#worldgeochat is a weekly chat focused on teaching geography and global studies. Chats vary between geography specific topics as well as general teaching and education topics. ALL are welcome in worldgeochat!
WELCOME TO #WorldGeoChat Please take a minute to introduce yourself (location, what you teach) and include your favorite holiday tradition!
Reminder, we are using Q1/A1 format tonight!
Hi everyone! Ed, 7th grade global studies teacher in the suburbs of Chicago. Excited for tonight's chat on holidays from around the world! #worldgeochat
Hey everyone! Tyler, a co-mod of #WorldGeoChat AP Social Studies Teacher, Prof of Teacher Ed, and Quiz Bowl & Track Coach.
Favorite holiday tradition? Seeing Santa at Cabela’s and then going to the lights at the zoo.
Ben, 6th SS in Texas, a couple of my favorite holiday traditions are hayrides at Thanksgiving, Guinness on St. Patty's, and bonfires on New Years Eve. :) #countrylife#worldgeochat
Hi I'm Megan and currently a junior at APSU hoping to teach social studies in the elementary level. My favorite Christmas tradition is Christmas dinner #WorldGeoChat
Well...1. That hotel was a labyrinth, 2. The gentrification and APUSH ‘isms sessions were my favorite, and 3. “Wow, so much free stuff!”
You? #NCSS18#WorldGeoChat
Joanne from Missouri. 7th grade world history and 11th grade modernglobal issues. Favorite holiday tradition - calamari on Christmas eve. #worldgeochat
A1: We are a global community. I think that we need to explore traditions outside of our own. Often we will find too that we share lots in common. #worldgeochat
A1: Teaching various holiday celebrations, to me, is just as important as teaching students about how people live around the world without electricity or clean water. It's a way of life, it's a belief system, and it's what defines people #worldgeochat
A1 this is something my district is sending massive policy documents out about. Everything needs to be educational and have a balance perspective. People are freaking out but I’m thinking “isn’t a balanced educational perspective the only way it should be done?” #worldgeochat
A1 It helps build intercultural awareness & if the holidays & corresponding religions, cultures' elements are taught more in-depth it can lead to greater understandings among students of others #worldgeochat
A1: We are a global community. I think that we need to explore traditions outside of our own. Often we will find too that we share lots in common. #worldgeochat
Hi I'm Sara from Elon University. A1: It is important to teach different holiday celebrations so that students can be culturally aware of traditions that other places may hold during the winter season compared the students own traditions. #worldgeochat
Love this Ed! It is so important to expose our Ss to so many other cultures and traditions because we never know where they’ll end up in life #worldgeochat
A1: Last year I had a Muslim student observing Ramadan. He helped other kids understand the holiday and why it was okay for him to fast during lunch. Other kids were so curious! Allowed him to let his culture shine! Teaching holidays help us learn humanity. #worldgeochat
A1: No class we will ever teach in will be completely culturally homogeneous, and we should never limit the education of our students to one tradition of holiday celebration. Every student has a right to be represented in their education. #ssvpln#worldgeochat
Oh #worldgeochat - I'll be lurking in the background as my timemanagement was not the greatest today BUT it was a good day! Not a #FridayFail@cheffernan75 but close. :)
Ed, SuperCon was AMAZING!!! I'm working on a blog for it and hope to have it out tomorrow. I learned a lot from it. Been spending the past couple days reflecting.#worldgeochat
A1 Holidays can also demonstrate commonalities as well as differences, and are a great way to connect geograpy (harvest festivals, solstice festivals, etc.) to social studies. #worldgeochathttps://t.co/v0hG8Ke2yj
You learn a lot about what is important to them and some history looking at what and how they celebrate. It is definitely an eye into the culture #worldgeochat
A1 Holiday traditions are part of who we are. It's important to celebrate a wide variety of holidays both to build understanding and foster inclusion. #worldgeochat
Every time a holiday arrives you teach the what/why/how. What is the holiday? Why is it celebrated? How is it celebrated? Ss need to understand that there is so much more to the word than their own community. APHG has opened the eyes to many on my district. #worldgeochat
I tried teaching holidays for countries while we were in the units. I wasn't super great at it but tried my best. #worldgeochat For instance, we made these lanterns that Filipino Catholic make during Christmas last year.
