Squanto and the First Thanksgiving | A Customizable Companion Packet Gr. 1-2

Bring the story of Squanto and the First Thanksgiving to life with this engaging 1st–2nd Grade Read-Aloud Companion! Designed to accompany Squanto and the First Thanksgiving by Teresa Celsi, this resource includes 70+ pages of reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, sequencing, story elements, and Thanksgiving-themed activities.

Whether you're planning a whole-class read-aloud, small-group literacy lessons, independent practice, or a Thanksgiving classroom unit, this resource gives you plenty of options to make learning meaningful and engaging!

THE BEST PART? BUILD YOUR OWN STUDENT PACKET!

With more than 70 pages of activities included, you don't have to use everything at once! Teachers can pick and choose the worksheets and activities they want to include in their student packets. Create a packet that fits your classroom, instructional goals, available time, and students' needs!

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Getting Started & Pre-Reading Activities

• Story prediction activity
• Thanksgiving brainstorming and theme exploration
• Personal connections and drawing responses

Reading Comprehension & Story Elements

• During- and after-reading questions
• Reading comprehension questions
• Story mapping activities
• Beginning, middle, and end
• The 5 W's
• Story elements and main idea
• Plot and theme
• Sequencing activities and timeline
• Character identification and character traits with text evidence
• Point of view
• Problem and solution
• Understanding checks and short-answer responses

Vocabulary Activities

• Vocabulary matching
• Vocabulary scramble
• Fill-in-the-blank vocabulary
• Illustrated vocabulary activities

Writing & Reflection

• Thank-you note to Squanto
• Drawing and labeling responses
• Written reflections
• The power of helping others
• Identifying important lessons from the story

ANSWER KEYS INCLUDED!

Answer keys are provided for applicable activities to make checking student work and preparing lessons easier.

PERFECT FOR:

• Thanksgiving literacy centers
• Read-aloud companions
• Whole-class instruction
• Small-group reading activities
• Independent practice
• Thanksgiving history and literacy units
• Early elementary reading comprehension
• Substitute teacher plans

RESOURCE DETAILS

• Grade Levels: 1st–2nd Grade
• Format: Printable PDF
• 70+ pages of activities and resources
• Black-and-white student worksheets
• No-prep, print-and-go format
• Teacher-choice student packet: Pick and choose the activities you need!

Make your Thanksgiving read-aloud more interactive while helping young learners practice essential reading, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension skills!

Please Note: The book Squanto and the First Thanksgiving is not included. This resource is designed to accompany your own read-aloud or classroom use of the story. A purchasing link is provided within the material. 

If you use this resource, please leave a review — it helps other teachers find it and lets me know what to create next. Thank you for supporting independent educators!

Practical. Engaging. Just a little magical.

©  The Bewitched Teacher. For single-classroom use. Please purchase additional licenses for sharing with colleagues.