How Do Traditions Shape Us?

Vickie Isley

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Unpacking Our Traditions Plan

Students will explore the significance of family and cultural traditions, understanding how they connect individuals to their past and define their present, while encouraging personal reflection and shared understanding of heritage.

Understanding our traditions helps us appreciate our identity and the diverse backgrounds of others. It fosters empathy and a sense of connection to history and community.

Audience

6th Grade Group

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Through guided discussion and personal reflection, students will explore their own traditions and learn from their peers.

Materials

The Power of Tradition The Power of Tradition, My Family's Story Journal My Family's Story Journal, and Tradition Share Circle Tradition Share Circle

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Review the Unpacking Our Traditions Plan and all linked materials to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
- Print copies of the My Family's Story Journal for each student.
- Prepare to project the The Power of Tradition slide deck.
- Consider any cultural sensitivities or diverse backgrounds within your small group when discussing traditions.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Favorite Tradition?

5 minutes

Begin by asking students to think about one family or cultural tradition they enjoy.
- Have each student briefly share their tradition with the group. (e.g., "My favorite tradition is our annual summer picnic.")

Step 2

Introduction: The Power of Tradition

10 minutes

Use the The Power of Tradition slide deck to introduce the concept of traditions, their importance, and how they shape our identities.
- Engage students with questions like: "What makes a tradition special?" or "How do traditions connect us to our family or culture?"

Step 3

Activity: My Family's Story Journal

15 minutes

Distribute the My Family's Story Journal to each student.
- Instruct students to complete the journal entries, reflecting on their family's traditions and their personal significance.
- Circulate among students to offer support and answer questions.

Step 4

Discussion: Tradition Share Circle

10 minutes

Facilitate a small group discussion using the Tradition Share Circle prompts.
- Encourage students to share insights from their journals (voluntarily) and discuss common themes or unique aspects of their traditions.
- Emphasize respectful listening and appreciation for diverse experiences.

Step 5

Wrap-Up: One Word Reflection

5 minutes

Ask each student to share one word that describes how traditions make them feel or what they learned about traditions today.
- Conclude by summarizing the value of understanding and respecting traditions.

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Slide Deck

What are Traditions?

What comes to mind when you hear the word 'tradition'?

Special family gatherings?
Unique cultural celebrations?
Everyday routines that have meaning?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of traditions. Ask students to think about a tradition they enjoy.

Traditions: More Than Just Events

Traditions are:

Customs, beliefs, or behaviors passed down through generations.
They can be family-specific, cultural, religious, or even school-based.
They create a sense of belonging and continuity.

Explain that traditions are practices passed down through generations. Discuss how they can be big or small.

Why Do Traditions Matter?

Traditions help us:

Connect to our past: Learn about where we come from.
Build strong bonds: Share experiences with loved ones.
Shape our identity: Understand who we are.
Create lasting memories: Cherish special moments.

Discuss why traditions are important. Encourage students to share their initial thoughts.

How Do Traditions Shape You?

Think about:

How do your family's traditions make you feel?
What have you learned about your family or culture through traditions?
Do traditions make you feel connected to something bigger than yourself?

Prompt students to think about how traditions affect them personally.

Your Story, Your Traditions

Get ready to explore!

We all have unique traditions that tell a part of our story.
Today, we'll reflect on our own traditions and see how they contribute to who we are.

Transition to the journal activity. Explain that they will be exploring their own traditions in more detail.

Journal

My Family's Story Journal: Unpacking Our Traditions

My Favorite Tradition

Think about one family or cultural tradition that is important to you. Describe it in detail. What happens? Who is involved? When does it usually take place?

Why is This Tradition Special?

What makes this tradition meaningful to you? How does it make you feel? Does it connect you to your family, culture, or history in a special way?

Learning from Our Past

Have you learned anything about your family history or culture through this tradition? If so, what was it?

My Role in the Tradition

Do you have a specific role or responsibility in this tradition? How do you contribute to it?

A New Tradition Idea

If you could create a new tradition for your family or community, what would it be? Describe it and explain why you think it would be a good tradition.