TAKE A JOURNEY HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD. DECEMBER CURRICULUM YMCA OF AUSTIN AFTERSCHOOL School Year

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1 TAKE A JOURNEY HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD DECEMBER CURRICULUM YMCA OF AUSTIN AFTERSCHOOL School Year

2 December 3-7 My Holiday Passport Holiday Celebrations: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, St. Nicholas Day, & Boxing Day Component Activity Grade Level Arts Hanukkah Star of David Stained-Glass Ornaments UK Boxing Day Creating a day of giving (Day after Christmas) Supplies Popsicle Sticks, Tissue Paper, Bottle Glue, Water, Paintbrushes, Colorful Ribbon or String Different colored construction paper, markers, crayons, ribbon, hole puncher TEKS Global Learning & Inclusion 21 st Century Skills Youth Choice Health & Well Kwanzaa Kwanzaa Woven Matt Saint Nicholas Day Paper Plate Santa Claus OTHER OPTIONS: Menorah Silhouettes Kwanzaa Wreath Project Holidays Around the World Discussion on Hanukkah, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa, Saint Nicholas Day Christmas STEM Gum Drop Christmas Trees Journalism Create a Holiday around the world story book Art Stained Glass Window Craft Dramatic Play Create a Holiday around the world skit See CATCH GAMES in Drive Red, Green and Black construction paper, scissors Paper Plate, Kid-friendly paint, Cotton Wool, White Paper PVA Glue, Scissors/paper cutter, Paintbrush, Pencil (for curling) Click on each hyperlink below: MENORAH SILHOUETTES KWANZAA WREATH PROJECT Review the History of Hanukkah, UK, Kwanzaa and Saint Nicholas articles Y Chat Questions Gum Drop Candies, Toothpicks Various colored construction paper, white paper, hole puncher, markers, crayons 1 Gallon small bag, disposable plate 7-9 diameter, foil, stained glass window template, sharpies Dramatic Play items, Light up the World with Celebrations Skit FAMILY ENGAGEMENT EVENT Culture Showcase with Potluck (prepackaged food only)

Week 1 My Holiday Passport Holiday Celebrations Hanukah STAR OF DAVID STAIN GLASSED

Markers Colorful Ribbon or string INSTRUCTIONS: 1.

Repeat until you have two triangles for each ornament. 2.

Once each triangle is dry, place the triangle on top of one another facing opposite

Add a few dots of glue and press the triangles together until they stick on their own. 5.

Introduction to Holiday Celebrations around the World: Introducing diversity to our Y kids

It s natural for a child to notice similarities and differences amongst each other.

3 Week 1 My Holiday Passport Holiday Celebrations Hanukah STAR OF DAVID STAIN GLASSED ORNAMENTS: MATERIALS: Popsicle sticks (6 per star) Colored Tissue paper Glue Paint or Markers Colorful Ribbon or string INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Glue three Popsicle sticks together to make an equilateral triangle. Repeat until you have two triangles for each ornament. 2. Let the triangles dry separately for about minutes. 3. Once each triangle is dry, place the triangle on top of one another facing opposite directions to see where they will connect. 4. Add a few dots of glue and press the triangles together until they stick on their own. 5. Set the star frame(s) aside to dry. Introduction to Holiday Celebrations around the World: Introducing diversity to our Y kids is an important part of our program. It s natural for a child to notice similarities and differences amongst each other. As YMCA professional role-models, we use the Holiday Season to celebrate the differences that make each and every one of us unique and special. This week we will continue to build on each child s cultural identity and boost selfesteem by giving them a chance to share their family s holiday traditions. We will be using our Holiday Passport to learn about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, St. Nicolas Day, Boxing Day, and Omisoka.

Week 1 My Holiday Passport Holiday Celebrations Boxing Day Introduction to BOXING DAY traditions and meaning: Did you know that the day after Christmas is a holiday in many countries?

Using scissors, cut interesting shapes out of the construction paper. Fold in half if you would like. 2. Draw pictures or symbols of the holiday at which the gift will be given. 3.

