Sunday, November 24, 2013

Christmas Around The World


I'm packing our bags- 17 of them to be exact!! ;)
 Because this December, my class is taking a trip around the world!

 {Students get to add a new stamp to their suitcase as we visit each country!}

What started out as a few fun activities the week before Christmas Break has over the years turned into a full fledged Christmas Around The World unit. It made its first appearance on TPT last December, but I find I added a little more to this one every year that I teach it. Depending on how my countries you choose to focus on this unit can last you the full month of December or just a few days. It's really up to you and how you plan to pilot the trip in your classroom! I've included resources for seven countries: America/Canada, England, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Spain and Mexico.


Here's a look at some of what you will find in the updated version of this unit. 

VOCABULARY: I've added a 20 page Power Point to introduce each country and really highlight some key vocabulary, paired with an image. My goal with this is to help my students build background and make connections to their own lives as we compare each country and prepare to learn more about them. 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Around-The-World-Christmas-Common-Core-Classroom-431427
{Sample Slide from Germany}

I also printed the PowerPoint and turned it into a book my students can read anytime!



TEXT PASSAGES: The journey to build reading detectives continues, even when we're out of the country. ;) 
Shorter passages to focus on fluency.

Longer passages to focus on close reading & text based evidence.

PRINTABLES: We spend a lot of time comparing and contrasting throughout this unit.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Around-The-World-Christmas-Common-Core-Classroom-431427



TRAVEL JOURNAL: After we visit each country, we write about it in our Travel Journal. I have gotten tons of sweet compliments from parents who really enjoy reading these keepsakes when they come home at the end of the unit. 

SOUVENIRS: For each country there is mini souvenir craft for the children to make and add to their suitcases.

You can check out the complete preview HERE. For those of you who purchased it last year, make sure you go back and download the newest version so you can get ALL the new additions!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Around-The-World-Christmas-Common-Core-Classroom-431427

I will send this unit to the first two people to comment on this post!! :)
Congrats Laura & Polly!!!

at

19 comments:

  1. UnknownNovember 24, 2013 at 5:41 PM

    I really enjoyed your Thanksgiving unit, looking forward to this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 25, 2013 at 12:56 AM

      Aw, thank you Laura!! I am thrilled to share this one with you! Please send me an e-mail at Fallingintofirst@gmail.com so I can send it your way!

      Delete
    2. UnknownNovember 27, 2013 at 7:33 PM

      is there anyway i would be able to download this unit

      Delete
  2. UnknownNovember 24, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    This is my first year teaching Christmas Around the World. I'm excited to see what this unit includes. Thanks for posting and for all your hard work putting it together!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 25, 2013 at 12:57 AM

      It's SUCH a fun topic to teach!! Excited to share this one with ya! Please send me an e-mail at Fallingintofirst@gmail.com so I send it along! :)

      Delete
  3. AmandaNovember 24, 2013 at 5:57 PM

    Wow! It looks awesome. Currently pulling ideas for this theme for my new 2nd grade team. repete_21@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. MichelleNovember 24, 2013 at 6:45 PM

    Looks amazing!!! :) Can't wait to check it out. Michelle (Fabulous in First)

    ReplyDelete
  5. KelseyNovember 24, 2013 at 7:33 PM

    I can't wait to use this unit! I am going to buy it tomorrow! When I've taught Christmas Around the World in the past I read a holiday story from or about the country we are traveling to while we are on our imaginary airplane ride.
    KinderCoaster

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 25, 2013 at 1:05 AM

      Kids seriously love "boarding" that imaginary airplane!! We read stories from each country too, they totally bring these places to life! :)

      Delete
  6. To Teacher With LoveNovember 24, 2013 at 7:57 PM

    Hi there! In the packet is there is tutorial on how to make the suitcases?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 24, 2013 at 10:12 PM

      Hi Melissa! Yes, directions and pictures are included to explain how to make the suitcase!! :)

      Delete
  7. UnknownNovember 24, 2013 at 8:01 PM

    These are incredible! I love that you've included so much information, but you've also left things "loose enough" so that you can incorporate so many other important ideas: family, traditions, culture... wow! Great work!

    I think what you said, about allowing students to make connections to their own lives---that's right on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 25, 2013 at 1:06 AM

      Wow, thank you so much Matthew!! Your comment totally made my night!

      Delete
  8. Mr. First GradeNovember 24, 2013 at 8:19 PM

    This looks fantastic!! It's in my cart and I can't wait to use it with my firsties!

    Andrew
    Mr. First Grade

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 25, 2013 at 1:07 AM

      Yay, thanks so much Andrew! I hope you guys have a blast on your travels!!

      Delete
  9. Room 214-Ms. Wenzel's BlogNovember 25, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    YOU ARE SO CREATIVE AND RESOURCEFUL!!! Bummed I missed my chance to get a freebie!!! Smiles and stop by anytime!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mrs. HennessyDecember 15, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    I love it!!!! I am making suitcases as well for our trip around the world!! I love the cute tags you have on yours!!!!!

    ReplyDelete