Mini-Lesson: Social Awareness Through Diverse Holidays

Objective: Understand and explore holiday celebrations around the world to gain new and unique perspectives of others.

Grade Level: K-5

Materials: Happy All-idays! By Cindy Jin

Introduction (5 Minutes)

1. Begin by asking students what holiday or holidays they celebrate. Ask students what other holidays they know of, but do not celebrate in their family. Summarize by explaining that there are many different holidays, and each are special and unique to the families that celebrate them.
2. 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:

• What was one holiday mentioned in the story that you’ve never heard of or would like to learn more about?
• Share a time when you learned something new about a holiday or tradition from a friend. 
• In the story, the characters share their holiday experiences. What are some unique traditions or celebrations that you or your family have during the holidays?
• Why is it a good idea to be respectful and appreciate the different ways people celebrate holidays all over the world?
• How can we include friends who celebrate different holidays than us?
• 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

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