Cultural Winter Celebrations

Ciara McNearly

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Cultural Winter Celebrations

Explore winter holidays in cultures

In this lesson, students will explore the significance of winter holidays in various cultures, understanding how these celebrations reflect societal values and history. Through research projects and presentations, students will develop their research and public speaking skills. This lesson is important as it fosters cultural awareness and appreciation, while also enhancing students' abilities to gather information and communicate effectively.

Audience

Contenders (Ages 11-12)

Time

1 hour 30 mins

Approach

Explore winter holidays in cultures

Materials

Post-it notes, Markers, Internet access, Presentation materials, Discussion Questions, Research Worksheet, and Quiz

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about winter holidays.
Ask students to share any winter holidays they celebrate and what they enjoy about them.
Introduce the lesson's objective: exploring winter holidays from different cultures.

Step 2

Research Activity

30 mins

Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different winter holiday to research (e.g., Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Christmas, etc.).
Provide each group with a Research Worksheet to guide their investigation.
Allow students to use the internet and library resources to gather information about their assigned holiday.

Step 3

Group Presentations

30 mins

Have each group present their findings to the class.
Encourage students to use visual aids or props to enhance their presentations.
Allow time for questions and answers after each presentation.

Step 4

Class Discussion

10 mins

Facilitate a discussion using the prepared Discussion Questions.
Encourage students to reflect on the similarities and differences between the holidays.
Discuss how these celebrations reflect cultural values and history.

Step 5

Quiz and Closure

10 mins

Distribute a short quiz to assess students' understanding of the lesson.
Review the answers as a class and clarify any misunderstandings.
Conclude with a reflection on the importance of cultural diversity and understanding.

Discussion

Discussion Questions

A set of questions to guide a class discussion on cultural winter celebrations.

What are some common themes you noticed among the different winter holidays?

Look for themes such as family, light, giving, and reflection.

How do these holidays reflect the values and history of their respective cultures?

Consider how traditions, stories, and symbols are tied to cultural values and historical events.

Why is it important to learn about holidays from other cultures?

Discuss the benefits of cultural awareness and appreciation.

Worksheet

Research Worksheet

A worksheet to guide students in researching a specific winter holiday.

What is the name of the holiday and which culture celebrates it?

What are the main traditions and customs associated with this holiday?

What historical events or stories are connected to this holiday?

How is this holiday similar to or different from holidays you celebrate?

Quiz

Cultural Celebrations Quiz