Visual Learning Tools

Learning Module Activity Guide Geography and Culture 1

Holidays

PK-2 Social Studies Visual Learning Tools

Learning Module Activity Guide Geography & Culture 1

Holidays

Learning Activities developed by Keys to Learning, LLC

PK-2 Social Studies © 2010 Varitronics®, A Brady Business. Brady Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents

The Foundation of VariQuest Learning Modules ...... 4

Overview ...... 5

Activity 1: Celebrate the New Year ...... 6

Activity 2: Our Founding Fathers ...... 8

Activity 3: I Have a Dream Too! ...... 10

Activity 4: Secret Valentines ...... 12

Activity 5: Lucky Me! ...... 14

Activity 6: Earth Day Awareness ...... 16

Activity 7: Cinco de Mayo Celebration ...... 18

Activity 8: Independence Day ...... 20

Activity 9: Thankful Little Turkeys ...... 22

Activity 10: December Holiday Traditions ...... 24

Additional Activity Ideas ...... 26

Rubric ...... 27

Content List ...... 28

Work Order Template ...... 32

3 The Foundation of VariQuest Learning Modules

ariQuest supports educators by providing countless opportunities to introduce a variety Vof visuals and hands-on manipulatives into their classrooms. The use of visuals in the classroom helps students understand and retain information, specifically abstract concepts. Visuals can also help bridge the gap for students who struggle with vocabulary and/or language barriers. Hands-on manipulatives create learning experiences in which students interact with knowledge kinesthetically. Research shows that exposing students to a variety of learning experiences, including visual and kinesthetic, will increase student retention and help students learn to construct meaningful knowledge from information. The VariQuest Visual Learning Tools enhance classroom teachers’ ability to provide learning experiences that meet the learning styles of all students.

The aim of the following Learning Activities is to coordinate the VariQuest Visual Learning Tools with lessons and activities that incorporate visual and hands-on learning strategies to reinforce basic skills and provide fun and motivational activities that will supplement your school’s curriculum. For best practices and additional information on how to customize VariQuest posters, banners, flashcards, awards, cutouts and manipulatives, review the VariQuest Implementation Guide prior to use.

For the following learning activities, use construction paper for all cutouts unless otherwise specified. Pre-laminating construction paper using a cold laminator adds durability to cut out letters, shapes, numbers and collections.

4 Geography & Culture 1 Overview

This module focuses on holidays celebrated in the U.S. The holidays selected were specifically chosen to represent a variety of cultures and beliefs. Children will understand the reasons for honoring American leaders and commemorating the founding of our nation. Children will also learn about ways different cultures celebrate similar holidays, understand the symbols associated with these holidays, and share family traditions. The learning activities in this VariQuest learning module are designed to meet educational standards in innovative and creative ways. Before turning to the learning activities, familiarize yourself with general information that will guarantee ease of use and flexibility.

Assessment

Following the learning activities, you will find a rubric that can be used to guide you in making observational assessments of students’ abilities related to the objectives outlined in the learning activities. It is recommended that you make a copy for each student to guide your ongoing informal assessments, making anecdotal notes on the back when appropriate.

VariQuest Content

You will find a complete list of all of the content included in this module between the Rubric and Work Order template. The content ID #s (ex. VIS001) for content referenced in the learning activities are listed in the materials section for each activity and are color-coded to help distinguish between templates for the Poster Maker (red) and Awards Maker (purple) and cutouts and collections for the Cutout Maker (gold).

Work Orders

You will also find a work order template on the last page of the Activity Guide. This template can be photocopied and used for placing orders for customized VariQuest posters, banners, stickers, awards, cutouts and collections. It is designed to be submitted to the primary user of the VariQuest Visual Learning Tools by those who may not have direct access to them.

5 A c t ivi t y o n e

ACTIVITY One Celebrate the New Year Happy New Year Rosh Hashanah HDY052 HDY054 Objectives Children will understand personal family heritage through stories and celebrations. Children will compare our nation’s holidays with holidays of other Chinese New Year cultures. HDY026

Materials Poster Maker: other:

Happy New Year: HDY052 Children’s books about New Year Rosh Hashanah: HDY054 traditions Chinese New Year: HDY026

Preparation Print and display Happy New Year, Rosh Hashanah and Chinese New Year posters. Print 8 ½” x 11” copies of Happy New Year, one for each child.

