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Why Are Celebrations Important?
Students complete a variety of activities in their study of Chinese culture. They explore the Chinese New Year, zodiac, calligraphy, dragon kites, lanterns, games, and songs among others.
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A Turkey for Thanksgiving - Lesson #2
Second graders investigate realistic fiction, holiday celebrations, making tally charts. In this multi-disciplinary lesson, 2nd graders listen to a story about Thanksgiving and one about the Chinese New Year to develop an understanding...
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Let's Celebrate Diwali!
Students utilize several short readings to investigate a variety of multicultural celebrations. The two key celebrations of Diwali and the Festival of Lights provide the background for the exploration.
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Chinese New Year: Paper Lanterns
First graders study the celebrations of Chinese New Year. They practice measuring and cutting to make paper lanterns.
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Chinese New Year's Firecrackers Lesson
Students make 'firecrackers' out of rolled cardboard tubes to simulate Chinese New Year's firecrackers.
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Celebrate World Holidays with Hanukkah Lesson Plans, Kwanzaa Activities and More
Every year millions of people around the world celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other holidays.
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Suspended 1,353 Feet Up
With a series of pictures you are transported to Chicago's Skywalk. Read about this magnificent tourist attraction and answer the reading comprehension questions provided. Extend this activity by having your class write about other...
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Religious and Cultural Festivals of the World
Here are some interesting activities teachers can do with students to teach them about the religious and cultural festivals of the world.
Peace Corps
Starting Off the Day (and School Year) in Ukraine
Students compare the first day of school in Ukraine with the first day of school in the United States, including the challenges students and teachers both face in each country. They respond in class, in their journals, to the following...
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Feeding the Soul
Students share memories of a special meal. They research, write and peer edit a newspaper column about a favorite food associated with Thanksgiving (or other holiday or celebration).
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A Hero Betrayed: The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant
Students analyze the career of Ulysses S. Grant. In this Grant presidency lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of Grant's presidency. Students respond to discussion questions regarding the...
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Chinese Lion Dance
Students celebrate the Chinese New Year and listen to the story behind the Chinese Lion Dance. In this Chinese New Year lesson, students research the geography and culture of China. Students create puppets, dance the Lion...
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Labor Day Lessons and the History of Labor Unions
America was built on the strength of its workers, and on Labor Day we recognize their contributions.
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A Dickens Of A Party
Students are invited to a Victorian New Year's Day Party, honoring Ebenezer Scrooge, celebrating the changes that he has made to his life in response to the visits by the three spirits on Christmas Eve. This is a wonderful simulation...
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Selfless Sam- The Drive
Students discuss how to address poverty in society. For this philanthropy lesson, students read the book Sam and the Lucky Money and discuss how they would handle hunger. Students role play situations and demonstrate philanthropic acts.
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Russian Star Ornaments
Students research Russian Orthodox Christmas traditions in pre-soviet Russia and in other parts of the world. Then they create a handcrafted ornament in the style of old Russia. Students also decorate their Russian Star Ornament with...
Agriculture in the Classroom
A Holiday Tradition: Which Christmas Tree Will You Choose?
Different varieties of Christmas trees provide an interesting way to combine social studies, science, math, and technology. Class members not only research the history of the Christmas tree holiday tradition, they compare and...
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The Year of the Rabbit
Students explore a portion of the Chinese Zodiac with projects centered around the year of the rabbit. Students research types of rabbits, actual and fictional. Working in groups, they create a written or multimedia presentation.
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George Washington Lives! On the Internet! - Thematic Unit
Students study all about George Washington: Farmer, Soldier, and First President of the United States of America on the internet.
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The Insights of American Blacks During the 19th and 20th Centuries in New Haven, Connecticut
Students examine the contributions of African Americans in New Haven, Connecticut in the 19th and 20th centuries. After being introduced to new vocabulary, they review the elements of autobiographies and read excerpts of African...
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Native American Three Sisters Gardens
Students investigate companion planting. In this communtiy gardening lesson students explore the tradition of the Native American Three Sisters gardening approach. Students act as botanists, anthropologists, folklorists, and curators.
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Immigration and Identity
Students will analyze four historical events: The Annexation of U.S. Southwest, The Mexican Revolution, The Great Depression, and World War II. They determine how each event affected immigration to the U.S. from Mexico and Central...
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Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. DuBois: The Problem of Negro Leadership
Students focus on the problem of African American leadership throughout American history. In groups, they research the life and works of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois and how they worked to promote the need for African American...
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Vietnam-Tet Nguyen Dan; Dancing Dragon Puppets
Students are shown visual examples of Dragon Dance costumes and identify cultural characteristics and ceremonial design qualities. Students listen to the teacher tell about the significance dragon dances have played throughout Vietnamese...