Throughout the month of December, kindergarten classes at Burton Elementary School obtained a variety of project based learning opportunities by exploring the traditions of Hanukkah, Christmas, Saint Nicholas Day and Kwanzaa...
Students Study Holiday Traditions
Throughout the month of December, kindergarten classes at Burton Elementary School obtained a variety of project based learning opportunities by exploring the traditions of Hanukkah, Christmas, Saint Nicholas Day and Kwanzaa. By studying literature and listening to local guests present materials, students learned facts about the holidays, cultural traditions and a number of ways that families celebrate each.
Kindergarten classes visited with Mr. Joe Casey, father-in-law to Mrs. Casey, to learn about traditions associated with Saint Nicholas Day. Jake Starr, from Starr Farm, spoke with students about his family business and how his family prepares for the holiday season on their tree farm.
Anne Layne, from Undercover Charm Shop in Burton, participated in a Zoom meeting with the classes to teach them about the history of the Christmas tree and made a craft with the students. District staff member Ashley Siegar shared her experiences of celebrating Hanukkah with her family growing up and continuing the traditions as an adult.
As a way to culminate the holiday experience, kindergartners went caroling through Burton circle on Dec. 17. They were greeted by a number of families who came out to hear the students sing a collection of holiday songs such as “The Dreidel Song,” “This Little Light of Mine,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Christmas Tree” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
The group continued to walk up to the shops around the circle where the thankful employees came out to enjoy the festive songs and commented that this is just what they needed, especially this year. The activity concluded in front of the Burton Library, with students singing to some of their favorite librarians.
