Hello, division 4 families!
Over the last two days we have been learning in Social Studies about some of the rich traditions of cultural celebrations that happen around the world and locally.
We had two classmates give a wonderful presentation on their experience with the popular Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, (Arabic: “Festival of Breaking Fast”), which marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.
Today we had Sam (an Oaklands Educator) teach a lesson on Chanukah (also spelled Hanukkah), the Jewish eight-day, which is a wintertime “Festival of Lights” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, traditional foods, games, and gifts.
The students learned about the meaning and practices of the holiday, and played dreidel games and then made their own paper dreidels.
Next week we will be learning about the celebrations of Christmas, Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa—which means “First Fruits” and is based on ancient African harvest festivals and celebrating family life and unity.
*What other holidays are significant for your family and culture? Let me know if you have some cultural knowledge you would kindly offer our class towards helping students become knowledgeable, culturally aware citizens of our wonderful multicultural world.
Inquiry Ninja 