Activities that explore the history of the New Year tradition in the United States and other countries help students gain a better understanding and appreciation of other cultures. (DF)

Traces the historical background of 12 December holidays from around the world. (JMB)

Presents instructions for a number of simple Christmas and Hanukkah decorations that children can make. (SJL)

Poetry that relates to the beliefs and actions of Martin Luther King, Jr. can be used to help students appreciate the civil rights leader's contributions, examine their own aspirations, and critically analyze poems. A reproducible poetry page is included. (IAH)

Presents a Christmas story intended to be read aloud to primary grade children. (JMB)

Presents several pages of teaching ideas and activities for elementary school teachers. Many of the activities have a Christmas theme. (JMB)

Author discuss reasons for exploring holidays and for including holiday studies in early childhood programs. (NL)

Folk tales which are particularly suited to February cover legends about George Washington, the Chinese zodiac, and Groundhog Day. Also included is a calendar of activities for February. These activities are appropriate for Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, President's (Washington and Lincoln) Day, and Leap Year. (KC)

Three articles focus on elementary school literature education. The first reviews children's books that celebrate the winter. The second presents a holiday letter to students from writer/illustrator Marc Brown. The third examines how the seasons can inspire imagery in children's poetry. (SM)

For many teachers, trying to organize a Halloween celebration has become more of a trick than a treat. Some religious groups protest the observance of what they consider a pagan celebration and administrators fret about maintaining security during events that are, by definition, wild. Even educators complain that class time devoted to candy corn…

Describes a special St. Patrick's Day exhibit, with games and decorations, designed to get students into the school instructional materials center. (SJL)

Saint Patrick's Day can be a day to honor the Irish for the contributions they have made to American life. Important historical figures of Irish descent and Irish folk customs are discussed. (DF)

Presents class activities, bulletin boards, songs, games, stories, plays, recipes, and art ideas for November and December, with emphasis on Thanksgiving, Book Week, and Christmas. (SJL)

Reviews elementary school books that help steer children away from the commercial aspects of gift giving and receiving during the holiday season and focus on the gifts of caring, generosity, selflessness, friendship, and tolerance. Teaching tips, class discussions, and literary tie-ins are included. (SM)

This article describes a poetry workshop to create a snapshot of unique moments in family history during the holidays. The workshop includes a working on a family photo poetry poster and participating in extension activities (e.g., writing personal poetry notebooks). A reproducible offers a holiday album of poetry snapshots. (SM)