Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will have a better understanding of the history and traditions of Christmas in France.
Materials and Prep
- Internet access
- Pen and paper
No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.
Activities
- Research: Have the student use the internet to research the history and traditions of Christmas in France. They should take notes on important facts and interesting details.
- Write a Letter: Ask the student to imagine they are spending Christmas in France and have them write a letter to a friend back home, describing what they have learned about French Christmas traditions and how they plan to celebrate.
- Create a Poster: Have the student create a colorful poster showcasing the key elements of French Christmas traditions. They can include images, drawings, and important facts they discovered during their research.
Fourth Grade Talking Points
- "In France, Christmas is called 'Noël'."
- "One of the most important traditions in France is the 'Réveillon', which is a late-night feast held after Christmas Eve midnight mass."
- "A popular French Christmas dessert is the 'Bûche de Noël', which is a cake shaped like a log."
- "Children in France often hang stockings by the fireplace for 'Père Noël' (Santa Claus) to fill with gifts."
- "French families also decorate their homes with 'Crèches' (nativity scenes) and 'Sapins de Noël' (Christmas trees)."
- "In some regions of France, it is traditional to celebrate 'La Fête des Rois' (The Feast of the Kings) on January 6th, where a special cake called 'Galette des Rois' is shared and a lucky charm is hidden inside."