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An Italian American Christmas Tradition
Description
Italian American Christmas Meal Tradition of the Seven Fishes
Lesson Duration: 40 minutes
Target Audience: Intermediate to Advanced English Learners
Lesson Type: Cultural Discussion + Vocabulary + Conversation Practice
Lesson Objectives:
1. Introduce the history and significance of the Italian American “Feast of the Seven Fishes.”
2. Expand vocabulary related to holiday meals and seafood.
3. Encourage students to share their own holiday food traditions.
Lesson Outline:
1. Warm-Up (5 minutes):
• Begin with a short discussion:
• “What foods do you associate with Christmas or New Year’s celebrations?”
• “Have you ever heard of the Feast of the Seven Fishes?”
2. Cultural Introduction (10 minutes):
• Explain the tradition:
• Its roots in Southern Italy and how it became popular among Italian American families.
• The religious significance of avoiding meat and the symbolism of the number seven.
• Typical dishes served (e.g., fried calamari, baccalà, shrimp scampi).
• Use a simple slide or handout with photos of the dishes and key vocabulary (e.g., “cod,” “calamari,” “lobster”).
3. Vocabulary Activity (5 minutes):
• Introduce seafood-related words (e.g., clams, mussels, anchovies) and holiday terms (e.g., feast, tradition).
• Matching activity: Match each type of seafood with its description or image.
4. Conversation Practice (10 minutes):
• Role-play scenario:
• Student: A guest at an Italian American Christmas dinner.
• Teacher: A host explaining the meal and its significance.
• Example question: “Which dish is your favorite, and why?”
5. Sharing Traditions (8 minutes):
• Encourage students to talk about their own holiday food traditions.
• Ask guiding questions:
• “What foods are special for your family during the holidays?”
• “Are there any symbolic foods or dishes?”
6. Wrap-Up (2 minutes):
• Summarize key points about the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
• Encourage students to research more about holiday traditions around the world.
Homework Suggestion:
Ask students to write a short journal entry about a special meal they enjoy during the holidays. They can describe the dishes, who prepares them, and any traditions involved.
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