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Empathy Book Club: Cultural Celebrations
Grades K-2
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Reading
Social Studies

Empathy Book Club: Cultural Celebrations

Students will read about different cultural celebrations and gain an understanding about shared traditions, hopes, and values among people throughout the world.

Activity Partner
Total time estimate:
30-60 minutes
Activity Objectives
  • Students will read short stories about different cultural celebrations from around the world and learn about the important values, traditions, and customs that are part of these celebrations
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  • Students will consider how holidays and festivals bring people together, and reflect on shared traditions, hopes, and values


This activity supports the development of the following social-emotional skills: relationship skills, responsible decision-making, self-awareness, and social awareness.

Grades K–2
Discussion Questions
  • Which holiday is being celebrated in the book? How is it celebrated by the book's characters?
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  • Why do you think this holiday is special to people? Did you learn anything interesting about it, or have any questions about it?
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  • Think about your favorite holiday—how do you celebrate it? Why is this holiday important to you, your family, or your community?
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  • Do you have any special memories or stories about your favorite holiday? How does celebrating this holiday make you feel?
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  • Is there anything that your favorite holiday has in common with the holiday in the book?
Grades 3–5
Discussion Questions
  • Which holiday is being celebrated in this story? What did you learn about it?
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  • How is this holiday celebrated by the story’s characters? What are some of their important cultural traditions (e.g., special food, music, or ceremonies)?
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  • Why do you think this holiday is important to people? Do you have any questions about it?
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  • Think about your favorite holiday—how do you celebrate it? Why is this holiday important to you, your family, or your community? How does celebrating this holiday make you feel?
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  • Is there anything that your favorite holiday shares in common with the holiday in the story?
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  • What are some things that many holidays or festivals share in common?
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  • What can we learn about people’s beliefs, hopes, and values from the holidays they celebrate?
Grades 6–8

Discussion Questions
  • What are some of the traditions or values associated with the holiday described in the text?
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  • What is the origin of this holiday? How has it changed or evolved over time, and what has that meant for the people who celebrate it?
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  • Think about a holiday that you celebrate. Why is it significant to you, your family, or your community? Can you share any important traditions or customs that are part of this celebration?
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  • What can we learn about people’s history, beliefs, hopes, and values from the holidays they celebrate?
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  • Why do people celebrate holidays? Are there any universal concepts that many holidays might have in common?


This activity was created in partnership with CommonLit.

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