The holiday season is here, and Alabama Public Television is spreading the cheer! We’ve curated a collection of resources and activities from PBS, PBS KIDS, and PBS LearningMedia to help early childhood and K-12 educators unite their students as they discover and celebrate the unique traditions and diverse cultures of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
Resources for Grades: PreK - K
- The true spirit of the holidays lies in our connections with others, as Daniel Tiger wisely reminds us in Friends Make the Best Presents. The timeless wisdom of Fred Rogers, as featured in this supplemental resource for educators, complements Daniel’s message.
- Join Peg + Cat as they count down the Eight Days of Hanukkah. This fun math adventure highlights the traditions of Hanukkah. Expand the lesson with these Peg + Cat Learning Cards for quick, adult-led conversation and activity starters.
- In Sid's Holiday Adventure, Sid the Science Kid shares that his family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. With a family holiday trip to snowy Minnesota on the horizon, Sid embarks on a scientific exploration of winter weather. Extend and reinforce the concepts Sid introduces with Sid’s Holiday Adventure Activity.
Resources for Grades: 3 - 5
- While Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday, its message of hope and perseverance resonates with people of all backgrounds. Explore these Hanukkah Resources with your students. Discover Hanukkah-related vocabulary words in this word search activity and foster curiosity with these discussion questions.
- Explore resources from the Christmas Collection to highlight the diverse traditions and customs associated with Christmas around the world. Spark critical thinking skills in your students with these Christmas Discussion Questions and solidify newly learned vocabulary words with this Christmas Day word search activity.
- Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American culture and heritage. Discover its rich history and unique traditions with this collection of Kwanzaa resources. Expand the lesson by completing the vocabulary word search activity and answering these Kwanzaa Discussion Questions.
Explore the entire collection at All About the Holidays with PBS LearningMedia.
Resources for Grades: 6 - 12
- As students watch Is Santa Real? (A Scientific Analysis), encourage them to take notes on the scientific arguments presented in the video. Guide students in a step-by-step scientific analysis, prompting them to consider and discuss evidence, formulate hypotheses, and draw conclusions.
- Watch and discuss What to Know about Kwanzaa from PBS NewsHour. Explore What Kwanzaa Means for Black Americans by Frank Dobson to learn more about the history of Kwanzaa.
- Jesus’ name in Hebrew was “Yeshua,” which translates to Joshua in English. So where did the name “Jesus” come from? Watch What Was Jesus' Real Name? to find out. Ask your students to share their thoughts after watching the video.
- Delve into the rich history of the Jewish people with Simon Schama's The Story of the Jews. Explore how this historical series connects to the modern-day celebration of Hanukkah. To expand on the series, visit The Story of the Jews website.
This holiday season, as you share these Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa resources to nurture cultural understanding and unity among your students, may the joy, magic and wonder of the holiday season fill your classroom and community.
From all of us at Alabama Public Television Education, happy holidays!
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