Learning Outcomes
• Recognize that festivals are celebrated differently around the world, often shaped by local
customs and ingredients.
• Reflect on how kindness can bridge cultural and religious differences.
• Learn about the tradition of Maamoul and its cultural significance during Easter.
• Understand that community support is a universal value found in every culture.
Lesson Plan Summary
Students explore the cultural and emotional meaning of festivals, bake-inspired arts, and interfaith friendship through storytelling, group discussion, and activities.
Discussion Questions
Before Reading:
• What do you know about Easter? What foods or traditions do people follow?
• Have you ever helped someone celebrate a festival different from yours?
During Reading:
• How does Mrs. Mary feel when she can’t bake her Easter cookies?
• Why does Mama Hala decide to help?
• What does baking Maamoul together symbolize?
After Reading:
• What do you think is the most important part of celebrating festivals—food, people, or
tradition?
• Can you think of a time when kindness made a celebration more special?
Activities
1. Maamoul Cookie Art – Draw or mold your own Maamoul cookies using playdough or clay
and decorate them with traditional patterns.
2. Festival Food Around the World – Create a chart showing traditional festival foods from
different countries and compare ingredients.
3. Kindness Chain – Write and link paper notes describing one kind thing to do during a
festival for someone in your community.
The Best Doll Festival, Ever! – Siblings surprise their mother by continuing a cherished
tradition. https://zamasama.com/the-best-doll-festival-ever/
Ismat’s Eid – A funny and warm family story about festival gifts and surprises.
https://zamasama.com/ismats-eid
The Ok Om Bok Festival – A Vietnamese Khmer celebration of gratitude and moon
worship. https://zamasama.com/the-ok-om-bok-festival
SDG 6, SDG 10, SDG 16
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: Introduces children to global traditions, encouraging appreciation of diverse celebrations and values.
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Celebrates inclusion and equality by showing support across religious and cultural lines.
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Models peaceful coexistence, community support, and mutual respect among diverse neighbors.
Expected Outcomes
- Broaden students’ understanding of religious and cultural celebrations.
- Foster empathy and encourage acts of kindness and inclusion.
- Reinforce that differences in tradition enrich our shared human experience.