Created bySara Ilvonen

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Christmas Around the World

Grade 1Social StudiesScienceArtMusic5 days

First graders embark on a global journey to explore diverse Christmas celebrations, examining traditions, foods, and music from various cultures. The project addresses how climate and cultural traditions shape these unique celebrations. Students engage in activities such as creating a 'Global Christmas Cookbook,' a 'Christmas Around the World' musical journey, and a 'Cultural Christmas Ornament Exchange' to deepen their understanding and appreciation for cross-cultural awareness. They compare and contrast different traditions through a 'Christmas Traditions Comparison Chart' and reflect on their learning.

Christmas TraditionsCultural CelebrationsGlobal AwarenessClimate ImpactMusicFood

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How do different cultures around the world celebrate Christmas, and how do their traditions, foods, music, and even the climate, shape these unique celebrations?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How do different countries celebrate Christmas?
What are the unique traditions of Christmas in different cultures?
How does the climate affect Christmas celebrations around the world?
What types of food are eaten during Christmas in different countries?
What kind of music is played during Christmas in different countries?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to compare and contrast Christmas traditions in different countries.
Students will be able to identify the impact of climate on Christmas celebrations.
Students will be able to describe traditional Christmas foods from various cultures.
Students will be able to recognize Christmas music from different countries.
Students will be able to explain how cultural traditions shape Christmas celebrations.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

'Global Christmas Crisis' Simulation

The teacher announces a 'crisis': Santa's sleigh is malfunctioning, and he needs to learn about Christmas traditions in different climates to deliver presents efficiently. Students become 'Christmas experts' for different regions, advising Santa on how to adapt.

'Mystery Package' Arrival

A large, unlabeled package arrives in the classroom, filled with unfamiliar Christmas decorations, foods, and music from a specific country. Students must use their senses and initial observations to guess the country of origin and begin researching its Christmas traditions.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

'Christmas Climate Zones'

Students explore how climate influences Christmas celebrations by creating a visual guide.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research different climate zones (e.g., tropical, arctic, desert) and identify countries that celebrate Christmas in those zones.

2. Investigate how the climate affects Christmas traditions in each region (e.g., clothing, activities, decorations).

3. Create a visual guide (poster, diorama, or digital presentation) showcasing each climate zone and its unique Christmas adaptations.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visual guide illustrating how climate influences Christmas celebrations in different regions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goals related to identifying the impact of climate on Christmas celebrations.

Activity 2

'Global Christmas Cookbook'

Students compile a cookbook featuring traditional Christmas recipes from around the world.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research traditional Christmas foods from different countries.

2. Select a recipe from each country to include in the cookbook.

3. Write a brief introduction to each recipe, explaining its cultural significance and how it's prepared.

4. Compile the recipes into a class cookbook, complete with illustrations and cultural notes.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA class cookbook featuring traditional Christmas recipes from around the world, with cultural context for each dish.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goals related to describing traditional Christmas foods from various cultures.

Activity 3

'Christmas Around the World' Musical Journey

Students create a musical presentation showcasing Christmas songs from different countries.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research Christmas music from various cultures.

2. Select a Christmas song from each country to include in the presentation.

3. Learn the lyrics and melody of each song, and practice singing or playing them on instruments.

4. Create a presentation that includes singing, playing instruments, and sharing information about the cultural significance of each song.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA musical presentation showcasing Christmas songs from different countries, highlighting their cultural significance.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goals related to recognizing Christmas music from different countries.

Activity 4

'Cultural Christmas Ornament Exchange'

Students create Christmas ornaments representing different cultural traditions, and exchange them with classmates.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research Christmas traditions from a specific country or culture.

2. Design and create an ornament that represents a unique aspect of that culture's Christmas celebration.

3. Write a brief description of the ornament, explaining its cultural significance.

4. Participate in a class ornament exchange, sharing your ornament and learning about others.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of culturally diverse Christmas ornaments, each representing a unique tradition from around the world.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goals related to explaining how cultural traditions shape Christmas celebrations.

Activity 5

'Christmas Traditions Comparison Chart'

Students create a chart comparing and contrasting Christmas traditions in different countries.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Choose three different countries to research Christmas traditions.

