More From Sweden

Today we spent a little more time "in Sweden".  We learned about the custom of making gingerbread houses and designed our own out of paper.  We also learned about the wonderous Northern Lights, watched some videos of the Northern Lights, and then painted our own!

Last Stop...Sweden!

We embarked on the third flight of our trip this afternoon and ended up in Sweden!!  While watching our in-flight videos we learned about traditions and holidays celebrated by Swedish people this time of year.  One of their biggest and most well-known celebrations is St. Lucia's Day on December 13. St. Lucia is known for having helped those in need, secretly bringing them food.  She would wear candles on her head so that she had both hands free to carry things. Today it is customary for the oldest daughter to dress in a white dress with a red sash, wear a crown of Lingonberry branches with candles, and deliver special buns or ginger snap biscuits to others. 

We made our own crowns to remember this tradition.  

Traveling to Germany

First graders boarded another plane and took off for Germany!  During their flight they watched some video clips about traditions and customs celebrated this time of year by many people in Germany.  Christmas is widely celebrated there and many of the customs that have become synonymous with Christmas, like the Christmass tree, were started in Germany long, long ago.

We also learned about a celebration called St. Niklaus Day which happens on December 6th each year.  It involves shoes and candy!  Ask your child what it's all about!  (We made paper shoes at school and left them on our windowsill - will we find anything in them in the morning????)

Our First "Read All Day" Day!!!

First graders had a super fun, comfy, cozy and full of books kind of day!!  Here are some snapshots!
Congratulations, First graders, for earning this special day!