Lesson & Activities - Celebrating Thanksgiving: A Tradition of Thankfulness and Togetherness
Updated: Oct 13





✦ This lesson includes these sections:
☞ LESSON:
☞ PART 1 - Giving Thanks On Thanksgiving
☞ PART 2 - Canadian & American Thanksgiving Differences
☞ PART 3 - Decorating The Home For Thanksgiving
☞ PART 4 - The Origins Of Thanksgiving
☞ PART 5 - How Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving Today?
☞ PART 6 - A Thanksgiving Feast Of Classic Dishes
☞ LISTENING - Celebrating Thanksgiving
☞ PART 7 - What Are Facts & Opinions
☞ PART 8 - 10 Fascinating Facts About Thanksgiving
☞ PART 9 - 10 Interesting Opinions About Thanksgiving
☞ ACTIVITY 1 - F Or O Narration Comprehension Activity
☞ PART 10 - Popular Thanksgiving Dishes
☞ PART 11 - Thanksgiving Dishes Cooking Methods
☞ ACTIVITY 2 - Thanksgiving Dishes Matching Activity
☞ POLL - Favourite Thanksgiving Dishes
☞ PART 12 - Concluding Thoughts
☞ QUIZ - Test Your Knowledge
✦ Click on each section from above to see it ↑
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Celebrating Thanksgiving
A Tradition of Thankfulness and Togetherness


Speaking Activity
Conversation Questions

Instructions:
Listen to and read the conversation questions.
Practice your speaking by answering each question out loud.
See some possible answers to the conversation questions by clicking the side arrows next to each question.
Conversation Questions
1. When is Thanksgiving celebrated in Canada?
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October.
2. How does the Thanksgiving holiday make you feel?
The thanksgiving holiday makes me feel happy, warm on the inside, and grateful.
3. What traditional food do you enjoy eating on Thanksgiving?
I enjoy eating turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and dessert like warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream..
4. Can you name some popular Thanksgiving decorations?
Some popular Thanksgiving decorations include leaves and pumpkins,
5. What is your favourite part of the Thanksgiving celebration?
My favourite part of the Thanksgiving celebration is spending time with family and friends.
Writing Activity
Pre-Reading Vocabulary

Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Copy the words from below.
Look up the definitions of the words online.
Get to know the definitions of each word
Important Words
Celebrating Thanksgiving
holiday
festive
gathering
decorate
cornucopia
origins
explorer
gratitude
settlers
harvest
meals
stuffing
Celebrating Thanksgiving

Instructions:
Read the following text.
Listen to the audio files.
Complete the activities within the lesson.
Note: Reading out loud when learning a new language is important because it helps you practice your pronunciation. When you speak the words, you can hear how they sound, and this will improve your speaking skills.
Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a special holiday in Canada. Families and friends come together to give thanks for the good things in their lives. It is celebrated on the second Monday in October during the autumn season. People enjoy spending time together, sharing a meal, and celebrating the harvest.
Canadian and American Thanksgiving:
What Is Different?

Canadian Thanksgiving and American Thanksgiving are celebrated at different times because the harvest season happens earlier in Canada. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Canada has a colder climate, so crops are usually ready to be gathered sooner in the year. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November because the warmer climate allows the growing season to last longer. As a result, the harvest is finished later, and Thanksgiving is celebrated later in the year. The different dates reflect the timing of the harvest in each country.
Decorating The Home For Thanksgiving

Before Thanksgiving, many Canadians decorate their homes with autumn colours such as orange, yellow, red, and brown. People often display pumpkins, gourds, and colourful leaves to celebrate the season. Some families also place a cornucopia filled with fruits and vegetables on their table. These decorations help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and remind people of the harvest.
The Origins of Thanksgiving

Canadian Thanksgiving has a long history. The first Thanksgiving in Canada was celebrated in 1578 when explorer Martin Frobisher held a feast to give thanks for a safe journey. Later, French settlers celebrated successful harvests by sharing meals with family, friends, and neighbours. Over time, these traditions became the Thanksgiving holiday that Canadians celebrate today.
How Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving Today?

Today, Thanksgiving is a time for Canadians to appreciate the good things in their lives. People give thanks for their family, friends, health, and homes. Many families spend time together, enjoy special activities, and think about what they are thankful for. The holiday encourages people to show gratitude and enjoy time with loved ones.
A Thanksgiving Feast of Classic Dishes

On Thanksgiving, families gather to enjoy a special meal together. The feast often includes turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, roasted yams, green bean casserole, roasted potatoes, corn, and cranberry sauce. For dessert, many people enjoy apple pie or pumpkin pie. Sharing a meal is one of the most important Thanksgiving traditions.
Listening Activity
Celebrating Thanksgiving

Instructions:
Press the play buttons below.
Listen to the audio file.
Use the reading from above to follow along with the audio file.
Celebrating Thanksgiving
A Tradition of Thankfulness and Togetherness

What Are Facts & Opinions?

