Social Studies Unit 3: Our Community Celebrates
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Gather books from the school library: literature that help people understand diverse cultures: CCBC book list1 CCBC Book List 2 , CCBC Book List 3
Additional lesson plans to explore: National Geographic Explorers Explorers, RaceBridges for Schools, First Nations Lesson Plans
Additional Book Source: CCBB book list
Many Discovery Education formerly United Streaming Videos: holidays
EPALS Global Community Where Learners Connect
Standards
Essential Question
Activity
Resources
Part 1: 1.C.1 The Students will understand the diversity of people in the local community.
The Students will understand:
People are often influenced by different values and traditions
Literature often shows relationships among diverse cultures.
1.C.1.1 Compare
the languages,
traditions, and
holidays of various
cultures.
1.C.1.2 Use
literature to help
people understand
diverse cultures.
Compare the
languages, traditions,
and holidays of
various cultures.
How can literature
help people
understand diverse
cultures?
Day1 : The students will understand the similarities and difference in the way
various cultures address human needs and concerns.
Share and discuss photos from the following book, The Milestones Project by Dr.
Richard Steckel and images from The Milestones Project Web Site
8 1/2 x 11 lined page for each
child
Cover for book
Children write one memory to contribute to a class book: My first haircut, day of
school , doctor/dentist visit, first pets, first glasses, first friendship, first blanket,
Combine into a class book.
The students will understand there are individual differences in languages, beliefs,
and customs that may be unique to one’s culture.
Define Custom: A practice followed by people of a particular group or region.
Tradition- The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation,
especially by oral communication.
Day 2: Students fold a paper into 4 and cut on the folds to make a small book. Draw
or write one personal birthday custom or tradition in each square. Share with the
class and display. Use a Venn Diagram to compare similarities and differences
between children in the class
Book list from Amazon.com
1.C.1.1 Compare
the languages,
traditions, and
holidays of various
cultures.
1.C.1.2 Use
literature to help
people understand
diverse cultures.
Compare the
languages, traditions,
and holidays of
various cultures.
How can literature
help people
understand diverse
cultures?
Day 3: Use the following resources to teach about birthday traditions and customs
from around the world. Make a chart so the children can use it to see similarities
and differences:
Birthdays Around the World
Country
Say?
Do?
Eat?
Read F is for Fiesta by Susan Elya and discuss how birthdays are celebrated by the
Latino family.
Kids Parties Connection
Coolest Kid Birthday Parties
Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays
1.C.1.1 Compare
the languages,
traditions, and
holidays of various
cultures.
1.C.1.2 Use
literature to help
people understand
diverse cultures.
Compare the
languages, traditions,
and holidays of
various cultures.
How can literature
help people
understand diverse
cultures?
Day 4: Students fold a paper into 4 and cut on the folds to make a small book. Draw
or write one birthday custom or tradition in each square. Share with the class and
display.
Use a Venn Diagram to compare similarities and differences between children in the
class.
Day 5: Assessment Use rubistar to create class rubrics for evaluating student work.
Students fold a paper into 4 and cut on the folds to make a small book. Draw or
write one tooth custom or tradition in each square. Share with the class and display.
**Send home homework: How does your family celebrate the birth of a baby?
Weddings?
Book list from Amazon.com
1.C.1.1 Compare
the languages,
traditions, and
holidays of various
cultures.
1.C.1.2 Use
literature to help
people understand
diverse cultures.
Compare the
languages, traditions,
and holidays of
various cultures.
Day 6: Use the following resources to teach how children celebrate when they lose a
tooth. Keep an ongoing chart:
Country
Tooth Traditions Around the World
Say?
Do?
How can literature
help people
understand diverse
cultures?
Read Throw Your Teeth on the Roof by Selby Beeler
Essortment Cultures and Society: Customs around the world
Around the World in 32 Teeth
The Official Tooth Fairy Poll
Discovery Education formerly called United Streaming: Reading Rainbow: I Lost My
Tooth in Africa
Day 7: Assessment Use rubistar to create class rubrics for evaluating student work.
Students fold a paper into 4 and cut on the folds to make a small book. Draw or
write one tooth custom or tradition in each square. Share with the class and display.
1.C.1.1 Compare
the languages,
traditions, and
holidays of various
cultures.
1.C.1.2 Use
literature to help
people understand
diverse cultures.
Compare the
languages, traditions,
and holidays of
various cultures.
How can literature
help people
understand diverse
cultures?
USE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT TODAY
Day 8: Students share new baby traditions with the class. Use a Venn Diagram to
compare similarities and differences between children in the class.
Day 9: Use the following resources to teach how the birth of a baby is celebrated
around the world. Make a chart to capture learning.
Country
Celebrating The Birth of a Baby Around the World
Say?
Do?
Eat?
Read : Henry’s First Moon Birthday Discuss by Lenore Look
Ebook: Before You Were Born Our New Baby, Motherhood Around the World
Book list Amazon.com
1.C.1.1 Compare
the languages,
traditions, and
holidays of various
cultures.
1.C.1.2 Use
literature to help
people understand
diverse cultures.
Compare the
languages, traditions,
and holidays of
various cultures.
How can literature
help people
understand diverse
cultures?
Day 10: Assessment Use rubistar to create class rubrics for evaluating student
work.
