Social Justice Project: Celebrating Different Cultures

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Social Justice Project Celebrating Different
Cultures

• By Erin Cooley and Nicole Day

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Social Studies Topic

• Social Justice Topic Culture
• This topic was chosen because we believe that
  culture is a important learning component within
  the classroom because it teaches diversity,
  multiculturalism, and tolerance.
• Grade 3 Communities Around the World

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Desired Student Outcomes

• Students will be able to
• Learn about different cultures and their beliefs,
  customs, and traditions
• be familiar with other celebrations and holidays
  in different cultures
• Gain an understanding of the world and the
  similarities and differences that bind us all
  together

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Standards Used

• Standard 1 U.S. and N.Y. History
• Demonstrate knowledge of customs and holidays
  celebrated within America
• Standard 2 World History
• Learning about different cultures around the
  world
• Standard 3 Geography
• -understanding of location of different cultures
  on the map
• Standard 5 Civics, Citizenship, and Government
• Learn about basic human rights to celebrate
  religion and the holidays one chooses

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On Hanukkah
By Cathy Goldberg Fishman
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The Book Rationale

• We chose the book, On Hanukkah, because it not
  only has a good story line, but it explains the
  culture of the Jewish heritage. Also, this book
  was chosen because it correlates with the topic
  of our choice while illustrating colorful and
  eye-catching pictures. Teachers can also
  implement this book while talking and celebrating
  different holidays.

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The Activity

• History of the Driedel
• Ask the students, Does anyone remember what the
  purpose behind the dreidel is? Why did they use
  it?
• Make a Dreidel
• Students will create a dreidel using lightweight
  cardboard, scissors, glue, a sharpened pencil,
  and the provided template.
• A brief conversation will ensue afterward where
  the detail of the inscriptions/symbols on the
  dreidel will be discussed
• Play the Dreidel Game
• Directions will be given about the Dreidel game
  concerning the rules and procedures.
• Objects (twenty per person) will be handed out to
  play the game
• Hershey kisses, pretzels, cookies, coins,
  monopoly money, and many other manipulatives
• Play the game!

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The Activity Rationale

• We chose this activity because it immerses the
  students in the Jewish culture. Through this
  activity students learn about the Hebrew alphabet
  using the symbols on the dreidel as well as the
  history about the dreidel.

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The Night of Las Posadas
By Tomie DePaola
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The Book Rationale

• We chose this book because it sheds light on the
  Spanish customs of Christmas. The book also
  gives accurate information and detail about the
  traditional procession of Las Posadas. Children
  also are introduced and learn words within the
  Spanish language.

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The Activity

• Recreating Las Posadas.
• Students will research the holiday of Las Posadas
  using the provided websites
• http//zuzu.org/mex.html
• http//www.mexconnect.com/MEX/austin/posadas.html
• http//www.mexconnect.com/mex_/christmas.html
• Students will take ideas from the holiday Las
  Posadas to create their own holiday. They must
  include at least two ideas from the story and the
  websites in their own holiday creation.
• Remind the students when creating their holiday
  to consider symbols, the day, food, gifts,
  decorations, and any other customs they think are
  important.
• Share their holiday creation in front of the
  class.

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The Activity Rationale

• We chose this activity because it allows the
  students to be creative while thinking about Las
  Posadas and connections to other holidays. The
  activity also allows the students to think
  outside the box while using information from the
  book and other sources.

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Pyramid
A Fast Forward Series
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The Book Rationale

• The book was chosen because it provides a
  timeline of events throughout Egyptian history.
  The book provides a travel through time making
  the reading fun and exciting. The book also
  provides detailed pictures using bright and
  exciting colors.

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The Activity

• Clock the Egyptians
• Students would be presented in small groups with
  a makeshift clock of Egyptian symbols.
• Each student would try to match the symbols with
  a specific description.
• Once students find a match, they would be able to
  self-check their answers with a sheet provided.
• Students would then tell the time that the
  symbols made on the makeshift clock.

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The Activity Rationale

• This activity provides learning and reinforcement
  of the concepts discussed in the book about
  Egyptian culture. This activity also integrates
  mathematical skills for the students to practice.
  Outside knowledge of the Egyptian culture is
  also provided in this activity for the students
  to learn.

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Resources

• Las Posadas
• http//projects.edtech.sandi.net/kimbrough/holiday
  celebrations/step5.htm
• Make the Dreidel
• http//www.cstone.net/bry-back/holidayfun/dreidel
  .html