“Holidays”
Here are some ideas and activities you can use:
Holiday vocabulary: Introduce new vocabulary related to holidays such as beach, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, camera, passport, luggage, etc. You can use flashcards, word games, and worksheets to practice the new vocabulary.
Vacation - a period of time when you are not working or studying, usually spent travelling or relaxing.
Destination - the place where you are going for your vacation.
Tourist - a person who travels for pleasure or visiting new places.
Itinerary - a plan or schedule of your trip, including places to visit, activities to do, and timeframes.
Souvenir - a small item that you buy or keep to remind you of your vacation or trip.
Resort - a place where people go for a vacation, usually offering accommodation, entertainment, and recreational activities.
Beach - an area of sand or pebbles beside the sea or lake where people go to swim, sunbathe, and relax.
Sightseeing - the activity of visiting places of interest, such as historical or cultural landmarks, while on vacation.
Adventure - an exciting or unusual experience, often involving physical activity or risk-taking, that is undertaken for the purpose of enjoyment or challenge.
Backpacking - travelling with only a backpack, often staying in hostels or camping, and exploring new places on a budget.
Cruise - a vacation or travel on a ship or boat that includes various stops at different destinations.
Jet lag - a temporary sleep disorder caused by travel across time zones, resulting in fatigue and other symptoms.
Passport - an official document issued by a government that verifies the identity and citizenship of the holder and allows them to travel to other countries.
Visa - an official document that allows a person to enter and stay in a foreign country for a specified period of time.
Travel insurance - a type of insurance that covers unexpected events such as illness, accidents, or trip cancellations that may occur during a vacation or travel.
Tour guide - a person who leads groups of tourists on a guided tour of a city or attraction.
Car rental - the service of renting a car for a specified period of time during a vacation or travel.
Hostel - an inexpensive accommodation option, often used by backpackers, that offers dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities.
Resort fee - an additional charge that some resorts or hotels add to the room rate, covering amenities such as Wi-Fi, pool access, and gym use.
Staycation - a vacation or leisure time spent at home or in one's local area rather than travelling to a different destination.
All-inclusive - a type of vacation package that includes all meals, drinks, and activities in the price of the package.
Camping - an outdoor recreational activity involving staying in a tent or camper and enjoying nature.
Luggage - the bags and suitcases that a traveler brings on a trip to carry their belongings.
Currency exchange - the process of exchanging one currency for another, often necessary when travelling to a foreign country.
Road trip - a journey by car, often involving multiple stops and sightseeing along the way.
Tour bus - a bus used for transporting groups of tourists to various destinations and attractions.
Theme park - an amusement park that is based around a specific theme or concept, such as Disney World or Universal Studios.
Airfare - the cost of transportation by plane, usually for a round-trip ticket.
Cabin - a small, simple dwelling or room typically found in the woods or on a mountain for vacation purposes.
Travelogue - a written or visual account of a traveler's experiences during their trip.
Shore - the land adjacent to a body of water, such as a beach or coastline.
Scuba diving - a form of underwater diving where the diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus to breathe while exploring the underwater world.
Hiking - a recreational activity of walking in natural environments, often on trails or in mountains.
Sightseer - a person who visits different tourist attractions or landmarks while on vacation.
Jet ski - a small watercraft propelled by a jet of water, used for recreational activities such as watersports.
Bed and breakfast - a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and breakfast.
Local cuisine - the traditional dishes and foods of a particular region or country.
Museum - a building or institution that displays artifacts, artworks, or scientific objects for public viewing and educational purposes.
Nature reserve - an area of land set aside for the protection and preservation of natural habitats and wildlife.
Passport control - a checkpoint at the border or airport where officials check and verify the identity and travel documents of travelers.
Sunscreen - a lotion or cream that protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Travel adapter - a device used to convert the electrical voltage and plug type of a power source to match the needs of electronic devices while travelling to different countries.
Travel pillow - a cushion designed to provide support and comfort for the head and neck while travelling, especially on long flights or car rides.
