WORLD Why do we kiss under mistletoe and toast with eggnog? Who decided we should eat jelly doughnuts for Hanukkah? And where do poinsettias come from? (NPR) What activities or characteristics help define a culture? Use our fun gallery to find out. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Jelly doughnuts are a Hanukkah treat. What … Continue reading Why We Kiss Under Mistletoe And Toast With Eggnog
Hanukkah is winding down, and I thought it appropriate to address the geography of Judaism in today’s Weekly Warm-Up. How well do you know Hanukkah? Find out in our five-question quick quiz! If any population is an ideal case study for a lesson in human geography, it is the Jewish population. Firstly, the term diaspora, commonly used to describe “the movement, migration, or scattering of … Continue reading Weekly Warm-Up: Hanukkah and the Geography of Judaism
By Neal Lineback and Mandy Lineback Gritzner, Geography in the NewsTM Christians around the world celebrate Christmas on December 25, while Jews celebrate a holiday, Hanukkah, around the same time. Hanukkah is traditionally thought of as one of the less important holidays, yet it has become more popular in the West over the years, perhaps in part because it falls near Christmas. Hanukkah (HAH-nih-kuh), also … Continue reading Geography in the News: Hanukkah, A Jewish Celebration
Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah, a holiday honoring the Maccabees’ victory over King Antiochus, who forbid Jews to practice their religion. For eight nights, Hanukkah is celebrated with prayer, the lighting of the menorah, and food. A menorah has nine candles, a candle for every night, plus a helper candle. Children play games, sing songs, and exchange gifts. Potato pancakes, known as latkes in Yiddish, are … Continue reading Monday Funday Photo of the Week: Happy Hanukkah!
The holidays are a great time to explore the geography of a new travel destination, rediscover the geography of your local community, or take part in fun geography crafts and games at home. Try to plan at least one geography-themed family activity over the holidays. Here are a few ideas:
1) Play a geography trivia or board game like Brain Quest, World Wise, or Passport to Culture
2) If traveling, let the kids play navigator and program the GPS device. Or, go old-school and chart your route on a map.
3) Bake a cake or sheet of gingerbread. Using candy and icing, decorate it with a map of your holiday travel plans or an upcoming trip.
4) Bake a traditional ethnic treat, such as Danish rice pudding, able skiver pancakes, or potato latkes.
5) Instead of the traditional gingerbread house, build a global village out of candy! Make an adobe abode for warm-weather dwellers, an igloo, maybe even an eco-home. Get creative!
Here are some more holiday tips from National Geographic Kids:
