After this module, learners will be able to
1. Research and learn about common holidays in their respective locales.
2. Communicate common themes of holidays.
3. Encourage students to engage in school spirit.
4. Introduce holidays and their purposes to a general audience.
5. Answer questions about national holidays.
Many school events are specifically themed for national holidays. These holidays range from days like Valentine's Day, Halloween, or Earth Day in the United States, to International Yoga Day, Diwali, and Republic Day in India. School events that are specifically themed to line up with these special days can be common. The most important thing to do is to learn about the significance of the holiday and engage students with any activities they can do for it. For example, if Earth Day is approaching, encourage your class to wear costumes in line with the theme, such as green clothing or custom nature-themed wear. Then speak to you students about the importance of Earth Day and why you are doing Earth Day-specific activities.
Ex 1: a) Happy Halloween, everyone! What have you all dressed up as?
b) I'm a ghost!
c) I'm a vampire.
d) And I'm the Hulk!
a) You're all very spooky today. Did you know that wearing costumes during Halloween was originally a way to ward off evil spirits?
When putting on larger events, be sure to stay with the theme of the holiday and encourage engagement with it. Refer to Module 4: Public Speaking, for more tips on speaking to larger audiences.
Ex 2: a) Hi everyone! Do you know what today is?
b) Today is Diwali!
a) Very good! Have fun and stay safe when playing with fireworks today, ok?
b) Ok!
Practice: Find a partner. Take turns repeating exercises 1 and 2 out loud by substituting different information in for the underlined parts.
Act out this situation with a partner playing the role of the student(s).
A teacher (a) explains the purpose of a national holiday to his class (b).
a) Hi students!
b) Hi, Mr. Sunil.
a) Today is an exciting day, do you know what it is?
b) International Yoga Day?
a) Correct! Today is the International Day of Yoga, which occurs in late June every year. Does anyone know what yoga is?
b) Stretching?
a) Actually, it's more than stretching. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice meant to make us healthier and happier citizens of the world. Today, we will have a school-wide yoga class period in the gym. Are you all excited?
b) Yes!
a) Good. Yoga can help you get closer with yourself and nature. Let's all do our best to leave our stress at the door when we go into the gym and exercise with a calm mind.
b) Ok!
a) Does anyone have questions?
b) I do, Mr. Sunil.
a) Yes, Vanisha, what is it?
b) Is the International Day of Yoga only celebrated in India?
a) No, this holiday is recognized by the United Nations, so technically, it's an international holiday. Nobody gets school off for it though!
b) Aww, ok.
a) Perfect, then let's get going.
What national holiday did Mr. Sunil describe to his students?
What is the purpose of this holiday?
How did Mr. Sunil motivate the students for the school-wide yoga class?
How would you have described yoga to the students? Does yoga mean something different to you?
Do you celebrate International Day of Yoga in the part of the world that you're from? What holidays do you celebrate in and out of school?
If a student asks a question about a national holiday during an activity, how would you respond?
A. "Go look it up after class."
B. Explain the answer to them.
C. "I don't know, maybe that's something we can learn together."
D. "It's not important, just focus on your work."
Correct answer: B. If you don't know the answer, C is also a good answer, just make sure to follow through on your promise to learn and tell the student.
After this module, learners should be able to research and talk about national holidays and their importance to a student audience. Leaners should practice encouraging involvement in holiday activities and answer various commonly asked questions about these celebrations or designated days.