📖

The First Winter: Hardship and Help

The Pilgrims' Journey

Day 24of 180
Week 5of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the challenges the Pilgrims faced during their first winter

2

Learn about Squanto's help and friendship

3

Recognize God's provision during difficult times

📖 Scripture Connection

Psalm 46:1

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

— Psalm 46:1 (WEB)

Shows God's care during difficult times, just like He cared for the Pilgrims

📦 Materials Needed

  • Large map of Plymouth
  • Pictures of Pilgrims and Native Americans
  • Small corn kernels
  • Paper and crayons
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and show map of Plymouth. Ask what they remember about the Pilgrims' journey so far.

💭 Review Question: What was it like on the Mayflower?
2Teaching (10 min)

Tell the story of the Pilgrims' first winter, focusing on their struggles and Squanto's help. Explain how many Pilgrims died from cold and hunger, but Squanto taught them how to plant corn and survive.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Over half the Pilgrims died during the first winter
  • They were cold and did not have enough food
  • Squanto showed them how to plant corn and fish
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How do you think the Pilgrims felt during this hard time?
  • Why do you think Squanto helped the Pilgrims?
3Activity: Pilgrim Survival Craft (7 min)
hands-on

Create a picture showing how Squanto helped the Pilgrims survive

📝 Instructions:
  1. Give each child a piece of paper
  2. Draw a picture of Pilgrims and Native Americans working together
  3. Glue corn kernels to represent planted corn
  4. Share pictures and talk about helping others
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Provide pre-drawn outlines to color

Challenge: Write a short sentence about helping others

4Closing (3 min)

Remind students how God takes care of us during hard times, just like He cared for the Pilgrims

📝 Review Questions:
  • What was hard about the Pilgrims' first winter?
  • Who helped the Pilgrims survive?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for always helping us, just like You helped the Pilgrims. Amen.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about the First Thanksgiving!

💎 Memory Verse

Psalm 46:1

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

— Psalm 46:1 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Hand motions: 'refuge' - make a shelter with hands, 'strength' - flex muscles, 'help' - reach out hand

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

The first winter was extremely challenging, with about half the Pilgrims dying from cold and disease.

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use gentle language when discussing hardships
  • Emphasize hope and God's care
  • Encourage empathy for different cultures
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might feel sad hearing about the Pilgrims' difficulties

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Understanding of survival challenges and appreciation for help from others

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Plant corn seeds in a small cup
  • Read more books about Squanto
  • Act out the Pilgrims learning to farm

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 25 →Back to History & Social Studies