Tablet Jr. – December 2021 Edition

December Edition – Celebrations Around The World

The articles and artwork of each Tablet Jr. are created by the students of the diocesan academies, and each month there is a new theme and a new academy. This year, each month’s theme coincides with the Framework for Social Justice, developed by the Office of Faith Formation.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy in Queens is this month’s academy to showcase its journalistic skills for the theme, Celebrations Around The World. Enjoy reading the additional student submissions as well as using the Teacher Resources below. This is the third edition of the new school year. Let us know what you think!

Christmas Traditions of the Polish Kept Alive

BY GABRIELLA KARPIUK, GR. 7

In Poland, Christmas, or Wigilia (Vee-gee-lia) in Polish, is considered the most important holiday and almost every Polish family celebrates it on every 24th of December. My family is one among the many who are celebrating the birth of Jesus by observing our cultural traditions. Polish Christmas is a time of celebration and happiness in my family, which includes enjoying each other’s company.

FOR THE FULL ARTICLE SEE THE COVER PAGE OF THE TABLET Jr.

Fatima’s Recreation of the Living Nativity

BY DAISY COLLADO, GR. 7

Students and teachers at Our Lady of Fatima celebrate the birth of Jesus through their much-loved “Living Nativity” play every year. Students reenact the birth of Jesus to celebrate his coming into the world for our salvation. Middle schoolers practice daily for several weeks after school, leading up to the big day when they will be in full costume.

FOR THE FULL ARTICLE SEE PAGE 2 OF THE TABLET Jr.

Filipino Christmas and New Year Traditions

BY KYLE GARCIA, GR. 7

With Christmas and New Years coming around the corner, many Filipinos are getting ready to celebrate the holidays with their spectacular traditions. These Filipino traditions are very unique and special to Filipinos around the world

FOR THE FULL ARTICLE SEE PAGE 3 OF THE TABLET Jr.

Teacher Resource Guide

Find ways to correlate into your Catholic Social Teaching curriculum with The Tablet Jr. Resource Guide.

OPEN GUIDE

Kwanzaa Day

by Ashley Vergara, Gr. 7

Kwanzaa Day is a week-long celebration that honors African heritage in African American culture during December.

Chinese New Year’s Customs

by Dilana Rosario, Gr. 7

The Chinese New Year has been celebrated for more than 3,500 years.

What is St. Nicholas Day?

by Eric Orellana, Gr. 7

Why do different religious groups celebrate St. Nicholas Day every year?

Ecuadorian New Year’s Tradition

by Jocelyn Castro Grade 7

Ecuadorians have a way of letting go of the past and welcoming the new year.

The Lighting of the National Hanukkah Memorial

by Justin Vinueza, Gr. 7

The celebration of the National Hanukkah Memorial in Washington D.C is one of the biggest celebrations in the United States in December.

The Feast of the Seven Fishes

by Luciana Diaz, Gr. 7

Italian-Americans have a wonderful tradition called the Feast of the Seven Fishes, which they celebrate on Christmas Eve.

Novena: The Nine Days of Prayer

by Valeria Calvo, Gr. 7

The Novena has been around even centuries, in Colombia and some parts of Ecuador and Venezuela.

Student Artwork

Students submitted artwork and photos that represent the theme. See the edition for additional artwork.

Daisy Collado, Gr. 7

Gabriella Karpiuk, Gr. 7

Dilana Rosario, Gr. 7

Madelyn Acodta, Gr. 7

Valeria Calvo, Gr. 7

About the Tablet Jr.

A collaboration between CTN and The Tablet editorial staff, The Tablet Jr. includes stories written by middle-grade students from diocesan academies and schools as well as student-created artwork. Additional elements include a question-and-answer column, a diocesan history column, fun activities such as word puzzles, and a news article written by a member of The Tablet staff.

Instructional Resource Guide

Tablet Jr. Cartoon Print-rich materials that can motivate and engage students in class. TEACHER GUIDE

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