Learning about Thanksgiving

​Did you know your state’s Department of Education wants students to learn why we celebrate Thanksgiving?

Yes, let’s talk about what should be taught at Thanksgiving.

Teachers must understand that their state’s education department expects students to know why Thanksgiving is celebrated. Every state lists it in its academic standards. Do you know why we celebrate Thanksgiving? It’s a holiday established by our government. That’s right! And the President asks us all to thank God on that day.

There is a common misconception that teaching about the Bible and Christianity is not allowed in public school classrooms because of concerns over the establishment of religion. As The Bible in State Academic Standards shows, quite to the contrary, state academic standards across the nation provide ample opportunity for educators to teach about the Bible, Christian beliefs, and Christians who were influential in history. For example, California sixth graders are expected to:

“Note the origins of Christianity in the Jewish Messianic prophecies, the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as described in the New Testament, and the contribution of St. Paul the Apostle to the definition and spread of Christian beliefs (e.g., belief in the Trinity, resurrection, salvation).” (Standard 6.7.6, adopted in 1998 and reaffirmed in 2005)

You will be amazed at how much your state’s academic standards expect students to know about America’s Christian heritage. And many teachers don’t even know it. For a free copy of our research on your state’s standards, visit https://gogateways.org/standards​

Thanksgiving Prayers
Thanksgiving is a special time to express gratitude and reflect on the blessings in our lives.
Here are six Thanksgiving prayers:

The Grateful Heart Prayer:
   Dear Heavenly Father,
   We gather today with hearts full of gratitude.
   Thank you for the food on our table and the love in our hearts.
   May we always remember the importance of thankfulness.
   Amen.

The Abundance Prayer:
   Dear Lord,
   We are thankful for the abundance that surrounds us.
   Help us share our blessings with those in need.
   May our hearts be generous and our actions reflect your love.
   Amen.

The Blessing of Friendship Prayer:
   Dear God,
   Thank you for the friends and family who gather around us.
   Bless our friendships, and help us cherish the moments we share.
   May we always be a source of support and love for one another.
   Amen.

The Unity Prayer:
   Heavenly Father,
   On this Thanksgiving, we come together as one community.
   Guide us to understand and respect our differences.
   Help us find unity in our diversity, and may peace and love prevail.
   Amen.

The Prayer of Peace:
   Dear God,
   As we gather to give thanks, we also pray for peace.
   In a world often filled with strife and conflict,
   May the spirit of Thanksgiving remind us of the importance of harmony.
   Grant us the wisdom to seek understanding and the courage to promote peace.
   May our hearts be a sanctuary of serenity, and our actions be a testament to your loving grace.
   Amen.

The Harvest of Love Prayer:
   Dear God, Creator of all,
   As we celebrate Thanksgiving, help us remember the harvest of love.
   Bless the hands that prepared this meal, and the hearts that share it.
   May love and kindness fill our school and homes.
   Amen.

Feel free to share these prayers during your Thanksgiving celebrations in public schools to foster a sense of gratitude, love, unity, and peace among kids and parents.