Knowing the difference between a fact and an opinion is very important. Understanding this helps you read critically, express your ideas clearly, and agree or disagree with people politely.
What is a Fact?
A fact is something that is true and can be proven with evidence, data, or scientific observation. Facts are objective; they do not depend on someone's personal feelings or preferences.
Example: Thanksgiving is celebrated in Canada on the second Monday in October.
How to test it: You can check a calendar or a government website to confirm that this is true.
What is an Opinion?
An opinion shows what a person believes, feels, or thinks about a topic. Opinions are subjective; they vary from person to person because everyone has different tastes, values, and experiences. An opinion cannot be proven true or false.
Example: Pumpkin pie is the best Thanksgiving dessert.
How to test it: You cannot prove this statement is true because different people enjoy different desserts. Some people may prefer pumpkin pie, while others may prefer apple pie or cheesecake.
10 Fascinating Facts About Thanksgiving

Canadian Thanksgiving is a holiday with a rich history and unique traditions. From its early harvest roots to national celebrations across the country, there are many interesting facts to learn about this autumn holiday. Here are some key facts about celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada:

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October.
It is an official holiday across most of Canada, except in some Atlantic provinces.
Canada's harvest happens earlier in autumn because of its northern location.
English explorer Martin Frobisher held Canada's first European Thanksgiving in 1578.
Roasted turkey with stuffing and gravy is the most popular main meal.
Spiced pumpkin pie is the traditional dessert served after dinner.
Most Canadians get a three-day long weekend to relax with family.
The holiday happens when maple leaves change to bright autumn colours.
The Canadian Football League plays traditional games on Thanksgiving Monday.
Parliament officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1957.
10 Interesting Opinions About Thanksgiving

Canadian Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings up many different thoughts and perspectives. From the delicious autumn food to family traditions and fall weather, people often have strong opinions about what makes this holiday special. Here are some common opinions about celebrating Thanksgiving in Canada:

October is a much better time for Thanksgiving than November because it is warmer.
Warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream tastes better than pumpkin pie.
Looking at colorful fall leaves is the most enjoyable part of the weekend.
Homemade cranberry sauce tastes far superior to canned sauce.
Cold turkey sandwiches on Tuesday taste even better than Sunday dinner.
Eating Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday is better than Monday.
Watching cozy movies at home is better than watching football on TV.
Creamy mashed potatoes with hot gravy are the best part of the meal.
Wearing a thick sweater to dinner makes the holiday feel extra special.
Thanksgiving is more relaxing than Christmas because there is no gift stress.
Listening, Reading & Writing Practice
Narration Comprehension Activity

Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 12.
Listen and then read the 12 narrations.
Decide whether each narration is a fact or an opinion.
Practice your writing by writing 'Fact' or 'Opinion' next to each number on your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each narration.
Narration Comprehension Activity

Narration #1
Narration #1: "In Canada, Thanksgiving is officially celebrated on the second Monday of October every year." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #2
Narration #2: "Pumpkin pie with whipped cream is the most delicious dessert you can eat during the autumn season." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #3
Narration #3: "Canadian Thanksgiving is a much better and more relaxing holiday than American Thanksgiving." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #4
Narration #4: "The first recorded European Thanksgiving celebration in North America was held by English explorer Martin Frobisher in 1578." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #5
Narration #5: "Traditional Canadian Thanksgiving meals often include roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and autumn vegetables." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #6
Narration #6: "In 1957, the Parliament of Canada officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday dedicated to giving thanks for a bountiful harvest." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #7
Narration #7: "Watching Canadian Football League games on Thanksgiving Monday is the most exciting activity to do with family." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #8
Narration #8: "Because Canada is located further north than the United States, its harvest season arrives earlier in the autumn." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #9
Narration #9: "October is the prettiest month of the year in Canada because of the vibrant red, orange, and yellow autumn leaves." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #10
Narration #10: "Spending Thanksgiving weekend at a cozy cabin or cottage in the country is the best way to unwind." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #11
Narration #11: "Unlike in the United States, Canadian Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most provinces, but it is optional in Atlantic Canada." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Narration #12
Narration #12: "Roasting a full turkey for Thanksgiving dinner takes too much time and effort for modern families." Does this narration describe a fact or an opinion?
ANSWER:

