Our Traditions: Celebrations and Customs Around the World
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about special events and customs.
- Talk about festivals and traditions in your own culture.
- Read about a special festival in China.
- Listen to a description of a colorful festival in India.
- Write about a tradition you celebrate or find interesting.
Key Words:
- Tradition: A special way of doing something that is passed down through generations.
- Festival: A big celebration with food, music, dancing, and sometimes parades.
- Ritual: A special set of actions that have meaning.
- Custom: The usual way of doing something in a certain culture or family.
Let’s Talk About It!
- What are some special holidays or festivals you celebrate with your family or community?
- What are some of the traditions you follow during these celebrations? (Examples: special foods, decorations, songs, dances)
- Are there any customs in your culture that you think are unique or interesting?
Let’s Read!
In China, there is a beautiful festival called the Lantern Festival. It happens at the end of the Chinese New Year. People decorate streets and homes with colorful lanterns and solve riddles. They also eat sweet rice balls called tangyuan.
Questions About the Reading:
- What is the name of the festival?
- When does it happen?
- What do people do during the Lantern Festival?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short description of the Holi festival, focusing on the colors, water play, and the meaning behind it.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a traveler visiting a new country. The other is a local person. The traveler asks questions about the local customs and traditions.
Example:
- Traveler: “What is a special celebration people have in your country?”
- Local: “We have a festival called (name of festival). It’s a time when we…”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about a tradition or festival that is important to you or your family. Explain what you do and why it’s special.
Extra Fun:
If you can, bring in pictures or small objects related to a special tradition or festival you celebrate. Show them to the class and tell them about it.
