Cascading New Knowledge: An Activity to Teach Target Culture in English Language Class
Overview
Activity Overview:
Objective:
- Explore Thanksgiving traditions as a cultural phenomenon.
Audience:
- Intermediate students in a diverse classroom.
Steps:
1. Discuss: Groups share personal and familial Thanksgiving traditions.
2. Research: Each group explores specific Thanksgiving customs.
3. Present: Groups present findings on cultural significance and practices.
4. Engage: Quiz reinforces learning; lunch shares traditional foods.
Educational Focus:
- Cultural exploration, critical thinking, and collaborative learning.
Cascading New Knowledge: An Activity to Teach Target Culture in English Language Class.
Activity Description:
Topic: Thanksgiving Traditions
Objectives: By the end of the activity, students will understand the cultural significance of Thanksgiving in the United States.
Students’ level: Intermediate
Step 1: Introduction to Thanksgiving
- Introduce the history and cultural significance of Thanksgiving in the United States. Discuss its origins, traditional foods (like turkey and pumpkin pie), and customs (such as the Thanksgiving parade).
- Provide background information on how Thanksgiving is celebrated across different states in the U.S.
Step 2: Trivia Quiz on Thanksgiving
- Organize a trivia quiz where students answer questions related to Thanksgiving. Questions can cover historical facts, traditional foods, famous Thanksgiving parades, and the significance of specific symbols like the turkey or cornucopia.
- Divide students into teams and make it a fun and competitive activity. Award points for correct answers.
Step 3: Research and Presentation
- Assign students to research different aspects of Thanksgiving. Topics could include the history of the holiday, traditional foods, family gatherings, and community activities.
- Students create presentations using multimedia tools (PowerPoint, Google Slides) to showcase their findings. They should include visuals, facts, and personal reflections on what Thanksgiving means to them or their families.
Step 4: Presentation and Discussion
- Schedule a presentation day where each group presents their research to the class. Encourage students to engage their peers with interesting facts and visuals.
- Facilitate a discussion after each presentation, allowing students to ask questions and share their thoughts on the cultural aspects of Thanksgiving.
Step 5: Sharing Lunch
- Organize a potluck lunch where students bring in or share traditional dishes associated with Thanksgiving or their own cultural backgrounds.
- Encourage students to explain the significance of their dish and how it relates to their culture.
- Facilitate conversations during lunch where students can discuss similarities and differences between Thanksgiving traditions and their own cultural celebrations.
Target Culture Focus:
In this activity, Thanksgiving serves as an example of target culture. Students explore and understand the traditions, values, and practices associated with Thanksgiving in the United States through research, presentations, and interactive discussions. The trivia quiz adds a fun element while reinforcing key facts about the holiday. Sharing lunch enhances cultural exchange by allowing students to experience and appreciate different culinary traditions firsthand.
By engaging in this comprehensive activity, students not only gain knowledge about Thanksgiving but also develop cross-cultural awareness and empathy towards diverse cultural practices. They learn to respect and celebrate cultural diversity while reflecting on their own cultural identities.