Activity Overview
In this fun activity, students will explore the different ways people celebrate the winter holidays. Students can use a web or grid to show some of the celebrations for one or more holidays. You can also use this activity to examine historical and/or religious aspects of the winter holiday season, discussing different practices throughout history.
Here are just a few thoughts to get your students started:
- lighting candles
- menorah
- kinara
- advent wreath
- lights in windows
- family visits
- parties
- gift exchange
- cards
- church or temple services
- feast
- outdoor decoration
- special food
- holiday games
- holiday music
- volunteering/giving to others
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".
- If you choose to focus on one holiday, write the name of the holiday in the title. You may write "Ways to Celebrate" if you are going to be more general.
- Write the ways to celebrate in the headings.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizations | Images show creativity and care. | Scenes, characters, and items are appropriate for this purpose. | Images are confusing or do not make sense for this purpose. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
In this fun activity, students will explore the different ways people celebrate the winter holidays. Students can use a web or grid to show some of the celebrations for one or more holidays. You can also use this activity to examine historical and/or religious aspects of the winter holiday season, discussing different practices throughout history.
Here are just a few thoughts to get your students started:
- lighting candles
- menorah
- kinara
- advent wreath
- lights in windows
- family visits
- parties
- gift exchange
- cards
- church or temple services
- feast
- outdoor decoration
- special food
- holiday games
- holiday music
- volunteering/giving to others
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".
- If you choose to focus on one holiday, write the name of the holiday in the title. You may write "Ways to Celebrate" if you are going to be more general.
- Write the ways to celebrate in the headings.
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visualizations | Images show creativity and care. | Scenes, characters, and items are appropriate for this purpose. | Images are confusing or do not make sense for this purpose. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is complete, thorough, and neat. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Ways to Celebrate the Winter Holidays
How to Create an Inclusive Winter Holiday Display in Your Classroom
Celebrate all students by designing a winter holiday display that highlights diverse traditions and fosters respect for different cultures.
Gather a variety of holiday symbols and decorations.
Ask students to share symbols, artifacts, or pictures representing their winter holiday traditions. Encourage respectful curiosity about all celebrations.
Assign each student or group a different holiday to research.
Let students explore holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, or Lunar New Year. Provide resources to help them find key traditions and symbols.
Create display pieces that explain each tradition.
Have students design posters, drawings, or short write-ups. Include the name of the holiday, important customs, and what the symbols mean.
Arrange and present the display as a classroom gallery.
Organize the display so each holiday is featured with equal visibility. Invite students to give short presentations, promoting understanding and appreciation of all traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ways to Celebrate the Winter Holidays
What are some easy ways to celebrate winter holidays with my students?
Easy ways to celebrate winter holidays with students include lighting candles (like a menorah or kinara), exchanging cards or small gifts, enjoying holiday music, decorating the classroom, and learning about different traditions through stories or activities.
How can I teach about different cultural winter holiday traditions in my classroom?
To teach about different cultural winter holiday traditions, create a web or grid comparing holidays like Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Discuss customs such as family visits, special foods, and religious practices, and encourage students to share their own traditions.
What is a simple classroom activity for exploring winter holidays?
A simple activity is to have students use a web or grid to list and illustrate ways people celebrate winter holidays, such as feasts, holiday games, or volunteering. This helps students visualize similarities and differences among celebrations.
Why is it important to include multiple winter holidays in classroom lessons?
Including multiple winter holidays helps students build cultural awareness, appreciate diversity, and understand historical and religious significance. It creates an inclusive environment where all traditions are valued.
What are some examples of holiday symbols students can illustrate?
Students can illustrate symbols like a menorah, kinara, advent wreath, holiday lights, decorated trees, or special foods that represent different winter holidays.
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