Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. It’s not only a time to gather with family and friends we may not often see, but also a time to slow down and reflect on the many reasons we have to be thankful. Throughout the year, we often become occupied with tasks and challenges that make us forget what truly matters. When we focus on the wrong things, we can feel stressed, anxious, and weary, which can lead to feelings of bitterness.
It’s important to pause and remember how blessed we are—to live in this country, to have loving families, and to teach and guide the next generation. A thankful heart can reduce stress, calm the mind, bring peace, and inspire joy.
This month, our focus will be on helping students develop a thankful heart. In this lesson, you and your family will have the opportunity to slow down and share what you’re thankful for, learn more about Native American Heritage Month, and take part in activities to honor our Veterans. AMW
Keeping a Grateful Heart
Create a Gratitude or Thanks Jar:
Invite children to decorate a jar with stickers or drawings with permanent markers. Place it somewhere accessible so everyone in the family can contribute. Encourage each family member to write (or draw, for younger kids) one thing they’re thankful for each day on a small slip of paper. Every week, take time to read the notes together—or for an extra special moment, open and share them on Thanksgiving!
Create a Gratitude Family poster:
Hang a large poster or piece of butcher paper on a wall where everyone in the family can easily reach it. Each weekend, spend time together drawing, writing, or cutting out words and pictures from magazines that represent things each one is thankful for—big or small. Encourage everyone to add new items such as people, places, moments, or blessings that make them happy. You can add photos of family events or milestones throughout the month or Include bible verses about gratitude and thankfulness.
Write a Thank you card to Veterans:
As a family take time to write a gratitude card for veterans. In the cards you could express thanks for their service, bravery, and sacrifices, mention their bravery and dedication, or share personal positive thoughts and well wishes. You can participate in programs like Operation Gratitude or Holidays Cards for our Military Challenge to ensure your cards reach veterans.
This month is National Native American Heritage Month. Here are a few ways to study about Native Americans.
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Take a virtual field trip to learn more about Native American tribes and cultures.
National Geographic has a multi-part Virtual Field Trip: Native American Stories on YouTube for older students that shares three storytellers’ unique perspectives.
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Read children’s books about Native Americans this month and year-round.
Epic (free online stories) has multiple Native American stories and videos for students from preschool through 8th grade.
10 Native American Folktales
Listen to the storytelling traditions of Native American culture with this animated collection from Rabbit Galaxy TV. These folktales share timeless lessons about nature, courage, kindness, and respect — all through colorful characters and engaging adventures.
Explore Native American Heritage:
Visit National Geographic Kids to learn about the rich heritage and traditions of Native American tribes across different regions of the United States. Discover their unique cultures, histories, and contributions through engaging stories, photos, and activities.
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Try Cooking Native American Foods
As a family try cooking a few Native American dishes. You could try recipes like sweet potato soup or pemmican feast Click the picture for more recipes.
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Try Native American Crafts and Projects
Some fun crafts to do with your kids and students could include:
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Creating a Buffalo Hide
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Making a Kachina Doll
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it, and then hand it to them with the well-taught lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same.”
Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President
From the 40th president himself, it is our responsibility to not only teach reading, writing, and arithmetic but also about freedom. As promised each month we will delve deeper into the Constitution. This month we will take a look at the founding fathers and influencers of the Constitution. Prageru offers videos, lesson plans, worksheets, and books that can be downloaded for free or purchased on Amazon for students K-12. Please click the picture to access the lesson plans and worksheets. To access the whole curriculum click the link below. https://www.prageru.com/kids-constitution-crosswalk
K-2nd grade
Younger students will get to “time travel” with Otto the Bulldog and his best friend Dennis as they explore important moments in American history. Together, they will visit the Statue of Liberty, meet George Washington at Valley Forge, and witness a United States citizenship ceremony. Through these adventures, students will learn about the three core values that make up the American Trinity—Liberty, In God We Trust, and E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One). These timeless principles will help students understand what it means to be an American and how gratitude, unity, and faith have shaped our nation’s story.
Book
Lesson Plan
Worksheet
3rd-5th grade
Your intermediate elementary students will travel with Leo and Layla to the 18th century to meet Baron de Montesquieu, a French political philosopher. During their journey, students will discover how Montesquieu’s ideas about the separation of powers—dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches—inspired Founding Father James Madison when shaping the framework of the United States Constitution. Through this lesson, students will see how the principles of balance, accountability, and freedom continue to influence the government that remains in place today.
Lesson Plan
Worksheet
6th- high school
Your middle and high school students will listen to Ben Shapiro and Michael Knowles as they discuss The Federalist Papers—a collection of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to explain and defend the principles behind the U.S. Constitution. Through this discussion, students will gain a deeper understanding of the Founders’ vision for a limited government designed to protect the God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Once you and your student watch this discussion together take time to discuss the content and how thier persepective changed about the Constitution.
Lesson Plan
Worksheet
LONGMONT FREE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
Join the Longmont Senior Center in honoring Native American Heritage Month with a free community celebration open to all ages. Enjoy Native dancers and drummers, storytelling, a short film screening, food, giveaways, and more.
Date: November 8
Ages: All Ages
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont
For more information, please visit the City of Longmont website.
DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM HOMESCHOOL DAY
Homeschooling families are invited to enjoy a free educational day at the Downtown Aquarium. This special event gives children the opportunity to learn about marine life, conservation, and aquatic ecosystems through hands-on exploration and exhibits. Advanced registration is required to attend — reserve your spot early!
Date: November 11
Ages: All Ages
Time: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Aquarium, Denver
Register here: https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/calendar.asp#9
FORT COLLINS MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY
If your child loves history and hands-on science, plan a visit to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery—where the past and present come alive through interactive exhibits and engaging experiences. Explore science, music, and local history in one exciting location. Check out the FCMoD calendar to find the perfect adventure for your family!
Date: Any Day
Ages: All Ages
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct, Fort Collins
Price: Adults – $15.50 | Students (ages 2–18) – $12.75
Homeschool parents, we would love to hear any questions, ideas, or suggestions regarding homeschooling. Do you have any questions regarding curriculum or any suggested materials to help other families? Please post your responses in the questions and comments section below.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER!!
“Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:2