Celebrations Unit
4 Weeks | January - February
Essential Question
What do I like about celebrations with my family?
This unit helps children explore different types of celebrations, including family celebrations, cultural celebrations, and community celebrations. They learn about traditions, customs, and the importance of celebrations in bringing people together.
Through stories, music, art, and dramatic play, children develop an appreciation for diversity while building language, social, and cognitive skills.
Unit Overview
- Week 1: What are some festivals or celebrations celebrated with my family?
- Week 2: Does every family celebrate the same festivals in the same way?
- Week 3: What are the special foods, decorations, events we experience in my family for these celebrations?
- Week 4: What do I like about celebrations with my family?
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and describe different types of celebrations
- Understand the concept of traditions and customs
- Recognize similarities and differences in celebrations
- Develop vocabulary related to celebrations
- Practice sequencing events in celebrations
- Explore music, dance, and art in celebrations
Key Vocabulary
- Celebration
- Tradition
- Custom
- Festival
- Holiday
- Culture
- Ceremony
- Decoration
- Feast
- Gift
- Music
- Dance
Assessment
Assessment is ongoing throughout the unit and includes:
- Observation of participation in celebration activities
- Conversations about family and cultural traditions
- Artwork and crafts related to celebrations
- Role-play and dramatic presentations
- Ability to sequence events in celebrations
Weekly Overview
Week 1: Family Celebrations
Children explore celebrations that happen within families, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions, and share their own family celebration traditions.
Week 2: Cultural Celebrations
Children learn about cultural celebrations from around the world, including holidays, festivals, and traditions that reflect different cultural backgrounds.
Week 3: Special Foods & Decorations
Children explore the special foods, decorations, and events that are part of different celebrations and how these elements make celebrations meaningful.
Week 4: Celebrating Together
Children reflect on what they enjoy most about celebrations with their families and plan a classroom celebration that incorporates elements from their family traditions.