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Celebrating Cultures: Holiday Traditions

Lesson Plan

Celebrating Cultures: Holiday Traditions

Compare and contrast holiday traditions

In this lesson, students will explore and compare holiday traditions from various cultures, focusing on themes of family and community. Through discussion and a collaborative project, they will create a multicultural holiday display. This lesson is important as it fosters cultural awareness and appreciation, encouraging students to understand and respect diverse traditions.

Audience

Contenders (Ages 11-12)

Time

1 hour 30 mins

Approach

Compare and contrast holiday traditions

Materials

Post-it notes, Markers, Large poster board, Craft supplies (glue, scissors, colored paper), Discussion Questions, Worksheet: Holiday Traditions Comparison, and Printable Cards: Holiday Symbols

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

  • Begin with a brief discussion on what holidays students celebrate and what traditions they follow.
  • Explain the objective of the lesson: to learn about different cultural holiday traditions and create a display.

Step 2

Discussion: Holiday Traditions

20 mins

  • Use the discussion questions to guide a conversation about various holiday traditions around the world.
  • Encourage students to share any unique traditions they know of or participate in.

Step 3

Worksheet Activity

20 mins

  • Distribute the 'Holiday Traditions Comparison' worksheet.
  • Have students work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet, comparing two different holiday traditions.

Step 4

Collaborative Project: Multicultural Display

30 mins

  • Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different culture's holiday tradition to research and present.
  • Provide craft supplies for students to create a visual display representing their assigned tradition.
  • Encourage creativity and collaboration within groups.

Step 5

Closure

10 mins

  • Have each group present their multicultural holiday display to the class.
  • Conclude with a reflection on what students learned about cultural diversity and the importance of family and community in holiday celebrations.
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Discussion

Holiday Traditions Discussion

A guided discussion to explore various holiday traditions from around the world, focusing on themes of family and community.

What holiday traditions do you celebrate with your family?

Encourage students to think about specific activities, foods, or rituals they participate in.







Can you name a holiday tradition from another culture?

Guide students to think about holidays they have heard of or seen in media.







Why do you think family and community are important in holiday celebrations?

Discuss the role of family gatherings and community events in creating a sense of belonging and tradition.







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Worksheet

Holiday Traditions Comparison

A worksheet for students to compare and contrast two different holiday traditions, focusing on cultural significance and common themes.

Choose two holiday traditions from different cultures. Describe each tradition.








What are the similarities between these two traditions?

Consider aspects like family involvement, food, or rituals.







What are the differences between these two traditions?

Think about the cultural significance, time of year, or specific customs.







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Worksheet

Holiday Symbols Cards

Printable cards featuring symbols from various holiday traditions for use in the multicultural display project.




Christmas Tree







Menorah







Diwali Lamp







Kwanzaa Kinara







Eid Crescent Moon







Chinese New Year Dragon




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