How We Give Thanks at TCEE

by Priscilla Restagno, TCEE Curriculum & Judaics Specialist

Somehow November is already winding down, the days are shorter but still just as busy, and we find ourselves preparing for Thanksgiving celebrations. At TCEE, we like to use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to explore some of the community values that drive our ongoing curriculum, as well as seasonal, cultural, and social emotional learning that guide our year at school together. Please read on for some reflections and suggestions from our Judaics and Curriculum Specialist, Priscilla Restagno, adapted from messaging she recently shared with our faculty about age appropriate, culturally sensitive, and meaningful ways to explore the Thanksgiving holiday with young children.

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and I encourage you to consider Thanksgiving through the lens of Jewish values. Traditional Thanksgiving lessons are often full of stereotypes and problematic retellings, while ignoring the reality of what many Indigenous people actually experienced. At TCEE, we don't do handprint turkeys, "Indian" headdresses, or other "traditional" Thanksgiving activities. Rather, during this time, our classes consider the idea of coming together and welcoming guests (tying into Sukkot), feasting, community, and family, amongst other possible threads. Similar to how friendship shows Jewish values (divine image, kindness, holiness, community, and respect), looking at Thanksgiving through the lenses of friendship and family can make it feel accessible to children. Maybe you take the route of foods (celebrating with food is a major part of many cultures), how your family likes to spend time with each other (like during Shabbat), or even what we are thankful or grateful for. In Judaism, many people say "thank you" before meals, when waking up in the morning, etc.

The Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, or “Repair the World,” is a great way to consider Thanksgiving. What are different ways we care for our families and friends? During Thanksgiving, we eat a lot of different foods. How does the earth give us these foods? Have we ever said “thank you” for that? Being thankful can be a big concept for young children. How can we make it accessible to them? Try asking your children, “In what ways are we kind to each other? Do we share with each other, think about our actions and how they affect our friends, etc.?” During Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we reflect on our previous actions in the past year and think about what we can do differently. Maybe Thanksgiving is a good time to consider what the new year has brought us so far!

TCEE Thanksgiving Book Recommendations:

1.    “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorell

2.    “Fry Bread” by Kevin Noble Maillard

3.    “The First Ear of Corn” by Chris Vuk (author), Phil Berman (author), and Gabriela Issa Chacón (Illustrator)

4.    “The Thankful Book” by Todd Parr

5.    “The Family Book” by Todd Parr

6.    “What a Wonderful World” by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele

7.    “Splat says ‘Thank You!’” by Rob Scotton

8.    “Thanksgiving for Emily Ann” by Teresa Johnston

9.    “Thanksgiving Rules” by Laurie Friedman

10.    “Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’” by Eileen Spinelli

11.    “All of Me! A Book of Thanks!” by Molly Bang

12.    “Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson

13.   “Thank you, Omu!” by Oge Mora

14.    “Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story” by Danielle Greendeer (Author), Anthony Perry (Author), Alexis Bunten (Author), Garry Meeches Sr. (Illustrator)