Cultural Learning Activities

Madison Bradbury
Objective:
Grade Level: Kindergarten
I designed five learning activities for children to learn about different cultures and
specific holidays that occur in those cultures. The goal is that the students will be
introduced to different cultures through hands-on learning activities.
 Day of the dead: Mexico
Book: El Dia del los Muertos/ The Day of the Dead - By: Bob Barner
o Students will be introduced to a cultural holiday (Day of the Dead) and a way of
celebration in Mexico. Students will be offered a group read-aloud of a book that talks
about the idea of sugar skulls and their importance in the culture.
o After the read-aloud, students will be given a paper cut out of a skull and a variety of
different materials to decorate and design their own skull.
o Students work will be put on display in the classroom. This is just the start
of introducing this cultural holiday to students and could be expanded into a bigger
unit.
o After the read-aloud and the activity, there will be a whole group discussion of what
was learned, and things students want to learn more about or their questions.
 Powwow Day: Native American
o Students will be introduced to this book, Powwow.
Post-Discussion Question:
This book allows students to get a formal o What is a powwow?
understanding of the Native American
cultural background and their celebration traditions. o Have you ever been to or participated in a powwow?
o After the reading of the book, engaging students in o What did you learn about powwows from this book?
a whole group discussion about the book and the
topic of the culture. o What other questions do you have about powwows?
o There will be interactive videos that connect to the o Why is the jingle dress dance so important to her?
heritage of the dance, and the children will learn a
simple dance move and will be allowedto do a o Do you understand what River is feeling?
group dance and sing along.
o How do River’s family and friends support her?
o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0dTe9lgKhQ
Ramadan: Islamic
o Students will be introduced to the holiday Ramadan which is celebrated in Islam.
There are two or more books that can be read out loud to children. After the
reading there will be a class discussion about what they read and their questions.
o Students will watch an interactive and engaging video that talks about
the importance of the holiday and why it is important in that culture.
StudentsMOONwill create
oTHE RAMADAN
UNDESR a crescent moon and star paper cut out, allowing students to
freely design their own. As well as star and moon binoculars. This is a hands-on
activity that allows students to engage in a craft that connects with the holiday y
of Ramadan.
o https://mainepublic.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/c242a960-8ebc-43c3-a155-
b985b78a719d/ramadan/
 Diwali: India
o Children will be introduced to the celebration of Diwali through interactive videos that give background
information on this celebration tradition.
o Children will be encouraged to create their own rangoli art pieces by being given an open-ended variety
of materials to design and create their own. As well, there will be a sensory station that will allow
students to interact and explore small items that follow along the cultural patterns and can create their
own rangoli designs.
o Student's work will be hung up and displayed throughout the classroom to show their understanding of
how art is represented and celebrated in other cultures.
o There will be a group discussion at the end of the activity.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ketT4J7nxik
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOudPTDMTLQ
Hanukkah: Israel
• This activity introduces young children to the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. And allows for
students to engage in hands-on activities that apply to the idea of the holiday and how it
is celebrated. There will be a whole group reading of the book, The Story of Hanukkah,
followed by a discussion of what they learned, favorite parts of the book, and questions.
• Students will be given the opportunity to engage in activities such as playing the game
Dreidel, which is a popular game that connects to the holiday.
• As well, students will be given a variety of playdough materials that they can create and
design their own menorah.