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Academic Standards

 

Learning Objective:

Children will identify traditions associated with different winter holidays.

 

Social Studies Focus:

traditions

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a schedule

 

Vocabulary:

traditions, scrumptious

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.10 read informational texts; RF.2.3 decode words; W.2.3 writing; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Watch the video

Build background knowledge about winter holiday traditions by watching “Holiday Cheer!” When you’re done watching, ask the following question: What do you do on your favorite holiday?

Preview new vocabulary words

Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce this issue’s featured words.

Set a purpose for reading

  • Have students do a picture walk through the issue, then read and discuss the cover. Do any students have the same tradition as the kid on the cover?
  • Then, before turning to page 2, say, “As we read the article, think about the different traditions people have during this time of year.”
  • Use the Read and Think skill sheet to check comprehension as you read the issue as a class. At each stopping point on the sheet, pause to discuss the questions. Students can fill out the sheet as you go along.
  • Then complete the page 4 activity as a group or individually.

Play the online game: It’s Cookie Time! Word Search

(skill: vocabulary)

Read a paired text: Come and Join Us!: 18 Holidays Celebrated All Year Long by Liz Kleinrock

This book is not only a great resource for learning about different cultures and traditions, but it also contains thoughtful discussion questions encouraging readers to make text-to-self connections.

Read an issue from the archive: “Our Holiday Bakery” (December 2022)

Compare and contrast five winter holidays and their traditional treats with the issue “Our Holiday Bakery” (December 2022).