Travel-sized - small-sized versions of products such as toiletries, snacks, and other items that are convenient to carry while travelling.
Visa-free - the status that allows travellers to enter a foreign country without a visa, usually for a certain period of time.
Beach towel - a large towel designed for use at the beach or pool, typically made of absorbent material and brightly colored.
Cultural immersion - the process of fully engaging and experiencing a foreign culture by learning its customs, language, and traditions.
Duty-free - products sold at a reduced tax rate or with no tax imposed, usually available at airports for travellers who are leaving the country.
Hotel - a commercial establishment that provides lodging, meals, and other services for travellers and tourists.
Room service - a service provided by hotels where guests can order food and drinks to be delivered to their rooms.
Safari - an adventure tour of wildlife reserves or national parks, often in Africa, where participants can observe animals in their natural habitats.
Souvenir - a memento or keepsake that is purchased or collected as a reminder of a trip or vacation.
Travel agency - a business that specializes in helping people plan and book travel, such as flights, hotels, and activities.
Tourist attraction - a place or activity that is popular with tourists, such as landmarks, museums, amusement parks, or festivals.
Backpacking - a form of low-cost, independent travel that involves carrying all necessary belongings in a backpack and staying in budget accommodations such as hostels or campsites.
Business trip - a journey taken for work or professional purposes, usually involving attending conferences, meetings, or site visits.
Camping site - a designated area for camping, often with facilities such as bathrooms, showers, and fire pits.
Caravan - a vehicle designed for leisure travel and camping, often equipped with beds, a kitchenette, and other amenities.
Itinerary - a travel plan that outlines the schedule and activities of a trip, including transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing.
Travel visa - a document that allows a person to enter and stay in a foreign country for a specified period of time, usually issued by the government of the destination country.
Cruising - a type of vacation where participants travel on a large ship, visiting various ports of call and enjoying onboard amenities and entertainment.
Destination - a place to which someone is travelling, such as a city, country, or landmark.
Foreign exchange - the process of exchanging one currency for another in order to pay for goods and services in a foreign country.
Guesthouse - a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodation and often includes breakfast, typically run by the owner or family who live on the property.
Hostel - a budget accommodation option that provides shared dormitory-style rooms and communal facilities, often popular with young travellers and backpackers.
Local guide - a person who provides guided tours of a particular area, often knowledgeable about the history, culture, and landmarks of the region.
Package tour - a type of travel that includes transportation, accommodation, and other amenities bundled together at a fixed price.
Resort - a commercial establishment that provides lodging, meals, and entertainment for vacationers in a specific area, often with facilities such as swimming pools, spas, and golf courses.
Staycation - a vacation spent at home or within one's local area, often involving leisure activities and relaxation.
Travel insurance - a type of insurance that covers unexpected expenses and events that can occur while travelling, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage.
Adventure tourism - a type of tourism that involves exploration, adventure activities, and physical challenges, such as hiking, mountaineering, and white-water rafting.
All-inclusive - a type of vacation package that includes all meals, drinks, and some activities in the upfront price, providing a hassle-free experience for the traveller.
Backpack - a type of bag worn on the back that is designed for carrying essential items while travelling, often used by backpackers and hikers.
Currency exchange - a facility or service that enables travellers to exchange one currency for another, usually for a fee.
Departure lounge - a waiting area in an airport where passengers can relax before their flight departs.
Excursion - a short trip or outing for pleasure or education, often involving a guided tour or a visit to a landmark or attraction.
Global entry - a program that allows pre-approved travellers to expedite customs and immigration clearance when entering the United States.
Host - a person who provides accommodation and/or hospitality to travellers, often through home-sharing platforms such as Airbnb.
Luggage - the suitcases, bags, and other containers used to carry personal belongings while travelling.
Passport - an official government document that identifies a person and allows them to travel internationally.
Holiday destinations: Ask your students to research and prepare presentations on their favorite holiday destinations. They can include information on the location, attractions, weather, and cultural events.