Whole Class In the beginning of January, when class is back in session after the holiday break, ask children if any of them celebrated New Year’s Eve. Collect any New Year traditions from children in your class. Ask if any children celebrate New Year’s at a different time of year, and allow time to share. Explain that some cultures celebrate the New Year at different times. Take some time to read books about New Year celebrations from different cultures. Some examples include: New Year at the Pier: A Rosh Hashanah Story, by April Halprin Wayland Gershon’s Monster, by Eric A. Kimmel Sam and the Lucky Money, by Karen Chinn The Dancing Dragon, by Marcia K. Vaughan New Year’s Day (True Book), by Dana Meachen Rau Happy New Year’s Everywhere, by Arlene Erlbach

6 Celebrate the New Year

After reading about the traditions and symbols associated with New Year celebrations for the Chinese New Year, Rosh Hashanah and New Year’s Modification Eve in the U.S., ask for volunteers to share what they learned, recording Have children dictate their resolution. their ideas on the appropriate poster. Then compare the traditions to see Write it lightly in pencil and then have them trace the sentence and illustrate it. how they are alike. Point out some of the similarities among the traditions (fireworks, new beginning). Extension Tell children about the Chinese Lantern riddles that are written on the inside of the lanterns used during the Lantern Festival. Give children the Chinese New Year Craft: CRF014 and have them assemble the lantern. Provide some sample riddles: What is full of holes but still holds water? A sponge. Compare the American tradition of making resolutions at the start of a Have children find a riddle in a book New Year to the Rosh Hashanah tradition of tossing pebbles into water to or come up with one on their own and write it on their lantern. start the New Year off with a clean slate. Tell children that a resolution is a promise to try to improve or do better at something. Take this opportunity to encourage children to think about a resolution, a personal promise to try harder to do things they know will make them better learners, better friends, better family members, happier and healthier.

Share a New Year’s resolution of your own with children. Then ask children to think of one or more things they will try to improve in the coming year. Tell children that they will have the opportunity to write and illustrate a New Year’s resolution.

Center Activity Distribute Happy New Year copies to children. Have them write a sentence and illustrate a New Year’s resolution in the box.

7 A c t ivi t y t W o

ACTIVITY TWO Our Founding Fathers Presidents’ Day 2 Presidents’ Day Sticker HDY053 STK288 Objectives Children will understand the reasons for celebrating national holidays, such as Presidents’ Day. Children will identify the achievements of presidents honored on Presidents’ Day. Abraham Lincoln George Washington HOL211 HOL212 Children will understand that history relates to events, people, and places of other times.

Materials Poster Maker: Theodore Roosevelt: HOL214

Thomas Jefferson Theodore Roosevelt Presidents’ Day 2: HDY053 other: HOL213 HOL214 Awards Maker: Children’s books about the Presidents’ Day Sticker: STK288 presidents: Lincoln, Washington, cutout Maker: Jefferson, T. Roosevelt Abraham Lincoln: HOL211 Magnifying glasses George Washington: HOL212 U.S. coins: Penny, Nickel Thomas Jefferson: HOL213 and Quarter

Preparation Print and display Presidents’ Day 2 poster. Print Presidents’ Day Sticker, one for each child. Cut out the following shapes, custom-sized to 10”: Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt, one set for each child. Tip: Cut president faces out of skin-tone construction paper to make them look realistic.

8 Our Founding Fathers

Whole Class Modification On Presidents’ Day, display the Presidents’ Day 2 poster. Read the title, Have children write the name of each then, ask children where they’ve seen the profiles of these faces before president on the cutout and dictate (U.S. coins). Pass around coins and magnifying glasses for children to look one fact about that president. at the profiles on the coins. Find out if children know anything else about the presidents shown on the poster and record it in the space provided. Extension Give children books about Mt. Read a book or books about each of the presidents. Suggested books Rushmore. Have them report to include: the class about the building of the monument. Presidents’ Day, by Anne Rockwell Presidents’ Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays), by David F. Marx

Ask children to name things they learned about the first president,G eorge Washington. List their ideas on the board.

Center Activity Distribute Washington cutouts to each child. Have them write “George Washington,” then record an interesting fact they learned about our first president on the Washington cutout. Have additional, independent reading level appropriate books about George Washington available for children to reference.

Repeat for each of the presidents, then create a display with the Presidents’ Day poster and president cutouts.

Hand out Presidents’ Day Stickers to children and have them wear them. Encourage children to share interesting facts about the presidents with adults or siblings at home.

9 A c t ivi t y t H R e e

ACTIVITY THREE I Have a Dream Too! Martin Luther King Martin Luther King Jr. HDY016 HOL140 Objectives Children will understand that Americans celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to commemorate the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. and the values he stood for.

Dove 1 I Have a Dream HOL141 HOL143 Materials Poster Maker: Martin Luther King: HDY016

cutout Maker: Martin Luther King Jr.: HOL140 (Basic) Dove 1: HOL141 I Have a Dream: HOL143

other: Children’s Books about Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing and drawing materials

Preparation Print and display Martin Luther King poster. Cut out Martin Luther King, Jr. and I Have a Dream, custom-sized to 33”. Tip: The cut out shapes will be tiled onto multiple pieces of paper, use the image to guide assembly. Create a large bulletin board display with these cutouts. Cut out Dove 1, custom-sized to 8“, one for each child.

