The Night of Las Posadas - Tomie dePaola (read aloud)

Today we looked at a Mexican-American traditional holiday known as Las Posadas.  This is a read-aloud from acclaimed author Tomie dePaola.  The story takes place in Santa Fe, and introduces students to the religious customs of Las Posadas, including lighting the streets with farolitos, walking through the town in a procession, and looking for a home to celebrate the birth of Christ. 

We compared and contrasted the differences between Las Posadas and a traditional American Christmas.  Students identified that Las Posadas had farolitos instead of Christmas Lights, poinsettia plants instead of Christmas trees, and the focus was on Jesus instead of Santa.

It was nice to get the class thinking about how people all over the world celebrate with friends and family in the Winter.  How many different holidays include lights, food, gifts, and giving thanks for all that we have.  I wanted them to realize that it's okay if our friends don't celebrate the same holidays or customs that we do.  I also wanted them to realize that it is important to be kind to people, no matter what their family celebrations may be. 

I hope that this unit opens their eyes and hearts to a wider world that we live in.  I hope that they took something special away from it.  And I hope that they are all better citizens in this world because of it.  Happy Holidays to everyone.  Thank you for sharing this journey through life with me.  I am thankful to be your teacher!!
-Mr. Linnet