How to Keep Thanksgiving Lessons Neutral in the Classroom

Hey, Teachers!

Thanksgiving is around the corner...

Need an easy November activity for your regular classes or advisory group?

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If you're wondering how to keep a little "holiday spirit" in your classroom this season while staying neutral about politics and traditional historical narratives surrounding Thanksgiving, check out this brief article!

3 Essentials for Keeping Thanksgiving Lessons Neutral This School Year

LET'S GO...

1. FOCUS ON TOPICS OR CONCEPTS EVERYBODY AGREES ARE "SAFE" TO DISCUSS

What are some topics or concepts that are neutral at your school site, but lend themselves to a November seasonal activity? 

Some ideas:

• Thematic concepts such as abundance or nourishment
• Physical landscape (actual seasons, weather patterns, Earth science)
• Being thankful or having gratitude
• Ways we can be giving to others
• Importance of relationships and social-emotional health (family, friends, coaches) 

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2. EMPHASIZE ACTIVITIES THAT ARE SYMBOLIC OF HUMAN KINDNESS, NOT PERSONAL OR POLITICAL VIEWS

What are some ways that students will understand and/or recognize kindness in their everyday environments? How can students magnify kindness in class, in the hallways, and as a personal value?

Some ideas:

• Star chart for every time a student acts kindly toward another classmate
• Drop box for quiet recognitions of kindness that are shared aloud the same day each week
• Writing a friendly letter to a peer, staff member, family member, or other important person thanking that person for an act of kindness or wishing someone well or good luck
• Graphic organizer identifying ways historical figures or fictional characters have been kind in the content you are studying
• Anti-bullying activities that emphasize kindness instead of anger, judgement, or ridicule

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3. CONNECT TOPICS OR CONCEPTS IN YOUR CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES TO CURRENT SCHOOL PROJECTS, EVENTS, OR PRE-APPROVED CURRICULUM 

What are current school assemblies, drives, events, fundraisers, or sponsorships you could talk about in class and encourage students to participate in for more broad-based school reasons and support? 

Some ideas:

• Mini lesson on the importance of the school activity and why your school is doing this, such as a classroom connections activity linking ideas and concepts to the value of the school event
• Student think-pair-share on participation in one of these events
• Showcasing your personal involvement such as bringing items to the classroom donation box
• Class contest for prizes, extra credit, or school-wide recognition with awards
• Narratives, problem-solving activities, or presentations on "real-world" applications and/or impact this school event will have in the community

Snag your FREE QUICK THANKSGIVING PRINTABLES FOR THE CLASSROOM (PreK/K, elementary, secondary) HERE!

Teaching in public school these days can feel like a minefield. We're watching our backs, careful about what we say, and cautious about activities that aren't in the lesson plans stemming from pre-approved curriculum. But there is creativity in positivity. Being positive about topics and concepts surrounding this holiday season can simply mean acknowledging your students' interest in holiday events and experiences, and showing gratitude yourself.

Leading by example is imperative to cultivating classroom tone. When students see you in the act of kindness, caring, and friendship, we all know that speaks louder than any instructional activity. How are you magnifying the "safe" concepts you want students to ponder? Students love our true life stories, and guest speakers (remember to stay cognizant of neutrality while sharing these stories too).

Navigating what is "politically correct" doesn't mean being 100% silent. Part of helping students with social-emotional learning in this difficult educational landscape rife with increases in self-harm, suicidal ideation, and violence means talking about our connectivity as human beings. If you focus on the strands that bind and unify us instead of the political or religious terminology, ideologies, and views that divide us or could cause outbursts in class or the community, arguments between students, or write-ups from admin, you're probably on the right track in your holiday season classroom activities. 

Can we still teach traditional narratives? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this because there are many interpretations of what is acceptable or not in the realm of American history lessons, historical narratives and what is true or accurate, and boundaries in moral education. Always follow the policies and protocols at your school site, and conscientiously adhere to your state mandates and professional code of ethics. My rule of thumb has always been if I'm questioning whether it's okay, it's probably not.

Staying neutral at Thanksgiving in today's educational climate means being more thoughtful and aware of our students. Focusing on school culture and being a team player are essential to success on the job at any time of year. Ask your colleagues how they approach Thanksgiving activities, consider your community and organizational values at large, and bring up concerns collectively as a grade level or department if you and your colleagues have questions about holiday activities or what your school's philosophy is related to themes of moral education.

A happy and thankful teacher is one who finds light wherever students are, and seeks opportunities to learn from them in every season. 

Snag your FREE QUICK THANKSGIVING PRINTABLES FOR THE CLASSROOM (PreK/K, elementary, secondary) HERE!