5 Week 1 My Holiday Passport Holiday Celebrations Boxing Day Introduction to BOXING DAY traditions and meaning: Did you know that the day after Christmas is a holiday in many countries? It s called Boxing Day! Gift-Giving Tags Craft: MATERIALS: Different color construction paper Scissors Ribbon Crayons or Markers DIRECTIONS: 1. Using scissors, cut interesting shapes out of the construction paper. Fold in half if you would like. 2. Draw pictures or symbols of the holiday at which the gift will be given. 3. Use crayons, markers or paint to decorate the outside of the gift tag 4. Punch a hole in the corner. 5. Tie a ribbon through the hole to attach the tag to your wrapped gift. While not a religious holiday, historically, it s a day to remember servants, employees, and those less fortunate. Gifts were collected and given to the needy and those in position of service. START A BOXING DAY TRADITION! 1. Box up your Christmas leftovers and bring to families less fortunate than your own. 2. After new Christmas toys have been organized and put away, go through your children s stash with your kids and let them pick some toys to donate to others. 3. Ask your local church if they know of any families who have had a rough Christmas season. If they don t want to be known for privacy reasons, ask your pastor if there are any needs that you can meet this week for someone in their congregation. As a family, try to meet that need. 5. Write thank you notes, and have your children color or draw on them as well, for people who have served your family throughout the year. Whether it s paid service or those who have simply made a huge difference in your life, express your gratitude. 6. Bake cookies or treats for those who are still working during this season like your local fireman, police, or ambulance drivers. 7. Serve at a local food kitchen or homeless shelter together as a family. 8. Invite an individual or family into your home who may not have had the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a large way. Use it as an opportunity to give hospitality and love.

Week 1 My Holiday Passport Holiday Celebrations Kwanzaa KWANZAA WOVEN MATT: MATERIALS: Black, red, and green construction paper Scissors Glue or Stapler

Demonstrate your group how to cut from the folded edge to within 1 inch of the opposite side KWANZAA TRADITIONS: Rituals are an important part of kids lives.

In the African-American culture, Kwanzaa is a holiday that honors tradition and deepens children s understanding of their heritage.

The woven mat, or mkeka, is the mat on which the other Kwanzaa symbols rest. The mkeka is a symbol of tradition and history. 3.

6 Week 1 My Holiday Passport Holiday Celebrations Kwanzaa KWANZAA WOVEN MATT: MATERIALS: Black, red, and green construction paper Scissors Glue or Stapler Instructions: 1. Fold the black paper in half so the short edges meet. This will make a frame for the mat. 2. Demonstrate your group how to cut from the folded edge to within 1 inch of the opposite side KWANZAA TRADITIONS: Rituals are an important part of kids lives. They connect children to their family and community and give everyone a sense of who they are. In the African-American culture, Kwanzaa is a holiday that honors tradition and deepens children s understanding of their heritage. It s also a lot of fun seven days of food, music, dancing, creativity and other family activities. The woven mat, or mkeka, is the mat on which the other Kwanzaa symbols rest. The mkeka is a symbol of tradition and history. 3. Have each child make seven cuts about 1-inch apart to make eight 1-inch sections. 4. Unfold the paper. 5. Cut 1-inch-wide strips from the red and green paper, cutting from long edge to long edge of each sheet 6. Show your child how to weave the strips over and under the cuts in the frame, alternating red and green strips. 7. Glue or staple the strips in place along the edge of the frame. Trim the strips if necessary.

Week 1 My Holiday Passport Holiday Celebrations Saint Nicholas Day Paper Plate Saint Nicholas: MATERIALS: Paper Plate Kid-friendly paint Cotton Wool White Paper PVA Glue Scissors/paper

While the paper plate is drying, cut a piece of A4 white paper into fine strips (approx.. 1cm width) 3.

Alternatively, simply slide the pencil out of the paper without dragging. This will create a bouncy curl. 5.

And two black eyes (googley eyes could also be used).

