We have TWO Thanksgiving units! If you’re interested in our autumn-spiced Giving Thanks unit which also comes with its own Thanksgiving planner, you’ll want to go HERE instead.
CAMPFIRE STANDARDS:
Our units are taught through living book format.They are applicable to all age levels, pre-reader to adult. If you would like to see how we adjust each level for difficulty (while allowing the whole family to come together), please visit this page HERE.
UNIT DESCRIPTION:
Please note: if your child is not used to read-alouds or is very young, they will likely do better with the other Giving Thanks unit. The storyline built in this unit is most applicable for upper elementary – high school or those who are familiar with read alouds.
Step into one of the most immersive and captivating historical experiences your family will ever have. This isn’t just another history lesson—it’s a time machine that blends the past and present into an unforgettable adventure.
We’ve used over 40 authentic primary sources—real conversations from men and women who lived through the laughter, the struggles, the wars, the feasts, and the friendships that shaped what many refer to as the “first Thanksgiving.” This unit dives deep into the true heart of the holiday, giving you the real story in a way that pulls you in and makes you feel like you’re living it.
Why stop at the history books when you can experience it firsthand?
Our living story format brings history to life, guiding your family through twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat. You’ll want to feast—and even fight—for all the right reasons, as you explore the complex relationships and events that defined early America. It’s no wonder this is one of our most-loved units!
Hands-On History Your Family Will Love
We’ve packed this unit with engaging activities your family can choose from (optional but fun!)—from crafting dried apple garlands, making corn husk dolls, and playing Hubbub like the Wampanoag, to learning rope-making and weir fishing just like the settlers. You’ll even journey beyond what we usually call the first “Thanksgiving” to discover where it really originated, exploring the Civil War’s connection to this timeless holiday.
No boring textbooks here—this is an adventure-packed journey that teaches the real history, not watered-down myths. It’s all backed by primary sources, so you know your family is getting the truth.
Ready for a Unit That Builds Character and Curiosity?
Are you ready for a unit that will deepen the character of your children? Do you want to bring them into a whole new world of learning history where they feel connected and want to grow into better individuals? And… do you want it all disguised in a way that they are having fun without even realizing they’re learning? Then YOU WANT THIS UNIT.
And for Our Canadian Crew—you’ll love it too! Many of the themes and stories resonate deeply with Canada’s own history, sparking meaningful conversations about shared struggles and perspectives.
If you’re ready for a history unit that your family will love, that builds empathy, understanding, and character—this is the one you’ve been waiting for!
With this unit, you receive:
- 15 open-and-go lessons
- ALL guidebooks included to cover the whole family, aged pre-reader to adult
- All guidebooks are specifically choreographed to be used together
- Core Connections are included, to extend this into an all-in-one unit study, covering multiple school subjects (all ages)
- Just download, use on any device (or print, if desired) and go!
- Downloads appear immediately after purchase on your device screen
- You get to keep your products forever, to be reused over and over again as the children grow
DIFFERENCES FROM THE NORM:
While most of our units contain 12 lessons, the Growing Guidebook contains lessons # 1- 9 where the Advanced Guidebook contains lesson # 1 – 9 and also bonus lessons # 10 – 15. This was done for organizational purposes (where the bonus lessons get into the “darker side” of things), but is still the same amount of content as a regular 12-lesson unit. See “IMPORTANT” page inside unit which details the purpose of the bonus lessons.
CORE CONNECTIONS COMPANION:
This can be used as core curriculum (with Core Connections) or as an extracurricular (without Core Connections). To see what is covered in each unit, go HERE.
The Core Connections are AMAZING and designed so your family can take a break from your other curriculum during the holiday season and focus in together as a family (without sacrificing core learning). Learning all about why leaves change color and other amazing biochemistry, as well as learning language arts from Shakespeare and the Pilgrims! You can also skip the Core Connections, and use this in addition to your school days as an extracurricular or history unit leading up to Thanksgiving.
Just a FEW of the concepts and learning that are covered by our utilization of over 40 PRIMARY sources (while keeping it INCREDIBLY fun and engaging) include: Pequot Natives and their culture, Narragansett Natives, Wampanoag, Mohawk, Mohegan…living off the land, the actual writings of the treaty with Massasoit, the journal entries of the Pilgrims, the terms of the hostage swap, the feud between Tisquantum and Massasoit, the Mayflower (as recorded by the Pilgrims, not modern history books), the feast!, the difference between Separatists/Puritans/Pilgrims, King James and the Church of England, the Netherlands, the Speedwell, John Oldham, Captain Stone, a really incredible twist (we won’t spoil it), weir fishing, John Carver, the Winslow family (governors of Plymouth)… basically, the list goes on (and on)…
ashlyfuller85 (verified owner) –
Wonderful unit! Lots of info and possibilities for creating memories! The book selection is excellent! Highly recommend!
Kristen Richard (verified owner) –
We are starting this unit for the second time. We have done 4 or 5 units and this one has been a favorite all across the board! It is so rich and engaging for all ages!
Jennifer Heckert (verified owner) –
This is our first unit using the Campfire Curriculums, and it’s been a refreshing experience. My son usually dislikes schoolwork, but he completed this unit without complaint. I highly recommend it.