10 I H av e a D r e am T o o !

Whole Class Read Martin’s Big Words, by Doreen Rappaport, or another book about Modification Dr. King and discuss with children. Be sure children know that Martin Have children dictate, then illustrate their dream for peace in school or the Luther King, Jr. Day celebrates the birthday of this brave civil rights leader. community on a dove cutout.

Display Martin Luther King poster. Talk about the meaning of the text on Extension the poster. Explain that Dr. King is famous for his “I have a dream” speech Have a selection of children’s books and read aloud one or more quotes from the speech that begin with “I about other civil rights leaders for Have a Dream….” children to choose from. Have them select another civil rights leader, read about him or her and share two or Discuss what it means to protest peacefully, for example, with marches, three interesting facts about the leader rallies, sit-ins, and boycotts. Show the dove cutout and explain that all with the class. over the world, the dove is a symbol of peace. Ask children what they could do to make the school or community a more peaceful place. Write down their ideas on the board as they brainstorm.

Center Activity Pass out dove cutouts and have children write a wish for peace on their dove. Collect their dove cutouts and add to the “I Have a Dream” bulletin board display.

11 A c t ivi t y f o u r

ACTIVITY FOUR Secret Valentines Valentine’s Day Happy Valentine’s HDY058 Day Sticker STK032 Objectives Children will understand the traditions that have become a part of the culture of the United States. Children will use general skills and strategies of the writing process to Heart Window Card Heart 1 Card CRD058 CRD075 compose valentines for classmates and family members. Children will use grammatical and mechanical conventions in written compositions.

Materials Poster Maker: Heart 1 Hearts Heart 1: HOL321 (Basic) HOL321 HOL197 Valentine’s Day: HDY058 Hearts: HOL197 awards Maker: Heart-Arrow: HOL198 Happy Valentine’s Day Sticker: STK032 Kiss: HOL202

cutout Maker: XOXOXOXO: HOL210 Heart Window Card: CRD058 other:

Heart-Arrow Kiss Heart 1 Card: CRD075 Art materials HOL198 HOL202 Preparation edit the Valentine’s Day poster by changing the text box that reads “Happy Valentine’s Day”

XOXOXOXO to read “You are special because,” “I like you HOL210 because,” “You’re my friend because,” “My three favorite things about you are” and print. edit the “Name” text box on the Happy Valentine’s Day stickers by adding a name list with the names of all of the children in your class. Print one sticker with each child’s name. Cut out Heart cards, enough for each child to have one card. Cut out Valentine’s Day decorations: Heart 1, Hearts, Heart-Arrow, Kiss and XOXOXOXO, enough for each child to use to decorate their cards.

12 S e c r e t Val e n t i n e s

Whole Class Modification A few days before Valentine’s Day, have a Valentine making party. Explain Have children dictate what they want that there are many kinds of love – love for a family member, a pet, a best to say on their Valentines. Write it on a friend or a boyfriend or girlfriend. Then have children turn to the classmate piece of paper for them to copy onto on their right and tell that person, “You are special because...” filling in the the card, or write it on the card lightly blank with something that makes their classmate special. for them to trace.

Extension Show the Valentine’s Day poster with the list of sentence starters children can use when they write their Valentines, including: “You are special Give children Heart Book Cover: BKS037 and 4-5 Heart Book Pages: because”; “I like you because”; “You’re my friend because”; “My three BKS038 to write a story about favorite things about you are.” Brainstorm any other ideas for sentence someone very special to them. It could starters that children would like to use and add to the poster. be a parent, a friend, a pet, or even a special toy. Have them decorate the cover, then, help them staple the cover Distribute Heart 1 shapes to children and have them write their names and pages together. on them. Collect the hearts with children’s names and place in a bag. Tell children they will take a heart from the bag and write a Valentine to the classmate whose name is on the heart they pick. Tell them not to write their name on the Valentine, because it will be a secret!

Center Activity Have Heart cards available for children to make Valentines. Encourage children to use sentences from the poster, or to create their own, for their Valentine. Provide Valentine’s Day cutouts and art materials for children to use to decorate their cards.

Collect the finished cards and distribute on February 14th. Have children guess who wrote their Valentine and hand out stickers with the name of the child who wrote the Valentine to the child who received it. Children can wear the sticker with the name of their secret Valentine!

13 A c t ivi t y F iv e

ACTIVITY FIVE Lucky Me! Coins Pot 1 HOL215 HOL220

Objectives Children will understand the folklore and traditions that have become a part of the culture of the United States. Children will understand the symbols associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Shamrock 5 Shamrock Book Cover HOL227 BKS065 Children will use general skills and strategies of the writing process to write a story.

