Harrisonburg City Public Schools Fine Arts Academy

Stone Spring Elementary Arts Integration Lessons

The Story of Thanksgiving through Puppet Pals App Grade: 2nd

Core Standards Art Standards

SS 2.5h The student will describe why United States citizens
celebrate certain holidays, including h) Thanksgiving Day
English 2.3 The student will use oral communication skills a)for
different purposes: to inform to entertain, b)share stories w/
an audience c)participate as a contributor and leader in a group
Anchor #1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and
work
Anchor #2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work
Anchor #3: Refine and complete artistic work

Core Vocabulary Arts Vocabulary

Materials and Supplies
iPad loaded with the Puppet Thanksgiving Day: This is a
Pals app day to remember the
sharing of the harvest with
Worksheet(s) to map out the American Indians. It is
script and story observed in November.
Pilgrim- someone who
travels to foreign lands
Native American- a person
who lived in North American
before Europeans arrived
Character- a person portrayed in a
drama, novel, or artistic piece
Speaking style- the manner in
which a character speaks, which
reflects cultural or historical
influences
Storytelling- the act of telling a
story in the oral tradition
Vocal expression- the manner in
which an actor uses his/her
voice in a performance

Connected Objectives: Students will be able to

Students will be able to write a story that describes the First
Thanksgiving.
Students will create and publish their story using the Puppet
Pals app on the iPad.

Assessment
Storyboard for draft of
story of the First
Thanksgiving.
Finished Puppet Pals
video, where students
use appropriate vocal
expression and varied
speaking styles.
 Harrisonburg City Public Schools Fine Arts Academy
Stone Spring Elementary Arts Integration Lessons
Lesson Steps:
Review the story of the First Thanksgiving with the students. Make sure to emphasize the different
types of characters and the setting (pilgrims, native Americans, and the New World)
Explain to students that they will each be creating a story about the First Thanksgiving. Students will
draft their stories on paper and will revise before recording. For this lesson, students will have to
have a minimum of 6-7 lines drafted, and make sure that there are at least two characters in their
story.
Once students have written their stories, they will have the opportunity to plan out their Puppet Pals
movements! If this is the first time students are working with this app, show the different features in
advance using a doc cam or something similar.
When students are ready, they fill film/complete their Puppet Pal video. This can be done in small
groups, possibly during a literacy block rotation.
Once students are done, they can share their created story with the class!

Extensions and Differentiation Opportunities

If time or space is an issue, this lesson could be completed with the students working in pairs or small
groups. Each person will still be required to have a speaking and writing role in their final Puppet Pals
video.
If students are having difficulty focusing on this activity with the iPad, they will be asked to just write
and draw their story instead. This will be mentioned at the beginning to set clear expectations for the
students before they get to work.

Sources and Resources for Planning

http://www.teachercast.net/2016/03/01/puppet-pals-blog/
 Harrisonburg City Public Schools Fine Arts Academy
Stone Spring Elementary Arts Integration Lessons
Teacher Reflections:
List or AttachTeacher Reflections Here

Student Reflections
List or attach Student Reflections Here
 Harrisonburg City Public Schools Fine Arts Academy
Stone Spring Elementary Arts Integration Lessons
Supporting Documents: