This Week's Historical Events & Holidays to Teach

Here are some of the historical events you may want to cover this coming week with your students:

• December 6th:

                        Today is Ira Gershwin's birthday.  He was an American lyricist who partnered with his brother George, a composer, to create many American favorites, such as 'Summertime,' 'Someone to Watch Over Me' and 'I Got Rhythm.'  Visit Gershwin's official site, where you can listen to music and read more of the family history.  

• December 6th:

                       Today is also St. Nicholas Day.  St. Nicholas was born in the 3rd century.  Our modern day Santa Claus is based on the real St. Nicholas.  I personally think St. Nicholas has even more to offer children, especially in regard to education, than the newer Santa Claus.  

                        The St. Nicholas Center website is beautifully & thoughtfully created.  There is much to offer an educator there, whether or not you want your children to believe in Santa Claus.  You may read the history of St. Nicholas and learn how to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with around-the-world traditions, including recipes and crafts.  Do take a look.

• December 7th: 
  

                    Pearl Harbor Day.  On this day in 1941, Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was attacked by Japan.  The National Geographic has a very good Pearl Harbor site with maps, timelines, and survivor stories for educators who want to teach their children about this day that is significant historically to the entire world.

• December 10th:

                    Today is Emily Dickinson's birthday.   She was an American poet.   Teachers may want to begin with the Emily Dickinson Museum site where you may view a timeline of her life and photos of Dickinson's home. 

                       Emily Dickinson's poems may be read for free at Project Gutenberg.

                       You may also download the poems for free to your e-reader, Kindle, PC, etc. 

If you know of any historical events (from any country) that occurred between December 5-11, please share them in the Comments section.   Also, let us know if you find any good lesson plans or other resources for the above events and holidays.

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