14 Week 1 My Holiday Passport Holiday Celebrations Saint Nicholas Day Paper Plate Saint Nicholas: MATERIALS: Paper Plate Kid-friendly paint Cotton Wool White Paper PVA Glue Scissors/paper cutter Paintbrush Pencil (for curling) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Using the paint, divide the paper plate in two to create an area for Santa s face and his famous red hat. 2. While the paper plate is drying, cut a piece of A4 white paper into fine strips (approx.. 1cm width) 3. Curl the paper by wrapping it around the pencil and then drag the pencil out in a downward motion to create a ringlet 4. Alternatively, simply slide the pencil out of the paper without dragging. This will create a bouncy curl. 5. Stick the paper curls along the rim of the paper plate and then add a second layer of curls above the rim. 6. Add a large red nose! 7. And two black eyes (googley eyes could also be used). The Real Santa Saint Nicholas: Saint Nicholas, the Father Christmas or aka Santa Claus was a real 4 th Centruy Greek Saint who was admired for being kind and helping those in need. He was renowed for secretly giving gifts and placing coins in the shoes of the Many traditions from Saint Nicholas Day may seem familiar to Christmas celebrations. Here are a few: 1. Children receive gifts in their shoes like coins and apples (this is where the Christmas stocking comes from!) 2. There is a large meal with family and friends to celebrate 3. In some families dad will dress up as Saint Nick on the eve before the special

15 Week 1 My Holiday Passport Y Chat Questions HANUKKAH KWANZAA SAINT NICHOLAS DAY When the candles are lit on The traditions, names, and Was Saint the menorah, they are a decorations of Kwanzaa reflect Nicholas real? symbol. What do they African culture, but it is an symbolize? Tell the story in American holiday. Explain the your own words. meaning of the holiday in your own words. What is the tzedakah box used for? Why do you think it might have special meaning during Hanukkah? What do the four Hebrew letters on the sides of a dreidel stand for? What does that phrase have to do with Hanukkah? Think about the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Unity, Self- Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. These principles reflect how we should live our lives, work together, and build our community. Choose one, describe it in your own words, and give an example from your life. What is an example of a gift that might be given for Kwanzaa? What makes these gifts special? What did Saint Nicholas do? When is Saint Nicholas Day? How did Saint Nicholas become Santa Claus? BOXING DAY What is Boxing Day? Why is this day important? What would you and your family do to celebrate Boxing Day? What are some of the traditions for Boxing Day? Why does Hanukkah start on a different day each year? If you were to explain Hanukkah to a friend who had never heard of it before, what story would you tell? If you were to explain Kwanzaa to a friend who had never heard of it before, what would you say? Kwanzaa is a holiday about looking back and looking forward. Why do you think Maulana Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa, chose the week between Christmas and New Year's for this holiday? How can you celebrate Saint Nicholas Day with your family? What are some things you could do that is similar to what Saint Nicholas did for his community? Where is Boxing Day Celebrated?

16 Week 1 My Holiday Passport Boxing Day

Week 1 My Holiday Passport YOUTH CHOICE JOURNALISM Holidays around the World Storybook MATERIALS: Different Colored Construction Paper White Paper Hole Puncher String DIRECTIONS: 1.

Us your judgement to decide where the fold line will be, remembering that you want all of the edges of the papers to show evenly layered 3. Crease the fold 4.

18 Week 1 My Holiday Passport YOUTH CHOICE JOURNALISM Holidays around the World Storybook MATERIALS: Different Colored Construction Paper White Paper Hole Puncher String DIRECTIONS: 1. Lay together the colored construction paper and white construction paper. The colored construction paper should be on the bottom. 2. Begin folding the top of the papers towards the lower edge. Us your judgement to decide where the fold line will be, remembering that you want all of the edges of the papers to show evenly layered 3. Crease the fold 4. Punch two holes on the top and bottom portion of the fold 5. Us the string through each whole to bind the pages together. 6. Use the pages to create a story that describes your imaginary trip around the world for the holidays. 7. Share your Holiday Around the World story with your friends! Raki s Rad Resources

19 Week 1 My Holiday Passport YOUTH CHOICE DRAMATIC PLAY Light up the World with Celebrations: A Truly Multi-Cultural Holiday Play Raki s Rad Resources

Characters leveled by difficulty: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 John from the USA Narrator 1 Narrator 2 Pierre from France Achmed from Morocco Jose from Mexico Cheska from the Philippines Franny from

