Christmas Around the World

Introduction
This project was created as part of the Mini-Grant Workshop 2000-2001
The purpose of this unit is to increase students' knowledge of the diverse Christmas customs of the world.  After researching, the student will compile their notes into a written report. 

Content Area and Grade Level

This lesson is anchored in third grade social studies and language arts. The students will use research  skills to find the different  Christmas customs of various  countries.. This can be extended to the middle grades. 

Curriculum Standards
Social Studies
16.A.1b Ask historical questions and seek out answers from historical sources. 
16.A. 1c Describe how people in different times and places viewed the world in different ways.

Language Arts
3.A.1a Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure.
3.B.1a, 3.B.1b Compose well organized and coherent writing for specific purposes.
4.B.1a  Present brief oral report, using language and vocabulary appropriate to the message and audience.
5.A.1a, 5.A.1b, 5.B.1a  Locate, organize, and use information from various sources to answer questions and communicate ideas.
5C.1a Write letters and reports based on acquired information.
5C.1b Use print, non print, human and technological resources to aquire and use information.

Implementation Overview
This unit will take approximately two weeks to complete. The students will be working in groups of three or four to research and collect information. Continuing to work in groups, the students will sort the information into separate categories. Each student will choose a category to rewrite into a final report. It will take four periods to research information. Another three periods will be used to turn the research into a written report.  Allow two or three periods to type the final report, perhaps utilizing the computer lab. This culminates in an oral presentation.

Resources Needed

--computers with Internet access
--Internet sites
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/around.html
http://christmas-world.freeservers.com/
http://www.santas.net/swedishchristmas.htm
--encyclopedia on computer
--classroom set of encyclopedias
--trade books including Christmas customs of different countries
--Timeliner by Tom Synder
One teacher is needed, although an additional teacher would be helpful to assist with Internet access.  Another teacher will help with the coordination of the oral presentations into a program called Christmas Around the World.

Entry Level Skills and Knowledge
Students will need to know how to work cooperatively in a group.  It will be necessary to have note taking skills.  Students need to be familiar with the use of the Internet.  The teacher acts as a facilitator. She will need to closely monitor the use of the Internet and note taking.

Evaluation
The students will be evaluated on the level of cooperation in their group.
The reports will be evaluated on their content, grammar, and sentence structure.
The oral presentation will be evaluated for clarity and projection.

Conclusion
This lesson gives students the opportunity to improve their Internet skills and organize the information obtained from various resources. They will also learn about different cultures and the different holiday customs of other people.

Last updated on February 15, 2001 by Judy Van Nes
Based on a template from The WebQuest Page

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