Dodge Elementary kindergartners discuss their Thanksgiving favorites
How would a kindergartner make a turkey?
''Cook it (the turkey) - put it in the oven for two minutes.'' - Isabelle Ciambella
by JILL SCHMELZER, Reporter
T hanksgiving is a tradition that started with the first American settlers. For most people the holiday is based on gratitude, food and family.

That's also true for the kindergarten pupils at Dodge Elementary

School, who were

wide-eyed, curious and excited recently as they talked of Thanksgiving turkey and the story of the Pilgrims and American Indians.

Last week, the youths created Thanksgiving cards for their parents in each of the kindergarten classrooms. The students wrote about the things they are most grateful for.

David Akinnusi wrote that he is thankful for his mom and dad. Haley Sliwa agreed that's what she is most grateful for.

However, Eric Hurley said he is thankful that the Pilgrims are happy, while Ray Walters explained that he is grateful for everything.

When asked how Thanksgiving Day began, Tanner Smith said the Pilgrims came to America on a ship called the Mayflower.

Ray added that the Indians helped the Pilgrims make the food, such as the squash, corn and beans - the three sisters.

The children learned a song about the three sisters, and the teachers, girls and boys, each had a part in the song. The children explained that the teachers were the squash and made a punching gesture into their hands. The girls were the corn, and they sat straight up with their hands clasped together above their heads. The boys played the beans, bunched up in a ball and seated cross-legged on the library rug.

Students from Dodge Elementary School explain Thanksgiving and how to make a turkey. Pictured from left to right, David Akinnusi, Gabby Manzella, Leah Horton, Katherine Thomas, Isabelle Ciambella, middle row, Tanner Smith, Cameran Zurat, Ray Walters, Austin Zeplowitz, top row, Haley Sliwa and Eric Hurley.

This started a debate over which vegetable is the best to eat during the anticipated Thanksgiving meal.

Leah Horton said her favorite vegetable is corn because she helps her mom peel "the green stuff off."

Others said they liked beans, but no one said their taste buds had a craving for squash.

Katherine Thomas went against what all the others were saying and said her favorite vegetable is mashed potatoes. Austin Zeplowitz suggested putting the mashed potatoes, corn, cheese and meat together in a shepherd's pie.

But how would a kindergartner make a turkey?

"Cook it," said Isabelle Ciambella. "Put it in the oven for two minutes."

Others said a turkey needs to cook for at least five minutes before it is ready to be eaten.

Austin warned not to cook it too long, because his dad set it on fire last year.

If the power goes out again, Eric suggested cooking the turkey in the chimney.

Katherine said the turkey is stuffed with bones, but Leah disagreed and said to stuff it with turkey.

She giggled when she said "You stuff the turkey with the turkey."

Gabby Manzella had the right idea.

"You stuff the turkey with stuffing," she said.

Haley said she likes making pumpkin pie with her mom, but Leah said apple pie is her favorite.

Tanner has a nonconventional way of celebrating Thanksgiving, as a vegetarian.

"You can go on vacation," he said, noting that he celebrates the holiday at his aunt's house where they eat cheese and mayonnaise sandwiches, spinach and hamburger bread.

David said his favorite food for the Thanksgiving celebration is hot dogs.

"You can eat anything on Thanksgiving," said Cameron Zurat, adding that he likes to perform in plays where he dresses like a turkey.

e-mail: jschmelzer@beenews.com