The Kiwi Kids News Advent Calendar (kind of…)

[content_protector password=”fern16″]Yesterday was December 1^st. Traditionally, it’s the first day of Advent and, if you’ve got one, the day when you open the first door of your Advent calendar.

Kiwi Kids News brings you a slightly different Christmas countdown. There are no chocolates behind these numbers, but there are suggestions for what you could do – as it’s the season of kindness, awareness and peace – in the run-up to Christmas Day:

2^nd Think about what Advent means
3^rd Leave an expected gift for a friend
4^th Start a game in the playground for others to join in with
5^th Turn off all the lights when you leave a room
6^th Cook a meal at home for your family
7^th Go sugar-free for a day
8^th Tidy up for someone else
9^th Read the news
10^th Leave an unexpected gift for someone in your class.
11^th Plant some seeds to grow your own vegetables
12^th Write Christmas cards or share seasonal wishes with your classmates
13^th Share your lunch with friends
14^th Walk, bike or bus rather than drive to school
15^th Visit a museum or gallery where you live
16^th Keep an eye on how much water you use
17^th Write a handwritten letter to your grandparents or aunties and uncles
18^th Take time to play or talk with someone you wouldn’t normally
19^th Make homemade Christmas presents for your family
20^th Go through your stuff and see if you can give to those in need
21^st Have a device-free day
22^nd Have you made sensible Christmas shopping decisions?
23^rd Cook or bake something yummy!
24^th Spend time with your family

Wishing you all a great time with your family and friends these holidays!
[colored_box color=”green”]This is an opinion-based article designed to provoke debate, discussion and further inquiry amongst your students:  [/colored_box]  [colored_box color=”yellow”]Critical Thinking Challenges:

1. Why is Christmas associated with peace and kindness?

2. It seems that the excitement for Christmas starts very early. Is this really necessary?

3. We’re always being told how we can make the world a better place. Do enough people listen? If not, why not?

[/colored_box] [colored_box color=”green”]Practical Tasks:

1. There are a number of Christmas traditions: some are traditional in different countries and some that are maybe unique to your families. Some families perhaps don’t celebrate Christmas. Spend some time sharing with your friends and classmates about what a ‘typical’ Christmas or Christmas Day looks like for you and your family.

2. Write or make your alternative Advent countdown. What would you put behind each door?

[/colored_box] [colored_box color=”red”]Have Your Say: [socialpoll id=”[socialpoll id=”2312894″] [/colored_box]

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