Mark Rounds
1) Halloween
Language
English
Description
Explores several folk traditions from Costa Rica, Mexico and Ireland to explain some Halloween symbols, the origin of costumes and the custom of trick-or-treating. Children learn that, despite the many rituals surrounding the holiday, Halloween is a time to celebrate and honor the memory of loved ones past, and can be a time to talk about death and other subjects that may be frightening to them. The importance of Halloween saftey is discussed
Language
English
Description
Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexico's military victory over the French in 1862. This video investigates the holiday's history and observes preparations being made to make the occasion festive, highlighted by the spirited sounds of a traditional Mexican mariachi band.
3) Thanksgiving
Language
English
Description
Children learn the story behind the first Thanksgiving celebration. They visit Plimoth Plantation. Nanticoke tribe dancers re-create the sense of excitement and wonder the Pilgrims must have felt upon meeting Native Americans. Children learn an Abnaki tribe myth on the origin of corn that teaches the importance of sharing resources.
5) Christmas
Language
English
Description
Focuses on both the legendary and religious stories of Christmas. Explores Christmas around the world, with emphasis on similarities of American traditions.
6) Easter
Language
English
Description
Children are taken to the home of a Polish-American family, where they discover some of the estivities and traditions associated with the Easter Sunday celebration.
8) Ramadan
Language
English
Description
Children experience the beauty of the month-long religious observance as they construct their own Ramadan diorama and hear the exotic sounds of live Islamic and Middle Eastern music. They discover the religious significance of song and prayer, as well as the principles and traditions that mark the holiest of the Islamic holidays.