Exploring Global Holidays

Tamara Gonzales

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Exploring Global Holidays

Investigate global holidays

In this lesson, 2nd-grade students will explore various global holidays to understand cultural similarities and differences. Through engaging activities, discussions, and a video, students will gain insights into how different cultures celebrate special occasions. This lesson is important as it fosters cultural awareness and appreciation, helping students develop empathy and a broader worldview.

Audience

2nd Grade

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Inquiry-Based Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning, Game-Based Learning

Materials

Worksheet: Global Holidays Exploration, Reading: Celebrating Around the World, Discussion: Cultural Celebrations, Activity: Holiday Matching Game, Exit Ticket: Reflection on Learning, Quiz: Global Holidays Quiz, Answer Key: Global Holidays Quiz, and Video: Caillou’s Kind Party

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what holidays students celebrate with their families.
Introduce the concept of global holidays and explain the lesson objective.
Show the Caillou’s Kind Party video to set the context for understanding different celebrations.

Step 2

Reading and Discussion

15 mins

Distribute the "Celebrating Around the World" reading handout.
Read together as a class, pausing to discuss key points about each holiday mentioned.
Use the discussion questions to guide a conversation about cultural similarities and differences.

Step 3

Worksheet Activity

15 mins

Hand out the "Global Holidays Exploration" worksheet.
Have students work in pairs to complete the worksheet, encouraging them to discuss their thoughts and findings.

Step 4

Holiday Matching Game

10 mins

Organize students into small groups.
Provide each group with a set of holiday cards.
Instruct students to match holidays with their corresponding countries and traditions.

Step 5

Closure and Exit Ticket

10 mins

Gather students for a closing discussion on what they learned about global holidays.
Distribute the exit ticket for students to reflect on their learning and share one new thing they discovered.

Discussion

Cultural Celebrations

A discussion to explore students' understanding of cultural celebrations around the world.

What are some holidays you celebrate with your family?

Encourage students to share personal experiences and traditions.

How do you think holidays are similar or different in other countries?

Guide students to think about cultural practices and traditions.

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

Discuss the value of cultural awareness and empathy.

Worksheet

Global Holidays Exploration

A worksheet to help students explore and compare different global holidays.

List three holidays you learned about today and describe one tradition for each.

Choose one holiday and draw a picture of how it is celebrated.

Think about the decorations, food, or activities involved.

Quiz

Global Holidays Quiz

Answer Key

Global Holidays Quiz Answer Key

The answer key for the Global Holidays Quiz, providing correct answers and explanations.

Which holiday is celebrated with a special meal called a feast?

Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is known for its traditional feast, including turkey and other dishes.

What is a common tradition during Chinese New Year?

Giving red envelopes
Red envelopes containing money are given as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Reading

Celebrating Around the World

A reading handout that introduces students to various global holidays and their unique traditions.

Celebrating Around the World

Thanksgiving (USA): Celebrated with a feast to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.

Diwali (India): Known as the Festival of Lights, celebrated with fireworks, sweets, and lighting lamps.

Chinese New Year (China): Marked by dragon dances, fireworks, and giving red envelopes for good luck.

Hanukkah (Jewish): The Festival of Lights, celebrated by lighting the menorah and playing dreidel games.