Lesson Plan: Experience the Magic: NYC's Christmas Market in Bryant Park
Lesson Plan: Experience the Magic: NYC's Christmas Market in Bryant Park
Grade Level: 6-8
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will explore the festive atmosphere and cultural significance of NYC's Christmas Market in Bryant Park. Students will develop an understanding of the history and traditions associated with holiday markets, enhance their observation skills, and practice budgeting and financial literacy through a virtual shopping activity.
Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3: Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.3: Use proportional relationships to solve multistep ratio and percent problems.
Materials:
- Access to the internet or library resources
- Paper and pencils
- Virtual shopping activity handout (including a budget worksheet)
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by engaging students in a discussion about holiday traditions and the significance of Christmas markets.
- Show images or videos of NYC's Christmas Market in Bryant Park to pique students' interest and curiosity.
2. Research and Discussion (15 minutes):
- Instruct students to research and find information about the history, traditions, and cultural significance of holiday markets, specifically focusing on NYC's Christmas Market in Bryant Park.
- Encourage students to explore topics such as the origins of Christmas markets, the types of vendors and products available, and the impact on local economies and communities.
- Allow students to discuss their findings in small groups or pairs.
3. Virtual Shopping Activity Preparation (15 minutes):
- Explain the concept of a virtual shopping activity and how it allows students to experience the Christmas Market in Bryant Park remotely.
- Provide students with the virtual shopping activity handout, including a budget worksheet.
- Instruct students to imagine themselves as shoppers at the market and ask them to create a wishlist of items they would like to purchase within a given budget.
4. Virtual Shopping Activity (60 minutes):
- Conduct the virtual shopping activity using online resources, showcasing the various vendors and products available at NYC's Christmas Market in Bryant Park.
- Guide students through the virtual shopping experience, emphasizing the importance of budgeting and making informed purchasing decisions.
- Encourage students to compare prices, consider the quality and uniqueness of products, and evaluate their wishlist based on their budget constraints.
5. Reflective Writing and Discussion (10 minutes):
- After completing the virtual shopping activity, have students individually write a short reflection on their experience.
- Prompt students to reflect on their budgeting skills, the importance of making thoughtful purchasing decisions, and the overall atmosphere and cultural significance of NYC's Christmas Market in Bryant Park.
- Allow students to share their reflections with the class and engage in a group discussion on the economic and cultural impact of holiday markets.
Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.3
Join me for a walking tour of the Christmas Market in Bryant Park. I hope you enjoy!