Holiday traditions: Discuss the different holiday traditions around the world. You can focus on one holiday such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, and compare how it's celebrated in different countries. Encourage your students to share their own holiday traditions.
Holiday stories: Read holiday-themed stories to your students and discuss the characters, setting, and plot. You can also ask your students to write their own holiday stories and share them with the class.
Holiday crafts: Get creative with holiday crafts such as making Christmas ornaments, Thanksgiving decorations, or Easter eggs. You can find many DIY ideas and tutorials online.
Holiday recipes: Introduce holiday recipes from different cultures and ask your students to prepare them at home. They can share their cooking experiences and bring their dishes to class for a tasting.
Holiday songs: Teach your students holiday songs and encourage them to sing along. You can find the lyrics and music online, and even create your own karaoke version.
Here are some idioms related to Holidays:
Hit the road - to begin a journey
Break new ground - to do something that has never been done before
Travel light - to pack lightly and not bring a lot of luggage
On the move - actively travelling or changing location frequently
Catch a ride - to get a ride from someone else
Get away from it all - to take a break from daily routine and go on vacation
See the sights - to visit and explore tourist attractions
Road trip - a long journey by car, often with multiple stops
Armchair traveler - someone who reads or hears about travel experiences without actually traveling themselves
Jet-setter - someone who travels frequently, often by airplane, and is typically wealthy or glamorous
Off the beaten path - to go to a destination that is less popular or well-known
A change of scenery - to go somewhere different for a change
Live out of a suitcase - to travel frequently and not have a permanent home
Travel broadens the mind - to gain new knowledge and experiences through travel
The journey is the destination - to focus on enjoying the process of traveling rather than just reaching the final destination
Take a hike - to go for a long walk or hike, often used as a dismissive command to someone who is bothering you
Find your way - to navigate or figure out how to get somewhere on your own
Travel by the seat of your pants - to travel without much planning or preparation
A rolling stone gathers no moss - to say that someone who keeps moving and changing will not become stagnant or stuck
Hitch a ride - to get a ride from someone, often a stranger or someone you don't know well.
A picture is worth a thousand words - to say that a visual image can convey a lot of information or emotion
All roads lead to Rome - to say that there are many different ways to achieve the same goal
Put down roots - to establish a permanent home or residence in a new place
Home away from home - to describe a place that feels familiar and comfortable, even though it is not your actual home
Bumpy ride - to describe a journey or experience that is difficult or challenging
Smooth sailing - to describe a journey or experience that is easy and trouble-free
Go the extra mile - to go above and beyond what is expected or required
Travel at your own risk - a warning that there may be risks or dangers associated with travel
Eat your heart out - to express pride or satisfaction in a boastful way
Traveling on a shoestring - to travel with a limited budget or financial resources.
A taste of your own medicine - to say that someone is experiencing something that they have done to others in the past
To make a beeline for - to move quickly and directly towards something or someone
A fish out of water - to feel uncomfortable or out of place in a new or unfamiliar environment
To have itchy feet - to have a strong desire to travel and explore new places
To be on the same page - to be in agreement or have a shared understanding
To go off the beaten track - to explore places that are less known or less popular with tourists
To get lost in translation - to have difficulty communicating effectively due to language barriers
To get cold feet - to become hesitant or nervous before doing something
To be over the moon - to be extremely happy or excited
To take the scenic route - to take a longer, more scenic route rather than the quickest or most direct route.
To hit the ground running - to start something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm
To have a whale of a time - to have a great time, to enjoy oneself immensely
To put one's feet up - to relax and take a break
To travel in style - to travel comfortably and luxuriously
To make a pit stop - to take a short break during a journey, often to refuel or use the restroom
To travel light and tight - to pack minimally and efficiently for travel
To walk in someone's shoes - to understand and empathize with someone else's experiences or perspective
To get off the beaten path - to explore less popular or less well-known destinations
To go the distance - to persevere through a difficult journey or challenge
To live vicariously through someone else - to experience something indirectly through someone else's experiences or stories.
