[1Shannon1]

I teach at a low-income school...most students live in poverty. And most students will not have a Thanksgiving.

I would really like to do some sort of Thanksgiving celebration at school...but bringing in traditional thanksgiving food for the class to try is just too much $$$ for me. (Since I have to do all of the buying...and the families aren't the only ones with low income!!)

I thought of recreating the "Charlie Brown" Thanksgiving with jelly beans, pretzel sticks, etc. But that is just too much junk food I think!

There are 8 other first grade classes at my school, and it would be great if I could find an activity/celebration that all of us could do.

Thanks for any ideas you have!!

[elisab1963]

In first grade I used to have mini corn muffins, "butter" (soft spread), dried fruit (like raisins), a tiny sliver of pumpkin pie w/whipped cream (they love the little squirt), and a few nuts (if no one was allergic). We would discuss the significance of the food, and everyone would help serve. It was cheap because they only got a tiny bit. They made place mats to make it more festive.

[bground]

In our first grade class we always make Stone Soup. We read different versions of the story and each child brings one item to put in our Crock Pot. We cook it all day, make predictions as to what will happen to the stone, and enjoy it at the end of the day. It taste different every year but it is a great time to give thanks for what we have and enjoy a feast together.

[irises]

All that candy would not only be junk food but it can also be expensive! Why not make corn muffins (Jiffy mix is inexpensive) and you could do "Turkey roll ups" just a slice of deli turkey per child and roll them up! They can make their own butter if you buy heavy whipping cream, put a couple of tablespoons in baby food jars and the kids shake them. It turns to homemade butter! You can also make applesauce in the crock pot. I don't know how big your class is but this might not be too expensive. Even one pumpkin pie sliced into small pieces is really just the cost of the can of pumpkin and a can of evaporated milk if you have the spices in your cabinet. Hope this helps!