Mini-Lesson: Cultivating Social Awareness Through Diverse Holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time of year to foster social awareness, empathy, and perspective-taking.

In this mini-lesson, you and your students will learn about the many holidays and traditions celebrated by families around the world and in their own community. Use the discussion prompts to dive deeper into understanding social awareness and why it’s important to learn more about everyone you meet—sparking conversations that encourage empathy and respect.

After the reading and discussion, try the games provided to reinforce the skill-building activities.

 

Happy All-idays Read Aloud

Share the read aloud video of Happy All-idays! book by Cindy Jin, or see if the book is part of your local or school’s library for an in-person read aloud. You can also find the book available for purchase on Amazon.

Discussion Prompts After The Story

After you’ve read the book or watched the video, take a moment to open a discussion with students. Here are a few conversation starters to get you going:

1.) What was one holiday mentioned in the story that you’ve never heard of or would like to learn more about?

2.) Share a time when you learned something new about a holiday or tradition from a friend. 

3.) In the book, the characters share their holiday experiences. What are some unique traditions or celebrations that you or your family have during the holidays?

4.) Why is it a good idea to be respectful and appreciate the different ways people celebrate holidays all over the world?

5.) How can we include friends who celebrate different holidays than us?

6.) Share a story about a time when you felt included or appreciated during a holiday celebration at school. How did it make you feel? 

Looking for more conversation starters? Find more here.

Reinforce Skills with a Game

Winter Pictionary

Students work together in teams in this winter-themed pictionary game.

Snowflaking

Students make a unique snowflake, then compete in a balancing race.

Chain of Differences

Students learn more about each other and their differences. Hint: Change the topics to be winter or holiday themed!

Looking for more ways to build social awareness skills? Incorporate SEL into your day with our Skill Builder posters!

Call to action box promoting Skill Builders

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