Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the history and traditions of New Year's Eve celebrations around the world, create your own New Year's Eve artwork, listen to music associated with New Year's festivities, and learn about different ways people celebrate this holiday.
Materials and Prep
- Paper
- Coloring materials
- Access to a computer or music player
- Internet access for research
No prior knowledge required, just come with a curious mind!
Activities
- Create New Year's Eve Artwork: Draw or paint a picture that represents New Year's Eve to you. It could include fireworks, a clock striking midnight, or people celebrating.
- Research New Year's Eve Traditions: Use the internet to learn about how different countries celebrate New Year's Eve. Create a mini poster with fun facts about at least three different countries.
- New Year's Eve Music Time: Listen to music that is traditionally played on New Year's Eve in different parts of the world. Dance along and feel the festive spirit!
- New Year's Eve Around the World: Create a world map and mark the countries you researched earlier. Write a sentence or two about how each country celebrates New Year's Eve.
Talking Points
- History of New Year's Eve: "New Year's Eve is a time to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one. People have been celebrating this transition for thousands of years!"
- Fireworks Tradition: "One of the most common ways people celebrate New Year's Eve is by setting off fireworks. It's like a colorful and noisy way to welcome the new year!"
- New Year's Resolutions: "Many people make resolutions on New Year's Eve. These are promises to themselves to do something better or differently in the new year. What would be your resolution?"
- Time Zones: "Did you know that because of different time zones, New Year's Eve is celebrated at different times around the world? That's why it's always New Year's somewhere!"