Social Studies, Seasonal

Christmas Around The World

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I’m packing our bags- 17 of them to be exact!! 😉
Because this December, my class is taking a trip around the world!

{Students get to add a new stamp to their suitcase as we visit each country!}

What started out as a few fun activities the week before Christmas Break has over the years turned into a full fledged Christmas Around The World unit. It made its first appearance on TPT last December, but I find I added a little more to this one every year that I teach it. Depending on how my countries you choose to focus on this unit can last you the full month of December or just a few days. It’s really up to you and how you plan to pilot the trip in your classroom! I’ve included resources for seven countries: America/Canada, England, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Spain and Mexico.

Here’s a look at some of what you will find in the updated version of this unit.

VOCABULARY: I’ve added a 20 page Power Point to introduce each country and really highlight some key vocabulary, paired with an image. My goal with this is to help my students build background and make connections to their own lives as we compare each country and prepare to learn more about them.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Around-The-World-Christmas-Common-Core-Classroom-431427

{Sample Slide from Germany}

I also printed the PowerPoint and turned it into a book my students can read anytime!

TEXT PASSAGES: The journey to build reading detectives continues, even when we’re out of the country. 😉

Shorter passages to focus on fluency.

Longer passages to focus on close reading & text based evidence.

PRINTABLES: We spend a lot of time comparing and contrasting throughout this unit.

TRAVEL JOURNAL: After we visit each country, we write about it in our Travel Journal. I have gotten tons of sweet compliments from parents who really enjoy reading these keepsakes when they come home at the end of the unit.

SOUVENIRS: For each country there is mini souvenir craft for the children to make and add to their suitcases.

You can check out the complete preview HERE. For those of you who purchased it last year, make sure you go back and download the newest version so you can get ALL the new additions!

~~I will send this unit to the first two people to comment on this post~~!! 🙂
Congrats Laura & Polly!!!

http://feeds.feedburner.com/ FallingIntoFirst

Stephanie Stewart

Hi, I' Stephanie! I’m always looking for new ways to put a creative twist on the standards and I love helping primary teachers do the same in their classroom. Think of me as your virtual teaching partner right down the hall. I can’t wait to share new lesson ideas, teaching tips, and engaging K-2 resources with you!

19 Responses

Laura Bassett says:

November 25, 2013 at 12:41 am

I really enjoyed your Thanksgiving unit, looking forward to this one.
Polly Beam says:

November 25, 2013 at 12:44 am

This is my first year teaching Christmas Around the World. I'm excited to see what this unit includes. Thanks for posting and for all your hard work putting it together!
Amanda says:

November 25, 2013 at 12:57 am

Wow! It looks awesome. Currently pulling ideas for this theme for my new 2nd grade team. [email protected]
Michelle says:

November 25, 2013 at 1:45 am

Looks amazing!!! 🙂 Can't wait to check it out. Michelle (Fabulous in First)
Kelsey says:

November 25, 2013 at 2:33 am

I can't wait to use this unit! I am going to buy it tomorrow! When I've taught Christmas Around the World in the past I read a holiday story from or about the country we are traveling to while we are on our imaginary airplane ride.
KinderCoaster
Melissa Mayoral says:

November 25, 2013 at 2:57 am

Hi there! In the packet is there is tutorial on how to make the suitcases?
Matthew Burke says:

November 25, 2013 at 3:01 am

These are incredible! I love that you've included so much information, but you've also left things "loose enough" so that you can incorporate so many other important ideas: family, traditions, culture… wow! Great work!

I think what you said, about allowing students to make connections to their own lives—that's right on.
Mr. First Grade says:

November 25, 2013 at 3:19 am

This looks fantastic!! It's in my cart and I can't wait to use it with my firsties!

Andrew
Mr. First Grade
Stephanie Stewart says:

November 25, 2013 at 5:12 am

Hi Melissa! Yes, directions and pictures are included to explain how to make the suitcase!! 🙂
Stephanie Stewart says:

November 25, 2013 at 7:56 am

Aw, thank you Laura!! I am thrilled to share this one with you! Please send me an e-mail at [email protected] so I can send it your way!
Stephanie Stewart says:

November 25, 2013 at 7:57 am

It's SUCH a fun topic to teach!! Excited to share this one with ya! Please send me an e-mail at [email protected] so I send it along! 🙂
Stephanie Stewart says:

November 25, 2013 at 7:57 am

Thanks Amanda!! 🙂
Stephanie Stewart says:

November 25, 2013 at 7:58 am

Thanks so much sweet girl!! xoxo
Stephanie Stewart says:

November 25, 2013 at 8:05 am

Kids seriously love "boarding" that imaginary airplane!! We read stories from each country too, they totally bring these places to life! 🙂
Stephanie Stewart says:

November 25, 2013 at 8:06 am

Wow, thank you so much Matthew!! Your comment totally made my night!
Stephanie Stewart says:

November 25, 2013 at 8:07 am

Yay, thanks so much Andrew! I hope you guys have a blast on your travels!!
Teacher and Life Long Learner says:

November 25, 2013 at 6:59 pm

YOU ARE SO CREATIVE AND RESOURCEFUL!!! Bummed I missed my chance to get a freebie!!! Smiles and stop by anytime!
Jami Ortega says:

November 28, 2013 at 2:33 am

is there anyway i would be able to download this unit
Mrs. Hennessy says:

December 15, 2013 at 8:59 pm

I love it!!!! I am making suitcases as well for our trip around the world!! I love the cute tags you have on yours!!!!!

Welcome

Hi, I’ Stephanie! I’m always looking for new ways to put a creative twist on the standards and I love helping primary teachers do the same in their classroom. Think of me as your virtual teaching partner right down the hall. I can’t wait to share new lesson ideas, teaching tips, and engaging K-2 resources with you!