Festivals!
What’s inside...
An inviting feast of festivals, from well-known celebrations, such as Christmas, Hannukah, Eid and Diwali, to more surprising events such as the Woolly Worm Caterpillar Race and the Hungry Ghosts' Feast. Young children can dip in at any page and feel all the fun of the celebration, while learning about different cultures and traditions.
Discussion points
What is your favorite festival mentioned in the book and why?
How do different festivals make you feel, and what do you enjoy most about them?
Can you think of ways we can celebrate these festivals at home?
How do the illustrations in the book make you feel about the festivals?
What have you learned about other cultures through their festivals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about festivals to gauge their prior knowledge and curiosity.
Use a world map to locate the countries mentioned in the book, discussing how geography might influence the way people celebrate.
Encourage your child to describe the colors, sights, and sounds they might experience at each festival, enhancing their sensory engagement.
Draw parallels between any festivals your family celebrates and those found in the book to create personal connections.
After reading, consider planning a small festival-inspired activity at home, like making a craft or cooking a dish from a culture highlighted in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and diversity
Explanation: Through vibrant illustrations and engaging narratives, 'Festivals!' explores various global celebrations, illustrating the distinct customs, foods, and activities involved.
Real-World Application: Children will recognize the beauty in diversity and learn the importance of respecting and appreciating different cultures in their daily interactions at school and within their community.
Example Lesson: Sense of community and belonging
Explanation: 'Festivals!' shows different communities coming together to celebrate, emphasizing communal activities and collective joy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to actively participate in local events and understand the value of community, enhancing social bonds and creating a supportive network.
Example Lesson: History and tradition
Explanation: The book details the historical origins and significance of each festival, connecting children to the past and its continued relevance in the present.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by engaging with their own family’s traditions and possibly sharing these histories with peers, thereby deepening personal identity and historical understanding.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: By introducing children to a variety of festivals, the book sparks curiosity about the world, encouraging further exploration and learning.
Real-World Application: This can manifest in children asking more questions, seeking out information, and showing eagerness to learn about different aspects of the world around them, fostering lifelong learning habits.
Example Lesson: Empathy and inclusivity
Explanation: Through understanding the practices and significances of different festivals, children are encouraged to empathize with others and appreciate varied perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children in recognizing emotions and perspectives different from their own, promoting inclusivity and kindness in their day-to-day interactions.