A1: Last year I had a Muslim student observing Ramadan. He helped other kids understand the holiday and why it was okay for him to fast during lunch. Other kids were so curious! Allowed him to let his culture shine! Teaching holidays help us learn humanity. #worldgeochat
And Ss do like to share about their culture to a group of interested Ss. So many of my Ss find other traditions so interesting and who better to explain it than someone practicing it #worldgeochat
Jumping in late folks! Great to see everyone! A1 It helps to build understanding and spark curiosity. I love to introduce the Thai Songkran to kids. They have SOOO many questions! #worldgeochat
A1: Because the world is growing in diversity and our students are growing in diversity. Representation matters and our kids need to see the fact that different does not equal weird, but makes the world better! #worldgeochat
Thank you all for being so welcoming to pre-service teachers like me! What a great chat for meeting other educators #worldgeochat is one of my favorites
A2: We look at creation stories, historical stories, and rituals within those celebrations. Why do they do what they do? What is the symbolism behind these rituals? #worldgeochat
A2 Most celebrations can't be taught substantially w/o Ss having a background of the corresponding religion. The same could be said about world cultures. Ss need to know the religions driving their values to have a chance of truly understanding them #worldgeochat
One of my favorite recommendations for student observers and student teachers is taking advantage of Twitter. I wish I had it as a resource when I was getting started in the classroom! #worldgeochat
Exactly! I agree. My father is from Tanzania and we celebrate Kwanzaa as well. I have of many nationalities that celebrate various holidays and believe integration of study on diverse holidays is important. #worldgeochat
A2: for APHG we cover many of the rooted in the 5 major world religions during Unit 3, all classes get refresher lessons during the year as they happen. We watched The Office on Diwali to study bias and pop culture. We also talked about Ethnic v. Universalizing #worldgeochat
That is one way that I taught the holidays when I was in the Catholic school I taught in. I wanted the students to really understand the history and symbolic nature behind what we celebrated. #worldgeochat
You are so right Ken! Understanding religion (at least core beliefs) is essential to understanding culture and then the holidays and observances #worldgeochat
A2: You have to start with defining the religion and beliefs. From there, you relate it to the celebrations. Hopefully, kids see the parallel that holidays and traditions, although different, are something we all celebrate #worldgeochat
A2 We teach that they are an outward sign of cultural value. The value could be placed on a person, place, object, spiritual entity, etc. The value varies from place to place and sometimes from person to person. #worldgeochat
A2 many ss don't really understand why they are doing/celebrating/observing certain days. Exploring what others do can help them recognize and better understand their own culture. #worldgeochat
A1: We recently had a workshop by @harmonymovement & Ss loved hearing of each other's backgrounds / traditions/ celebrations. Opened the door to understanding/compassion/empathy/diversity where global traditions/celebrations are concerned. #worldgeochat
A2 I find it tough in 7th grade in sort of a world survey to get much into celebrations. Usually all we end up doing is more fundamental religious differences that might then devolve into a brief look at some of the more well known. #worldgeochat
In that case (Dia de los Muertos) it is also gratifying to see educators engage with the deeper, heady material on how Catholic colonization took root in Mexico. I think students (and teachers) are intrigued by complexity, which is great. #worldgeochat
A2 Don't walk on eggshells in fear of parent/admin backlash. Try to truly understand a religion, use guests, willing students, etc. and JUMP IN. Your Ss will be better off and you will have done HUGE community service. #worldgeochat
A2: Religious celebrations can be discussed in the classroom with respect and curiosity. Teachers should create a classroom culture with these values at the core of all learning. There are many resources that teachers can use to teach religious celebrations. #ssvpln#worldgeochat
A2 Don't walk on eggshells in fear of parent/admin backlash. Try to truly understand a religion, use guests, willing students, etc. and JUMP IN. Your Ss will be better off and you will have done HUGE community service. #worldgeochat
Will definitely read this @GeoJo22 . I was so proud of our Spirit Squad in their planning of our pre-break Spirit Week. Their convos on how to make inclusive days was outstanding in respect of all faiths/celebrations/identities. #worldgeochat
