Introduction to Celebrations

Lesson Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces Year 3 students in New South Wales to the concept of celebrations, drawing from their own experiences and exploring celebrations around the world to lay the foundation for a unit on Holi. The lesson uses guided inquiry principles in a library setting, incorporating discussion, non-fiction books, a short video, and interactive activities.

---

Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) - History
Stage: Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4)

Relevant Content Descriptions (NSW History K-6 Syllabus)

• HT1-1: Identify and describe celebrations and commemorations in the past and present.
• HT1-2: Identify different points of view in the past and present about a person, event, or issue.
• HT1-3: Pose questions about the past and present to communicate with others and investigate using sources.
• HT1-4: Locate and collect information from sources provided.

General Capabilities

• Literacy: Comprehension and communication through discussion and written recording
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Pose questions, connect prior knowledge with new ideas
• Intercultural Understanding: Recognise diverse celebrations and cultural practices

---

Learning Intentions (WALT)

We Are Learning To:

• Understand what a celebration is and why people celebrate.
• Explore different kinds of celebrations from around the world.
• Share and listen to classmates’ experiences of celebrations.
• Begin to develop curiosity about the Indian festival of Holi.

---

Success Criteria

By the end of this lesson, students can:

• Explain the meaning of a celebration.
• Give examples of different types of celebrations.
• Share one celebration from their own experience or family tradition.
• Express one thing they are curious to learn about Holi.

---

Resources Needed

• Selection of age-appropriate non-fiction books about celebrations (diverse cultures)
• World map or globe
• Short video clip (~3-4 minutes) showing Holi festival highlights
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Student worksheets for drawing or writing about their own celebrations
• Sticky notes for “Wonder Wall”

---

Lesson Activities and Timing

Time	Activity Description	Success Focus	Differentiation
0-5 min	Welcome and Introduction

• Gather students in a circle in the library.
• Prompt with the question: "What are celebrations? Why do people celebrate?"
• Record students’ answers on chart paper (brainstorm).
  | Participate in group discussion and share ideas. | Use sentence starters for students needing language support (e.g., "I celebrate… because…").
  |
  | 5-15 min | Whole Class Guided Inquiry: Exploring Global Celebrations
• Show a world map or globe.
• Briefly introduce diverse types of celebrations around the world (birthdays, national days, cultural festivals like Chinese New Year, Diwali).
• Read aloud selected pages from a non-fiction book showing images and facts about celebrations.
  | Identify examples of celebrations and connect them to places and people. | Provide picture cues and simplified text for emerging readers. Allow students to point to images for understanding.
  |
  | 15-20 min | Video Viewing: Introduction to Holi
• Watch a short, lively video showcasing the colours, songs, and dances of Holi.
• Ask students to notice what people do, wear, and enjoy during Holi.
  | Note curiosity and questions about Holi. | Allow students to draw or verbally express something they noticed about Holi.
  |
  | 20-35 min | Pair Share & Personal Reflection
• Students share with a partner one celebration they know or have experienced.
• Complete a worksheet/drawing page:
  • Name of celebration
  • What do people do?
  • What do you enjoy or remember about it?
• Ask pairs to share highlights with the class.
  | Share personal experience and use descriptive language. | Provide sentence frames for writing. Allow oral responses for writing support.
  |
  | 35-42 min | Wonder Wall Creation (Curiosity & Questions)
• On sticky notes, students write or draw one question or wonder about celebrations or Holi.
• Place these on a "Wonder Wall" chart in the library as a visual reminder of inquiry questions for the unit.
  | Formulate simple questions showing curiosity. | Assist with spelling and question formation. Accept drawings or simple words.
  |
  | 42-45 min | Wrap-Up and Reflection
• Recap the lesson’s learning intentions and success criteria.
• Invite a few students to share their wonders.
• Introduce the plan for the next lesson focused specifically on Holi traditions and stories.
  | Reflect on learning and listen to peers. | Use positive reinforcement and encourage quieter students gently.

---

Differentiation Strategies

• For Diverse Learners:

  • Use visuals, real objects, and concrete examples to support understanding.
  • Pair EAL/D students with supportive peers for discussion.
  • Offer writing frames and oral response options.
  • Provide additional time for processing and responding.

• For Advanced Learners:

  • Encourage elaboration in their sharing (e.g., “Why do you think people enjoy celebrating?”).
  • Challenge students to connect celebrations to feelings or community values.
  • Ask advanced students to help create definitions or categorize types of celebrations (religious, cultural, personal).

---

Assessment

• Formative Assessment:

  • Observation of students’ participation in discussions and pair-share activities.
  • Student responses on worksheets reflecting understanding of celebrations.
  • Contributions to Wonder Wall questions gauging curiosity and engagement.

• Feedback:

  • Provide immediate oral feedback praising use of descriptive language and sharing.
  • Written or verbal encouragement noting question quality on Wonder Wall.

---

This lesson plan honours the NSW History curriculum outcomes by engaging students in identifying and describing celebrations, posing questions, and locating information from diverse sources—all foundational inquiry skills. It is designed to be interactive, culturally respectful, and accessible for a diverse student body typical of NSW classrooms. The use of guided inquiry fits the teacher’s library context and preferred teaching style and will set a strong base for deeper exploration of Holi in the subsequent lessons.

If you would like, I can also prepare detailed plans for the remaining 6 lessons in this "Celebrations: Exploring Holi" unit.