|
Communities in Virginia
Session 8:
Other Parts of Europe
Materials
- World map
- Books related to the German, British, or other European countries
- Ingredients for chosen recipe or materials for chosen craft
Instructional Activities
- Locate the continent of Europe on a world map. Identify some countries found in Europe. Make a class list.
- Track the route that Europeans would take to immigrate to Virginia.
- Read a book to students related to a European culture.
- Discuss the character and/or events in the book.
- Create a recipe or craft from the particular European culture related to the book.
- Consider the following activities:
• Dough sculpting is an old German tradition. Use prepackaged breadsticks dough to create pretzels, a popular snack originating in Germany. The word pretzel is Latin for a small reward. The shape of a pretzel represents the crossed arms of a child praying.
• Construct gingerbread houses with empty milk cartons, graham crackers, frosting, and assorted candies.
• The tradition of sending winter holiday cards began in England. Allow students to create their own greeting cards for occasions of their choice. Wassail is a hot, spiced apple beverage that is served in England. Serve warm apple cider to students while they create their cards.
• The British culture has a tradition of tea in the afternoons. Plan a tea party for the class. Let the class assist in preparing finger sandwiches. (Example: Put cucumber, ham, and butter on slices of bread. Cut the crusts off, and cut into triangles.)
• Preparing winter food for animals, birds, and pets by hanging food ornaments to an evergreen tree is a Scandinavian custom. Have students collect pinecones and cover them with peanut butter. Roll the peanut butter-covered pinecones in birdseed. Let students decorate a tree on school grounds with their food ornaments. TEACHER NOTE: Peanut allergies can be life threatening. Please check with the school nurse before doing this activity.
|
