Maryland Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences in the ways individuals, groups, societies, and cultures live and interact in the world.
• They will compare 3 multi cultural celebrations Kwanzaa, Christmas and Hanukkah.
• They will describe how families transmit cultural tradition and express themselves through art, religion, and literature.

Introduction

The children will brainstorm about the symbols of the holiday season using the software Inspiration or a graphic organizer.

Activity

The children will focus on the use of candles in different holiday celebrations. Show them the Menorah, the Advent Wreath, and the Kinara.

Read parts of the following books - Hanukkah Lights Hanukkah Nights by Leslie Kimmelman, Kwanzaa by Janet Riehecky, and A Book of Christmas by Tasha Tudor. Focus the children's attention on the use of candles during the holiday celebrations.

Using the activities from Bluemountain Greeting Cards review the 3 holidays.

Conclusion

The children will then make a "Five Little Candle" Book.

This letter may be sent home to the parents

Dear Parents,
During the holiday season, many cultures use light to celebrate or commemorate special occasions. Our class will be learning about some ways light is used during different holidays.  Be sure to ask your child to share some of the things he or she learns about these special occasions.
Happy Holidays! 

Bibliography

Henry, Lucia Kemp. "Bright Winter Lights". The Mailbox - Kindergarten, The Education Center, Inc., N. C., Dec/Jan. 1997-98 p. 4

Kimmelman, Leslie. Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights. Harper Collins, 1992.

Riehecky, Janet. Kwanzaa. Childrens Press, Illinois, 1993.

Tudor, Tasha. A Book of Christmas, William Collins Publishers, New York. 1979.

Created by JoEllen Youngblud, 12/2000