20 Characters leveled by difficulty: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 John from the USA Narrator 1 Narrator 2 Pierre from France Achmed from Morocco Jose from Mexico Cheska from the Philippines Franny from Sweden Sara from Italy Benjamin from Israel Jarius from the USA Aisha from Egypt Alak from Thailand Albert from Holland Juliana from Brazil Yaquilin from China Prita from India Raki s Rad Resources

21 Songs all words provided This Little Light of Mine English only Silent Night English, French, Spanish and German Happy Birthday English, French, Spanish, Arabic and German Begin with whole group singing of the song This Little Light of Mine Narrator 1: Light is an important part of celebrations around the world. Narrator 2: People use many types of light to celebrate - candles, lanterns, bonfires, oil lamps, fireworks and even the light of the moon. Narrator 1: Tonight we will learn about celebrations that use light from kids around the world Sara: My family has a bonfire to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Since ancient times, people have burned a Yule Log on the Winter Solstice to celebrate the sun s birthday. On the shortest day of the year, we celebrate longer, brighter days to come. Pierre: My family lives in France. We burn candles for the four Sundays before Christmas. We call this Advent. Cheska: In the Philippines, I light star shaped lanterns with my mom and dad for nine days before Christmas. Jose: My brothers and I light luminaries on the path to our house each night for the nine days before Christmas. We live in Mexico and we do this to celebrate Las Posadas and show people the way to visit as they pretend to be Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay. John: In the United States, we use electric lights on our Christmas trees. Whole Group Song, or Split into Groups and Have Each Group Sing a Different Language Song: Silent Night in English, French, Spanish and German Narrator 1: Candlelight is a part of many celebrations. Narrator 2: People light candles big and small, of many different colors to celebrate many different holidays. There are many special candle holders used to hold candles during important celebrations. Raki s Rad Resources

22 Franny: In Sweden, my family celebrates St. Lucia s day by placing a wreath of candles on my sister Diana s head. She also gets to wear a white robe with a red sash and be part of a parade. Benjamin: During the eight nights of Hanukah, my family lights eight candles in a special candleholder called a menorah.. Jarius: During the seven nights of Kwanza, my family lights one candle a night. Each candle stands for one of the seven principles of our holiday. Alak: My grandma and I live in Thailand. We make wishes for the new year by sending candles into the sea in small boats called Krathongs. Juliana: On the beach in Rio Di Janeiro, my community lights hundreds of candles and ask the goddess of the sea for good luck in the new year. Narrator 1: People also use candles to celebrate special events like weddings and birthdays! Whole Group Song, or Split into Groups and Have Each Group Sing a Different Language Song Happy Birthday in English, French, Spanish, Arabic and German Narrator 2: Lanterns and lamps lit with gas and oil are also used in many festivals and celebrations around the world. Albert: In Holland, my sister and I carry lanterns from house to house while we get candy on St. Martin s Day, Aisha: My mom and I hang lanterns around our house to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. Prita: We light hundreds of oil lamps for the Indian festival of lights called Diwali. Narrator 1: Sometimes the lights of a holiday are in the sky. Achmed: Muslims around the world watch the sky for the crescent moon light in order to know when Eid al Adha and Eid al F tour will begin. Yaqulin: We watch a big firework display during the new year in China. Narrator 2: Light has many meanings to many people around the world. It can be a symbol of heat, god, the sun, re-birth, family and love. Narrator 1: Whatever holiday you celebrate, whatever light means to you, always remember to let your light shine. Song This Little Light of Mine Raki s Rad Resources

23 Words to This Little Light of Mine This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine x 3 Let it shine, x Hide it under a bushel? No! I'm gonna let it shine x3 Let it shine, This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine x 3 x3 Let it shine, x Don't let anyone blow it out, I'm gonna let it shine x 3 Let it shine, This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine x 3 x3 Let it shine, x Shine all over [this great big world I'm gonna let it shine x 3 Let it shine, x This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine x 3 Let it shine, x3 Raki s Rad Resources

