Whose perspectives shape the Thanksgiving story, and whose experiences are left out?
The Real Story of Thanksgiving from Smart Brown Girl helps students examine familiar holiday narratives through questions about historical evidence, sovereignty, and resistance. Designed for middle and high school learners, this three-part digital bundle explores Indigenous and Black experiences while encouraging students to consider how stories about the past are constructed and passed down.
The student workbook pairs historical reading with reflection and creative activities. An accompanying educator guide supports instruction, while a separate critical thinking worksheet gives learners additional practice examining perspective and omission.
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.
15-Page Educator Guide
Teaching support includes learning objectives, a lesson plan, warm-up questions, guided discussion prompts, and assessment tools. Extension projects, rubric ideas, and debrief notes help educators adapt the material to their learning setting.
Critical Thinking Worksheet
A companion activity asks students to examine sources, identify perspectives, and consider 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.
How Indigenous sovereignty, survival, and resistance shape the history being studied.
Where Black experiences and resistance enter the discussion.
How to support historical interpretations with evidence.
Ways to use this bundle
Use the resources in social studies, U.S. history, ethnic studies, or civics, or incorporate them into homeschool lessons and community learning programs. The readings and activities support discussion about public memory and the responsibility involved in telling other people’s histories.
Product details
Format — Three downloadable PDFs.
Student Workbook — 21 pages, full color.
Educator Guide — 15 pages.
Additional resource — Critical Thinking Worksheet.
Page size — US Letter, 8.5 × 11 inches.
Recommended level — Middle and high school.
Use — Print for learning activities or view digitally.
Created by Smart Brown Girl, a Black-owned educational brand dedicated to historical literacy and making overlooked histories accessible.