Materials cutout Maker:

Shamrock Book Page Leprechaun Craft Coins: HOL215 BKS066 CRF025 Pot 1: HOL220 Shamrock 5: HOL227 Shamrock Book Cover: BKS065 Shamrock Book Page: BKS066 Leprechaun Craft: CRF025

other: St. Patrick’s Day themed children’s books

Preparation Cut out Leprechaun Craft, Coins, Pot 1 and Shamrock 5. Create a bulletin board display. Cut out Shamrock Book Cover and Pages. Cut out two (2) book covers and 3-4 book pages to create one book. Cut out enough covers and pages so that each child has one book. Assemble each book by stapling the front cover, pages, then back cover, together on the left-hand side.

14 l u c ky m e !

Whole Class Modification Read aloud Clever Tom and the Leprechaun: An Old Irish Story, by Have children dictate a story and Linda Shute or Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folks, by Gerald McDermott, or illustrate each page. another St. Patrick’s themed book. Discuss the characters and symbols used in the book and how they are related to St. Patrick’s Day. Extension Make available Leprechaun Luck: A Share the St. Patrick’s Day bulletin board with children and ask them Wee Book of Irish Wisdom, by Erin what they know about leprechauns and four-leaf clovers (they bring luck). Gobragh. Have children read a few of Ask children why there is a pot of gold with coins (legend has it that the blessings, rhymes and sayings, then challenge them to write and illustrate leprechauns will hide a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow). their own piece of Irish wisdom.

Ask for a few volunteers to share experiences in which they felt lucky. Jot down some ideas on the board. Tell children that they will be creating a book about being lucky. They can use a real life experience, or make up a fictional story.

Center Activity Distribute shamrock books to children and have them write the title of the book, “Lucky Me,” on the front cover.

On the pages inside, have children write and illustrate a story about a time when they were lucky or make up a story in which they are lucky. If children decide to write a fictional story, encourage them to include some of the St. Patrick’s Day symbols that bring good luck into their stories.

15 A c t ivi t y s i x

ACTIVITY SIX Earth Day Awareness Earth Day Earth Day 3 HDY004 HDY030

Objectives Children will understand the importance of holidays that celebrate taking care of our planet. Children will plan and execute an Earth Day event. Earth Day Sticker Earth Day STK020 Bulletin Board BBD062 Materials Poster Maker: Earth Day: HDY004 Earth Day 3: HDY030 awards Maker: Earth Day Sticker: STK020 cutout Maker: Earth Day Bulletin Board: BBD062

Preparation Print and display the Earth Day poster. Edit the “My School Name” text box on the Earth Day Sticker to show your school’s name, and print enough copies so that each person that you expect to participate in the event will receive a sticker. Cut out and display the Earth Day Bulletin Board. Note: you will need to complete this step after the class decides which event they would like to host. Edit the Earth Day 3 poster to include details about the Earth Day event your class has decided to host.

16 e A Rt h D ay Awar e n e s s

Whole Class A few weeks prior to Earth Day (April 22), display the Earth Day poster. Tell Modification children that Earth Day began in the U.S. in 1970. The holiday celebrates Have children draw a picture to awareness and appreciation of Earth’s environment. Now more than 175 show what they have learned about environmental responsibility and countries around the world celebrate Earth Day. dictate a sentence to go with it.

Discuss why it is important to take care of our planet. Point out the Extension recycling and reusable baskets or boxes in your classroom and school Help children contact a local cafeteria. Have each child tell how he or she recycles or reuses at home newspaper, radio or television station and in school. to cover the event.

Tell children that they will be sponsoring an Earth Day event to help raise awareness about things people at school or in the community can do to help make the Earth more “green.” Share with children some possible Earth Day events, such as hosting an aluminum can drive, plastic bag collection or a waste-free lunch. Decide which Earth Day event your class would like to host, then edit and display Earth Day 3 posters with event details throughout the school.

Be sure to invite parents and other community members to take part in your event. Take pictures of the children during the event and add them to the bulletin board display. Hand out Earth Day stickers to school and community members who participate in the event.

Center Activity After the event, have children list three things they learned about their environmental responsibility and one way they will change their habits to be more Earth-friendly. Have children share these with the class.

17 A c t ivi t y s e v e n

ACTIVITY SEVEN Cinco de Mayo Celebration 1-5 Spanish Piñata 2 VIS001 HOL257

Objectives Children will understand the significance of national celebrations. Children will identify celebrations and national holidays as a way of remembering and honoring the heroism and achievements of the Sombrero Cinco de Mayo people, events, and our nation’s ethnic heritage. HOL260 Bulletin Board BBD007 Materials Poster Maker: Bowl 1-5 Spanish: VIS001 (Basic) Glue cutout Maker: Water Piñata 2: HOL257 (Basic) Paint Sombrero: HOL260 Crepe Paper Cinco de Mayo Bulletin Board: BBD007 String or yarn

other: Masking tape Globe Candy Balloons Yard stick Newspaper Blind folds

Preparation Print and display 1-5 Spanish poster. Cut out the Cinco de Mayo Bulletin Board, Piñata 2 and Sombrero. Create a bulletin board display. Find simple piñata-making instructions online or in a book. Make an 8 ½” x 11” copy of the instructions and use the scan-to-print feature on the Poster Maker to enlarge the instructions into a poster and display. Set up materials to make a piñata, enough so each group has one set of the following materials: balloon, several newspaper pages, glue and water mixture (one part water, two parts glue) in a bowl, paint or crepe paper. Lay down newspaper to protect the table or work area.

