Unit Title:  Why Are Celebrations Important?

Unit Authors:  Betty Larsen, Kathy Liskowsky

Grade Level:     1/2

Unit Overview:
This unit consists of ten lessons that will each be either one hour or one and a half hours long. First and
second graders are introduced to the culture of China and how they prepare and celebrate the New Year.
Students reflect back on the Christmas and New Year holidays that they have learned about and compare
U.S. traditions with those of the Chinese as they prepare and celebrate their New Year.  Many books and
songs are used throughout the unit to expose students to Chinese culture.

Essential Question:
Whay are celebrations important?

Culminating Activity
Students will use their notes, prior learning and other sources of information to create a writing piece that
answers the essential question.

Vermont Standards
Vital Results Standards
1.1 Students use a variety of strategies to help them read. This is evident when students use a combination
      of strategies including:
         a. sounds, syllables and letter patterns
         e. self correcting when subsequent reading indicates an earlier misuse
1.13 Students listen actively and respond to communications. This is evident when students:
         b.. restate
         c. respond through discussion, writing and using art forms
3.3 Students demonstrate respect for themselves and others
Fields of Knowledge Standards
6.7 Students use geographical knowledge and images of various places to understand the present, communicate
      historical interpretations, and develop solutions for problems and plan for the future. This is evident when
      students:
         b. develop a mental map and make a representational map of the major global physical divisions.
6.14 Students identify and evaluate the concept of culture, including the cultures of indigenous peoples, in various
        times in their local community, in the United States, and in various locations worldwide. This is evident when
        students:
         a. identify the cultural/ethnic groups in the world and describe by using characteristics of culture [food,
             housing, customs, beliefs, ex,]
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