ESL Library
Intermediate Kwanzaa
As part of a study of holiday traditions, language learners read about the creation of Kwanzaa, the seven-day festival created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate traditional African values.
Vanderbilt University
Dia de Los Muertos
To honor El Dia de los Muertos, scholars work together to create Day of the Dead displays—paper sugar skulls and banners—that bring a festive and memorable flare to the classroom.
Curated OER
Spanish/American Comparison
Students compare Spanish and American cultures. In this global studies lesson, students review what they have learned in a Spanish culture unit by writing compare and contrast essays about Spanish and American cultural aspects.
Curated OER
My Place In Space
The purpose of this unit is for students to make the rich set of connections between astronomy and the rest of science and technology, language arts, cultural studies (social studies), math, art, and music.
Curated OER
Holi-Days
Learners research an event, celebration, or observance from a culture with which they are not familiar and present their information to the class in this cross-curricular look at festivals and celebrations. The lesson plan includes an...
Time Warp Trio
My Big Fat Greek Olympics
The Olympic Games are indeed a significant and far-reaching cultural component in our international community today, but from where do they originate? Where do our traditions stem from, and how do we choose the sports that constitute...
Curated OER
Japan: A Cultural Study
Third graders "take a trip" to Japan. They discover what life is like for a typical Japanese child and compare/contrast it to life in America. They give an oral presentation of Japanese holidays and festivals.
El Museo del Barrio
Dia de los Muertos Educator Resource Guide
What are the origins of el Dia de los Muertos, and how is this tradition observed in contemporary celebrations? With a variety of lesson plans and suggested hands-on activities, here is an excellent resource to reference as you prepare...
Curated OER
International Festival - Masks
Young scholars study the influence masks had on Hispanic society. After investigating uses of masks in various cultures, they create masks that relate to their own experiences. In groups they create an Hispanic mask and a mask...
Curated OER
Multicultural Holidays Through Student Artwork
An ESL class writes a description of an aspect of a holiday from another country. They illustrate their description and present their finished work product to their classmates.
Curated OER
Day of the Dead Lesson Plans
Day of the Dead lesson plans can provide a meaningful exploration of the holiday and its importance.
Curated OER
Ireland: the Emerald Isle
Third graders complete a unit of study that examines several perspectives of Ireland. They explore how climate shapes Irish culture, reference historical and political maps, compute exchange values for Irish money, complete worksheets,...
Japan Society
Tanabata: Japan's Star Festival
The Star Festival or Tanbata, is a holiday celebrated in Japan every year. People make tanzakus out of paper and hang them on the trees. Pupils will learn about this culturally significant holiday while creating tanzakus of their own....
Curated OER
Celebrating Our Connections Through Water
Students examine the role of water in ceremonies around the world. In this world history lesson, students explore how other cultures celebrate water. They create a Water Day for younger students to participate in.
Curated OER
Culture of Ancient India
A study of Ancient India can be a great way to cover a variety of subjects including art, history, and world religion.
Curated OER
Light in Festivals
Learners examine how five different countries use light in their celebrations and festivals. They locate countries on a map, conduct research and prepare a poster for a specific holiday, complete a worksheet, and create a tin lantern.
Curated OER
World Music Day
In this World Music Day learning exercise, students complete activities such as reading a passage, phrase matching, fill in the blanks, correct words, multiple choice, spelling, sequencing, scrambled sentences, writing questions, survey,...
Curated OER
Independence Day
In this Independence Day worksheet, students complete activities such as reading a passage, phrase matching, fill in the blanks, correct words, multiple choice, spelling sequencing, scrambled sentences, asking questions, take a...
Curated OER
A Multicultural Study: Chinese New Year
Learners study the customs and beliefs of the Chinese people as they experience Chinese New Year; students become aware that they live on one planet but their festivals and holidays vary.
Hildegard Center for the Arts
Mardi Gras Masks
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Create your own festive Mardi Gras masks with a lesson that provides background information on the celebration and instructions about constructing the masks.
Curated OER
Explore the World: Create-Your-Own-Artifact
Students examine the cultures of different countries other than their own. They select a country they are interested in and research their lifestyles. Using clay, they create a model of one aspect of the new culture of their focus. ...
Curated OER
March Into Shamrock Season
Students use St. Patrick's Day activities to explore symmetry and words. In this lesson plan about St. Patrick's Day, students experience the Irish culture by learning about the Irish shamrock, and learning some Irish words. Students...
Curated OER
Today and Yesterday: Festivals through the Year
In this world cultures learning exercise, students research information and answer questions about festivals around the world. This learning exercise gives detailed information on how to do the Internet research. This learning exercise...