Grade 2 Lesson at a Glance: Unit 3, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
Some People I Know

Lesson at a Glance
Unit 3, Lesson 2: We Celebrate Together (pp. 106-111)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Traditions We celebrate holidays in the United States to remember special times and people from our history.

Begin by discussing special holidays students celebrate each year. Explain that there are religious holidays such as Hanukkah or Christmas and national holidays that relate to our country's past. Talk about what they like to do on these special days and have them tell why each holiday is celebrated. Then ask volunteers to take turns to identify the holidays that people all over our country celebrate. After students finish reading the chapter, have them add to the list.

Check for Understanding

Ask students to choose one national holiday and write a riddle for it. Have them exchange their riddles with a partner or share them with the class.
Have groups of students role play or pantomime a celebration of a national holiday, either by showing what they do on that day or who the day celebrates. Encourage groups to use props, such as flags for the fourth of July, masks for Presidents' Day, working implements for Labor Day, or setting a table for a Thanksgiving dinner.

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