18 Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Whole Class Have Spanish-speaking children tell what Cinco de Mayo means in English Modification (5th of May). If no children in the class know, review 1-5 Spanish poster and Blow up the balloon and tear a calendar with the class to help children learn what Cinco de Mayo means. newspaper into strips ahead of time.

Extension Tell children that on May 5, in 1862, a small army of Mexican soldiers won Have Spanish-speakers pick five things a great battle against invading French troops. After the battle, the United in the classroom to label in Spanish. States promised to help Mexico fight to keep itself free. Since 1862, Write the English and Spanish words on Mexico and the United States have been partners, pledging to help keep cardstock and attach to the classroom each other free. Use the globe to find both Mexico and France. Then help objects. Then have those children teach the new words to the whole class. children do the math to figure out how old the holiday is (subtract 1862 Have non-Spanish-speakers research from the current year). the Spanish words for objects and label them in Spanish and English. Bowl Show children the Cinco de Mayo bulletin board and identify the cutouts: Additionally, encourage Spanish- speakers to teach the class a favorite Glue sombrero, chili peppers, poncho, piñata and maracas and how they song in Spanish or share other family Water represent different parts of the Mexican culture. Explain how the wide brim traditions. Paint of the sombrero protects the wearer from the hot sun. Tell children that Crepe Paper chili peppers are spicy peppers used in Mexican cooking. Maracas are String or yarn musical instruments. Have children tell what they know about a piñata, Masking tape and how it is used. Candy Yard stick Tell children that piñatas are often used during Mexican celebrations. Blind folds Children will be working in groups to make their own piñatas that will be used for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Read through the instructions on the poster, demonstrating the different steps in the piñata-making process. Check for understanding and answer any questions before splitting the children into groups.

Cooperative Groups Divide the class into small groups and assign them to a table with piñata- making materials. Remind them to follow the instructions from the class demonstration and poster. Move through the classroom as the groups work together to create their piñatas, helping groups when necessary.

Once each group has finished, let the piñata dry until it is stiff and no longer wet or sticky to the touch. Then have groups decorate the piñata using paint or crepe paper, fill it with candy and take turns striking the piñata with a yard stick or other hitting tool.

19 A c t ivi t y e i g h t

ACTIVITY EIGHT Independence Day United States Map Flag 1 VIS130 HOL279

Objectives Children will understand that Americans celebrate the Fourth of July to commemorate the formation of the United States. Children will identify and understand what national symbols represent. USA 1 Eagle 3 HOL288 HOL276 Children will understand the symbols, icons and traditions of the United States that provide continuity and a sense of community over time.

Materials Poster Maker: July 4th Bulletin Board: BBD024

July 4th Bulletin Board United States Map: VIS130 (Basic) other: BBD024 cutout Maker: Globe Flag 1: HOL279 Pencils USA 1: HOL288 Markers or crayons in red and blue Eagle 3: HOL276

Preparation Print and display United States Map poster. Cut out July 4th Bulletin Board, Eagle 3 and USA 1. Create a bulletin board display. Cut out Flag 1 on white paper, custom-sized to largest possible on page, one for each child.

Whole Class Tell children that on the 4th of July we celebrate Independence Day, the day in 1776 when the 13 American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. Find Great Britain and the U.S. on the globe. Note: if your school is on vacation during the month of July, use this activity as a follow up to Activity Six and compare how the two countries celebrate freedom.

20 I n d e p e n d e n c e D ay

Read aloud the names of the states that were the 13 original colonies. On the United Modification States Map, have volunteers outline each Draw in the 13 lines on children’s state and circle the name of the state using flags. Have children read the names of the 13 colonies and write them down a marker. Ask children why they think for them. these states were the 13 original colonies (because they are geographically located on Extension the East coast, closest to Great Britain). The bald eagle is a national symbol of the whole United States. Tell Identify and name the symbols on the 4th of July bulletin board display. children that each of the 50 states in our country has its own state bird, Ask children what they know about the stars and stripes on the flag, the tree, and other official state items. Statue of Liberty, and the bald eagle. List their ideas on the board. Challenge children to find the state symbols for your state and share the Share with children that the Statue of Liberty holds a torch, to light the way information with the class. To help them get started, give them your state to freedom in America. The Statue of Liberty is in New York Harbor. The quarter and a magnifying glass. American bald eagle was chosen in 1782 to be the emblem of our new nation for its long life (15-20 years in the wild), great strength, and ability to fly high and free. Many 4th of July celebrations end with colorful fireworks bursting in air. The top hat shown is a reference to the top hat Uncle Sam wore in Army recruiting posters.

