Hel-lo April! So glad to have a little more sun on my face. Planning an exciting lesson is a little harder for me during this time of year. Hopefully a few of these celebrations/festivals will add that much needed curiosity to our lessons. Please share what inspires your April lessons too!
Photo from https://hamillfrenchblog.files.wordpress.com
Poisson d’Avril / April Fish ~ April 1 ~ France
Interesting twist on April Fools’ Day! https://hamillfrenchblog.wordpress.com/2014/03/29/poisson-davril/
Could also compare American April Fools’ Day to Día de los Santos Inocentes (December 28). Sr. Noble shared a Colombian legend and some Venezuelan “bromas” to support this lesson.
姐妹饭节/Sisters’ Meal Festival ~ April 21-23 ~ China
Eating colored rice and beautiful costumes… I’m in!
In Seoul, Korea
元宵节/Lantern Festival
It was February 22 this year, but several U.S. states are doing the The Lantern Fest now so this could be a good compare/contrast where they can experience the event.
Día de Libro/Sant Jordi/Day of the Book ~ April 23 ~ Cataluña & Europe
A book and a rose? Yes please! Looks like businesses have really targeted this day to put on sales. See also International Book Day ~ Worldwide
Vive Latino ~ April 23-24 ~ México
A big music festival. I bet there will be lots of tweets for this one.
Koningsdag/King’s Day ~ April 27 ~ Amsterdam
Wear your orange to celebrate warmer weather.
Photo from: http://edequity.org/szlag.php?q=walpurgisnacht-2011&page=6
Walpurgisnacht / Witches’ Night ~ April 30 ~ Brocken, Harz Mountains, Germany
A mountain hike and fire. Sounds fabulous! Also celebrated in Sweden and other places.
Looks the half the world is definitely focusing on warmer weather and a little love. Thanks to Jessica Oberly for recommending the Fest300 site that is full of pictures and articles describing the fun fests happening around the world. The fresh images alone are perfect for class. There are videos and it shows related festivals (perfect for comparing). Note: I would not suggest to send students to the page because it is uncensured, but great resource for teachers.
Celebrate every day!
What unit topics do you use during April? Please share!