I do have to say that I have to disagree with this, Ben. I feel it's easier said than done to jump in. I know some people aren't able to bounce back easily from criticism if given, which could end up hurting the students as well. #worldgeochat
the best way to teach it is to teach why these traditions are here and how they represent that particular religion. You teach it with respect and make sure you are teaching accurate information #worldgeochat
Yes! Without that understanding students can't do a fair exploration of the culture or their holidays & certainly can't have a chance to see it thru another lens #worldgeochat
There are some that have a harder time bouncing back from criticism. But I take the approach that "I'm Iron Man" and I just don't care a whole lot. But I know that's hard for many people. #worldgeochat
I’m sitting tonight out. Had a tragedy at school today and I just can’t think straight. But I’ll always check in on my beloved #worldgeochat later. ❤️💙🌏🌍🌎
I got you. But bouncing back from criticism doesn't have to come natural, just something you're willing to do. I'd rather go head first into murky water and succeed than never dip a toe into the possibility of a GREAT, truly valuable lesson. #worldgeochat
I think going deeper and letting students explore several resources on the topic rather than a cursory mention or just learning from 1 source. #worldgeochat
I send out a form letter to my AP parents citing the AP curriculum, MDE curriculum, and ACLU equal access legislation for teaching world religions in class...this helps with the egg shells. #WorldGeoChat
This is interesting to me as well because holidays are something we can all relate upon. I am studying culturally responsive pedagogy currently and believe that more cultural appreciation and attention should be integrated into American public education. #worldgeochat
A3 One way is to have Ss compare/contrast how different cultures observe the same holidays. Can do this thru analyzing primary sources such as photos, music, videos, etc. #worldgeochat
A3 You get over these generalizations by giving each holiday you teach time for itself and not being crammed in with 4 other holidays in the same lesson by give it its own time #worldgeochat
Well-said, @MsMeganBishop. It’s also important to acknowledge that not all holidays are (or remain) spiritual, and A LOT are not exactly celebrated so much as observed. #worldgeochat
Create class discussion norms. Use accountable talk sentence stems. Model for students listening to understand and not listening to respond. #worldgeochat
A3: I think we can overcome generalizations with good research as well. My Ss loved Dia de los Muertos this year because we talked about how it is the OPPOSITE of halloween and all about family! #worldgeochat
A3- this is where to choice and sort of a jigsaw can be useful. Have the Ss study one specific celebration and then present it to the other Ss. #worldgeochat
Don't forget model phrases to use! I've been working with my Ss to say "that's different" or "that's unique" because I got a LOT of that's weird at the beginning of the school year when it came to new cultures #worldgeochat
In reply to
@CHuckeba, @SamMandeville, @Mr_PhilipH
Hi, I'm Kate, a religious literacy educator and phd candidate at Boston College. A1: Should teach about religions throughout the year, not just in December. Not all cultures or religions have their major holidays in December #worldgeochat
A3: you have to dive into the history of the holidays and scrap consumerism. How do you go from the birth of Christ to Elf on a Shelf? (Which my family loves) simple. Money. #worldgeochat
A3- lots of AP Human teachers do a religion museum activity where Ss make a museum display for their religion and have the Ss circulate like at a museum with anprocessing sheet #worldgeochat
I think this is a great idea! If you don't have the time, maybe you could divide research between groups of students to allow for deeper insight and then presentations #worldgeochat
A3 You get over these generalizations by giving each holiday you teach time for itself and not being crammed in with 4 other holidays in the same lesson by give it its own time #worldgeochat
Perhaps allowing the students to have a voice in the "classroom constitution" of norms and expectations or taking time to explore world cultures in your classroom. Students would be fascinated to learn just how much of "American" life comes from other cultures. #worldgeochat
My favorite example of the changing cultural landscape of the US, and also the static cultural landscape of the US. #worldgeochathttps://t.co/Wl3CS5I1Ad
A2: Start by making clear the difference between teaching religion and teaching ABOUT religion. Teaching about religious holidays is valuable, celebrating religious holidays in the classroom violates 1st Amendment. #WorldGeoChat
