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TITLE:  "INVENT A HOLIDAY"

AUTHOR:  Debra Toennis, Weiser Middle School;
         Weiser, Idaho
GRADE LEVEL:  Grade 4-5-6, Language Arts

OVERVIEW:  Holidays are a special, magical time.  They
have certain traditions and patterns that give our
lives continuity and rhythm.  They also provide
families with cherished memories.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this activity is to allow
students to think about their own special holiday
traditions and compare them with those of other
students.  Following a certain structure, they then use
their imaginations to create their own holiday.

OBJECTIVE(s):  Students will be able to:
1.  Identify the elements that define a holiday.
2.  Compare their life experience with those of
    their classmates.
3.  Invent a personal holiday.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:  Resource books describing
holidays.  Art supplies to create murals, banners, etc.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1.   Pick a traditional holiday and list its
     identifying characteristics:

     Name       Independence Day
     Date       July 4
     Colors     Red/White/Blue
     Symbols    Flag, Rockets, Fireworks
     Saying     "Oooh, Aaah", "Let's Celebrate!"
     Songs      God Bless America, America the
                Beautiful
     Foods      Hot Dogs, Ice Cream, Watermelon
     Tradition  Picnic, Fireworks
     Reason     Celebrate America's Independence
     Clothing   Summer wear
     Smells     Fresh Summer air
     Story      "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere"

2.   Using the same outline, fill in the criteria
     for a personal, invented holiday:

     Name       Sleep-In Day
     Date       January
     Colors     Plaid Flannel
     Symbols    Bunny Slippers, Teddy Bears
     Saying     "Yawn"
     Songs      Brahm's Lullabye, "Dream"
     Foods      Warm Milk, Cookies
     Tradition  Read a good book
     Reason     It's fun to sleep in on cold winter
                mornings.
     Clothing   Pajamas, robes, slippers
     Smells     Hot chocolate and marshmallows
     Story      "Rip Van Winkle"

3.   Share your "new holiday" with your classmates.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:  Students can write a song or
poem for their holiday.  Students can research the
history of a traditional holiday, then invent a history
for their holiday.  Students can create a mural using
their holiday colors, symbols, foods, etc.  The entire
class can vote on their favorite new holiday and have a
special celebration complete with food, music, colors,
traditions, etc.  Watch the movie Holiday Inn

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