Exploring Popular Thanksgiving Dishes

*Before reading about the different types of Thanksgiving dishes, look at each picture from above, and talk about what you see.
There are many foods that families enjoy during Thanksgiving. Some dishes are made with meat, while others are made with vegetables or bread. Many people like warm side dishes that are rich and filling. Sweet desserts are also an important part of the meal. These foods are often prepared for family gatherings and help people celebrate the holiday together.
Turkey
Stuffing
Honey Glazed Ham
Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole
Green Bean Casserole
Bread Rolls
Butternut Squash Soup
Creamed Corn
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream
Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream
14 Popular Thanksgiving Dishes
& Their Cooking Methods
Thanksgiving Dish #1
Turkey

Turkey Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Rub the turkey with butter.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on the turkey.
Put the turkey in a roasting pan.
Roast for 3 to 4 hours.
Check that the meat is fully cooked.
Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Thanksgiving Dish #2
Stuffing

Stuffing Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
6 cups bread cubes
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the onion and celery in butter.
Mix the bread cubes and seasoning in a bowl.
Add the vegetables and broth.
Stir well.
Put the mixture in a baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Thanksgiving Dish #3
Honey Glazed Ham

Honey Glazed Ham Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
1 cooked ham
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Place the ham in a roasting pan.
Mix the honey and brown sugar.
Brush the mixture over the ham.
Bake for 1 hour.
Brush the glaze on the ham every 20 minutes.
Serve warm.
Thanksgiving Dish #4
Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
6 potatoes, peeled
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Cut the potatoes into pieces.
Boil them for 20 minutes.
Drain the water.
Add butter and milk.
Mash the potatoes.
Add salt and pepper.
Serve hot.
Thanksgiving Dish #5
Roasted Potatoes

Roasted Potatoes Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
6 potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Cut the potatoes into small pieces.
Mix them with oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread them on a baking sheet.
Roast for 35 to 40 minutes.
Turn them once during cooking.
Serve hot.
Thanksgiving Dish #6
Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
4 sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Boil the sweet potatoes until soft.
Mash them with butter and brown sugar.
Put the mixture in a baking dish.
Add marshmallows on top.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Serve warm.
Thanksgiving Dish #7
Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
4 cups green beans
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Mix the green beans and soup.
Put the mixture in a baking dish.
Add half of the fried onions.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Add the remaining onions.
Bake for 5 more minutes.
Thanksgiving Dish #8
Bread Rolls

Bread Rolls Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 package yeast
1 cup warm water
Instructions:
Mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add warm water.
Make a soft dough.
Form small rolls.
Let them rise for 1 hour.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve warm.
Thanksgiving Dish #9
Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut
1 onion, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons cream
Instructions:
Cook the onion in a pot.
Add the squash and broth.
Boil for 20 minutes.
Cook until the squash is soft.
Blend the soup carefully.
Add the cream.
Serve hot.
Thanksgiving Dish #10
Creamed Corn

Creamed Corn Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
4 cups corn
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Put the corn in a pot.
Add the milk and butter.
Cook on low heat for 10 minutes.
Stir often.
Add salt and pepper.
Cook for 5 more minutes.
Serve warm.
Thanksgiving Dish #11
Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
2 cups macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Cook the macaroni.
Drain the water.
Melt the butter in a pot.
Add milk and cheese.
Stir until smooth.
Mix with the macaroni.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.
Thanksgiving Dish #12
Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
3 cups cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Instructions:
Put the cranberries, sugar, and water in a pot.
Bring to a boil.
Stir often.
Cook for 10 minutes.
The cranberries will burst.
Let the sauce cool.
Serve cold.
Thanksgiving Dish #13
Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
1 pie crust
2 cups pumpkin purée
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Whipped cream
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Mix the pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and spice.
Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
Bake for 45 minutes.
Let the pie cool.
Add whipped cream on top.
Serve.
Thanksgiving Dish #14
Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream Cooking Method:
Ingredients:
1 pie crust
5 apples, sliced
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Mix the apples, sugar, and cinnamon.
Put the mixture into the pie crust.
Bake for 45 minutes.
Let the pie cool slightly.
Cut into slices.
Serve with vanilla ice cream.
Matching Activity
Popular Thanksgiving Dishes

Instructions:
Get a pencil and paper.
Make a list from 1 to 14.
Read each Thanksgiving dish description.
Use the Popular Thanksgiving Dishes image from below to decide which Thanksgiving meal each description portrays by writing your answers on your paper.
Check your answers by clicking on the side arrows next to each dish description.
Popular Thanksgiving Dishes
Matching Activity

Thanksgiving Dish #1

Thanksgiving Dish Description #1: This creamy dish is made by boiling starchy tuber vegetables and then mashing them with a little butter and milk. Its smooth texture makes it a comforting side. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Mashed Potatoes

