Activity Overview
The holidays can be very special for people. Many fond memories have been built around Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa. Have your students create a traditional storyboard to tell the story of a favorite memory about the holidays. Because many people celebrate holidays differently, this activity gives students a chance to think and write about their own family traditions, and learn about the traditions of their classmates. If any students don’t celebrate winter holidays, have them create a storyboard about a fond memory they have of winter break or some other time off from school.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Summarize your favorite holiday memory in the description boxes.
- Add illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
The holidays can be very special for people. Many fond memories have been built around Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa. Have your students create a traditional storyboard to tell the story of a favorite memory about the holidays. Because many people celebrate holidays differently, this activity gives students a chance to think and write about their own family traditions, and learn about the traditions of their classmates. If any students don’t celebrate winter holidays, have them create a storyboard about a fond memory they have of winter break or some other time off from school.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Summarize your favorite holiday memory in the description boxes.
- Add illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and dialogue.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Personal Memories of the Holidays
Easily Differentiate the Holiday Memory Storyboard Activity
Adjust the activity for varying student abilities by offering multiple options for storyboard complexity. For example, allow some students to use more description boxes, provide sentence starters, or let them dictate their stories. This ensures every student can participate successfully, regardless of writing level.
Incorporate Cultural Sensitivity When Discussing Holidays
Encourage an open, respectful classroom dialogue about different traditions. Remind students that not everyone celebrates the same holidays, and that all memories—holiday-related or not—are valuable. Model inclusive language and celebrate diversity to foster a welcoming environment.
Provide Visual Supports for Storyboarding
Offer sample images, templates, or anchor charts to help students brainstorm and structure their stories. Visual aids can spark ideas and give students a framework for organizing their memories, making the activity more accessible for visual learners.
Facilitate Meaningful Sharing of Student Storyboards
Organize a gallery walk or small group presentations where students share their storyboards with classmates. Encourage positive feedback and questions to build community and help students appreciate the range of experiences in the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions about Personal Memories of the Holidays
What is a holiday memory storyboard activity for students?
A holiday memory storyboard activity encourages students to illustrate and write about their favorite holiday memories, using storyboards to visually share personal or family traditions. It's a creative way to celebrate diversity and build classroom community.
How can I help students who don’t celebrate winter holidays participate in this activity?
Invite students who don’t celebrate winter holidays to create a storyboard about a special winter break memory or any memorable time off from school, ensuring everyone feels included and valued.
What are the steps for students to create a holiday memory storyboard?
Students should: 1) Click "Start Assignment"; 2) Summarize their favorite holiday memory in description boxes; 3) Add illustrations with scenes, characters, items, and dialogue; 4) Save and exit to complete the activity.
Why is it important to share different holiday traditions in the classroom?
Sharing different holiday traditions helps students appreciate diversity, fosters empathy, and builds a sense of belonging by letting classmates learn about each other's unique backgrounds and celebrations.
What are some tips for making holiday memory storyboards more engaging for K-12 students?
Encourage students to use colorful illustrations, include dialogue, and share unique family traditions. Offering examples and allowing creative freedom can make holiday memory storyboards more engaging and meaningful for all learners.
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