CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Research Project + Rubric (Around the World)

Celebrate cultural diversity in your classroom with this super fun 4th-8th grade CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Research Project + Rubric.

This engaging project invites upper elementary and middle school students to explore unique Christmas customs, foods, and celebrations from countries around the world.

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Research Project + Rubric (Around the World)

Get the COMPLETE LESSON PLAN HERE

With a detailed rubric included, it’s easy to assess research skills, presentations, and creativity as students share holiday traditions and learn from one another.

Perfect for adding meaningful, real-world learning to your December lesson plans!

Christmas Traditions Research Project

Students will explore the many interesting topics related to Christmas Traditions around the world in America, Germany, Japan, Australia and More.

Hi there, it’s so great to meet you! I’m Mrs. T. (Love 2 Teach and Learn) or you can call me Jen – a Michigan mom, wife, new grandma (aka “Jemma”) and K-12 PE teacher who has also taught Kindergarten, 3rd, and 6th grades.

And as a teacher in today’s kinda crazy world, I’m on a serious mission to MAKE SCHOOL FUN AGAIN!

Let’s dive in and break this Super Fun Christmas Traditions Research Project down in just 4 easy steps.

Research Project Step #1 – Choose a Topic

Christmas Traditions Around the World Research Project: Step #1

FIRST, ask your students to choose a Christmas Traditions Research Project Country or TOPIC that interests them.

Here are a few suggestions for you:

AMERICA – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
ENGLAND – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
FRANCE – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
GERMANY – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
JAPAN – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
SWEDEN – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
CANADA – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
ITALY – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
GREECE – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
ICELAND – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
POLAND – Christmas and Holiday Traditions
AUSTRALIA – Christmas and Holiday Traditions

Research Project Step #2 – Gather the Facts

Step #2: Christmas Traditions Research Project - Gather the Facts

NEXT, have your students spend some time gathering 5-8 facts related to their topic. This project can be assigned as homework or you can give them some time to work during class if you want.

Research Project Step #3 – Choose a Project Type

Step #3: Choose a Project Type (Christmas Traditions Research Project)

THEN, have your students choose a creative and engaging way to organize and share their information.

I always tell my students that this is the really fun part of the Christmas Traditions Research Project because they get to relax and let their creative juices run wild.

Here are a bunch of creative ideas and suggestions for you to share with your students:

SONG or a RAP
DIORAMA
PAMPHLET
POSTER
VIDEO or a SKIT
REPORT
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Around the World BOOK
BOARD GAME

Although I give my students the CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS RESEARCH PROJECT Guide/Template with step-by-step directions and suggestions, I do allow my students to choose a different way to present their information if they have other project ideas that they would like to do.

Research Project Step #4 – Complete Your Project

Step 4: Complete the Project - Christmas Around the World Research Project

FINALLY, the last step is the best step. Encourage your students to JUST HAVE FUN and Complete their Projects!

This project encourages critical thinking, research skills, ELA and presentation abilities in a fun and engaging way.

Research Project RUBRIC

I highly recommend using a simple rubric or expectation checklist when assigning this project to your students.

Additionally, I require my students to write about two interesting things they learned during this project experience.

I keep my rubric and project checklist very simple and straightforward for my students.

My Christmas Traditions Research Project Checklist includes the following:

My name is included on my project
I included a title for my project
My project includes at least 5 facts related to my topic
My final project is neat and visually appealing
I wrote two important things I learned below

This is a very interesting and fun cultural studies research project that provides student ownership over their learning, allowing students to use their creativity while learning about the Christmas season and different traditions celebrated around the world.

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Research Project TIPS

There are so many possible ways that this simple yet versatile cultural resource can be used.

INDIVIDUAL PROJECT – Creative and Meaningful way to provide student learning surrounding the importance and Christmas traditions around the world
GROUP PROJECT – Create groups of students and use to assess student knowledge at the beginning or end of a social studies unit of study.
ONLINE or ALTERNATIVE (or Opt-Out) ASSIGNMENT – This project can easily be used for students who are sick or injured and can’t participate in or are absent from class, due to vacation or other reasons.
END-OF-UNIT ASSESSMENT (Exit Ticket)
HOMESCHOOL PARENTS – a great way to teach your child about the different traditions celebrated around the world during the holiday season

But most importantly – JUST HAVE FUN!

This is such a fun and interesting research project that empowers students to creatively reflect and take ownership over their learning.

Save Planning Time

Christmas Traditions Research Project Preview

And hey teachers – why not save yourself some serious planning time. Snag my NO PREP 2-Page CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS RESEARCH PROJECT complete with easy-to-follow student instructions, creative project options, and simple rubric with checklist.

It’s all done for you – just hand to your students and let them get busy!

You can get your own Christmas Traditions Research Project RIGHT HERE!

Be sure to check out my other Unique and Fun Classroom and PE Teacher Resources and Lesson Plans including: