Whose perspectives shape the Thanksgiving story, and whose experiences are left out?
Explore Thanksgiving history through questions about evidence, sovereignty, and resistance. The Real Story of Thanksgiving from Smart Brown Girl helps middle and high school learners examine familiar holiday narratives and consider how stories about the past are constructed and passed down.
This digital bundle combines historical reading with reflection and creative activities, inviting students to explore Indigenous and Black experiences while developing their historical analysis skills.
What’s included
21-Page Student Workbook
A full-color workbook featuring historical context, examination of Thanksgiving myths, and stories of Indigenous and Black resistance. Vocabulary activities, “Think About It” questions, reflection prompts, and creative projects help students engage with the material.
Critical Thinking Worksheet
A companion activity guides students through examining sources, identifying perspectives, and considering what a historical account includes or leaves out. Use it for independent practice, homework, or an exit ticket.
What students will explore
How familiar Thanksgiving narratives compare with the history presented in the workbook.
Why perspective and omission matter when interpreting the past.
Indigenous sovereignty, survival, and resistance.
Black experiences and their connections to the history being studied.
Ways to support historical interpretations with evidence.
Bring it into your learning space
Use the workbook and worksheet in social studies, U.S. history, ethnic studies, civics, homeschool, or community learning programs. The readings and activities support thoughtful conversations about public memory and the responsibility involved in telling other people’s histories.
Product details
Format — Two downloadable PDFs.
Student Workbook — 21 pages, full color.
Companion resource — Critical Thinking Worksheet.
Page size — US Letter, 8.5 × 11 inches.
Recommended level — Middle and high school.
Use — Print the materials or view them digitally.
Created by Smart Brown Girl, a Black-owned educational brand dedicated to historical literacy and making overlooked histories accessible.
