Embracing Diversity: Navigating Multiple Religions in the Classroom During the Holiday Seasons

6 projects that celebrate two holidays that could be represented in the classroom

The holiday season is upon us, and that could highlight to you that there could be more than one religion celebrated in your classroom. These projects will spark some ideas that can be utilized to celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah. These holidays can be discussed, showcased and learned about by all members of your classroom.    

1. Hanukkah Books

This is an excellent way to educate kids about the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. If you have Jewish scholars in your classroom this will be a great time for them to share and be the experts. They will also feel seen and valued by having an opportunity for their peers to learn more about the holidays they celebrate. If you do not have Jewish scholars this is still a chance for students to learn about different traditions and cultures. Take time to teach your students about the story of Hanukkah and then students will then have a chance to retell and remember this story by making these books. To make them you would need to use your MARK 5 Die Cutting Machine and the Menorah #1 Die Cut to create these booklets. To make them start by cutting the red album covers then cut out a silver menorah. Your next job is to cut a large yellow candle and some other brightly-colored candles. After that glue the menorah and the candles to the cover, while also adding a yellow flame to each candle. You will need to print the title that says, “Nine Little Candles Burning Bright, Tell of a Temple Full of Light,” and then glue it to cover. The last step is to cut pages from lined paper and assemble books with metal brads. Scholars will then use the pages to retell the story of Hanukkah. 

2. Hanukkah Bingo

By teaching students about the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah can be a way to educate scholars on the different elements of the holiday. A fun way to extend teaching on this would be to create these Hanukkah Bingo cards and then play the game with your students. Start by getting out your  MARK 5 Die Cutting Machine and you will also need to use the Bingo Card Die Cut as well as the mini version of the Star of David Die Cut. You will then need to cut out a blue bingo card for each scholar. Next you will then need to print Jewish symbols onto yellow cardstock. After that you will cut the bingo card around symbols. Trim the inner square and glue to the blue card. The next step is to cut the mini Star of David shapes to use as markers for the game. You can then outline with black marker to add a little detail. Lastly, use sticker letters to spell the words at the top. Kids will love playing this game, you can have kids swap cards and play as many rounds as you have time for.

3. Creating a Dreidel 

Another great idea to highlight to students when discussing Hanukkah is to share about dreidels, these were used in the late 1800’s by children as a way to continue to learn the Torah in a time when it was unsafe to do so. In modern times the dreidel is used as a game where children can earn chocolate coins. Once students have learned about this they will get to create their own and play the game with one another. To make these dreidels you will begin by utilizing your MARK 5 Die Cutting Machine to cut out the jumbo version of the Dreidel (3-D) Die Cuts. Cut out the dreidel using blue cardstock. Have your scholars draw on the symbols or you can hand-print silver symbols on sides before having the students assemble them. You will need to punch a hole in top of dreidel as well before assembling. To complete the dreidels you will need to cut out a three-inch dowel for each one and once the dreidels are completed have your students slide the dowel through the hole. Your scholars will love the chance to play this game with one another. 

Another holiday that many of your scholars will likely celebrate is Christmas and so finding ways to celebrate and educate students on this holiday and its history. The following projects can help you do just that.  

4. Advent Calendar

As you approach the month of December you can share the tradition of advent calendars with your students. To make these trees you will use your MARK 5 Die Cutting Machine and the Advent Calendar Die Cut Set. Begin by cutting four green calendar shapes as well as cutting four white backing shapes. Next, adhere the backing pieces to tree shapes, being careful not to glue the doors shut. Then fold each tree/backing section along the perforation and adhere the sections together. After that, cut red and white tree base shapes (four for each tree). Next, trim the white bow from the package and glue it to the red package shape. Another idea would be to cut two yellow stars for the topper instead of using the ribbon. Finally, press some small holiday stickers in place under flaps and write the numbers from 1 to 24 on flap covers. Having the students place the stickers is a great way to get them involved in this creation. They can make these for themselves, a sibling or to use as a whole family. 

5. Religious Flip Chart

This is a great way to share and remember the story of the birth of Jesus which is where the origin of the holiday of Christmas. Having this be a step-by-step guide to the story can help students remember the story. To make them use your MARK 5 Die Cutting Machine and the Flip Chart Die Cut as well as the Religious #2 Die Cut. You will need to cut out a flip chart for each of your scholars, you can do this by using construction paper in assorted colors. Then staple together two layers so that you can flip up the top to see the story underneath. Once they are assembled you can have your scholars decorate the cover flaps with mini die cuts, stickers or crayons. Lastly, you can have students write in the story line for the birth of Christ as a way to remember all of the parts. 

6. Angel Christmas Ornament

Our last project is a fun one that students can take home and share with their families. If their family celebrates Christmas they can add it to their own tree. To make them use your MARK 5 Die Cutting Machine to cut out the Angel #6 Die Cut.  Start by cutting out the angels from metallic cardstock. Then add glitter to the wings of the angel by using glue. Do the same with the halo by adding more glitter as a way to highlight these elements of the angel. Wrap up this project by adding detail with a silver marker. You will need to connect the angel to some wire or an ornament hook so that it can be hung on the tree. You can spend time with your class discussing what the significance of angels is in the Christian faith as well as discuss the role they played in the original Christmas story. 

These projects are great ways for you to discuss and learn about two religious holidays that can build understanding and knowledge for your students. Scholars also have the chance to be the experts on these holidays if they happen to celebrate them with their families. The children will love to get creative while learning about the holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah.