Homeschool: Christmas

Our last unit of our homeschool year! Hooray! Our last unit is a focus on the Biblical story of Christmas. Though we read a Bible story for each of our homeschool units, religion is not the primary focus or reason why we homeschool, but we think this unit is important in building the kids' faith & understanding. During this unit, we learn about the story of Jesus' birth, and we talk about the meaning behind many of the Christmas symbols we see this time of year. This is a thoughtful & celebratory unit that focuses our attentions on love & family. 

Degen's unit folder

Kyrie's acrostic poem

Two of Kyrie's journal entries from this unit.

Christmas tree by Degen

Kyrie's unit folder

This is a nice book I found on-line that we use to talk about the meaning of different Christmas symbols.

One of Degen's unit words

Kyrie's narrative writing for this unit.

Though Christmas is the primary focus in our home this time of year, we believe it is important for our children to understand & honor the Jewish faith because it was the practice of Jesus, and also because we have several dear friends who are Jewish. We read about the re-dedication of the temple, light a menorah, eat traditional Hanukkah & Judaic foods and play the dreidel game. 

Degen's unit folder included a Hanukkah picture

Kyrie & Degen playing the dreidel game on the first night of Hanukkah.

We also briefly learn about the celebration of Kwanzaa, which is a wonderful look at how to celebrate African-American culture & community this time of year. This is an acrostic poem that Kyrie did about Kwanzaa. The kinara is the candle holder, Nia is one of the 7 principles of Kwanzaa, and zawadi are Kwanzaa gifts.