Celebrating Positivity: December

Celebrating Positivity is a monthly post that suggests ideas for classroom activities related to Heritage Months, Famous Birthdays, and Positive Historical Events.

Embracing December in Your Classroom: Ideas for Heritage Months, Famous Birthdays, and Positive Historical Events

As the year winds down, December offers a unique opportunity to reflect on cultural traditions, celebrate influential individuals, and honor significant historical events. Whether observing holiday customs, recognizing human rights, or learning about notable figures, December invites students to engage in a spirit of celebration and understanding. Here’s how to make this month meaningful and inspiring for your classroom:

Celebrating Universal Human Rights Month:

Highlight the Importance of Human Rights

Introduction to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Share the story of the UDHR, adopted on December 10, 1948, and explore its foundational principles. Have students create their own “Student Bill of Rights” that reflects their values and aspirations.
Human Rights Advocates: Discuss the contributions of global human rights advocates such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai. Encourage students to research and present on an advocate they admire.
Social Justice Projects: Consider organizing a “classroom activism” project where students choose a human rights cause to support, learning about how they can make a positive impact in their communities.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7)

Understanding Pearl Harbor and Its Impact: Share the historical significance of the Pearl Harbor attack and the U.S. entry into World War II. Discuss the importance of remembrance and resilience, and consider a reflection activity where students write letters to veterans.

Celebrating Famous Birthdays:

December 1: Rosa Parks – Honor Rosa Parks’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and discuss the power of peaceful protest. Have students create posters that advocate for causes they believe in, inspired by Parks’s courage.
December 5: Walt Disney – Explore Disney’s legacy in animation and storytelling. Encourage students to create their own short stories or characters, sparking creativity and imagination.
December 10: Emily Dickinson – Dive into Dickinson’s poetry, examining her unique style and themes. Have students write their own “December Poems,” using winter imagery and reflecting on the season’s themes.
December 16: Jane Austen – Celebrate Austen’s contributions to literature with discussions on her social commentary and wit. Consider a “character letter” activity where students write letters as if they were one of Austen’s characters.
December 30: LeBron James – Highlight James’s influence both on and off the court. Discuss his advocacy for education and social justice, encouraging students to reflect on how they can use their own talents to give back to their communities.

Highlight Positive Historical Events:

December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks’s Bus Protest – Commemorate Parks’s pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and discuss the impact of collective action. Consider role-play activities or skits to help students understand the importance of standing up for what’s right.
December 6, 1865: Ratification of the 13th Amendment – Mark the abolition of slavery in the U.S. by exploring the amendment and its significance in American history. Engage students in discussions on freedom, equality, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
December 10, 1948: Universal Declaration of Human Rights – Celebrate the adoption of the UDHR and discuss what it means to have universal rights. Explore a human rights timeline or case studies where students can research key moments and figures in human rights history.
December 14, 1911: Roald Amundsen Reaches the South Pole – Teach about exploration and perseverance by sharing the story of Amundsen’s journey. Engage students in a STEM activity where they design a model for a modern-day Antarctic research station.
December 17, 1903: Wright Brothers’ First Flight – Inspire students with the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s achievement in flight. Host a paper airplane contest or explore a lesson on aviation, connecting science and creativity.

Observing Holiday Traditions and Cultural Celebrations:

Exploring Winter Celebrations Around the World

Holiday Traditions: Teach students about various winter holidays celebrated around the world, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Consider a “Holiday Around the World” day where students create posters or displays of different holiday traditions.
Acts of Kindness: Encourage students to spread kindness through simple acts like making cards for local hospitals or organizing a classroom donation drive.
Winter Solstice Celebration (December 21): Explore the science and cultural significance of the solstice, from ancient celebrations to modern interpretations. Have students create winter-themed artwork or write short reflections on the changing seasons.

Conclusion:

December is a month filled with opportunities to teach gratitude, empathy, and a deep respect for cultural and historical legacies. By celebrating human rights, honoring remarkable individuals, and reflecting on traditions, you can help students end the year with meaningful insights and new perspectives. Let December be a time of wonder, growth, and inspiration in your classroom, as students learn not only about the world but also their potential to make a positive impact within it.

Happy December teaching!