Center for Civic Education
Historical Analysis of Constitutional Amendments
Each of the 27 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution were adopted within specific economic, political, social or cultural, and international contexts. As part of their Constitution Day/Week studies, seniors investigate these factors for...
Curated OER
Family Celebrations
Young scholars brainstorm a list of family celebrations. They also share what celebrations they share with their own families. They draw a picture of their family during one of the celebrations and share with a partner.
Curated OER
Dia de los Muertas/Day of the Dead Cultural Project
Young scholars explore the celebrations of different cultures, comparing and contrasting what is unique to them. Students explore different ways to celebrate those holidays. They construct a personalized alter to demonstrate one aspect...
National First Ladies' Library
Workers, Take a Holiday! the Beginning of Labor Day
When your upper elementary class returns in the fall, have them identify and define the beginnings of the labor movement and Labor Day in the United States. They thoughtfully reflect on changes that have occurred in the way we think...
Center for Civic Education
Orb and Effy Learn About Authority
Simplify the teaching of the US Constitution with this primary grade social studies lesson. While reading a fun story about an imaginary place called Bubble Land, children learn about the concept of authority and the importance of rules...
Curated OER
Festivals and Fairs
Students celebrate May Day. In this Medieval festivals lesson, students research May Day and information about may poles. Students build their own may poles and discuss the significance of the May Day festival.
Curated OER
Cookie Fun
Students make cookies to celebrate the May Day holiday. They discuss the significance of May Day, listen to the book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff, and decorate cookies with spring colors. Students also create a card...
Curated OER
Learning About Animal Shelters for Earth Day
Students explore habitats. in this ecology and animal habitat lesson, students listen to the book A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman. Students discuss the basic needs of animals and go on a nature walk to observe animal...
Alabama Learning Exchange
CELEBRATE!
Strengthen research skills by reviewing the months of the year and the holidays celebrated during those months. Learners draw and label a timeline for the months and label each holiday. They work in groups to research the holidays, and...
Curated OER
Heads Up
To celebrate cultural diversity and multicultural awareness, learners explore the nature of headwear used around the world. They brainstorm the types of headwear they've seen, and then discuss why people wear coverings on their heads....
Curated OER
Dia de la Independencia
Young scholars learn about Mexican Independence Day. In this Hispanic Heritage lesson, students learn about holidays in Hispanic countries specifically looking at their days of independence. Young scholars read information about...
Curated OER
Leprechaun Dust
Learners make "leprechaun dust" in this short art lesson plan using Jello instant pistachio pudding, small jars, milk, and spoons. Ideal for celebrating St. Patrick's Day with early-elementary students. Can be combined with the reading...
Curated OER
Saint Patrick's Day
Students read an article about Saint Patrick's Day and answer short answer questions about what they read. In this Saint Patrick's Day lesson plan, students answer 17 questions total.
Center for Civic Education
Matching Game with the US Constitution
In September we celebrate Constitution Day. Begin the celebration with a grand conversation about the US Constitution. Follow up the in-depth discussion with a learning game in which scholars match terms to images such as the...
Curated OER
Musical Moods
To celebrate diversity and the purpose of Harmony Day, the class examines culturally diverse music and expression through line drawing. They discuss that all cultures produce music and that music can convey mood just like art can. As the...
Lakeshore Learning
Fun in the Snow
Celebrate the arrival of winter with a reading of Jack Ezra Keats' book The Snowy Day. Engaging children by asking them about their own experiences in the snow, the teacher goes on to read the story aloud before asking the class to draw...
Minnesota Literacy Council
Introduction to Historical Thinking
Christopher Columbus: hero or villain? Prepare class members for the debate with activities that asks them to think critically about how history is reported.
Curated OER
May The Best Character Win
Students examine the financial committment to running a campaign. They discuss the difference between electroal and popular votes. They realize how involved a political campaign is!
Curated OER
Armed Forces Day Reading Comprehension Passage
In this reading comprehension/ holiday worksheet, students read a passage about Armed Forces Day which is celebrated on the third Saturday in May in the US. They answer 6 short answer, fill in the blank questions based on the reading.
Curated OER
Mother's Day
Students construct Mother's Day cards. In this holiday activity, students use art supplies to create Mother's Day cards. Students may include an acrostic poem about their mother or a coupon book for their mother.
ESL Holiday Lessons
English Lesson Plan on Labor Day
Download a reading and have learners follow along on a transcript about Labor Day. A series of worksheets follow that include matching, filling in blanks, and unscrambling word spellings. An online multiple choice activity is also...
Center for Civic Education
To Amend or Not to Amend, That's Been the Question...Many Times
Looking for some ideas for how to celebrate September 17, Constitution Day? Check out a packet that focuses on the factors that are considered in the amendment process. Class members examine the amendment process and the types of...
Center for Civic Education
What Does Returning to Fundamental Principles Mean?
Looking for materials for your Constitution Day and Citizenship Day lessons? Then check out this packet of activities that not only gets your class members thinking critically about the fundamental principles at the heart of American...