Thanksgiving Dish #2

Thanksgiving Dish Description #2: This large roasted meat dish is the center of the holiday table. It stays in the oven for many hours until the skin turns crispy and dark brown. Families cut it into thin pieces and serve both white and dark meat. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Turkey

Thanksgiving Dish #3

Thanksgiving Dish Description #3: Warm, sweet slices of cooked fruit are hidden inside a double layer of baked pastry crust. It is served hot with a freezing cold, melting white scoop placed right beside it. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

Thanksgiving Dish #4

Thanksgiving Dish Description #4: This warm side dish is soft, warm, and full of herbs. It is made from pieces of dry bread mixed with chopped vegetables, broth, and butter. It absorbs all the juice while cooking. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Stuffing

Thanksgiving Dish #5

Thanksgiving Dish Description #5: This smooth, creamy starter is made from blended yellow-orange autumn vegetables. It is served warm in a bowl with spices like nutmeg or ginger and a bit of cream. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Butternut Squash Soup

Thanksgiving Dish #6

Thanksgiving Dish Description #6: This dish is made by cooking sweet kernels in a rich, creamy sauce with a bit of butter and milk. Its soft texture and slight sweetness make it a comforting side. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Creamed Corn

Thanksgiving Dish #7

Thanksgiving Dish Description #7: This bright red side dish has a sweet and sour taste. Small, round red berries are boiled with sugar until they pop and turn into a thick, shiny topping for turkey. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving Dish #8

Thanksgiving Dish Description #8: This salty, juicy meat is coated with a shiny, sugary liquid before going into the oven. When it cooks, the outside becomes dark, sweet, and sticky. It is sliced into round pieces. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Honey Glazed Ham

Thanksgiving Dish #9

Thanksgiving Dish Description #9: This dish consists of small pasta pieces mixed with melted, rich cheese. Baked until the top is golden and crispy, it is a favourite during celebrations. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Thanksgiving Dish #10

Thanksgiving Dish Description #10: Long green vegetables are mixed with a creamy mushroom sauce and baked in a dish. Before serving, crispy fried onion pieces are added on top for a crunchy bite. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Green Bean Casserole

Thanksgiving Dish #11

Thanksgiving Dish Description #7: This dessert has a smooth, orange-brown filling inside a baked crust. It tastes like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and it is almost always served cold with a cloud of sweet white cream on top. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Pumpkin Pie With Whipped Cream

Thanksgiving Dish #12

Thanksgiving Dish Description #8: These are cut into chunks, tossed with olive oil or butter, seasoned with herbs like rosemary or thyme, and baked in the oven until the outside is golden brown and crispy while the inside remains soft and fluffy. They are a savoury side dish served hot alongside turkey and gravy. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Roasted Potatoes

Thanksgiving Dish #13

Thanksgiving Dish Description #9: Orange root vegetables are mashed until soft and mixed with sugar and butter. It is baked in an oven dish with crunchy pecans or sweet mini marshmallows toasted on top. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Sweet Potato Casserole

Thanksgiving Dish #14

Thanksgiving Dish Description #10: These small, fluffy golden balls are baked in the oven until they rise. They are soft to squeeze, served warm in a basket, and used to wipe up extra sauce on your plate. Which dish does this description portray?
Answer: Bread Rolls

Take Our Poll
Favourite Thanksgiving Dishes
What is your favourite Thanksgiving dish?
0%Turkey
0%Stuffing
0%Butternut Squash Soup
0%Honey Glazed Ham
Concluding Thoughts

Thanksgiving is an important Canadian holiday that celebrates gratitude, family, and the harvest season. People decorate their homes, learn about the history of the holiday, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy a special meal together. Thanksgiving also reminds Canadians to appreciate the good things in their lives and to be thankful for the people around them.
Test Your Knowledge By Taking Our Quiz

Instructions:
Read the 10 multiple-choice questions from below.
Answer each question.
Click the Submit button when you are done.
Click the View Score button to see how you did on the quiz.


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Written by: Nicole WT
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Great lesson 😄
Thank you for this lesson. I got to teach this right before the long weekend. This resource was such a hit with my intermediate English students.
Living and teaching in Canada, I am constantly battling generic American holiday materials that assume Thanksgiving is exclusively celebrated in November, centered around the NFL, and tied entirely to the 1621 Plymouth Colony. Part 2 of this lesson directly addresses the differences between Canadian and American Thanksgiving. For LINC and Canadian ESL classrooms, having that level of local accuracy makes planning so much easier. Thank you for this lesson 👍