Exploring Culture & Traditions

Overview

This 60-minute lesson uses the theme of a Christmas movie to engage 6th grade students in social studies while integrating literacy and scientific thinking skills based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) framework adapted for social studies comprehension and inquiry. The class will explore cultural traditions, geography, history, and social dynamics related to Christmas celebrations around the world, building reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• SS.6.CG.1: Explain how cultural traditions influence communities and their interactions.
• SS.6.G.1: Identify geographic locations where different Christmas traditions originate.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of informational texts centered on Christmas traditions and history.
• NGSS Science Practice: Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Compare and contrast customs by analyzing multiple sources.
• Understand how social studies inquiry and evidence-based reasoning support their comprehension.

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Standards Alignment

• Next Generation Science Standards (adapted for Social Studies inquiry):
  • Science and Engineering Practice #4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data
  • Science and Engineering Practice #8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
• Common Core State Standards for Reading Informational Text (Grade 6):
  • RI.6.1, RI.6.3, RI.6.7

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Materials Needed

• Excerpts (1-2 paragraphs) from a Christmas-themed informational text describing global Christmas customs (printed or projected)
• World map or globe
• Paper and pencils
• Chart paper and markers
• Short clip (~3 min) of a Christmas movie showing diverse cultural traditions
• Graphic organizer handouts for note-taking

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Lesson Timeline

1. Introduction & Engagement (10 minutes)

• Begin by asking students what Christmas means to people in the United States. Record answers on chart paper to activate prior knowledge.
• Briefly show a 3-minute clip from a Christmas movie highlighting diverse traditions around the world (e.g., decorations in Mexico, feasts in Germany, festivals in Africa).
• Pose questions to spark curiosity: “How might Christmas be different in other places?” “Why do people celebrate differently?”

2. Reading Activity - Informational Text (15 minutes)

• Distribute or project excerpts about Christmas traditions in three different regions (e.g., Europe, Latin America, Asia).
• Model how to underline or highlight key information related to cultural practices, geographic location, and historical origins.
• Students work independently or in pairs to read and complete a graphic organizer that identifies:
  • The tradition described
  • Where it occurs (locate on map)
  • Why it might have developed there (climate, history, culture)

3. Group Discussion and Data Analysis (15 minutes)

• Bring class back together and map out the traditions mentioned on a large world map. Discuss geographic spread and variation.
• Ask students to analyze: What patterns do you notice? Why might these differences exist?
• Connect this to the NGSS Science Practice #4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data — students interpret their collected notes and map information to draw conclusions about cultural diversity.

4. Critical Thinking & Comprehension Check (10 minutes)

• Pose comprehension questions requiring evidence from reading:
  • “What evidence suggests that climate influences Christmas customs?”
  • “How do historical events shape the way people celebrate?”
• Students write answers in complete sentences referencing the text, practicing CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.1.
• Prompt a higher-order thinking question: “If you could create a new Christmas tradition combining two countries’ customs, what would it be and why?”

5. Wrap-up and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Invite students to share their creative tradition ideas aloud. Emphasize valuing diverse perspectives.
• Briefly summarize how social studies helps us understand people through evidence and inquiry, similar to science investigations (connecting NGSS practices).
• Assign an optional take-home journal prompt: “Write about a family tradition you celebrate and how it might connect with others around the world.”

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Assessment

• Formative: Participation in discussion and accuracy of notes on graphic organizer.
• Summative: Written responses citing textual evidence and creative tradition proposal.
• Informal: Observation of student engagement and ability to communicate ideas clearly.

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Extension Ideas

• Students can research a holiday tradition from their own family or community and present it to the class.
• Create a class “Christmas Around the World” digital or physical bulletin board with images, facts, and student reflections.

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Teacher Notes

This lesson blends social studies informational reading comprehension skills with inquiry practices inspired by NGSS, making complex concepts approachable for 6th graders. Using the engaging theme of Christmas movies as a springboard encourages curiosity about cultural diversity and promotes evidence-based reasoning suitable for social studies. The lesson’s balance of multimedia, hands-on activities, and critical thinking fosters inclusive and interactive learning.