Multi-Cultural Holiday-Party Teaching TipWritten by Freda J. Glatt, M.A.
Happy Holidays! At this time of year, why not plan a multi-cultural holiday party?Have your children research holiday customs of their family's heritage country. Depending upon their ages, your students may watch a video, read a book or article, research on internet, or interview family members. Have them make a collage or write a report of their findings. Graph number of students whose families come from different countries. The day of party, let them wear clothes, bring in food (labeled with name of food and country it represents), bring in music, and play games representing as many of countries as possible.
| | Elections Teaching TipWritten by Freda J. Glatt, M.A.
An election brings many opportunities to relate curriculum to real life. Whether it is a local or national election, here are some ideas to try before and after Election Day.1. Discuss how commercials for each candidate have been written to persuade. Analyze graphics, text, and tone of voiceover. Try rewriting a commercial so that it does NOT persuade. 2. Discuss how television affects debates. Try having two students debate a question with an audience and then listen to two other students debate an issue on an audio tape. Was there a discernible difference? Which was more effective? 3. Discuss campaigning. What do you think candidates are learning about our country and its citizens? What do you think is effect on their families? Try having an election in your own class, starting with a caucus, and go through entire process. 4. Practice main idea, supporting details, and outlining by researching one issue for both candidates. Make a Venn diagram to see if there are any similarities in views. 5. Reinforce map skills by knowing key for red and blue states and location of states. Which area of country had most votes for a particular candidate?
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