Students draw/write one way families celebrate births around the world.
Day 10: USE HOMEOWRK ASSIGNEMT TODAY
Students share wedding traditions with the class. Use a Venn Diagram to compare
similarities and differences between children in the class.
Day 11: Use the following resources to teach how weddings are celebrated around
the world.
Read: Uncle Peter’s Amazing Chinese Wedding by Lenore Look
Discuss the family survey-celebrations and traditions-weddings
Compare similarities and differences between children.
Teacher resources:
World Wedding Traditions
Wedding Customs: Traditions From Around the Globe
Wedding Customs From around the World
Day 12: Assessment Use rubistar to create class rubrics for evaluating student work.
Students draw/write one way families celebrate weddings around the world.
Part 2: 1.H.1 Understand that history tells a story of how people and events changed society over time.
The Students will understand:
 Folklore and celebrations may influence local communities.
 Certain people and events are often celebrated through national holidays.
 National holidays, traditions, places and people help to provide identity for the community and nation
**Send home the family homework project directions and arrange for a ‘Celebrations and Traditions Fair’ Day for first graders. Many schools will allow you time
to set-up in the cafeteria for an afternoon exhibit or viewing in different classrooms work well too.
1.H.1.3
Explain why national
holidays are
celebrated
(Constitution Day,
Independence Day,
Martin
Luther King, Jr.,
Memorial Day,
Presidents’
Day, etc.)
Why are national
holidays celebrated?
1.H.1.2
Explain the
importance of
folklore and
celebrations and
their impact on local
communities.
Explain the
importance of
folklore and
celebrations and
their impact on local
communities
Day 13-14: The Students will understand National holidays are important and
created for a reason.
Gather books from your school
library: National Holidays
Read books about different National holidays. Make a chart to keep track of your
findings:
** Continue to read books
throughout the year as the
holiday is celebrated
My Country Celebrates Important People and Events
National Holiday
Why?
When?
Traditions/customs
Day15-18: The Students will compare the beliefs, customs, ceremonies,
traditions, and social practices of the varied cultures in their local community.
Read books about different religious and cultural celebrations. Make a chart to
keep track of your findings:
My World Celebrates
Country
Why?
When?
Gather books from your school
library: holidays, harvest
celebrations, seasonal
celebrations (Easter, Earth Day, St.
Patrick’s Day, Diwali) around the
world.
Traditions/customs
Essortment Cultures and Society: Customs around the world
Festivals Around the World
Christmas Around the World
Festivals Of Light Around the World
Day 19-20: Assessment: Use rubistar to create class rubrics for evaluating student work.
Customs and traditions research projects.
Children select an Easy Reader CELEBRATION book to read with a partner/group (holidays, seasonal celebrations such as Earth Day and National Holidays)
Create tri-fold or dioroma with:
Side 1-Symbols of the holiday: What are the colors and pictures we often see on this celebration?
Side 2-Ceremonies or traditions associated with holiday-What are the special things people do, eat, sing or say during this celebration?
Side 3-Why do people celebrate this day?
Name_______________________________________
Celebrations
Family Traditions and
How does your family celebrate when someone is married?
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How does your family celebrate when a new baby is born?
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FAMILY HOMEWORK PROJECT
Does your family celebrate a special day you would like to share with
our first graders?
Answer the following questions then cut and glue them to the project or you may
write the answers on your project. Add pictures or photos to show us how your
celebration looks!
Families are invited to come take a peek at our hard work! Projects will be
shared in our classroom on ____________________________at________________
What is the name of your special celebration? ___________________________
When is it celebrated?___________________________________________________
Why is it celebrated? ______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
What are some of the traditions
(special colors or pictures)of
(special things you do, eat, sing or say) and
symbols
this celebration?___________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Students are to write the responses themselves, but may need some
assistance. Kid-spelling is ok! Encourage your child to do his/her best work! If
necessary, you may write the responses for your child and he/she may then
copy them onto the finished project.
Practice, practice, practice! All First Graders will have to present their projects
to parents  Please plan to enjoy this event with us!
The projects are due the week of ________________________________________
-----------------------------------------Student Name: _________________________________________
_____ Yes, we can attend. ______ # to attend
_____ No, we will not be able to attend.
Families are welcome to view the projects in each
classroom at your own leisure
Pyramid Foldable Directions
Materials:
• one 8½ x 11 sheet of paper
• scissors
• glue
Before you glue your pyramid together, you will need to draw your pictures on each side of your
pyramid. Once you have drawn and colored your pyramid then cut and glue it together to make a
standing 3 sided pyramid.
EXAMPLE of calendar Icons: Students glue to a personal calendar or send home as homework to glue
to a family calendar.
Chinese New Year
Happy Birthday
Valentine’s Day
Abraham Lincoln’s
Birthday
Dr. Martin Luther
King
Christmas
Happy Birthday
Hanukah
Columbus Day
Diwali
4th Of July
Labor day
George
Washington’s
Birthday
St. Patrick’s Day
Veteran’s Day
Flag Day
Father’s Day
Eid
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Report Cards!
Report Cards!
Report Cards!
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Early Release
Early release
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday
Name___________________________________
How does your family celebrate your lost
______________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
tooth?
Name___________________________________
How does your family celebrate your
_____________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
birthday?