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Christmas Around The World

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Lesson Plan

Christmas Around The World

Students will learn about 3-4 different Christmas traditions from around the world, understanding that people celebrate in diverse ways.

This lesson helps young learners develop cultural awareness and appreciate the rich tapestry of global traditions during the festive season.

Audience

Kindergarten to 2nd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive presentation and engaging storytelling.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Speakers (optional), and Christmas Around the World Slide Deck

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Christmas Around the World Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
    - Ensure projector/whiteboard and speakers (if using) are set up and working.
    - Consider printing out pictures of the countries or traditions to show during the lesson for younger students.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What is Christmas?

5 minutes

  • Greet students and ask: "What do you know about Christmas? What do you do with your family?"
    - Briefly discuss their responses, focusing on common themes like family, gifts, and decorations.
    - Transition by saying: "Today, we're going on a magical trip around the world to see how other children celebrate Christmas!"

Step 2

Journey to Different Countries

15 minutes

  • Use the Christmas Around the World Slide Deck to guide the discussion.
    - Slide 2 (Introduction): "Our journey begins! Let's see where we're going first!"
    - Slide 3 (Mexico - Las Posadas): Show the slide. "In Mexico, children celebrate 'Las Posadas'. They re-enact Mary and Joseph's journey, singing songs and having parties!" Ask: "How is this similar or different to what you do?"
    - Slide 4 (Italy - La Befana): Show the slide. "In Italy, a kind old witch named La Befana flies on her broomstick on January 5th to bring toys to good children!" Ask: "Who brings gifts where you live?"
    - Slide 5 (Australia - Christmas Beach Party): Show the slide. "Christmas in Australia is during summer! People often celebrate with picnics and parties on the beach!" Ask: "Can you imagine Christmas on the beach? What would you do?"
    - Slide 6 (Germany - Christmas Tree): Show the slide. "Did you know that decorating Christmas trees started in Germany? Families bring evergreen trees inside and decorate them beautifully!" Ask: "Do you have a Christmas tree? What do you put on it?"
    - Slide 7 (Conclusion): Recap the different celebrations.

Step 3

Creative Reflection & Wrap-Up

10 minutes

  • Ask students: "Which Christmas tradition did you find most interesting? Why?"
    - Encourage a few students to share their thoughts.
    - Distribute a simple drawing sheet or ask students to draw their favorite tradition from today's journey, or how they celebrate Christmas.
    - Conclude by emphasizing that even though celebrations are different, the spirit of joy, family, and giving is universal during Christmas.
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Slide Deck

Christmas Around the World!

Let's explore how children celebrate Christmas in different countries!

Welcome students and introduce the magical journey. Ask them what they already know about Christmas.

Our Magical Journey!

Where will we go first?

  • Mexico
  • Italy
  • Australia
  • Germany

Show the world map and point to the countries we will visit today: Mexico, Italy, Australia, Germany. Emphasize that Christmas is celebrated differently everywhere.

Mexico: Las Posadas!

In Mexico, children celebrate 'Las Posadas'!

  • They re-enact Mary and Joseph's journey.
  • They sing songs and break piñatas filled with treats!

Introduce Las Posadas in Mexico. Talk about the re-enactment and piñatas. Ask students to compare it to their own traditions.

Italy: La Befana!

In Italy, a kind old witch named La Befana brings gifts!

  • She flies on her broomstick on January 5th.
  • She brings toys to good children!

Introduce La Befana from Italy. Explain that she is a friendly witch who brings gifts. Ask who brings gifts in their culture.

Australia: Beach Christmas!

In Australia, Christmas is in the summer!

  • People celebrate with picnics and parties.
  • They sometimes go to the beach!

Talk about Christmas in Australia being in summer. Discuss beach parties and picnics. Ask students to imagine a summer Christmas.

Germany: Christmas Trees!

Did you know Christmas trees started in Germany?

  • Families bring evergreen trees inside.
  • They decorate them with lights and ornaments!

Explain that Christmas trees originated in Germany. Ask students about their own Christmas tree traditions.

Many Ways to Celebrate!

Christmas is celebrated with joy and unique traditions all over the world!

  • Different places, different ways.
  • But always with love and happiness!

Conclude by summarizing the different traditions and emphasizing the joy and giving spirit shared worldwide. Remind them that it's okay to have different traditions!

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Worksheet

Christmas Around the World Worksheet

Name:


Date:

1. Draw your favorite Christmas tradition from around the world!













2. Circle the country where Christmas is celebrated on the beach!

Mexico          Australia          Germany




3. In Italy, who brings gifts to good children on January 5th?




4. What country started the tradition of decorating Christmas trees?




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Christmas Around The World • Lenny Learning