Professional Learning Opportunities

🦃 The First Thanksgiving – An Educator Experience

Welcome to the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County's online professional learning resource! This video session is designed especially for K–5 educators committed to teaching the story of the First Thanksgiving with historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity. This session features an insightful presentation by Trenton Wheeler, of Blackfeet heritage.

You will gain essential knowledge and guidance on:
- Authentic Perspectives: Understanding historical events through the lens of Indigenous peoples.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Framing classroom discussions that honor both the past and present of Indigenous traditions.
- Ready-to-Use Resources: Practical insights to help you bring these important lessons to life with confidence.

Please watch the embedded video below at your convenience.

How to Receive 1 Hour of Professional Learning Credit

Thank you for enjoying these educational resources and allowing us to support your incredible work in the classroom. We are pleased to offer 1 hour of Professional Learning Credit for completing this module.

To receive your credit:
- Watch the entire video presented by Trenton Wheeler.
- Review the attached resources available for download on this page.
- Send an email to rrush@williamsonheritage.org confirming completion of the video and resource review.

Upon receiving your email, we will process and issue your Professional Learning Credit documentation.

EDUCATION STANDARDS

KINDER STANDARDS:
K.02 Compare and contrast family traditions and customs, including: food, clothing, homes, and games.
K.20 Identify and discuss the following holidays, and analyze why we celebrate them: • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day • Presidents’ Day • Independence Day • Thanksgiving • Veterans Day

FIRST STANDARDS:
1.02 Define multiculturalism as many different cultures living within a community and state.
1.03 Compare and contrast family traditions and customs among different cultures within a student’s community and state.
1.26 Identify and describe the events or people celebrated during the following national holidays, and examine why we celebrate them: • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day • Columbus Day • Presidents’ Day • Veterans’ Day • Memorial Day • Thanksgiving Day

SECOND STANDARDS:
2.01 Identify various cultural groups within the U.S. and the students’ community.
2.02 Compare and contrast the beliefs, customs, ceremonies, and traditions of the various cultures represented in the U.S.
2.03 Distinguish how people from various cultures in the community and nation share principles, goals, and tradition
2.29 Examine the significant contributions made by people of the U.S., including: • Neil Armstrong • Martin Luther King, Jr. • Wilma Rudolph • David Crockett • Rosa Parks • Sequoyah • Benjamin Franklin • Jackie Robinson • George Washington

THIRD STANDARDS:
3.19 Compare and contrast the geographic locations and customs (i.e., housing and clothing) of the Northeast, Southeast, and Plains North American Indians.
3.20 Describe the conflicts between American Indian nations, including the competing claims for the control of land.
3.22 Examine how American Indian cultures changed as a result of contact with European cultures, including: decreased population, spread of disease (smallpox), increased conflict, loss of territory, and increase in trade.
3.29 Explain the cooperation that existed between colonists and American Indians during the 1600s and 1700s, including: fur trade, military alliances, treaties, and cultural exchanges

FOURTH STANDARDS:
4.01 Analyze the impact of conflicts between colonists and American Indian nations brought on by the intrusions of colonization.
4.18 Analyze the impact of Andrew Jackson’s presidency, including: the Indian Removal Act, Trail of Tears, and preservation of the union.

FIFTH STANDARDS:
5.27 Identify the cultures of the major indigenous settlements in Tennessee, including: the Paleo (Coats-Hines Site), Archaic, Woodland (Old Stone Fort, Pinson Mounds), and Mississippian (Chucalissa Indian Village).
5.28 Identify the pre-colonial American Indian tribes residing in Tennessee (e.g., Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, and Shawnee), and analyze their various customs and traditions.