In Ms. Brown's English class, 8th graders researched the New Year's traditions of countries and religions around the world because the New Year - as it is their graduation year - is particularly significant in 8th grade. On their Chromebooks, students conducted online research to write an informative paragraph that focused on and described three main traditions from their randomly assigned country/religion. 8th graders compiled source information on graphic organizers to be able to generate a Works Cited page and include M.L.A. format parenthetical citations in their writing as they synthesized the information from at least two websites. Students also created a Google Slide that brought their country's/religion's traditions to life, since they were challenged to locate photographs of the New Year's festivals, "lucky foods," and rituals. Since pomegranates are considered a lucky New Year's food in Turkey and other Mediterranean countries, students enjoyed a fruit strip treat as they listened to each other's research presentations! 8th grade learned a lot about why  many different foods and activities mark the New Year!



Pomegranates are considered a lucky New Year's food in several countries because the way in which they are packed with shiny, red seeds makes them symbolic of abundance and vitality. 8th graders enjoyed a healthy treat - a pomegranate fruit strip - to bring that edible New Year's tradition into the classroom!



Students created a visual component for their research presentation through Google Slides!