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Exploring the special activities and stories that families pass down through the years.
Have you ever wondered why your family does the same special things every year, like baking a specific cake or singing a secret song before bed?
A tradition is a special activity, story, or meal that a family does over and over again. It is like a 'family recipe' for fun! Traditions are passed down from older people (like grandparents) to younger people (like you). They help us feel like we belong. Some traditions happen every single day, while others only happen once a year on a holiday or a birthday.
Quick Check
If your family eats pancakes every Saturday morning, is that a tradition?
Answer
Yes! Because it is a special activity that you repeat together.
Traditions don't have to be huge parties. They can be small moments too! There are food traditions, like making handmade dumplings. There are story traditions, like hearing a tale about your great-grandfather. There are also routine traditions, like a special 'high-five' you give your dad before school. Every family has their own set of traditions that make them unique.
Follow these steps to find a tradition in your house: 1. Think of a time you felt very happy with your family. 2. Ask yourself: 'Do we do this activity every year or every week?' 3. If the answer is 'Yes,' you have found a tradition!
For example, if you always wear matching pajamas on the first day of winter, that is a tradition.
Quick Check
Who usually teaches us about our family traditions?
Answer
Our family members, like parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents.
When we talk to our friends, we might find out that their families do things differently. This is called a difference. For example, your family might open presents on Christmas Eve, but your friend's family might open them on Christmas morning. We might also find similarities, which are things that are the same. Maybe both families eat a big dinner together! Learning about other traditions helps us understand our neighbors.
Let's look at two students: - Sam's family lights candles for Hanukkah. - Leo's family lights candles for a birthday cake.
1. Similarity: Both families use match to light candles. 2. Difference: They light the candles for different reasons and on different days.
Imagine you meet a new friend who just moved from a different country. They celebrate a holiday you have never heard of. 1. Ask them: 'What is your favorite thing to eat on that day?' 2. Tell them: 'In my family, we eat on our special day.' 3. You are now comparing traditions to see how you are both special!
Which word describes a special activity passed down through a family?
If two families both celebrate birthdays but eat different cakes, what is the 'similarity'?
True or False: A tradition must be a very big party to count.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to remember: What is one tradition your family does every year?
Practice Activity
Draw a picture of your favorite family tradition and show it to a friend. Ask them what their favorite tradition is!