Week 4: What I Like About Celebrations
Weekly Focus
Children reflect on their favorite aspects of celebrations and festivals, share personal experiences, and develop appreciation for the diversity of celebration customs across different families and cultures.
Week at a Glance
- Reflect on favorite celebration experiences
- Share personal celebration stories
- Explore carnival traditions and celebrations
- Create celebration-themed art and crafts
Weekly Overview
Theme
What I Like About Celebrations
Focus Areas
- Personal preferences
- Sharing experiences
- Cultural appreciation
- Celebration traditions
Key Vocabulary
Encouraging Respectful Sharing
Daily Plans
Monday: My Favorite Celebrations
Daily schedule and activities
Morning Activity
Morning Circle: Think-Pair-Share about what children like about celebrations with their families
Literacy Focus
Create postcards with drawings and simple sentences about favorite celebration aspects
Math Focus
Collect and graph data about classmates' favorite parts of celebrations
Afternoon Activity
Create a class chart showing what everyone likes best about celebrations
Materials Needed
- Postcard templates
- Art supplies
- Chart paper
- Graphing materials
- Thinking caps (optional)
Assessment Notes
Observe children's ability to express preferences and reasons for enjoying specific celebration aspects.
Featured Activities
Celebration Postcard
Children create postcards with drawings and simple sentences about what they like best about celebrations with their families.
Duration
30 minutes
Materials
- Postcard templates
- Crayons/markers
- Stickers
- Glue
- Magazine cutouts
Learning Areas
Carnival Charades
Children take turns acting out different aspects of celebrations using gestures and movements while others guess what celebration they're depicting.
Duration
25 minutes
Materials
- Picture cards of celebrations
- Open space
- Timer
- Celebration props (optional)
Learning Areas
Celebration Scrapbook
In small groups, children create scrapbooks about various celebrations explored during the unit using drawings, cutouts, and simple writing.
Duration
45 minutes
Materials
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Markers
- Magazine cutouts
- Photos from class activities
Learning Areas
Carnival Mask Making
Children design and create their own carnival masks using templates and various decorative materials.
Duration
40 minutes
Materials
- Mask templates
- Craft sticks
- Sequins
- Feathers
- Glitter
- Colored paper
Learning Areas
Connecting Home and School
Resources
Books
- "Ninny at Carnival" by Grace Hallworth
- "To Carnival!: A Celebration in St Lucia" by Baptiste Paul
- "Jump Up! A Story of Carnival" by Ken Wilson-Max
- "Caribbean Carnival" by Jillian Powell
- "Let's Celebrate" by Kate DePalma
Videos
- Caribbean Carnival Parades
- Jab Jab and Short Knee Traditions
- Steel Pan Performances
- Children's Carnival Celebrations
- Carnival Costume Making
Home Connection
Send home a family reflection sheet asking families to share what they enjoy most about their celebrations and traditions.