This year’s singles’ day got to see two fabulous Thanksgiving-themed lessons from JESIE teachers Kelly Cousins and Amber Cameron. Grade four, class 6 was more than excited to meet Miss Kelly as she tossed a plush toy to random students and introduced herself. Miss Amber did the same in grade four, class 3 and added an icebreaker about likes/dislikes.

From there, each teacher spent some time teaching the class about Thanksgiving. Amber used a PowerPoint presentation followed by a fun quiz to teach three important features of Thanksgiving: family, food, and giving thanks. Kelly chose to focus on the latter and designed a Wheel-of-Fortune type game with a rainbow colored chance wheel for students to spin. Depending on the result of the spin, contestants were prompted to tell the class something they were thankful for.

Next came an opportunity for the students in both classes to learn a few specialized Thanksgiving words. Amber introduced the vocabulary using large flashcards and brilliantly allowed the students to practice the words by hiding the flashcards in the classroom while one student covered his/her eyes. The rest of the class then got to shout the vocabulary when the seeker was close to finding the flashcard and whisper when the seeker was far away.

With their new knowledge of Thanksgiving vocabulary, the students were ready to put these new ideas to use by drawing hand turkeys and writing about what they are thankful for and why. Amber was very helpful, offering markers to students who didn’t have any and offering advice about things to write. Kelly added a video of a Thanksgiving Day parade playing in the background on mute to add to the festive ambiance while the pupils produced their poultry products. These turkeys looked so great and the students had so much fun making them, that both teachers ended class on that high note. After the bell had rung, however, Kelly had one more surprise up her sleeve for the students: her childhood favorite Thanksgiving snack hand-made Ants On A Log. Many students were confused by this novel dish, but agreed that it was delicious.

In the end, all the students were sad to see the foreign teacher leave, but happy to show off their new knowledge of Thanksgiving (complete with a hand turkey) to their friends and loved ones.