Advantages and Disadvatanges of Holidays
Advantages of Holidays:
Relaxation and stress relief: Holidays provide an opportunity to relax and take a break from the stress of daily life, which can help reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being.
Exploration and new experiences: Holidays allow for exploration of new places, cultures, and experiences, which can broaden one's perspective and create lasting memories.
Improved mental health: Time away from work and routine can have positive effects on mental health, including reduced anxiety and improved mood.
Increased physical activity: Many holidays involve physical activity, such as hiking, swimming, or skiing, which can contribute to improved physical health and fitness.
Improved family or social relationships: Holidays can provide an opportunity for families and friends to spend quality time together and strengthen their relationships.
Disadvantages of Holidays:
Cost: Holidays can be expensive, with travel, accommodations, and activities adding up quickly.
Time constraints: Many people have limited vacation time or may not be able to take time off from work or other responsibilities, making it difficult to take a holiday.
Travel stress: Traveling to and from holiday destinations can be stressful and tiring, particularly when dealing with long flights, delays, or unfamiliar transportation systems.
Culture shock: Visiting new places and experiencing different cultures can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming and challenging, particularly for those who are not used to cultural differences.
Health risks: Holidays can also carry health risks, such as exposure to new diseases, food poisoning, or accidents while participating in activities.
Discussion Topics:
The benefits of holidays for individuals and society as a whole, such as increased happiness, productivity, and tourism revenue.
The impact of holidays on the environment, including the carbon footprint of travel and the effects of tourism on natural ecosystems.
The economic and social implications of the holiday industry, including job creation, income inequality, and cultural exchange.
The role of technology in changing the way people plan and experience holidays, including the use of online booking platforms and social media to share travel experiences.
The effects of holidays on mental health, including the potential for holiday stress or burnout, and the importance of taking time off to recharge and rejuvenate.
The ethical considerations of holiday travel, including responsible tourism, ethical animal encounters, and sustainable travel practices.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the holiday industry, including the changes to travel restrictions, tourism businesses, and traveler behavior.
The cultural significance of holidays and celebrations in different parts of the world, including religious holidays, national holidays, and cultural festivals.
The challenges and benefits of solo travel versus group travel, including the social and cultural experiences that each offers.
The potential for holidays to create cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship, and the role of travel in promoting peace and understanding among different cultures and nations.
There are many hands-on activities that can be enjoyed during holidays, depending on the location and type of holiday. Some examples include:
Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, surfing, or skiing.
Cooking classes or culinary tours, where travelers can learn to cook local dishes and taste regional specialties.
Cultural activities such as visiting museums, historical sites, art galleries, or attending music or theater performances.
Volunteer or service activities, such as teaching English, helping with conservation projects, or participating in community development initiatives.
Workshops or classes, such as yoga retreats, photography classes, or language immersion programs.
Adventure activities such as zip-lining, bungee jumping, skydiving, or rock climbing.
Nature activities such as bird watching, wildlife safaris, or whale watching.
Wellness activities such as spa treatments, yoga classes, meditation, or wellness retreats.
Farm stays or agricultural tours, where travelers can learn about farming practices and participate in harvesting or animal care.
Sports activities such as golfing, tennis, or fishing.
The hands-on activities during holidays can add a sense of adventure, excitement, and learning to the holiday experience, and can help create lasting memories.
PROJECTS
Project-based activities can be a great way to engage students in active and collaborative learning, while also promoting creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Here are some project-based activities related to holidays that can be offered to students:
Create a digital travel guide: Students can research and compile information about a particular holiday destination, including popular attractions, local culture, food, and accommodations. They can then create a digital travel guide using graphic platform, including images, maps, and descriptions of the various elements of the destination.
Plan a sustainable holiday: Students can research and plan a sustainable holiday, including choosing eco-friendly accommodations, transportation, and activities. They can then create a detailed plan including a budget, itinerary, and recommendations for others who are interested in traveling sustainably.
