use this short, easy-to-read explanation. Copy and paste to make your own Thanksgiving activities!

 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an important holiday for American families. It is a day to give thanks for all of the good things in your life.

 

It is celebrated by getting together with family and having a big meal, usually involving turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, squash, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

 

Most of the foods eaten at Thanksgiving dinners today are native to North America.

 

The origins of the holiday can be traced to 1621 when the Pilgrims had a harvest festival at Plymouth. Their guests, the Native Americans, brought food as a gesture of goodwill. It was a feast among friends and family. They ate and gave thanks for their harvest and good fortune. 

 

Nowadays, on Thanksgiving Day, there are parades in big cities that people will watch live or on television. It is also popular to watch football on television after eating. The day after Thanksgiving is associated with shopping. It is the biggest shopping day of the year. It signifies the beginning of the Christmas shopping season and is called, “Black Friday”.

 

American Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November every year.

Becki

Hi fellow EFL Sensei!

I'm Becki, the Co-Founder and the one who put up all these great speaking activities. We’re here to provide enjoyable lessons for teachers like you! Learn more

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