Teaching children about the world we live starts with learning about other people from different cultures. When the holidays come around it is a great time to learn about how people all over the world are different by teaching a Holidays Around the World unit. Whether you divide and conquer among your teammates, are teaching them solo or homeschooling your little learner here are some books and resources for your unit.
My favorite way to teach this unit is to get the whole grade level on board (if possible). The kiddos can create a passport and “travel around the world” as they go from class to class – you can grab a passport here.
Once they are in a classroom, I like to read a book or watch YouTube videos of children celebrating their holiday. Here are some books I enjoy for each holiday, but there are SO MANY more to choose from, too.
Then we do an activity together…
What Holidays Will You Find?
Hanukkah: Play a game of dreidel
St Lucia Day: Make a crown of die-cut holly and candles and Star Boy hats. Here is a great tutorial from Kiddley.
Diwali: Make a Diya together with out of playdough, beads and a battery candle like this one from Educators Spin on It (she has a great song, too).
Kwanzaa: Create Kinara
Los Posadas: Create a piñata using this tutorial from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom or create poinseitta using this paper towel tutorial from Craft Klatch.
St. Nicholas Day: Have your little ones put a baby carrot in their shoe and stick them in the hallway. Ask a team member or friend at the school to come by and place a fun treat in their shoe.
La Befana: Create a broom for La Befana using yarn and pipe cleaners…use this tutorial from Make and Takes.
After the activity you choose, have your learners add a new booklet to their laptop. Each book comes with a cover page and 5 pages with facts about each holiday. Simply glue or staple the booklet together and glue to a “wing” of your laptop.
After the lapbook is complete with the six holidays you choose (there are seven options to choose from) have your learners illustrate and write about their own holiday traditions.
You can grab this lapbook here on my TpT store and find other lapbooks to use with your learners, also. I hope this helps you prepare to teach your little ones about those in the world around them.
Get more ideas for your little learners by checking out the bloggers below…
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