Travel
12/18/2020
Our class was ready to take a trip out of Anchorage and out of 2020! So, this week students brought out their great imaginations and traveled on Tuomi Airlines, not only to places around the world but also back in time! After packing our suitcases and passports, we selected a destination on the map and took our seats for take-off. We ventured to Israel, Sweden, Mexico, Africa, Germany, Italy, and Australia to learn about the different holidays celebrated this time of year. Upon arrival, students learned new facts about the winter holiday that originated from each destination. They were delighted to learn that Christmas is celebrated during Australia’s summer season and loved seeing pictures of animals with all the Christmas decorations. Next, students listened to a story about how locals believe the holiday started. For example, students listened to the legend of La Befana, an old lady that now flies on her broom each year leaving presents for children in Italy. Finally, they watched a real life video of the festivities going on in each region. In Mexico, students saw the different ways families celebrate Las Posadas. Many shared that they did not know people in Mexico made pinatas! After learning about the holiday, students completed a fun artsy activity to show their knowledge of the holiday. For example, students colored and identified mystery items, like the dreidel, and recalled the order of events Kwanzaa. Once we finished our adventure in one place, students added the stamp to their passport, and prepared for take-off. My favorite part of our multi-destination trip was the connections students made between the new holiday traditions and their own. One student shared that he learned that the two countries his parents came from share a commonality--they both hide a baby figurine in a cake! While traveling the world, students also took a trip back in time to experience and “compare life in the past to life in the present (HIST. Standard 1.1)” by making a gift with a skill people used in the past--sewing! They learned new vocabulary like “eye-of-the-needle” and “stitch.” There was frustration at times, especially when the thread came out of the eye, but students persevered and truly enjoyed the experience of making something special for a loved one. No matter where you travel or how you celebrate the holidays this year, I hope you all stay safe and enjoy the traditions, new and old, that you get to experience with those closest to you. Holiday stories, videos, & images from "Holiday's Around the World Unit - Interactive Google Slides" by Kristen Lawlor at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holidays-Around-the-World-Unit-Interactive-Googles-Slides-6249203
Holiday worksheets from The Kinder Life - Amy McDonald at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Kinder-Life-Amy-Mcdonald Comments are closed.
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Hali TuomiMs. Tuomi has over five years experience in ASD, where she taught first and fifth grade classrooms. An avid skier, Ms. Tuomi is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Alaska Pacific University’s Bachelor of Arts in K-8 Education. Archives
April 2021
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