Then share with children that the 13 stripes on the flag stand for the original 13 colonies that became the first 13 states. There are 50 stars on the flag, one for each of the 50 states. Point out the colors used on the flag, and tell them that they will be creating their own American flags.

Center Activity Pass out the Flag 1 cutouts to children. Have children draw in the 13 stripes on their flag with a pencil first, then use the red and blue markers to color in the stripes and stars background, using the flag cutout on the bulletin board as an example.

Once their flags are decorated, have children write the names of the 13 original colonies on the back of the flag in geographical order from North to South.

21 A c t ivi t y n i n e

ACTIVITY nine Thankful Little Turkeys Happy Thanksgiving Turkey Craft HDY039 CRF042

Objectives Children will understand reasons Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. Children will understand that history relates to events, people, and places of other times. Font letters A-Z Materials Poster Maker: other: Happy Thanksgiving: HDY039 Children’s books about Thanksgiving

cutout Maker: Tape or glue Turkey Craft: CRF042 Large envelopes Font letters: A-Z Pencils Markers 12” x 18” construction paper

Preparation edit Happy Thanksgiving poster, reducing title size and changing the text to read “We Are Thankful For:” Cut out Turkey Craft, custom-sized to 20” width, one set for each child, plus one extra set for the whole class demonstration. Place the pieces for each child in a separate, large envelope. Cut out the words “Thankful Little Turkeys” and display on a bulletin board.

22 Thankful Little Turkeys

Whole Class Read a book about the story of Thanksgiving to children. Some examples Modification include: Assemble the body and head pieces of the Turkey Crafts ahead of time. Have If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620, by Ann McGovern children tell you 3-5 things they are Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving, by Ann McGovern thankful for, write them each lightly on a Thanks for Thanksgiving, by Julie Markes feather for them to trace and glue onto The Very First Thanksgiving, by Rhonda Gowler Greene the turkey body.

After the read aloud, subtract the year the Pilgrims celebrated the harvest Extension with the Abnaki Indians, 1621, from the current year to find out how long Challenge children to write something they are thankful for on each Turkey ago the first Thanksgiving was. Let children know that in 1863 President Craft tail feather. Abraham Lincoln appointed a national day of thanksgiving. Ask questions to be sure they understand that Thanksgiving means giving thanks.

Have them recall what the Pilgrims were thankful for (food, health, new land, freedom). Display the edited Happy Thanksgiving poster, and then ask children to think about what they are thankful for. List their ideas on the poster.

Show children the sample Turkey Craft. Tell them that they will be making “Thankful Little Turkeys” by writing down what they are thankful for on the feathers of the turkeys. Demonstrate how to assemble the turkey body and head first, by gluing or taping the head piece, wing and feet to the body, then adding the eye, beak and gizzard to the head. After the head and body are assembled, children should add the feathers.

Center Activity Distribute envelopes with the Turkey Craft cutouts to children. Have children write their names on the body of the turkey. Children should then write 5-8 things that they are thankful for, each on a separate turkey feather.

Once they have written on the feathers, have them tape the head piece, wing and feet to the body, then add the eye, beak and gizzard to the head. Have them glue or tape the feathers to the body of the turkey, adding the feathers they have written on last so you can read what they have written.

Display completed turkeys on the bulletin board beneath the cut out words: “Thankful Little Turkeys.”

23 A c t ivi t y t e n

ACTIVITY TEN December Holiday Happy Holidays Word Wall HDY008 BAN033 Traditions

Objectives Children will understand personal family heritage through stories and Present Frame FRA031 celebrations. Children will learn about and compare different holiday traditions.

Materials Poster Maker: Happy Holidays: HDY008 Word Wall: BAN033 (Basic)

cutout Maker: Present Frame: FRA031

other: 8 ½” x 11” plain white paper Markers Tape or glue Children’s books about Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa

Preparation Print and display Happy Holidays poster. Edit the Word Wall banner by changing the text to read “December Holidays,” print and display. Cut out Present Frame, custom-sized to 8”, one for each child. Cut plain white paper into 8 ½” x 8 ½” squares, one for each child.

24 December Holiday Traditions

Whole Class Modification In early December, display the Happy Holidays poster and remind children that many people celebrate special holidays this time of year. Have children draw an illustration on white paper and dictate the family Invite children to share the holiday(s) their families celebrate in December. tradition for an adult or classmate to List them on the poster, below the corresponding symbol, adding other write on the frame. Help the child attach holidays if necessary. the drawing to the frame.

