Classroom Activites

1. Share with the class traditions you observe in your family and tell how they help you celebrate the holidays.

2. Create an "Open Mind" for Gracie and show how she feels when the posada first arrives at her home.

3. Draw pictures of the allegorical characters in the play. What other stories do you know that include these types of characters?

4. Plan our own posada. What will you need to prepare an authentic posada?

5. The music in La Posada Mágica is very important. Bring in samples of holiday music from countries all over the world. Explore how music reflects various cultures and beliefs.

6. Cut tissue paper designs (papel picado) are featured in Mexican holiday decorations. Different cultures cut paper into different shapes (snowflakes, paper dolls, etc.) Research cut paper decorations in Poland, China, Germany, France and Japan. Compare and contrast.

7. Research and discuss Christmas traditions from around the world. Use the following websites to get started.

Christmas Around the World
Christmas Traditions