Many of you are knee-deep in Holidays Around the World studies right about now. With this said, it seemed fitting to highlight a few ideas that you can easily add to your holiday studies that will “hook” ’em in even more. I know the Christmas/holiday chaos is in overdrive at the moment, so I promise to target easy additions.
All of the fun items included above can be snagged at Oriental Trading. I cannot tell you how inspiring a cruise through their catalogue can be. Next time you get one in the mail, take a moment to flip through it. If you think outside of the box just a bit, there are oodles of items hiding in there that pertain to themes and lessons that you are rollin’ with in your room. The best part is that shipping is fast and prices don’t wipe out the pocketbook. This is exactly what I did with Christmas Around the World in mind and here’s what I came up with . . .
FRANCE (WORD WORK/PHONICS FUN)
How about tossing in some EIFFEL TOWER PENS during a center rotation on the day you hit France. This simple addition can be used with just about any activity (themed or not). Not only do kids connect with the tower (especially those girls), but they also go absolutely gaga when ink use is allowed. (Find the activity sheet used below HERE.)
GERMANY (WRITING)
Add a little flavor to your Germany day with some gingerbread stencils. I see a stellar writing center emerging with these things. How? Just slap these in a center and toss a sentence starter on the board. (I think I would use something like, “One wild day, I saw a gingerbread man/woman ____________.”) I would buck tradition here and let the kids start with their picture. I know. I know. I’m breakin’ all the rules. However, getting the pencil part of their illustration out will help them with their stories. Once they stencil in their gingerbread friend and sketch out some setting elements, they can launch into the write. My thought here is that they can head back to color their pictures when they complete their stories. Check out the stencils I picked up HERE or HERE and snag a ready to rock writing template HERE.
ISRAEL (MATH)
How about a little thematic ten frame stamping action? All you need are these cool Hanukkah stamps HERE and this little quick and easy worksheet right HERE (I suggest running it back to back to increase the number of problems students complete). To play, kiddos simply roll a 10-sided die, stamp out the ten frame, and record the corresponding equation. Too easy? Hit your kids with word problems and let them stamp out the “show me” portion instead of drawing it. #doneanddone
CANADA (A FEEL GOOD IDEA)
Here’s a random idea to spread a little holiday cheer outside of the classroom. Host a class cookie trading event (similar to the Canadian custom). Depending on your school policy, students can either bake cookies to bring in or select their favorite store bought brand. On your Canada day, provide your students with a cookie sack and let them take a set number of treats. Students get to tote home a set of cookies “designed” by their classmates in these cute little TREAT BAGS. It’s a little extra work, but I am digging that home to school connection. Oh, and I made a little print and go letter for you HERE (it’s editable . . . I used the KG Part of Me font if you wanna match).
UNITED STATES (PARTY IDEA)
Do you have a Polar Express Day to round out your studies? As we “touch back down” in the good old US of A, we always make a grand exit to the holiday break with a themed party. The kids come in their PJs, we watch the Polar Express, they decorate sugar cookies, and we have hot cocoa with peppermint candy canes. Well, I found the coolest little addition this year. Check out these CANDY CANE SPOONS HERE and HERE. If my eyes lit up when I saw these while perusing the Oriental Trading catalogue, I can only imagine how the kiddies are going to feel. **Note that Oriental Trading is currently out of stock (((insert sad face)))). They all came in one piece . . . not broken. They should be back soon. However, there are a few choices on Amazon, but the reviews are hit or miss.**
Alright, there you have it. A quick little post highlighting a few new ideas for your Christmas Around the World Studies. All of the fun items included above can be snagged at Oriental Trading. I cannot tell you how inspiring a cruise through their catalogue can be. Next time you get one in the mail, take a moment to flip through. If you think outside of the box just a bit, there are oodles of items hiding in there that pertain to themes and lessons that you are rollin’ with in your room. The best part is that shipping is fast and prices don’t wipe out the pocketbook.