The second-graders at Phenix Elementary School have been very busy during the last month. In the library, Mrs. Watkins prepared a multi-cultural unit that would focus on research and computer skills.

The students were divided into five groups and told they would be researching various fall or winter celebrations. The celebrations included Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanza, and Ramadan. Each group was given a non-fiction book to use as their reference source.

After gathering the information, one person from each group brought their iPad to the library. With the help of Claire Locke, ITRT for the school system, a shared site through one drive was developed for each group to share their work with Mrs. Watkins. During the students’ library time, they developed a six-slide PowerPoint presentation, along with pictures about their celebration.

During the last week before break, the groups shared their presentation with their class members. Similarities between each holiday was discussed. While this was a great research and computer skill unit, the main purpose was to show that while different cultures celebrate different holidays, there are so many characteristics in each that are shared.