December Holidays and Celebrations — Linda Taylor

Amazing Annabelle Learns About the December Holidays

It's the month of December and Annabelle Copeland, along with her fellow Melville Elementary students, discover the importance of three major holiday celebrations: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas.

During their Hanukkah celebration, two Jewish students bring in latkes to Mrs. Mitchell's class for them to taste and enjoy. They also teach the traditional dreidel game to the class.

As the class learns all about Kwanzaa, they do a project highlighting one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa--self-determination.

Then Annabelle is paired with Dexter for a Christmas writing assignment. She wasn't crazy about working with him because he appeared to be very silly. However, as they made their presentation, Annabelle saw her silly side come out and really enjoyed it!

Amazing Annabelle--December Holidays and Celebrations teaches kids that it's important to appreciate the cultural significance of all holidays and have respect for them.

Linda Taylor has been teaching students for over 25 years. She enjoys connecting with students on many levels. She also loves writing poetry. Linda lives on Long Island, New York.

Kyle Horne has a B.A. in Visual Communications from S.U.N.Y. Old Westbury College in New York. Kyle has displayed his artwork in many local libraries. He lives on Long Island.

Visit amazingannabelle.com for free teacher/student ELA resources to use in your classroom or at home.