2. Gather information about how each country celebrates Christmas, including traditions, food, music, and decorations.

3. Create a chart comparing and contrasting the traditions in each country, highlighting similarities and differences.

4. Present your chart to the class, explaining your findings and insights.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparison chart highlighting the similarities and differences between Christmas traditions in different countries.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses learning goals related to comparing and contrasting Christmas traditions in different countries.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Christmas Around the World Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Research & Information Gathering

Focuses on the depth and accuracy of research conducted on different Christmas traditions.

Criterion 1

Cultural Accuracy

Demonstrates accurate and respectful understanding of cultural traditions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates profound and nuanced understanding of cultural traditions; information is consistently accurate, respectful, and insightful.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates accurate understanding of cultural traditions with minor inaccuracies or omissions.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of cultural traditions but contains some inaccuracies or superficial interpretations.

Beginning

1 Points

Demonstrates limited understanding of cultural traditions with significant inaccuracies or generalizations.

Criterion 2

Breadth of Research

Explores a variety of sources to gather comprehensive information.

Exemplary

4 Points

Utilizes a wide range of reliable sources to gather comprehensive and diverse information.

Proficient

3 Points

Utilizes multiple sources to gather sufficient information.

Developing

2 Points

Utilizes a limited number of sources, potentially missing key information.

Beginning

1 Points

Relies on a single or unreliable source, resulting in incomplete information.

Category 2

Presentation & Communication

Focuses on the clarity, creativity, and effectiveness of the final product.

Criterion 1

Clarity of Presentation

Presents information in a clear, organized, and engaging manner.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents information with exceptional clarity, organization, and creativity; the presentation is highly engaging and easy to understand.

Proficient

3 Points

Presents information clearly and in an organized manner.

Developing

2 Points

Presents information that is somewhat unclear or disorganized.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents information that is unclear, disorganized, and difficult to understand.

Criterion 2

Visual Appeal

Uses visuals effectively to enhance understanding and engagement.

Exemplary

4 Points

Uses visuals exceptionally effectively to enhance understanding and engagement; visuals are thoughtfully chosen and enhance the overall presentation.

Proficient

3 Points

Uses visuals effectively to enhance understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Uses visuals that are somewhat relevant but may not significantly enhance understanding.

Beginning

1 Points

Uses few or irrelevant visuals, hindering understanding.

Category 3

Critical Thinking & Analysis

Focuses on students' ability to compare, contrast, and analyze different Christmas traditions.

Criterion 1

Comparison & Contrast

Effectively compares and contrasts Christmas traditions from different cultures, highlighting similarities and differences.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates insightful and nuanced comparison and contrast of Christmas traditions, revealing deeper connections and understandings.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively compares and contrasts Christmas traditions, highlighting key similarities and differences.

Developing

2 Points

Shows basic ability to compare and contrast Christmas traditions but may miss important nuances.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to compare and contrast Christmas traditions, providing superficial or inaccurate comparisons.

Criterion 2

Cultural Sensitivity

Demonstrates respect and sensitivity towards cultural differences.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional respect and sensitivity towards cultural differences, avoiding stereotypes and promoting inclusivity.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates respect and sensitivity towards cultural differences.

Developing

2 Points

Shows some awareness of cultural differences but may occasionally use insensitive language or make generalizations.

Beginning

1 Points

Demonstrates limited awareness of cultural differences and may exhibit insensitivity or perpetuate stereotypes.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

How has your understanding of Christmas celebrations around the world changed after completing these activities?

Text

Required

Question 2

Which activity ('Christmas Climate Zones', 'Global Christmas Cookbook', 'Christmas Around the World' Musical Journey, 'Cultural Christmas Ornament Exchange', 'Christmas Traditions Comparison Chart') helped you learn the most about cultural differences in Christmas celebrations? Explain why.

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Christmas Climate Zones

Global Christmas Cookbook

Christmas Around the World Musical Journey

Cultural Christmas Ornament Exchange

Christmas Traditions Comparison Chart

Question 3

On a scale of 1 to 5, how much do you feel you understand the impact of climate on Christmas celebrations? (1 = Not at all, 5 = Very well)

Scale

Required

Question 4

What was the most surprising or interesting Christmas tradition you learned about from a different culture?

Text

Required

Question 5

How can we promote cross-cultural awareness and appreciation of different traditions during Christmas time?

Text

Required