Read aloud books about the holidays celebrated in December, such as: Extension My First Kwanza, by Deborah Chocolate Have children write a compare and contrast paragraph that explains the Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story, by Angela Shelf Medearis similarities and differences among The Farolitos of Christmas, by Rudolfo Anaya the different holidays celebrated in The Give-Away: A Christmas Story in the Native American Tradition, by December, using children’s books and Ray Buckley the Internet to research the history and traditions associated with each. The Year of the Christmas Tree – A Christmas Story, by Gloria Houston By the Hanukkah Light, by Sheldon Oberman Light the Lights! A Story Celebrating Hanukkah & Christmas, by Margaret Moorman

Discuss how different cultures celebrate holidays in different ways. Point out that Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are alike in four important ways. List them on the December Holidays word wall: Family, Lights, Food, and Gifts.

Invite children to pick from the list and share something their family does as a family, with lights (candles, decorations), food or gifts. As children talk, add key words to the December Holidays word wall for children to use when they write about the holidays their families celebrate.

Center Activity Distribute frames, square pieces of paper and markers to children in small groups. Have children draw a picture on the white paper of them celebrating a holiday in December. Have them write a caption for their drawing around the border of the frame using the words from the word wall to help with spelling. Then have children attach the picture to the frame with tape or glue and display.

25 A ddi t i o n al A c t ivi t i e s

Notes ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Groundhog Day Print and display the Groundhog Day poster: HDY036. Print Groundhog Day Stickers: STK280 for each child. On February 1, display the poster and give children Groundhog Day stickers. Tell children that the groundhog, or woodchuck, is the largest member of the squirrel family. Groundhogs eat as much as they can during the summer and hibernate until spring. February 2 is Groundhog Day. According to the tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow that day, there will be six more weeks of winter. On the morning of February 2nd, people gather at Gobbler’s Knob, a wooded knoll just outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see if the groundhog, named Phil, sees his shadow. Have children record predictions on whether or not we will have six more weeks of winter on Groundhog 1: HOL172 cutouts and display. Share Phil’s weather prediction on February 2. Record the information on the poster. Then print Calendar Month 2: SCH068 (Basic) pages to make February and March calendars to track the temperature at noon over the next six weeks to see if Phil was right.

Mardi Gras Read aloud children’s books about Mardi Gras and listen to some New Orleans jazz to give children a sense of the culture and traditions associated with this holiday. Give children Mardi Gras 2 Mask: MSK045, art paper, feathers, beads, sequins, other art materials and glue to make masks and headbands for costumes. Gather some musical instruments for them to play, then have a Mardi Gras parade!

Halloween On Halloween, have a costume party in class. Invite children to wear their costumes to school. Display the Safe Halloween poster: HDY055 and discuss ways children can stay safe when they are out trick-or-treating. Cut out one Pumpkin Frame: FRA032 for each child, then take a class photo of all of the children in their Halloween costumes, attach to the frame and send one home with each child.

26 R u b ri c Value otal: T Advanced Student understands and explains why significant people and/or recognized and events are celebrated on holidays and can give examples of, describe and draw comparisons among them. Student understands that history to events, people and relates places of other times and can examples with details provide place in including their relative time. Student can list symbols to related and icons that are of a nation, state the culture explain or local community, the significance and draw comparisons between them. the Student recognizes among differences and similarities and draws comparisons cultures between them. Student can identify and explain the history of national icons and traditions of the U.S, including those of the individual states. Proficient Student understands why significant people and recognized events are and/or celebrated on holidays and can provide examples of and describe historically significant people and events. Student understands that to events, history relates people and places of other times and can examples with provide details to describe them. Student can list symbols and icons that are of a to the culture related community and explain their significance. Student recognizes have that cultures unique characteristics and can identify some of the similarities and differences. Student can identify and explain the history of national icons and traditions of the U.S. Name IC B asic R C riteria UB Student understands that significant people and events are and/or recognized celebrated on holidays and can provide examples. Student understands to that history relates events, people and places of other times. Student demonstrates an understanding of how symbols and icons of a to the culture relate national, state or local community. that Student recognizes have unique cultures characteristics. identify can Student and icons national U.S. the of traditions R re 1 Minimal ultu Student shows a limited understanding that people and events and/or recognized are celebrated on holidays. Student shows a limited understanding that to events, history relates people and places of other times. Student demonstrates a minimal understanding of the symbols and to icons that relate national, state or local culture. Student recognizes some characteristics of cultures. Student cannot identify the national icons and traditions of the U.S. hy & C ap times gr E xplains the local culture local culture U nderstands Identifies and C ategories o significance of places of other of symbols and Recognizes the similarities and the significance history relates to history relates national, state or U nderstands that icons as a part of different cultures different explains icons and e people and events differences among differences events, people and traditions of the U . S recognizing historic recognizing (Please note that all have permission to reproduce this rubric page.) (Please note that all have permission to reproduce G

