YOUNGSTOWN Program helps kids grow to understand Thanksgiving

One 3-year-old boy said he is thankful for monsters.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Keara Katcher wiggles her growing, 3-year-old finger deep into the soil in the tiny square green flower pot.
Brushing her fingers off, she waits, looking up at the grown-ups around her, for her corn seeds. The yellow and red kernels disappear into the dark tunnel.
Next, she makes a hole for a white bean seed.
And last comes a big pumpkin seed. She giggles before intently pushing it point-side down into the dirt.
"There we go," her young voice says decisively, as she shakes soil over the seeds.
Keara, of Youngstown, and other 3-year-old pupils in the Zion Christian School pre-school program have surrounded a rectangular table to plant the seeds as part of a "Coming to America" Thanksgiving program presented Wednesday by Cindy Kingston of the Mill Creek MetroParks' Mahoning County Experimental & amp; Educational Farm.
After an explanation to the pupils that Indians helped teach Pilgrims ways to plant, the pupils did their own plantings.
They learned that Indians taught Pilgrims that they could bake a pumpkin with honey over a fire.
"Yucky," said Kylee Haluska of Youngstown.
But it tastes like a dessert we have at Thanksgiving dinner -- pumpkin pie -- Kingston explained.
"I like pumpkin pie," said Tiffany Beeson, also of Youngstown.
They also taught the Pilgrims to gather nuts, Kingston explained.
"Yucky, nuts," Kylee said, bringing quiet laughs from her teachers.
"Do you know what happens to plants in the summertime?" Kingston asked.
"They grow up tall," Keara answered, raising her arms toward the ceiling.
"And what do they give us?"
"Corn!"
What do we need if we're going to do some planting?" Kingston asked.
"I think we need seeds," Keara said.
Ruth Griffis, Zion school administrator, said the program was part of a series on families and Thanksgiving. It was presented Wednesday to children in the 3-year, 4-year and kindergarten program.
Other programs
She said the youngsters also participate in many hands-on programs, such as crystal growing, leaf painting and cooking -- last week, they had a feast and each class was responsible for a dish.
But this week, they were focused on Thanksgiving.
Keara has little trouble defining her favorite part of the day.
"I like turkey," she said.
Ian Murphy of Youngstown folds his arms and scratches his head when asked what he's thankful for. Finally, he comes up with it.
"Monsters."
Why? He scratches his chin. "Because I like them."
Joseph Morris of Youngstown said he likes turkey and potatoes. He wouldn't want a turkey as a pet -- not after that turkey from the woods came and chased him in his driveway last week as he was trying to get to school.
Alayna Bragg of Youngstown covers her face and giggles when asked to tell her favorite part of Thanksgiving. She'd rather sing the November song with classmates: "Cold's the air, trees are bare, turkey day is coming, we give thanks."