Create a cultural festival: Students can research and plan a cultural festival, including choosing a culture to represent, organizing performances, creating decorations, and preparing food. They can then organize and host the festival for their classmates, families, and the community.
Create a virtual holiday experience: Students can use virtual reality software or 360-degree video to create a virtual holiday experience, allowing viewers to explore a destination and experience its culture, attractions, and activities. They can create a website or mobile application to showcase their virtual experience.
Create a travel vlog: Students can create a travel vlog documenting their holiday experiences, including footage of local attractions, food, and culture. They can edit and upload the vlog to a video-sharing platform such as YouTube or Vimeo, including commentary and recommendations for future travelers.
Create a holiday-themed board game: Students can design and create a holiday-themed board game, incorporating elements of a particular culture, tradition, or destination. They can then play and test the game with their classmates and make adjustments based on feedback.
Create a holiday-themed art exhibit: Students can create works of art inspired by a particular holiday, culture, or destination, and display them in an exhibit. They can organize an opening reception, create artist statements, and invite classmates, families, and the community to attend.
Good Slang words for Holidays:
"Vacay" or "staycation" - short for vacation or stay-at-home vacation.
"Road trip" - a journey taken by car.
"Beach bum" - a person who spends a lot of time at the beach.
"Chillaxing" - a combination of "chilling" and "relaxing."
"Party animal" - a person who loves to party and have a good time.
"Getaway" - a short vacation or trip.
"Wanderlust" - a strong desire to travel and explore new places.
"Jet lag" - the fatigue and discomfort caused by traveling across different time zones.
"Bucket list" - a list of things someone wants to do or experience before they die.
"Staycay" - similar to "staycation," a term used to describe a vacation spent at home or nearby.
BOOKS
There are many great books about holidays that can be offered to students to read. Here are some suggestions:
"The Night Before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore - a classic holiday poem that has been adapted into many picture books for children.
"The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg - a beloved Christmas story about a young boy's magical train ride to the North Pole.
"Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" by Eric A. Kimmel - a story about Hershel of Ostropol, a clever Jewish man who outwits a group of mischievous goblins during Hanukkah.
"The Diwali Gift" by Shweta Chopra and Shuchi Mehta - a story about a young girl who learns the importance of giving during the Hindu festival of Diwali.
"The Story of Kwanzaa" by Donna L. Washington - a book that explains the history and traditions of Kwanzaa, a week-long African American holiday celebrated in December.
"A World of Cookies for Santa" by M.E. Furman - a book that explores the different holiday cookie traditions from around the world.
"The Legend of the Poinsettia" by Tomie dePaola - a retelling of a Mexican legend about a young girl who learns the true meaning of giving during the Christmas season.
"Seven Spools of Thread" by Angela Shelf Medearis - a book that explains the significance of the Kente cloth and the African folktale behind it, which is often shared during Kwanzaa.
"The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming" by Lemony Snicket - a humorous story that explains the story of Hanukkah through the eyes of a latke.
"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry - a classic Christmas story about a young couple's sacrifice and love for each other.
MOVIES
There are many great movies about holidays that can be offered to students to watch. Here are some suggestions:
"Home Alone" (1990) - a classic Christmas comedy about a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation and must protect his home from burglars.
"Elf" (2003) - a fun family movie about Buddy, a human who was raised at the North Pole and travels to New York City to find his real father.
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993) - a unique and creative movie about Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas Town and tries to take over Christmas.
"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965) - a classic animated television special about Charlie Brown and his friends who try to put on a Christmas play while learning the true meaning of the holiday.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964) - a beloved stop-motion animated television special about Rudolph, a reindeer who is ostracized for his glowing red nose, but ultimately saves Christmas.
"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) - a heartwarming classic Christmas movie about a man who is shown what life would be like if he had never been born.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966) - a classic animated television special about the Grinch, a grumpy creature who tries to steal Christmas from the Whos in Whoville.
