This is a fun reading activity comparing the similar though distinct family/ religious/ seasonal celebrations of Christmas, Eid-al-Fitr, Diwali, and Hanukkah. Students read about these holidays in small groups before returning to their "home-groups" to consolidate information, and then finally coming together as a class check their findings. - Targeted to grade 5 - 7 - Common Core Aligned ***Resource contains:*** - Four reading comprehension passages (each a brief overview of the way Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid-al-Fitr, and Diwali is celebrated). - A “jigsaw” worksheet where students can record their answers. - A PowerPoint presentation displaying sample answers to the information required in the jigsaw reading worksheet (in ppt, pptx, and pdf forms). - Detailed instructions ALTERNATIVE: This activity could be completed alone or in pairs, just by giving the students every reading. It wouldn’t be as much fun, though.

Teachers’ Notes: These fun and engaging simulations are designed to stimulate critical thinking and reasoning and develop argument and persuasion skills in students. Each scenario is open to interpretation, and students will love debating each other and putting their opinions forward. N.B. Intellectually, these resources are appropriate for students in grade 6 and above. However, some scenarios touch on (mention) themes that could be considered offensive, controversial, or inappropriate. These themes include: crime and punishment (including drugs and murder), religion, obesity, gun ownership, terrorism, PTSD, and war. Please be aware of this if you teach a potentially sensitive or conservative cohort. ***Clicking on the preview and zooming in will allow you to see the content if you are concerned*** Simulation One: Journey to Mars Simulation Two: Desert Island Game Simulation Three: Clemency

This is a fun reading activity comparing the similar though distinct celebrations of Lunar New Year in four countries: China, Vietnam, Tibet, and Mongolia. Students read about these celebrations in small groups before returning to their "home-groups" to consolidate information, and then finally coming together as a class check their findings. Resource contains: 1. Four reading comprehension passages (each a brief overview of the way LNY is celebrated in Mongolia, Vietnam, China, and Tibet - information is sourced from Wikipedia, then edited and adapted to fit one A4 page and be comprehensible to students). 2. A “jigsaw” worksheet where students can record their answers. 3. A list of key vocabulary used in the passages – may be used for games (e.g. password) or spelling or vocab tests (ONE VOCAB WORKSHEET INCLUDED) 4. A PowerPoint presentation displaying sample answers to the information required in the jigsaw reading worksheet (in ppt, pptx and pdf formats) 5. Detailed instructions