1. Holidays are great ways to teach about different cultures. The foundation of many holidays come from the legends and stories handed from generations to generation. Social studies can also be taught by examining how the same holiday is celebrated differently in various cultures. For example, Father’s Day is the third Sunday in June in many parts of North America, but in Australia it’s observed on the first Sunday in September. Finding our why and how the holiday is celebrated in different parts of the world will show how alike and how different we all are.
2. Holidays are a great way to study history. Most holidays have a historical background. Many celebrate wars or battles and almost every country has an independence day of some sort.
3. Lessons will stick in students’ minds if they are linked to something else. If they learn that Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, they may better remember that rest of the battle’s story.
4. Holidays teach compassion. Days and months are dedicated to causes such as the awareness of various diseases and the promotion of human rights. Use these opportunities to spur discussion and possibly action such as fund raising and volunteering.
5. Holidays are a great way to explore current event. Elections can certainly be considered holidays (people get the day off, right?). Months dedicated to the history of certain groups, such as Black History Month and Women’s History Month, can be used to highlight their current situations.
6. Holidays highlight health and safety. There are awareness weeks promoting everything from seat belt use to sexual health awareness. These are great opportunities to open discussions on topics students will need to think about for the rest of their lives.
7. Holidays are fun! Food, dance and festivals are important ways to celebrate holidays and they are great for getting student’s active in learning.