Spreading the Christmas spirit at CEIP Mosaico

 As an Auxiliar de Conversación, we are encouraged to share the cultures and celebrations of our home countries to facilitate cultural exchange. In the United States, the “holiday season” can mean many different things to different families and those who celebrate different festivities across the country. However, the single most common holiday celebrated in the US and on a worldwide level is Christmas. As Christmas, and the arrival of “Papa Noel” is increasingly celebrated around the world, the celebration provides a great opportunity to share traditions and discuss differences in Christmas celebrations around the world. 

This Christmas at CEIP Mosaico, the celebrations were plentiful, and I enjoyed working with each of the teachers to teach students American Christmas songs and crafts and combine them with celebrations that are most celebrated in Spain, like Three Kings day. One of the most common traditions in the US is decorating homes and schools with excess Christmas decor. Each year, families gather around to decorate the Christmas tree, sing carols and adorn homes with much Christmas decor. 

This year, I helped bring that Christmas spirit to my classrooms, where I used drawing and music to introduce Christmas- related vocabulary in a way that was fun and engaging for the students. Depending on the level of the students, I also introduced some of the American traditions and foods with a quick presentation and game to gauge the students’ retention of the material. The most popular activities among the older students was the Christmas term word search and drawing activity of visions of Christmas mornings with family, some even adding gifts they wished to receive from Santa Claus. These activities provided students with the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and integrate new English vocabulary through art, all the while playing Christmas carols in the background for maximizing the Christmas spirit! 

I would highly encourage auxiliares to utilize creative activities and art to spark conversation about cultural differences and shared traditions not only for Christmas, but other holidays as well. Powerpoint presentations and Youtube videos can become repetitive, and I’ve found that students are much more willing to participate and eager to learn in more interactive and creative activities. The holiday season provides plenty of material for ESL teachers and a powerful opportunity to connect with students about family, tradition and celebration.