Episode 37: ThanksgivingPart 1:
Brendan's family arrives for Thanksgiving. Can you explain their family relationships? Use the following words in the blanks.
grandmother | son | father | uncle | aunt| daughter-in-law | mother-in-law | mother | niece | aunt | nephew | wife | cousin
1. Michael is Brendan's . He's the of Rebecca and Kevin and the of Katie and Erin.
2. Peggy is Michael's . She's Brendan's and the of Katie and Erin.
3. Anne is Peggy's . She's also the of Erin and Katie.
4. Anne and Brendan are Rebecca's and Kevin's and . Rebecca and Kevin are their and .
5. Cultural traditions:
What are Brendan, Michael, and Kevin watching before dinner?
What is served for Thanksgiving dinner?
Who said words of thanks before eating? What were they thankful for?
Who proposed a toast?
6. Anne said they had a very special reason to be thankful that day. What was it?
Part 2:
7. What does Rebecca tell Peggy she hopes to do with music?
8. After dinner, what do Michael and Kevin talk about?
9. What does Rebecca do? What does she mean when she says she's "a little rusty"?
10. A note on The Shakers:The Shakers were a religious sect that came to America in 1774 in search of religious freedom. They lived very simple lives and worked in farm communities. To express their religious beliefs, they wrote hymns and work songs, the most famous of which is Simple Gifts, which was originally published in The Gift to Be Simple: Shaker Rituals and Songs. The old Shaker song Rebecca sings is an old song. It has become an American classic. You can read about the song and see the lyrics here.
11. What are some of the things Rebecca and Kevin talk about and remember as they walk the farm?
12. Kevin tells Rebecca to have a life in San Francisco. Rebecca says she'll give it a . What does she mean?
Part 3:
13. What family secret does Brendan tell Rebecca about on the way to the airport? Share the details of the story with a partner.
14. As you listen to the discussion group, take notes on the reasons each one feels thankful.
15. List three things you're thankful for and share your list with a partner. Explain why you're thankful in each case.