December Cultures and Traditions Project
December 4, 2008 by James Hendricks
See this post in the handout sent home with students:
Choose to be Challenged
December Project
The following activity extensions are provided for students to extend their learning. These projects provide opportunities to explore concepts that have been presented during class. Each student should decide on one or more projects for homework this month. I hope that the open design for homework will help students and families juggle the many extra evening demands during this month.
All projects are due on Monday, December 22.
Research toys from around the world and design a book or presentation that tells about and illustrates each type.
- Investigate two holiday traditions and compare how each holiday is similar and how each is different. Christmas, Kwanzaa, GruBe der Jahreszeit, Feliz Dia de los Reyes, Diwali, and Hanukkah are some examples. Prepare a presentation with a visual chart or poster to share with the class.
- Research a country that you would like to learn about. You may wish to research a country that is part of your own heritage. Focus your fact-finding on how this country celebrates traditions and holidays. Organize your information into a large, over-sized travel brochure.
- Have your family help you create a family tree. Go back as many generations as you can recall facts about. Create a fancy design and mount it on cardboard or in a picture frame. Consider making several copies to give as gifts. Note: Family tree making software programs should not be used for this project.
- Self-design option. You and your parents may elect to design your own independent research topic. This should be a project related to cultural traditions or family heritage. Please submit a written proposal a general description of what you would like to do, to me for approval by Monday, December 8.
This is your time to shine! Presentation is very important with this project. Computers can be used. Neat handwriting is a MUST! Classroom materials are available to use for this project; ask when you need them. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your project! Use your best effort to make a project that you can be proud of!
