Our Cozy Traditions Script

Warm-Up & Introduction (2 minutes)

(Teacher displays Slide 1: Our Cozy Traditions: Family Fun!)

"Hello, everyone! Welcome to our special holiday lesson. Today, we're going to talk about something really cozy and important: family traditions! Especially those traditions we celebrate around Christmas or other special times of the year.

Look at this picture! It makes me think about families sharing happy moments. What makes your family special during the holidays? Think about that for a moment.


"

(Teacher displays Slide 2: What's a Tradition?)

"So, what exactly is a tradition? A tradition is something special a family does again and again, usually at the same time each year. It's like a special family habit that brings joy! For example, maybe your family always has pancakes on Christmas morning, or perhaps you sing special songs together before bed during the holidays. These are traditions!

Can anyone think of a tradition they know, even if it's not their own? No need to share your personal ones yet, just a general idea.


"

Explore Traditions (9 minutes)

(Teacher displays Slide 3: Your Family's Traditions)

"Now, let's think about your family. When Christmas or other holidays come around, do you have special things you always do? Maybe you always decorate a Christmas tree together, or perhaps you open presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning. Does your family always eat a special meal, like a big turkey dinner, or watch a favorite holiday movie every year?

Take a moment to think about one or two things your family always does during this festive time. What comes to mind?


"

(Teacher displays Slide 4: Traditions Around the World!)

"It's wonderful how different all our families are! Not all families celebrate the same way, and that's what makes traditions so interesting and beautiful. Some families might spend hours baking delicious Christmas cookies, while others might light special candles each night. Some families love telling old stories by the fireplace, or making unique holiday crafts. And maybe some even go caroling around their neighborhood!

Does anyone want to share one of their favorite Christmas or holiday traditions? Remember, every tradition is special, and we want to hear about what makes your family unique! Please raise your hand if you'd like to share. We want to be respectful and listen carefully to everyone.





"

(Teacher displays Slide 5: Why Are Traditions Special?)

"Thank you for sharing those wonderful traditions! It's clear that traditions are super important to our families. But why do you think they are special? What makes them so important to us? Traditions are special because they help us feel close to our family, remember special moments, and pass down stories. They help us make memories that last a lifetime!

Let's continue this discussion in our Tradition Sharing Discussion!"

Tradition Charades Game (8 minutes)

(Teacher displays Slide 6: Game On! Tradition Charades)

"Alright, let's play a fun game called Tradition Charades Game! The rules are simple: One person will act out a family tradition (it can be one we've talked about, or one you know!), and the rest of us will guess what it is. Remember, no talking when you're acting! Who wants to go first? Let's see your best acting skills! We'll play for about 8 minutes, trying to get as many traditions as we can!"

(Facilitate the game, keeping it quick and engaging.)

Wrap-Up & Reflection (1 minute)

(Teacher displays Slide 7: All Traditions Are Terrific!)

"Wow, that was so much fun! You all have such wonderful and creative traditions. Remember, every family's traditions are unique and special! They help us learn about our family, they make us feel loved and connected, and they create happy memories.

What was your favorite part about learning about traditions today? Thank you all for sharing and participating! You did a fantastic job. Happy holidays!"

Tradition Sharing: Why are they special?

Objective: To encourage students to share their own family traditions and reflect on the emotional and cultural significance of these practices.

Guidelines for Discussion:

• Listen respectfully when others are speaking.
• It's okay if your traditions are different from others; that's what makes them special!
• Share only what you feel comfortable with.

Discussion Prompts:

1. "What is one of your favorite family traditions, especially around Christmas or another holiday? What makes it special to you?"
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. "Why do you think families have traditions? What purpose do they serve?" (Hint: Think about feelings, memories, and family connections.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. "How do your family traditions make you feel? (e.g., happy, safe, excited, loved)"
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. "If you could start a brand new family tradition, what would it be and why?"
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Tradition Charades!

Objective: To reinforce understanding of different family traditions through a fun, interactive game of charades.

How to Play:

1. Teacher explains: "We're going to play Charades! I will think of a family tradition, or you can volunteer to act one out. Your job is to act out the tradition without speaking, and everyone else will guess what it is!"
2. Volunteers or Teacher chooses: The teacher can either choose a student to go first, or students can volunteer. The person acting will think of a tradition.
3. Act it out: The student (or teacher) silently acts out a common holiday or family tradition. Examples could include:
   • Decorating a Christmas tree
   • Opening presents
   • Baking cookies
   • Singing carols
   • Building a snowman
   • Making a gingerbread house
   • Lighting a menorah/candles
   • Eating a special meal
   • Watching a holiday movie
   • Hanging stockings
4. Guessing: Other students raise their hands to guess the tradition being acted out.
5. New round: Once the tradition is guessed correctly, a new round begins with a new actor. Keep the game moving quickly to involve as many students as possible in the allotted time.

Tips for the Teacher:

• Have a list of traditions ready in case students need ideas.
• Encourage clear, expressive acting.
• Remind students to guess respectfully and allow everyone a chance to participate.
• If playing virtually, ensure students are visible and can unmute quickly to guess.