Week 1: Exploring Christmas Traditions Around the World

Day 1: Introduction to Christmas Traditions

 Objective: Students will identify and discuss Christmas traditions from their own
families.
 Activities:
1. Warm-Up:
 Show images of holiday celebrations around the world (e.g., Germany,
Mexico, Japan).
 Ask: What do you notice about these pictures? How do they celebrate
Christmas differently?
2. Mini-Lesson:
 Read a short text or watch a video about Christmas traditions in one
country (e.g., Germany – Advent calendars, Mexico – Las Posadas).
3. Craft:
 Begin creating the World Ornament Garland. Students design one
ornament based on a country of their choice.

Day 2: Christmas in Germany

 Objective: Students will learn about Advent and other traditions in Germany.
 Activities:
1. Discussion:
 What is an Advent calendar? How is it used to count down to Christmas?
2. Craft:
 Make an Advent Calendar:
 Use small envelopes or paper pouches for each day leading up to
Christmas. Decorate each with festive colors and drawings. Add
fun "acts of kindness" notes inside.
3. Wrap-Up:
 Share their calendars with classmates and discuss why it’s fun to prepare
for Christmas this way.

Day 3: Christmas in Mexico

 Objective: Students will learn about the tradition of Las Posadas and the significance of
piñatas.
 Activities:
1. Warm-Up:
 Show pictures or a video of Las Posadas. Ask: What does this tradition
remind you of?
2. Mini-Lesson:
 Discuss the meaning of Las Posadas (re-enacting Mary and Joseph's
search for a place to stay).
 3. Craft:
 Create a Mini-Piñata:
 Use tissue paper, glue, and cardboard to make small piñatas.
Decorate them with bright colors.
4. Extension:
 Share why breaking piñatas is symbolic during the holidays.

Day 4: Comparing Traditions

 Objective: Students will compare and contrast holiday traditions from their own culture
and other countries.
 Activities:
1. Warm-Up Discussion:
 What did you find interesting about Germany and Mexico's traditions?
How are they similar or different from how you celebrate?
2. Group Activity:
 Create a Venn Diagram comparing Christmas traditions in Germany,
Mexico, and your own.
3. Craft:
 Finish the World Ornament Garland by adding symbols from their own
family traditions.

Week 2: Kindness and Giving During the Holidays

Day 1: The Spirit of Kindness

 Objective: Students will explore the importance of kindness and giving during the
holiday season.
 Activities:
1. Warm-Up Discussion:
 What does kindness mean to you? How can you show kindness to others
during the holidays?
2. Mini-Lesson:
 Read a holiday-themed story about kindness (e.g., How the Grinch Stole
Christmas by Dr. Seuss or The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry). Discuss
how kindness changed the characters’ lives.
3. Craft:
 Kindness Tree:
 Create a classroom tree on a bulletin board or poster. Students cut
out paper ornaments and write kind acts they plan to do on each
one.

Day 2: Giving Back to Others

  Objective: Students will identify ways they can help their community during the
holidays.
 Activities:
1. Warm-Up Activity:
 Discuss: What does it mean to give back? Why is it important?
 Brainstorm ways to help (e.g., donating toys, helping neighbors).
2. Craft:
 Make Holiday Cards for the Community:
 Design and decorate cards for people in need (e.g., nursing homes,
hospitals).
3. Extension:
 Collect and deliver the cards as a class project.

Day 3: Stories of Generosity

 Objective: Students will understand how small acts of generosity can make a big
difference.
 Activities:
1. Mini-Lesson:
 Share a real-life story or watch a short video about holiday generosity
(e.g., Secret Santa, food drives).
2. Craft:
 Handmade Gift Exchange:
 Students make simple gifts (e.g., paper snowflakes, bookmarks) to
exchange with a classmate. Decorate and write a kind message on
the back.
3. Wrap-Up:
 Reflect: How did it feel to make something special for someone else?

Day 4: Celebrating Kindness Together

 Objective: Students will present what they learned about kindness and giving.
 Activities:
1. Warm-Up Discussion:
 What is the best part about being kind?
2. Group Activity:
 Present the Kindness Tree and share one kind act they completed.
3. Craft:
 Kindness Chain:
 Create a paper chain where each link represents a kind deed.
Assemble the chain as a class and hang it up in the classroom.

Week 3: Festive Stories and Celebrations

Day 1: Holiday Stories

 Objective: Students will enjoy and discuss classic holiday stories.

 Activities:
1. Mini-Lesson:
 Read a holiday story aloud (e.g., The Polar Express by Chris Van
Allsburg or The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore).
2. Discussion Questions:
 What was your favorite part of the story? How would you feel if you were
in the story?
3. Craft:
 Story Scene Diorama:
 Create a small 3D diorama of their favorite scene from the story
using shoeboxes, paper, and markers.

Day 2: Exploring Different Holidays

 Objective: Students will learn about holidays celebrated around the world (e.g.,
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa).
 Activities:
1. Warm-Up Discussion:
 What other holidays do people celebrate in December? How are they
different from Christmas?
2. Mini-Lesson:
 Discuss Hanukkah (lighting the menorah) or Kwanzaa (seven principles).
Share pictures and symbols.
3. Craft:
 DIY Menorah or Kinara:
 Use paper or popsicle sticks to create a menorah (Hanukkah) or
kinara (Kwanzaa). Add candles and decorate.

Day 3: Christmas Party Prep

 Objective: Students will prepare decorations and activities for a class Christmas party.
 Activities:
1. Warm-Up:
 Brainstorm: What makes a great Christmas party?
2. Craft:
 Christmas Party Hats or Masks:
 Create festive hats or masks using glitter, stickers, and Christmas-
themed designs.
 Classroom Garland:
 Students work together to make paper garlands to hang around the
room.
Day 4: Class Celebration

 Objective: Celebrate the end of the holiday unit with fun and games.
 Activities:
1. Games:
 Play games like Pin the Star on the Tree or Holiday Charades.
2. Show and Tell:
 Students share their crafts and talk about what they’ve learned over the
last three weeks.
3. Festive Snack Time:
 Enjoy holiday-themed treats and drinks together.