27 C o n t e n t L i s t

Geography & Culture 1 Content List

Poster Maker ID Name Activities HDY003 Cinco de Mayo HDY004 Earth Day 6 HDY007 Hanukkah HDY008 Happy Holidays 10 HDY011 St. Patrick's Day 2 HDY016 Martin Luther King 3 HDY017 Memorial Day Additional HDY026 Chinese New Year 1 HDY028 Columbus Day HDY030 Earth Day 3 6 HDY036 Groundhog Day Additional HDY039 Happy Thanksgiving 9 HDY042 Independence Day HDY044 Kwanzaa HDY045 Mardi Gras HDY048 Merry Christmas 2 HDY052 Happy New Year 1 HDY053 Presidents' Day 2 2 HDY054 Rosh Hashanah 1 HDY055 Safe Halloween Additional HDY056 St. Patrick's Day 3 HDY058 Valentine's Day Candy Hearts 4 HDY059 Veterans Day HDY063 Yom Kippur Awards Maker ID Name Activities STK003 American Pride STK020 Earth Day Sticker 6 STK030 Happy Halloween Sticker STK032 Happy Valentine's Day Sticker 4 STK123 Happy Thanksgiving 2 Sticker STK264 4th of July Sticker STK270 Chinese New Year Sticker STK280 Groundhog Day Sticker Additional STK281 Hanukkah Sticker STK285 Merry Christmas 2 Sticker STK286 Martin Luther King Sticker STK288 Presidents' Day Sticker 2 STK290 St. Patrick's Day Sticker

28 C o n t e n t li s t

Geography & Culture 1 Content List (cont.)

Cutout Maker ID Name Activities BBD007* Cinco de Mayo Bulletin Board 7 BBD012* Halloween 3 Bulletin Board BBD024* July 4th Bulletin Board 8 BBD033* Valentine's Day 1 Bulletin Board BBD062* Earth Day Bulletin Board 6 BKS037 Heart Book Cover 4 BKS038 Heart Book Page 4 BKS065 Shamrock Book Cover 5 BKS066 Shamrock Book Page 5 CRD057 Ghost Window Card CRD058 Heart Window Card 4 CRD060 Shamrock Window Card CRD066 Pumpkin Window Card CRD075 Heart 1 Card 4 CRF014* Chinese New Year Craft 1 CRF025* Leprechaun Craft 5 CRF042* Turkey Craft 9 CRF100* Christmas Tree Craft CRF105* Hanukkah Craft CRF106* Kwanzaa Craft FRA015 Heart 1 Frame FRA031 Present Frame 10 FRA032 Pumpkin Frame Additional FRA036 Shamrock Frame HOL001 Bare Tree HOL027 Moon HOL033 Pumpkin 2 HOL040 Spider 1 HOL042 Spider Web HOL049 Cornucopia HOL052 Pilgrim Hat HOL061 Turkey 1 HOL069 Bow HOL076 Light HOL078 Tree 1 HOL083 Gingerbread 1 HOL091 Ornament 1 HOL096 Reindeer

29 C o n t e n t L i s t

Geography & Culture 1 Content List (cont.)

Cutout Maker ID (cont.) Name Activities HOL101 Stocking HOL103 Wreath 1 HOL107 Dreidel 1 HOL113 Horn HOL124 Star of David HOL128 Unity Cup HOL129 Kinara 1 HOL132 Holiday Candles HOL133 Mkeka HOL141 Dove 1 3 HOL143 I Have a Dream 3 HOL164 Dragon 2 Chinese New Year HOL166 Lantern 1 HOL172 Groundhog 1 Additional HOL197 Hearts 4 HOL198 Heart - Arrow 4 HOL201 I Heart U HOL202 Kiss 4 HOL204 Mailbox 1 HOL210 XOXOXOXO 4 HOL211 Abraham Lincoln 2 HOL212 George Washington 2 HOL213 Thomas Jefferson 2 HOL214 Theodore Roosevelt 2 HOL215 Coins 5 HOL220 Pot 1 5 HOL227 Shamrock 5 5 HOL260 Sombrero 7 HOL276 Eagle 3 8 HOL279 Flag 1 8 HOL288 USA 1 8 HOL345 Menorah 1 MSK045 Mardi Gras 2 Mask Additional MSK065 BOO Mask PUZ025 Heart Puzzle PUZ028 Pumpkin Puzzle PUZ071 Tree 1 Puzzle PUZ073 Turkey Puzzle

30 c o n t e n t li s t

Geography & Culture 1 Content List (cont.)

Cutout Maker ID (cont.) Name Activities PUZ073 Turkey Puzzle REL089 Challah REL096 Shofar REL100 Tallit REL101 Torah SEA099 Bat 1 SEA109 Ghost 1 SEA129 Witch 1

*indicates Cutout Maker collection

31 variquest work order

VariQuest Work Order Template This template can be photocopied and used for placing orders for customized posters, banners, stickers, awards, cutouts and collections.

Date Order Placed: ______Order #: ______

Date Order Needed By: ______Date Completed: ______

Staff Name: ______

Room #: ______Phone #: ______

E-mail: ______

Special Instructions:

______

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32 Visual Learning Tools

For additional resources and standards alignment visit www.variquest.com 800-328-0585

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