1. African American Holiday – (1 Day spent on Culture and History, 2
Days spent on Holidays)
Kwanzaa – students will make a kikombe cha umoja
(unity cup) to show appreciation for African ancestry (color
scheme will match that of Kwanzaa), students will also work
with candles in the same manor that is done during the
celebration
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – show students part of Dr.
King’s speech, explain how Dr. King had an effect on the passing
of both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of
1965 Jewish Holiday – (1 Day spent on the Culture and History,
2 Days spent on Holidays)
Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year, explain to
students why it is celebrated (creation of Adam and Eve), as well
as provide the students with apples and honey to signify a
“sweet new year”, also provide small horns for the students to
represent the “shofar” that is blown during the celebration
Hanukkah – the rededication of the Jewish Temple,
allowed Judaism to be practiced again, students will be given the
opportunity to make their own dreidel, although their sides will
not have to match normal Jewish inscriptions
Muslim Holiday – (1 Day spent on Culture and History, 2 Days spent on
Holidays)
Mawlid al-Nabi – celebration of Muhammad’s Birthday,
students will be explained to why Muhammad is important,
students will make whatever type of craft they would like to
(necklace, greeting card, picture, cup, etc.) and give it to a
classmate, this signifies the sharing that occurs during this
holiday
Eid al-Adha – students will learn where the holiday

2. originated and why, and a celebration will be thrown (by the
teacher), in order to give the students an opportunity to see
what obedience during this holiday looks like, as well as see
what the 5 Pillars of Islam are Women – (1 Day spent on the
Importance of Women in History, 1 Day spent on Holidays)
Mother’s Day – explain that this form of the holiday started in
America, yet there are many other forms that take place all over the
world, students will have the opportunity to make a gift for their
mother or significant women in their life
Men – (1 Day spent on the Importance of Men in History, 1 Day spent
on Holidays)
Father’s Day – explain the origin of Father’s Day and how it was
started after the success Mother’s Day had, explain that the holiday
takes place in other parts of the world, allow students to make gifts
for their fathers or male figures in their life
Cinco de Mayo – (1 Day spent on the History, 1 Day spent on the
Holiday)
Cinco de Mayo – explain to the students how this celebration started
(French occupation and the Battle of Puebla), explain that this is not
technically a national holiday in Mexico yet is
celebrated country wide, explain how the holiday is celebrated in
America, students will learn songs and decorate sombreros
Christmas – (1 Day spent on the History, 1 Day spent on the Holiday)
Christmas – students will learn the different ways that the holiday is
celebrated worldwide, then students will learn a few Christmas songs
and their significance, and then the students will receive a gift from
the teacher as well as help decorate a Christmas Tree
Halloween – (1 Day spent on the History, 1 Day spent on the Holiday
as is)

3. Halloween – explain the Celtic origin to the students, then explain
the Christian influence, then allow students to make a mask for
themselves and go trick – or – treating with a teacher that may be on
break, the office, and the lunch workers
A – 20 students overall, 11 girls, 9 boys, 2 Muslims, 3 Jews, 2 African
American students
S – This 4thgrade class of 20 students, including 11 girls and 9 boys, will
learn new facts about previously known holidays as well as new
holidays. This will be done through songs, parties, dances, and crafts
that apply to each holiday, which will allow for students to be able to
describe a holiday that is new to them. This lesson will take place over
a 3-week period where each holiday will take up two days. A small
presentation on one holiday will be expected, and students will need
to have 85% accuracy. Students will pick one holiday and present what
they learned and what interested them about this holiday. They will
be able to use notes and the presentation will not be longer than 5
minutes. Students are graded based on the accuracy of their facts
(such as whens, whys, how’s, and where’s) of the holiday history. They
will also be graded on the creativeness of the presentation.
S – Movies, Music, Computers will be used in order to create
interaction with students as well as address all forms of learning.
U – Computers, Televisions, Sound systems, and Smartboards will be
utilized during this lesson.
R – At the end of each class students will be called on to answer
questions as well as review material at the beginning of each class.
E – At the end of the entire section students will present a short
presentation to the class about one holiday and something new they
learned about it.