Union students learn about holidays around the world
Lesson: Maria Goodman, Draven Dupler and Lacee Garvin listen to a lesson on Christmas in France during Union Elementary School’s Holidays Around the World. In France Santa Claus goes by the name of Père Noël and he puts gifts in children’s shoes instead of stockings. Beacon photo by Josie Sellers
WARSAW – Did you know that people in India decorate banana trees instead of pine trees at Christmas time?
This is just one of the many facts Carter Russell learned while preparing for Union Elementary School’s Holidays Around the World.
Students in kindergarten through third grade spend Dec. 15-18, discovering how other countries celebrate Christmas and learning about alternatives to the holiday like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Some of the third graders also were selected to research specific countries and present what they learned to the younger students.
“It’s a week of learning and fun,” said Sherri Lawrence, principal at Union.
Russell and fellow third grader Skyler Cooper were part of presentations on India and China. They helped younger students find both countries on a map and answer questions in a packet of worksheets that they took with them from one station to the next.
“I was really surprised by how long they celebrate Christmas in China,” Cooper said. “It’s Dec. 1 – Jan. 6.”
She also enjoyed the different crafts they made.
“I really liked making the Chinese lantern,” Cooper said.
For second grader Peyton Bratton, China was the most interesting country, but the whole week was fun.
“We learned about new things like how Santa is different in different countries,” he said.
At some of their stops during the week of activities, the students also got to taste food. Terri Lowery brought in cookies to share during her presentation on Christmas in Germany and Denise Emig had the students try fruit cake. Many of the students weren’t fond of the fruit cake, but for the most part one group devoured what she served up to them.
“It’s awesome,” said Jaiden Richards, who is in the first grade.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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