I have an atheist friend that wants his kids to experience holidays around the world. Every year they celebrate a different religion's holidays for that year. #worldgeochat
I used this last year and my Muslim Ss were shocked to have decorations at party city for their holiday. They never thought that would happen. #worldgeochat
In reply to
@NatGeoEducation, @CHuckeba, @eric_falls
One of my favorite moments of "The Lost Boys of Sudan" is when they first see Santa Claus and they ask "What does that have to do with the birth of Jesus?" It's very true. We can look into those stories, but still. Our culture become consumed with generalizations #worldgeochat
A2 & A3: Provide students with frameworks for studying religion: Religions are internally diverse, change over time, and are embedded in cultures. #WorldGeoChat#religiousliteracy
That’s a really cool idea actually. I added the Empire Land theme park project to WHAP this year, might look into this for APHUGE. By the way, are you in Unit 4? Testing 3 tomorrow. #WorldGeoChat
My favorite example of the changing cultural landscape of the US, and also the static cultural landscape of the US. #worldgeochathttps://t.co/Wl3CS5I1Ad
A3: Taking the students through the journey of why these generalizations exist and where they come from could be interesting, and a very important tool for them to apply to non-holiday generalizations outside the holiday season. #ssvpln#worldgeochat
A3 I would avoid the generalization or commercialization of a holiday by focusing on root rituals that are associated with a holiday, regardless of the corporate twist on the purpose of the celebration. #worldgeochat
Hi #worldgeochat! Am I too late? This is Anna Mills from MA, 6th grade world geo teacher.
A1: Holidays are the best parts of religion and it creates chances to focus on happy differences or similarities. It also is a way to introduce the cooler parts of culture (like food)!
Certainly a different approach. He celebrated Jewish holidays last year. Pretty neat. Kids loved it too. Maybe a future geography teacher in that bunch. #worldgeochat
This isn’t about them doing their religion. They pick a religion and learn about it and present it. I’ll have Christians present on Hinduism and Muslims talking about Buddhism #worldgeochat
A4 well, if you pretested knowledge and understandings of major holidays and lesser known you would probably figure out what needed to be taught pretty quick. #worldgeochat
A4: Because that still might not be all of your students, if anything, it isn’t all of the world. Students need a vast exposure to the world, especially with how the internet has shrunk it. #worldgeochat
A4: It is important because students have easier access to the major holidays friends/family, but it is harder for them to be exposed to smaller holidays and as teachers it is our job to make them culturally aware of them! This shines a light on them as well #worldgeochat
A4: Not all cultures celebrate holidays that highlight religion. Holi is a GREAT example of a non-religious holiday. It commemorates love, vibrancy, and victory of good over evil #worldgeochat
A2: I address the basics: What does this holiday celebrate? How do people celebrate- what traditions are included? Is there food (Because there are two types of Social Studies people: power hungry or just hungry- I am the just hungry variety). Anything similar? #worldgeochat
A4: First of all it allows students to understand unique cultures they might not have otherwise been aware of and second, it is just really fun to see the excitement of learning something completely new #worldgeochat
I’m of two minds here. I get what you’re saying, but I also think studying how consumerism can become and define holidays is a part of the story, and can be a good vehicle for studying globalization, assimilation, and cultural appropriation. #worldgeochat
Yes, don't need to be religious to study religion. Students can (and should!) learn how to study religion from an academic perspective to understand how and why other people celebrate different things throughout the year #worldgeochat
A4: It's important because all of us need a broader perspective. Many of my students may never travel to some of the places we talk about, but being able to experience a small part of it can change their views #worldgeochat
A4: Because religions are not just about holidays. Studying holidays is a good way to start talking about religion but learning about religion shouldn't stop there. #worldgeochat
A3: I like to start with what students know and then go from there. It is easier to target if there are misconceptions about the holiday. Then we can go into more detail with a jigsaw or stations-I am looking forward to seeing what strategies you guys from #worldgeochat use.
