5 Simple Ways to Teach Holiday Traditions Around the World

Christmas just brings about all the warm and fuzzy feelings inside. BUT, I always try to make sure that I keep true to the meaning of Christmas while teaching students about other holiday traditions around the world.

Here are some easy ways for your kids to understand the beauty of traditions and celebrate their families’ customs and celebrations with one another.

Holiday Traditions from Around the World

Anchor Charts

I can’t start a topic without an anchor chart. Well, I can but I love them too much. Here is one that I used for our Holiday Traditions from Around the World activity pack.

Last year each class focused on one country. While the kids rotated from room to room, they learned about different traditions and celebrations from each place. When the kids were done rotating I had them write facts about each country and add them to our anchor chart. As the week went by, we used reading task cards to collect more facts from around the world.

Books About Holiday Traditions Around the World

Here are a few of my favorite things! Books easily make the list when I want to talk about the holidays. There are so many great ones that it’s really hard to pick which ones. If you are tight on a budget just do a quick google search and see what books pop up on YouTube. My kids love watching books on TV. (I know it’s not the same, but if you’re in a tight squeeze- it will do!)

A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World – The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story – Christmas Around the World – Celebrations Around the World: The Fabulous Celebrations you Won’t Want to Miss – The Legend of the Poinsettia – Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Christmas: With Carols, Presents, and Peace

Task Cards

Another fun way I like to incorporate Holiday traditions from around the world is through task cards. These are the Holiday tradition task cards I use with my students. I also like to put my Christmas tradition task cards in an early finisher bucket for my students who want some extra fun things to do. My task cards all come with a recording sheet and writing prompts. My students love them because it gives them a chance to be independent!

Videos and Songs

Videos are a great way to get your kids engaged with the topic. I love Christmas videos and so do kids! Here are a few that we have loved using!

Holidays Around the World Video

Christmas Around the World Song #1

Christmas Around the World Song #2

Team Teach

One way to make this a magical learning experience for your kids is by taking an imaginary trip to each country. You can easily create this by having each teacher in your grade level pick a country and teach about their holiday traditions. Students will get a kick out of traveling from room to room. While you walk down the hall pretend to be a flight attendant and point out various “sightseeing” attractions from the imaginary airplane you’re in.

More December Fun

I hope you’ve found some ideas you can use to teach about holiday traditions around the world. December can be such a busy time of the year, so remember to take care of yourself and keep your classroom lite and fun.

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