"A Christmas Carol" (1984) - a dramatic retelling of the classic Charles Dickens novel about Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter old man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.
"The Santa Clause" (1994) - a funny and heartwarming movie about a man who accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall from his roof and is forced to take on the role of Santa.
"Miracle on 34th Street" (1947) - a heartwarming Christmas classic about a man claiming to be Santa Claus and the young lawyer who defends him in court.
SONGS
There are many great songs about holidays that can be played for students. Here are some suggestions:
"Jingle Bells" by James Lord Pierpont - a classic Christmas song that is easy to sing along to.
"All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey - a modern Christmas classic that is popular with students.
"Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano - a fun and upbeat Christmas song that incorporates both English and Spanish lyrics.
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee - a lively and festive song that is popular with students.
"Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!" by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne - a classic winter song that is perfect for a snowy day.
"The Dreidel Song" - a fun Hanukkah song that is easy to sing and teaches about the traditions of the holiday.
"Deck the Halls" - a classic Christmas carol that is easy to sing and can be fun to sing in a group.
"Winter Wonderland" - a classic winter song that celebrates the joy of playing in the snow and being with loved ones.
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" - a classic Christmas hymn that is beautiful and traditional.
"Happy Holidays" by Andy Williams - a fun and upbeat song that celebrates the holiday season and can put students in a festive mood.
HOLIDAY EXERCISES FOR STUDENTS
Holidays are an important time for students to relax, spend time with family and friends, and recharge their batteries for the upcoming semester. However, holidays can also be a great opportunity for students to engage in fun and educational exercises that can help them develop their skills and knowledge.
One great exercise for students during the holidays is to create a travel journal. This can be a physical notebook or a digital document that students can use to record their experiences and observations during their travels. They can include descriptions of the places they visit, photos, sketches, and even interviews with locals. This exercise can help students develop their writing and observational skills, as well as their creativity.
Another fun exercise for students during the holidays is to create a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. Students can work in groups or individually to create a list of items or tasks related to the holiday they are celebrating, such as finding a specific type of ornament or decorating a gingerbread house. This exercise can help students develop their teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as their creativity and attention to detail.
For students who are interested in cooking, holidays can be a great opportunity to learn new recipes and cooking techniques. Students can try out traditional holiday recipes or experiment with new ones, and even host a holiday-themed dinner party for friends and family. This exercise can help students develop their cooking and baking skills, as well as their creativity and time management.
Finally, holidays can also be a great time for students to engage in community service and give back to those in need. Students can volunteer at local charities, participate in food drives, or organize a holiday gift drive for families in need. This exercise can help students develop their empathy and compassion, as well as their leadership and organizational skills.
In conclusion, holidays can offer a wealth of opportunities for students to engage in fun and educational exercises that can help them develop their skills and knowledge. Whether it's creating a travel journal, organizing a scavenger hunt, trying out new recipes, or engaging in community service, there are countless ways for students to make the most of their holidays. By taking advantage of these exercises, students can return to school feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle new challenges.
SOME POPULAR QUOTES TO DISCUSS:
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller
"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." - Hamilton Wright Mabie
"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." - Norman Vincent Peale
"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." - Charles Dickens
"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing others' loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays." - W. C. Jones
"Holidays are about experiences and people, and tuning into what you feel like doing at that moment. Enjoy not having to look at a watch." - Evelyn Glennie
"At the end of the day, it's not about what you have or even what you've accomplished. It's about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It's about what you've given back." - Denzel Washington
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." - Buddy the Elf (from the movie Elf)
"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." - Melody Beattie
"Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." - Dalai Lama
SOME EXTRA ACTIVITIES AND TASKS FOR STUDENTS:
Create a holiday-themed collage: Students can cut out pictures and words from magazines or print them out from the internet to create a visual representation of what the holiday means to them.
Write a holiday story: Students can use their imagination and creativity to write a story that takes place during the holiday season. Encourage them to include details about traditions, decorations, and activities.
