Arkport students learn about worldwide holiday celebrations
This past December, in addition to celebrating their own, customary holidays, Arkport students had the opportunity to learn how holidays are observed around the world.
All elementary grade levels participated in age-appropriate activities to discover different cultures, beliefs, customs and traditions. By expanding their knowledge, interest and understanding for other groups, Arkport students were able to gain new perspectives while finding commonalities — and having some fun, too!
Pre-kindergarten students learned about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa through circle time in their classroom and art activities. Their teachers incorporated books about these holidays into story time as well.
Second grade students studied traditions associated with Diwali, Kwanzaa and Christmas in Sweden, Germany, Italy and Mexico. They explored gift giving, traditional foods and how families gather. Fifth and sixth grade students focused on Christmas traditions and how they developed in countries around the world, including Germany, Iceland, Ethiopia, China, Japan, Mexico, France, India and Indonesia.
These lessons carried over to library and art instruction, where elementary students researched and created three-dimensional paper snow globes to depict the following holidays: Kwanzaa, Day of Goodwill, Boxing Day, Las Posadas, Day of Reconciliation and Saint Lucia Day.
Through these cross-curricular, hands-on activities students were encouraged to be more culturally aware and to develop connections with and respect for others. In addition, these activities provided opportunities to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding for the customs and traditions associated with the holidays students celebrate at home.
To learn more about how diversity, equity and inclusion is incorporated into the curriculum at Arkport schools, visit the district website.