Try some of these daily STEAM activities this month. Click on the link above. Ask for permission to download and print. Enjoy!
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Celebrating in December
In the month of December we celebrate many holidays with our family and friends just as families have done through the decades.
If you scroll down, you will find activities for Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, Christmas and Kwanzaa. As you try learn about each holiday think about how they are alike and how they are different. (updated 12/07/23)
If you scroll down, you will find activities for Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, Christmas and Kwanzaa. As you try learn about each holiday think about how they are alike and how they are different. (updated 12/07/23)
Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah or Chanukkah) is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight nights and usually occurs in December. It is also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah celebrates a military victory of the Jews over foreign rulers. To learn more about Hanukkah, click HERE.
Hanukkah (Chanukah) Facts and Activities
Learn the meaning of Hanukah on this Duckster site.
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Hanukkah (Chanukah) Videos
The Story of Hannukah (2:15)
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Hanukkah With Veronica Monica - (2:43)
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What is Chanukah? (3:52)
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Hanukkah (Chanukah) Games
A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top with a Hebrew letter printed on each side. It is used during Hanukkah to play a popular children's game.
Click on the picture to play.
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Dreidel, Dreidel allows the player to spinning the dreidel and bet on which Hebrew letter will be showing when the dreidel stops spinning. Click on the picture to play the game.
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Click on the picture to play.
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Slider Puzzle helps players Improve logical thinking skills. An image been divided into squares and then scrambled up. The player slides pieces around the board until the pieces are returned to their correct position. Click on the picture to play.
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Hanukkah (Chanukah) Arts and Crafts
Winter Solstice - December 21
What is the winter solstice? It’s the shortest day of the year—but also brings the promise of more daylight ahead. The winter solstice marks the exact moment when half of Earth is tilted the farthest away from the sun. It usually happens on December 21 or 22, at the exact same second around the world. (Read more about it on National Geographic Kids.)
Videos
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Click on picture to watch Fun Facts about Winter Solstice. Take Kahoot Quiz.
Books
Alive with fun, the first ten days of winter bring special gifts for a special friend. This tale will have children chanting along as they discover all the trimmings needed for the most perfect snowman ever! (4:17)
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Two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the SkySpirits' midnight dance. It isn't easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings. (10:27)
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Describes how and why daylight grows shorter as winter approaches, the effect of shorter days on animals and people, and how the winter solstice has been celebrated throughout history. Includes activities. (6:17)
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Winter Solstice Games - Click on the picture to try
these online winter games to celebrate the winter solstice. |
Christmas Facts, Games, Songs
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift giving; completing an Advent calendar Christmas music and caroling; an exchange of Christmas cards; church services; a special meal; and the display of various Christmas decorations.
Click on the buttons to go to the websites.
Find out why we have Christmas trees, create cards, explore other Christmas traditions. You can also sing along to Christmas karaoke.
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You can read about the traditions of Christmas trees from 29 countries displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Ask permission go download the guide. Click on Begin Exploring.
Great Information about Christmas Around the World celebrations. Warning: There are pop-up ads.
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On this website you can play games, send an e-mail to Santa, learn about traditions in other countries and much more. (Requires Flash.)
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Christmas Interactive Games
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This is Santa Tracker in Spanish.
Karaoke Fun
Click on the card above to listen to the song and sing along.
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The Twelve Days of Christmas
Do you know the words to this song? Do you know what day the twelve days begins? You can listen to the song and sing along. Then take the Kahoot Challenge. Good luck!
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Christmas/Winter Read-Aloud Books (updated 11/26/23)
Click on the book cover to listen to and read the stories. I do not own the rights to these stories.
Versions of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Native American
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Pete the Cat
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ABCya Christmas Games
The activities below can be found on the ABCya website. Click on the links below. (updated 11-26-23)
NOTE for iPads: You will need to download the APP to get these games on your iPad.
NOTE for iPads: You will need to download the APP to get these games on your iPad.
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Christmas/Winter Arts and Crafts
Christmas/Winter Videos (Animation)
Click on the picture to view the videos. I do not own the right to the videos.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (51:44)
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The Nutcracker (adaptation) - (4:47)
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Frosty the Snowman (25:27)
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Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa. (updated 11/26/23)
Kwanzaa Facts and Games
EXCELLENT Source! Students can learn the history of Kwanzaa. They can also learn about the symbols.
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Short description of the Kwanzaa celebration by Marc Brown's colorful characters
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Printables and online games for students to enjoy.
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Brief description of the holiday and the principles of Kwanzaa. There are also worksheets for students.
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Learn how to light each candle and the meanings.
Kwanzaa Read-Aloud Books
Click book covers to listen to these wonderful stories. I do not own the right to these books. You can buy them at your favorite book store or check them out from your library.
Make your own word search from these stories or any story. Click HERE.
Kwanzaa Videos
Sesame Street: Kwanzaa (1:59)
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Kwanzaa Celebration Song (2:46)
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PBS Kids (Kwanzaa explained) (1:11)
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After reading the stories and watching the videos, take the 7 Symbols of Kwanzaa Kahoot Challenge.
Kwanzaa Arts and Crafts
Folktales for the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa
These read aloud stories are available through HelpTeaching.com. All of the story text is seen on the video. The stories were suggested by Eshu Bumpus, an African-American storyteller. Most of the stories are "Anansi" stories. If you want more information about Anansi, click HERE.
How do these stories relate to the principles?
Click on the right hand corner of each video to make it fullscreen.
1. Umoja (Unity)
Anansi and His Sons (2:17)
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2. Kujichagalia (Self Determination)
The Three Tests (5:14)
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3. Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility)
The Great Drum (3:29)
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4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
The Feast (1:47)
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5. Nia (Purpose)
The Name of the Tree (4:17)
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6. Kuumba (Creativity)
Anansi Writes a Song (2:30)
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7. Imani (Faith)
The Collared Crow (3:15)
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