Make holiday cards: Students can create cards for their friends and family using art supplies like markers, stickers, and glitter. Encourage them to write a personal message in each card.
Design a holiday-themed game: Students can work in groups to design a game that incorporates elements of the holiday season. This can be a board game, card game, or even a video game.
Research holiday traditions: Students can choose a holiday celebrated in a different country or culture and research the traditions and customs associated with that holiday. They can present their findings to the class.
Cook holiday treats: Students can work in groups to cook and bake holiday treats, such as cookies, pies, or traditional holiday dishes. This can be a fun way to learn about different foods and traditions.
Perform a holiday play or skit: Students can work together to write and perform a play or skit that incorporates elements of the holiday season. This can be a fun way to showcase their creativity and acting skills.
Create a holiday-themed art project: Students can use a variety of art supplies to create a holiday-themed project, such as a painting, sculpture, or mixed media piece.
Plan a holiday party: Students can work in groups to plan a holiday party for their class or school. They can decide on decorations, activities, and food to make the party festive and enjoyable for everyone.
Conduct a holiday-themed science experiment: Students can conduct a science experiment that relates to the holiday season, such as making snowflakes or studying the chemistry of baking cookies.
WORD-FORMATION EXERCISES RELATED TO THE TOPICS OF ‘HOLIDAYS’
Prefixes and suffixes: Provide students with a list of base words related to holidays, such as "celebrate," "decorate," and "travel." Have them add prefixes or suffixes to create new words. For example, adding "re-" to "decorate" creates "redesign," while adding "-er" to "travel" creates "traveler."
Compound words: Provide students with two or more words related to holidays, such as "snow" and "man," or "pumpkin" and "pie." Have them combine the words to create a compound word, such as "snowman" or "pumpkin pie."
Word families: Provide students with a base word related to holidays, such as "gift." Have them create a list of related words using prefixes, suffixes, and root words. For example, "ungifted," "giftable," and "giftedness."
Conversion: Provide students with a list of words that can be converted from one part of speech to another, such as "celebrate" (verb) and "celebration" (noun). Have them identify the part of speech of the base word and create an example of the converted word.
Analogies: Provide students with a holiday-related analogy, such as "Turkey is to Thanksgiving as ham is to _____." Have them complete the analogy by choosing the appropriate word, such as "Easter" or "Christmas."
Synonyms and antonyms: Provide students with a holiday-related word, such as "festive." Have them identify synonyms and antonyms for the word, such as "merry" and "dreary."
Idioms: Provide students with a holiday-related idiom, such as "putting all your eggs in one basket." Have them identify the meaning of the idiom and create a sentence using it.
Homophones: Provide students with a holiday-related homophone, such as "sleigh" and "slay." Have them identify the meaning of each word and create a sentence using both words correctly.
Jumbled words: Provide students with a jumbled holiday-related word, such as "gtsif." Have them unscramble the word to create a holiday-related word, such as "gift."
Root words: Provide students with a list of holiday-related words and ask them to identify the root word, such as "Halloween" (root word "hallows"). Then, have them create a new word using the root word.
AND FINALLY!
To wrap up the series of lessons on holidays, you could consider the following:
Review: Allow time for students to review what they have learned during the series of lessons. You can create a quiz or game that tests their knowledge of the vocabulary, grammar, and cultural aspects of holidays.
Discussion: Facilitate a discussion in which students share their own experiences and traditions related to holidays. You can ask them to talk about their favorite holiday, what they like to do to celebrate, and how they celebrate with their families.
Creative project: Assign a creative project that allows students to apply what they have learned during the series of lessons. For example, they can create a holiday-themed poster or write a short story about their favorite holiday.
Reflection: Have students reflect on what they have learned during the series of lessons. You can ask them to write a reflection on their favorite lesson or what they found most interesting about the topic of holidays.
Extension activity: Provide an extension activity for students who want to learn more about holidays. This can be a reading assignment, a research project, or a cultural exchange program.
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