24 Words to Silent Night English Silent night, Holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin Mother and Child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace French Douce nuit, sainte nuit! Dans les cieux! L'astre luit. Le mystère annoncé s'accomplit Cet enfant sur la paille endormi, C'est l'amour infini! C'est l'amour infini! Spanish Noche de paz, noche de amor, Todo duerme en derredor. Entre los astros que esparcen su luz Bella anunciando al niñito Jesús Brilla la estrella de paz Brilla la estrella de paz. German Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht! Raki s Rad Resources

25 Alles schläft; einsam wacht Nur das traute hochheilige Paar. Holder Knab im lockigen Haar, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh! Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh! Words to Happy Birthday English Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear one! Happy Birthday to you! French Joyeux anniversaire! Joyeux anniversaire! Joyeux anniversaire! Joyeux anniversaire! Spanish Cumpleaños feliz! Cumpleaños feliz! Te deseamos todos! Cumpleaños feliz! Arabic Sana Helwa ya Gameel! Raki s Rad Resources

26 Sana Helwa ya Gameel! Sana Helwa, Sana Helwa! Sana Helwa ya Gameel! German Zum Geburtstag viel Glück! Zum Geburtstag viel Glück! Zum Geburtstag liebe(r! Zum Geburtstag viel Glück! Raki s Rad Resources

27 Costume & Props Use the strips on the following sheets as part of your costume when performing the play. - Have students color the strip for their part. - Cut out the strip and glue it onto a sentence strip to make a crown, or hang with a string around their neck for a necklace. - Have students create candles to hold while singing This Little Light of Mine by printing this outline on cardstock and adding color, paint and tissue paper. Stars Narrators & Non-Speaking Parts Raki s Rad Resources

28 Bonfire - Sara from Italy

29 Candlesticks Pierre, Alak and Juliana Star Shaped Lanterns - Cheska

30 Luminaries - Jose Electric Lights Ahmed

31 St. Lucia s Day Crown Franny

32 Menorah Benjamin

33 Kinara Jarius Lanterns Albert and Aisha

34 Diyas - Prita Fireworks for Chinese New Year Yaquilin

35 Crescent Moon - Achmed

Week 1 My Holiday Passport Youth Choice Stained Glass Windows MATERIALS: 1 gallon baggie 1 disposable plate 1 piece of foil slightly larger than the plate Stained Glass window template Sharpies

36 Week 1 My Holiday Passport Youth Choice Stained Glass Windows MATERIALS: 1 gallon baggie 1 disposable plate 1 piece of foil slightly larger than the plate Stained Glass window template Sharpies INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Have each child choose their favorite holidays around the world craft template for their stained glass window. In the packet the following templates are available: -bells -candy canes -a Christmas Tree -candles -a Hanukiah (8 candles used for Hanukkah) -a Kwanzaa display -a gingerbread house -the moon and starts -a wreath 2. Pass out a gallon ziplock baggie to each child, and have them insert the picture into the baggie. Using a black sharpie, have them trace the drawing on the baggie. The static electricity keeps the paper in place, and even if they don t trace the print exactly, it looks great! 3. 3) After tracing, the kids can use the sharpies to color in the bright colors. Wherever they leave blank, the shiny aluminum foil will show through. Once the kids have colored it in, remove the paper from the baggie to reveal their design! (You can save the papers for next year). 4. Pass out a plate and piece of foil to each child. The should put the plate on the foil, and fold over the corners so they are essentially wrapping the bottom of the plate in foil 5. Now slide the plate into the decorated baggie. The foil side of the plate should be centered behind their stained glass tracings. 6. This is the only part that my children required help with: wrapping and taping the baggie corners to the back of their art project. Once you ve taped it, you re finished!

37 Week 1 My Holiday Passport 21 ST CENTURY STEM : Gumdrop Christmas Trees MATERIALS Gumdrops (red, green or white) Toothpicks Bamboo skewers INSTRUCTIONS No instructions Just stick the sticks in to the gumdrops and see what you can create!

Holidays Around the World

Holidays Around the World For 4 th & 5 th Grades created by The Curriculum Corner What holiday are you most interested in learning about? Why do you think it is important for us to learn about holidays