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Thanksgiving is a unique holiday. It is different because it is the single holiday on the U.S. calendar dedicated to a feeling: gratitude. Most holidays are for famous people, saints, historical events, or religious observances. Not so with Thanksgiving. It stands proudly alone as a day to be simply thankful.
The history of Thanksgiving also contains perhaps the most important education lesson taught in America.
During the first winter the Pilgrims passed at Plymouth in 1621, Squanto, a Native American, was instrumental in showing the new European arrivals how to plant and fertilize corn according to Native traditions. His techniques helped the Europeans celebrate a bountiful first Thanksgiving harvest. Squanto was also a vital translator between the Pilgrims and Native Americans.
Stop and think about this. Squanto taught perhaps the most crucial lesson the Pilgrims would ever learn: how to survive in a new land. Talk about the ultimate education.
When's the last time you appreciated a lesson a teacher taught? Better yet, when's the last time you taught something useful to someone else (even a total stranger)? Squanto's example shows us nearly 400 years later the model for sharing and teaching selflessly.
Imagine what Squanto could've done in the 21st century as a teacher! Here's hoping he'd love using online lessons and multimedia as much as we do.
This Thanksgiving, share the value lessons you know with those around you, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Teachers come in every way, shape, and form. Let's be grateful for the joy of learning.
What's the most important lesson you've learned this year that you're thankful for?
The history of Thanksgiving also contains perhaps the most important education lesson taught in America.
During the first winter the Pilgrims passed at Plymouth in 1621, Squanto, a Native American, was instrumental in showing the new European arrivals how to plant and fertilize corn according to Native traditions. His techniques helped the Europeans celebrate a bountiful first Thanksgiving harvest. Squanto was also a vital translator between the Pilgrims and Native Americans.
Stop and think about this. Squanto taught perhaps the most crucial lesson the Pilgrims would ever learn: how to survive in a new land. Talk about the ultimate education.
When's the last time you appreciated a lesson a teacher taught? Better yet, when's the last time you taught something useful to someone else (even a total stranger)? Squanto's example shows us nearly 400 years later the model for sharing and teaching selflessly.
Imagine what Squanto could've done in the 21st century as a teacher! Here's hoping he'd love using online lessons and multimedia as much as we do.
This Thanksgiving, share the value lessons you know with those around you, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Teachers come in every way, shape, and form. Let's be grateful for the joy of learning.
What's the most important lesson you've learned this year that you're thankful for?
