THINK AND WRITE
Imagine your school is creating a new back-to-school tradition. Write a letter to your principal describing what other countries do and how you’d like your school to celebrate.
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Back to School Around the World
See how kids in different countries start a new school year.
From the September 2023 Issue
Featured Skill:
Main Idea and Supporting Details,
Carlo Girelli/Courtesy Two Points Couture (Grembiule); Courtesy of Alessandra Potenza (Alessandra Potenza); Shutterstock.com (All Other Images)
INDIA
Going back to school is like a party in parts of India. Students celebrate with balloons, music, and gifts!
JAPAN
Many students start school with a square, hard-sided backpack. It’s called a randoseru. Kids have used the bags since the 1800s.
GERMANY
In parts of Germany, first-graders start the school year in a special way. They receive a colorful cone filled with candy and school supplies!
ITALY
Elementary school students in Italy head back to school in a special smock. It’s called a grembiule.
UNITED STATES
Many students in the U.S. kick off the school year by bringing their teacher an apple. The tradition started more than 400 years ago. Back then, students gave their teachers apple cider!
Activities
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Skills Activities
Answer Key
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Can't Miss Teaching Extras
During the back to school season, encourage your students to find new friendships using the Infographic “How to Make New Friends.”
Want to learn more about traditions around the globe? Pour some orange juice and read “Breakfast Around the World” for fun facts on the most important meal of the day.
Gracias! Danke! Grazie! Read “Manners Around the World” to discover how different countries say please, thank you, and beyond. Then debate if manners actually matter in “Do Manners Matter?”
Text-to-Speech