Students study customs of various winter holidays. In this holiday lesson plan, students read the book The Reasons for the Seasons and complete a winter glyph. Students use graphing software to create a chart of the holidays that are...

Young scholars create snowflake similes, Kwanzaa plaques, menorah banners, and more for the month of December. In this December activities lesson plan, students also analyze characters in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Describe the general characteristics of Kwanzaa after reading Seven Candles of Kwanzaa. For this Kwanzaa lesson plan, learners study the principles of the Kwanzaa holiday and interpret the principles through music and dance. They...

Students define culture and explore elements that are part of the custom or culture of a place.  In this holiday lesson, students identify the cultures they participate in.  Students identify the differences in people's...

Celebrate the traditions of Hanukkah with a festive party. After reading a short background passage about Hanukkah, learners design a Hanukkah party and dance to Hanukkah songs, taste latkes, create menorahs with marshmallows and...

First graders graph their favorite The Night Before Christmas books. For this graphing lesson students listen to several versions of the the same story, The Night Before Christmas. The students each choose their favorite version and the...

Students write reflective essays discussing some of their most poignant holiday memories. They illustrate their writing with original artwork and photographs to contribute to a class-designed holiday memory book.

Students draw Santa's face on white paper, add color construction paper for his hat, and use the beard section for a "countdown calender" until the end of the month in this creative December activity. Each day another cotton ball is...

Students use vocabulary related to Kwanzaa. They identify main ideas and details related to the celebration of Kwanzaa and summarize information about Kwanzaa. They make picture books appropriate for first and second graders.

Students listen to a book about Kwanzaa and discuss the holiday and its importance. In this Kwanzaa lesson, students make crafts after they read and discuss the story.

Young scholars explore the poinsettia and its symbolism as a Christmas flower. Students will listen to a story about the poinsettia and its origins in Mexico and discuss what they know about Mexico. They will discuss the poinsettia's...

Learners make "leprechaun dust" in this short art lesson 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 of a...

Learners create "Bunny Hats" using construction paper, paper plates, glue, googly eyes, and pencils in this fun Art lesson for the early-elementary classroom. The lesson emphasizes building cutting skills and encouraging creative...

Students create Valentine's Day hearts in this variation of a classic activity for the early-elementary classroom. The "hands that touch the heart" is a great gift that can be given to family, friends, or fellow students. A materials...

Learners create miniature "brussel sprout" bunnies using clay pots, brussel sprouts, mini poms, Easter grass, and fake silk flowers. This lesson is intended for the upper-elementary classroom during the Spring season (March or earl April...

Students create fringed Valentine's Day hearts in this Art lesson for the elementary school classroom. The lesson includes step-by-step instructions and a materials list. This was created by an 11-year old who loves arts and crafts.

Students create bouquets of roses using tissue paper, pipe cleaners, masking tape, paint, and construction paper in this early elementary art lesson. A possible extension includes making Vlentine's Day cards to go along with the flowers.

Students create light bulb decorations for the holiday season in this Art lesson for 4th through 12th grades. Emphasis is placed on creativity and artistic expression. Also a great activity for older students raising money for...

Students create hanging christmas decorations using plastic lids, glue, various colors and shapes of glitter, and tinsel in this early-elementary school Art lesson. The lesson is ideal for the holiday season or can be modified for any...

Students create a mural of the history of Thanksgiving. In this holiday lesson, students recall the history of Thanksgiving and create a mural of the holiday using large paper and crayons.

Students build gift boxes using recycled christmas cards, ribbon, glue, and hole punchers in this Holiday Art instructional activity for the middle level classroom. Six christmas cards are needed for every box and the instructional...

Students create foam ornaments and/or miniature trees using fun foam, glue, buttons, rick rack or pasta, and gold string in this early-elementary school Art lesson. Suggested adaptations for younger and older students are provided.

Students create light bulb Santa's using old light bulbs, acrylic paints, ribbon, and cords in this art lesson for the second through eighth grade classroom. This is a great activity to do before winter break. A picture of the final...

After reading Chicken Soup with Rice, by Maurice Sendak, incorporate some of these great extension activities into your lesson plan. Ideas include focusing on knowing the months of the year, or studying the illustrations and how...