OLDEN DAYS

The world certainly has changed since I was a little girl!  Many children today don't know what a rotary phone, typewriter, record player, or camera look like.  These things are often referred to in literature and movies so it would be meaningful to talk about how they were used when their grandparents were kids.  (A note to parents might help you find one of these.)  What do we use now instead of these tools?  

*Encourage children to "interview" their grandparents about how life was different when they were children.


            

Photo Op
Cut 4" off the top of a lunch bag as shown. Decorate the front to look like a camera, punch holes, and tie on yarn for a handle. Take children on a nature walk and let them take pictures of things they are thankful for. When you return to the classroom give them 4" squares so they can draw and illustrate what they liked best.

Over the River and Through the Woods
Do you remember this traditional song about the "olden days"?  I love the second verse that my daughter wrote about how we travel now.

Over the River

(Traditional Tune:  Happy Everything CD)

Over the river and through the woods       (Pretend to hold reins of a sleigh

To grandmother’s house we go.                  and drive as you bounce up and down.)

The horse knows the way                           (Put hands behind back and nod

To carry the sleigh                                        like a horse.)

Through the white and drifted snow.                 

Over the river and through the woods,        (Pretend to drive sleigh.)

Oh, how the wind does blow.                        (Wrap arms around self and shiver.)

It stings your toes and bites your nose        (Touch nose and point to toes.)

As over the ground we go.

Through the country and cities far               (Pretend to drive a car.)

In sun or wind or rain.

We might go by train                                    (Pull down on train whistle.)

We might take a plane.                                (Fly hand like a plane in the air.)

Or maybe a bus or car.                                (Hold out right hand, then left.)

Through low valleys and mountains high    (Look down low and then up.)

Now, grandmother’s house I spy.                  (Hand over eyes.)

Hurrah, for the fun!                                       (One fist in the air.)

Is the turkey done?                                   

Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!                        (Cheer with other fist.)

Comparisons – Use a Venn diagram to compare what it would be like to visit grandmother a long time ago and how we visit now.  How are things the same?  How are they different?

Graphs – Make a graph of how they will travel to their Thanksgiving dinner.  Car?  Plane?  Train?  Bus?  Boat?  Stay at home!

Family Celebrations – Holidays are a good time to talk about diversity.  Not all families celebrate Thanksgiving, but most families do celebrate something.  Ask children to bring in photos of celebrations they have in their home.  Put their pictures together to make a class book.