Introduction
Get ready to celebrate!
People all around the world celebrate special days with music, food, family, and fun traditions. Some celebrations are like ones you might have, and others might be brand new to you! In this WebQuest, you’ll explore different holidays and learn how families around the world celebrate together.
Task
You will:
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Work in pairs or small groups to learn about one celebration from another country.
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Use safe online resources and videos to research your chosen celebration.
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Create a short digital poster or Google Slide to share what you learned.
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Present your celebration to the class during our “World Celebration Fair”!
Process
Step 1: Choose a celebration
Pick one of the following (or another approved by your teacher):
Chinese New Year
Diwali (India)
Hanukkah (Jewish)
Day of the Dead (Mexico)
Kwanzaa (African American)
Carnival (Brazil)
Step 2: Explore and learn
Visit these kid-safe sites:
-National Geographic Kids Holidays
-PBS Kids: Holidays Around the World
-Time for Kids – Celebrations
Step 3: Answer these questions
-Where is this celebration from?
-Why do people celebrate it?
-What foods, clothes, or decorations are used?
-What makes this celebration special or unique?
Step 4: Create your project
Make a digital poster in Canva or a Google Slide presentation (3 slides).
Include:
-Pictures or drawings
-3–4 short facts
-1 fun thing you liked the most
Step 5: Share your celebration
You’ll present your project to the class! We’ll take a “trip” around the world to learn about everyone’s special celebrations.
Evaluation
Students will be graded on the following criteria:
1. Research and Effort
Excellent (3): Student found several interesting and accurate facts and stayed focused during research.
Satisfactory (2): Student found some good information but could include more detail.
Needs Improvement (1): Student provided limited information or showed little effort.
2. Creativity and Design
Excellent (3): Project is colorful, neat, and shows creativity and attention to detail.
Satisfactory (2): Project is organized but could include more color, pictures, or creativity.
Needs Improvement (1): Project appears incomplete, rushed, or lacks visuals.
3. Presentation Skills
Excellent (3): Student spoke clearly, confidently, and shared information effectively.
Satisfactory (2): Student shared most of the project but spoke quietly or was unsure.
Needs Improvement (1): Student gave minimal information or did not present.
4. Cultural Understanding
Excellent (3): Student demonstrates strong understanding and respect for another culture’s celebration.
Satisfactory (2): Student shows some understanding but could explain more about the culture.
Needs Improvement (1): Student shows little awareness or understanding of the cultural topic.
Conclusion
Way to go, world travelers! 🌏
You’ve learned that people everywhere celebrate love, family, and joy, just in different ways. Our differences make the world colorful and exciting! Keep exploring and celebrating what makes every culture special.
Credits
National Geographic Kids: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com
PBS Kids: https://pbskids.org
Time for Kids: https://www.timeforkids.com
Canva for Education: https://www.canva.com
Chisholm, I. M., & Wetzel, K. (2001). Technology and multiculturalism in the classroom: Case studies in attitudes and motivations. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 33(5), 1–33.
Chisholm, I. M. (1998). Culturally supportive teaching elements for technology integration.
Teacher Page
Lesson Title: Celebrations Around the World
Grade Level: 1st Grade
Standards Alignment:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.7: Participate in shared research and writing projects.
ISTE Standard 3: Knowledge Constructor – Students use technology to research and represent information.
NCSS Theme: Culture and Cultural Diversity.
Technology Tools Used:
Google Slides or Canva for Education
PBS Kids, National Geographic Kids, Time for Kids
Culturally Supportive Elements (Chisholm, 1998):
This lesson is shows cultural awareness by allowing students to explore how others celebrate while connecting to their own experiences. Cultural relevance is achieved by linking family and community traditions to what students already know. A culturally supportive environment is achieved because this assignment encourages respect, curiosity and inclusiveness. Equitable access is achieved because students will share digital tools with visual supports. There is instructional flexibility because the students have an option for their final project. And instructional integration is achieved by using technology for research, creation and presentation.
This lesson helps students appreciate global celebrations while connecting to their own cultural experiences. By exploring similarities and differences, students develop empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging in a diverse classroom community.