THEME:           Christmas Around the World
TEACHERS:     Delores Edwards and Martha Baker
SCHOOL:         Destin Elementary
GRADE:            Second and Fourth
TIME:               3 weeks

BROAD GOALS:

• To develop an understanding and appreciation of different customs around the world
• To utilize computers and other technology as an integral part of the curriculum
• To support the writing process with technology
• To use manipulative for creativity

INSTRUCTIONAL OUTCOMES:

• To be aware of customs around the world
• To be aware that most of our customs come from other countries
• To develop creative thinking skills by building models
• To Increase creative thinking skills by using technology
• To locate and interpret information using research and literature about countries and customs
• To produce a multimedia book

• Students will produce a factual book about customs in other countries
• Students will produce a poem about a country/custom
• Students will be able to locate countries on a map
• Students will compile and compare data about each country

• CD Rom’s:  Wiggle Works, Mac Globe
• Software: Contraction's, Word Attack, The Student Writing Center,  Microsoft Works 3.0
• Literature: Christmas Feasts and Festivals: Patterson, Lillie

  Children of Christmas: Rylant, Cynthia
  Let's Celebrate Christmas: Pistoles, Roseanna
  A Wreath of Christmas Legends: McGinley, Phyllis
  Christmas Everywhere: Sechrist, Elizabeth
  Christmas in Britain and Schandinavia: Patterson, Lillie
  Christmas in Mexico: Lopez, Jadwiga
  Christmas Trees: Henderson, Kathy.
  Mince Pie and Mistletoe: McGinley, Phyllis
  An Early American Christmas: DePoala, Tomie
  The Legend of the Poinsettia: DePoala, Tomie
  Christmas Around the World: Kelley, Emily
  The Colors of Christmas: Phifer, Martha Nelson
  Let's Celebrate Christmas: Pistolesi, Roseanna
  The Night Tree: Bunting, Eve
• Videos: The Wild Christmas Reindeer

  The Berenstein Bears Christmas Tree
  The Polar Express
  Christmas is a Time for Sharing
• Movies: Christmas Customs Near and Far

 Christmas Time in Europe
 A Story of Christmas in Germany
• Tapes: The Wild Christmas Reindeer

 The Mitten
 The Polar Express
 The Trouble With Trolls
•  K NEX Kit

TEACHER DIRECTED WHOLE OR SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES:

• After reviewing the instructions for the various stations and activities students will be expected to work through the stations and complete the activities in teams of 2 or 3.

• Whole Group (See attached for Daily Oral Language discussion sheets used each day for background information.  Each session to last 30 - 45 min.)

Day 1:  Class discussion of the things we do to celebrate Christmas.  Chart student responses.  Fill out the KWL chart.  Prepare a book for recording information learned each day.

Day 2:  Class discussion of the Christmas tree, tinsel, presents, cards etc.  Complete page in book with art activity, a tree with tinsel and presents.

Day 3:  Discussion about Sweden--Make paper doll with crown.

Day 4:  Discussion about Germany--Make a wreath

Day 5:  Discussion about Italy--LaBatena-make the witch

Day 6:  Discussion about Hanukkah (adjust to fit the holiday)--make a Menorah/dreidle

Day 7:  Discussion about Mexico--Make a Poinsettia

Day 8:  Discussion about Holland-- make a wooden shoe with hay and gifts.

Day 9:  Discussion about our own family customs.  Students write about their favorite and illustrate.

Day 10:  A chance to complete any unfinished work and make their book presentable to turn in.
 
STATION ACTIVITIES:

• Students will rotate through stations for reinforcement of skills, follow directions to complete a task, and be able to transfer knowledge.

Station 2: WRITING (Lang.  Arts)
Task: Choose a writing prompt card and complete the task chosen.
Materials: Paper, pencils, task cards
Time to Complete: 30-45 min.

Station 3:  ART
Task: Follow the direction card to complete the art project using materials provided (i.e. soldier, angel, santa, reindeer, poinsettia, ornament)
Materials: Paper, pencil, crayons, glue, direction sheet
Time to Complete: 30 - 45 min.

Station 4:      LISTENING
Task: Listen to story tape and read along with accompanying book.  Follow directions on task card to complete project about the story.
Materials: Tape: The Mitten, Wild Christmas Reindeer Paper, pencils, crayons, yarn
Time to Complete: 30 - 45 min.

Station 5:       K-NEX
Task: Use the K-NEX to solve the TLA at the station.
Materials:      TLA task card, K-NEX, paper, pencil
Time to Complete: 30 - 45 min.

Station 6:      NEWSPAPER
Task:      Use the attached idea sheet, select a project, use the newspapers to complete the project.
Materials: Idea Sheet, newspapers, paper, pencils
Time to Complete: 30 - 45 min.

Station 7:      TV -VCR
Task:      View the video provided.  Complete your worksheet for info needed.  Materials:  Video, worksheet, pencil
Time to Complete: 30- 45 min.

Station 8: REFERENCE
Task:      Use books provided to complete fact sheet about country chosen for final report.
Materials:  Books, pencils, report sheet
Time to Complete: 30 - 45 min.

Station 9: SPONGE
Task:  Go back and complete any unfinished assignments or go to next Sponge Station

Station 10:  SPONGE
Task:  Go to the library; look up a country and find out more information about it's Christmas customs
Time to Complete: 30 - 45 min.
 

CULMINATING ACTIVITIES

Day 1: Bring in pictures of ancestors from other countries; plot their origins.

Day 2: Have foreign exchange students come in to talk to the class

Day 3: Write a family tree, have a food tasting/ dress up day to represent other countries.

Days 4 - 5: Present finished books, sharing reports on their research.
 

T.L A. TITLE:  Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
WRITTEN BY:  Dodie Edwards
SCHOOL:  Destin Elementary
DATE: 12/9/96

SUBJECT AREA:  All--Whole language, math

GRADE LEVEL: 2nd

SITUATION/SCENARIO: You have been employed by Santa to help him get his toys to the children on time

SOLUTION/PROBLEM STATEMENT: You will be teamed with three or four other employees build a model of a new vehicle for Santa to got the toys around the world.

RESOURCES:
People:   Team of four or five
Info/Knowledge:    Santa studies
Tools/Equipment: paper, pencils, dictionaries, K'nex blocks
Materials:
Capital: none
Energy: human
Time: 30 min.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES:

• Write an add for the newspaper to promote their new vehicle
• Each team will present their completed project to the class for the vote of the best.
• The winning team will present, their project and written report to the CEO.
• Each team write and perform a song or cheer about their now vehicle

 EVALUATION:
Score each category using the following scale:
          1            2                   3                        4                        5
       Poor             Fair           Average      Above Average       Excellent

Collaborative Worker: 1 2 3 4 5
 *Shows manners and protocol during station work
 *Communicates clearly
 *Shares in the work
 *Listens to others
 *Completes tasks on time with quality

Demonstrates Skill in Using Tools and Materials: 1 2 3 4 5
 *Materials and tools are used safely and properly
  *Sharing of tools and materials is done in a fair manner
  *Materials and tools are put away properly

Folder:  1 2 3 4 5
 *Folder is neat and presentable
 *Folder is completed on time
 *Folder is organized by station number

Culminating Activity: 1 2 3 4 5
 *Shows creativity
 *Appropriate to the topic
 *Sufficiently rehearsed to be entertaining to the audience
 

Overall  Score (Average)                           ------------