#worldgeochat A2 Check out History of the Holidays from the History Channel on @YouTube. Helps introduce the religion to students and leads to discussion in the classroom.
And Holi has significance to multiple religions (Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others). Holidays have multiple meanings and many different expressions #worldgeochat
I do a little word sort activity with vocabulary. They don't know the categories, only the names of the religions. I have fun telling them they are wrong! #worldgeochat
A5: Various primary resource files and books, LOVE using Kahoot for group discussion on holidays/history/traditions, and local resources too. Jewish Education Center at the Zekelman Campus in MI, Arab-American Museum, and many more. #worldgeochat
A5: I also just recently led a group discussion in our homeroom on winter traditions. I'm going to grab the Google Docs link. One second! #worldgeochat
A4: Because life isn't a party 24/7 and there are other functions to religion besides holydays/holidays. There is social cohesion, social control, psychological support, explaining the unexplained, and Social Change. These other functions influence everyday life.#worldgeochat
Bowing out. Sleep well, #worldgeochat peeps, you have important things to do, minds to mold, hearts to encourage, and countless futures to shape tomorrow. #YouGotThis 🌍
A5 Nearly everyone here has seen this, but preservice teachers, there are some solid resources here. It has been my go-to for a long time. https://t.co/cd3bwS2QXr#worldgeochat
A5: The internet gives us so many resources with which to teach the holidays. Another possible option is, assuming the students are open and comfortable sharing, utilizing what diversity your classroom has to the benefit of your students. #ssvpln#worldgeochat
Those teachers really get on my nerves truth be told. I try to highlight some characters who happen to be of a particular faith. Here is a little short article about Hanukkah and highlights some Jewish characters. #worldgeochathttps://t.co/kJAgbHfbuE
A5 Schlessinger has videos on all of the major religions that include holidays. I also like to find unique things like the Maccabeats singing Hanukkah songs. #worldgeochathttps://t.co/mSL4KckTGs
A5: Here's that Winter traditions Powerpoint for anyone curious! The kids really enjoyed the Czech shoe toss of all things! https://t.co/nL0cJ7py98#worldgeochat
A5: Religious Holidays in Public Schools from @RelFreedomCntr - start with a firm understanding of the 1st Amendment guidelines to avoid crossing the line from teaching about religious holidays to celebrating religious holidays #worldgeochathttps://t.co/2SUVSHCs5c
We're JUST starting economics. I'm torn in so many directions right now with where I want them to go. Tomorrow is going to be NPR Planet Money #worldgeochat
#worldgeochat A5 Check out History of the Holidays from the History Channel on @YouTube. Helps introduce the holidays to students and leads to discussion in the classroom. Also, our foreign exchange students use to share their holiday customs with our student body.
We have our own holidays (or should i say, “honidays”) in the #DPRH which is my micronation in Room 129. Even the creation of our holidays gives a bit of a window into what is celebrated and why. #worldgeochathttps://t.co/ig3nZHPZQo
Q5: When time is short I have used this interactive map of Holiday traditions around the world. When I have a bit more time I have created a world religions stations activity on basic beliefs. #worldgeochathttps://t.co/dJecNojmiq
I did this awesome project team up with @ZahnerHistory couple years ago where we mapped out where things came from. His kids did a La-Z-Boy and mine did a trampoline. We mapped it out in My Maps. Pretty cool. #worldgeochat
In reply to
@SamMandeville, @ecasey77, @ZahnerHistory
A6- I had a Spanish teacher from Cuba and she taught us the traditions for May 20th (Cuban independence) it was quite interesting and I wish I still had the recipe of the traditional food I made #worldgeochat
A6: Aside from the state/political holidays, I teach a lot on natural holidays too. For example, the solstice, harvest festivals, and holidays that can teach diffusion rooted in western traditions that aren’t religiously affiliated. #worldgeochat
