I have always been interested in how teachers incorporate (or not at all) holidays into their classrooms. Public schools are full of diversity and not all children celebrate specific holidays such as Christmas or Halloween, so crafts and activities need to be respectful of this. I recently read an article that talked about the joy that holidays can bring to a classroom, but only when done correctly. Not all children get to celebrate the holidays in their home due to financial strains, so celebrating in the classroom is a great way to allow all children to celebrate. By decorating and engaging in activities, children can build a community within their classroom. These are five of the ideas I came across:
1. Sing Carols: Instead of singing classic Christmas carols, they can be adapted. For example, the 12 days of Christmas can be altered to be the 12 days of school, in which each day is dedicated to something silly/educational/fun that a student or teacher has said before.
2. Cook Together: Cooking is a great way to enhance teamwork and collaboration in the classroom. Reading the recipe helps build comprehension and measurements allows children to work on their math skills. Children often love cooking, especially when they can eat their work after and not all children get the opportunity to do this at home.
3. Learn About Other Cultures: School classrooms are full of diversity and children are likely to have different cultures and religious beliefs. The winter months have several different cultural celebrations that students should be aware of. Lessons and activities can be adapted and structured around these cultural celebrations to encourage children to be respectful of their classmates.
4. Help Students Give: Organizing a food drive, collecting food/supplies for animal shelters, or sending handmade cards to nursing homes are thoughtful ways to help children be grateful during the holidays. Young children have difficulty understanding that not everyone has the financial stability to elaborately celebrate the holidays. Helping out and providing cheer to others is a great way to help children become aware of their communities and how to help those in need.
5. Exchange Gifts: Instead of exchanging presents, children can exchange their favorite books. Most students have at least one book, but for those who do not, there are always books that can be set aside in the classroom for this exchange. Children do not feel pressured to purchase and give a gift, but instead encourage each other to read!
http://www.onelessheadache.blogspot.com/2012/11/celebrating-holidays-in-your-classroom.html
