Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Weddings Around the World

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Weddings are a big deal for children. Most kids are very intrigued by them, and many have already been to one. The teacher reads the book, Weddings by Ann Morris to the class. Then, a discussion takes place regarding the basic traditions...
Lesson Plan
Academy of American Poets

Thanksgiving with Richard Blanco's "América"

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Traditions, like the times, are a-changin'. Middle schoolers conduct a close reading of Richard Blanco's poem "América" and consider how Blanco's family approached his suggestions for adopting a new approach to their Thanksgiving meal.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduce Vocabulary: Ruby's Wish (Bridges)

For Teachers K - 3rd
Jump into traditional Chinese culture with budding readers as they examine vocabulary in context through Shirin Yim Bridge's book Ruby's Wish. This book is read on YouTube if you don't have it on hand. Scholars are briefly...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Our Small World

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore indigenous and Native cultures, and promote appreciation for the contributions from these cultures. They explore the concept of cultural conservation and gain more understanding about the issues that tribes face today. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Winter Celebrations

For Teachers 1st - 8th
Students draw and label pictures about holiday customs and traditions from their countries.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

American Deaf Culture: A History of Language

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the relationship between language and culture in the Deaf Community. They discover the history of sign language and how it has been viewed in the past. They examine the Deaf community's beliefs and values.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to African Culture Through Music & Dance

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore various elements in West African Culture through the medium of a traditional music and dance from Ghana. They take an imaginary tour of a village dance-drumming event in West Africa.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Holidays

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students compare the holidays celebrated in the Middle Ages to those celebrated in American culture today. In this cultural tradition instructional activity, students read Internet-linked articles about holidays of the Middle Ages....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

American Deaf Culture: Deaf Art

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the culture and art of the Deaf Community. They discover the history of the Deaf Community using art and their values. They compare and contrast different pieces of art.
Unit Plan
Curated OER

A Study of Mexico

For Teachers 1st
Students discover the modern civilization and culture of Mexico. In this 2-3 week unit of study on Mexico, students explore the geography of Mexico, its Indian and Spanish heritage, Mexican food and traditions, and receive an...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cultural Representation of Skeletons and Bones

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders study cultures and beliefs about the final life cycle.  In this culture lesson students complete several activities on the origins of Halloween.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Japanese Culture

For Teachers 1st
First graders research information about Japanese people and culture. They read a Japanese story listening for rhyme schemes. They create their own rhyme schemes. They discuss Japanese food and sample rice cakes. They read Haiku and then...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What's on Your Plate? Lesson 2

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students research countries of the world. In this global studies instructional activity, students discover details of cultures in the world as they become experts on selected countries. Students create posters and brochures that feature...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Cultural Geography of East Asia

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Young scholars use information from the Asia Society's AskAsia Web site to explore the cultures of China, Japan, and Korea. They answer four questions and then use what they have learned to write a letter of introduction to a Japanese...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Treasure Hunt - Geography and Cultural Diversity along the Journey to the West

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students work in groups and use treasure cards and maps to go on a treasure hunt to several regions in China. They prepare a presentation on the geography and culture of the area that they are assigned to.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Cultural Geography of Africa South of the Sahara "Kente Cloth"

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students read several articles about West African strip weaving of Kente cloth. They explore the cultural context in which strip weaving occurs. They answer four comprehension questions and compose a magazine article about strip weaving.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

China: Culture and Young Adult literature

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders are introduced to Chinese language and culture to make Asian reading selections in literature circles more meaningful. They write about Chinese characters, work on oral speaking, and read Asian books and then have...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Moccasins are Made for Dancing

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students perform a traditional Native American dance.  In this cultural dance lesson, students research two Native American dances.  Students discuss the relationship between the dances and Native American culture. ...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Be the Kiwi: Culture of New Zealand

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders discover details about the history of New Zealand. In this global studies lesson, 10th graders read about the cultural groups and traditions of the country and then complete a passport activity based on their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Korean Culture

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders complete a research project for the sixth grade Big Book that is to be shared with the 5th graders. Students should take their time because the project represents them and the whole class.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Puerto Rico: The 51st State?

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the political status of Puerto Rico. In this global studies lesson, students explore Puerto Rico and consider the feelings of Puerto Ricans regarding their unique political status.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Storytelling: Writers' Workshop Learning Center

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Evaluating a variety of narrative texts can help build strong writers. Pupils identify plot elements and their relation to personal experience, then apply what they gleaned from the class discussion to create their own narratives.
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Looking North Of The Greek World: The Slavic Folk Poetry of The Balkans

For Teachers 9th - 11th Standards
Showing how folk poetry keeps alive national heritage is the stated goal of this proposal for a unit on the poetry of the Balkans.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Modern Conditions Placed on Traditions

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore the role of traditions in world cultures. They read a New York Times article dealing with recent changes in the traditional clothing worn in England's House of Lords