In this free unit, your child will learn how Christmas is celebrated in Jamaica. In addition, they’ll learn about the geography of Jamaica, as well as a little related history and language arts. Unlike other “free” unit studies, you won’t have to buy or search for a bunch of required books. Everything you need, except the ingredients for a recipe, is available for free online.

This unit study is designed to last five days and can be used with a wide range of ages, making it a fun activity for the entire family to do together. With younger children, read the assignments aloud to them and skip the written work if they aren’t ready for it. Older students can read their assignments independently. If you have teenagers, you may want to have them research Jamaica and its Christmas traditions further, either at the library or online. Then, they could present what they’ve learned to the rest of the family.

 

Day 1: Introduction to Jamaica and its Geography

Read National Geographic Kids: Jamaica and click through the picture slideshow.

Watch Geography Now! Jamaica. Please be aware: This video includes discussion of marijuana. If you would rather avoid this, skip that section (from 5:00 to 5:30) or watch Jamacia for Kids instead.

Have your children find Jamaica on a world map or globe. Have your older children label Jamacia, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic on this map of Caribbean countries.  Here’s an answer key.

 

Day 2: Christmas in Jamaica Part 1

Read Jamaican Christmas Customs. (This article is a PDF file made available by the Jamacia Information Service.)

Click through this slide show presentation to learn about Grand Market in Jamacia.

Watch Grand Market in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, to observe the crowds, vendors, and food at a Grand Market.

Listen to Christmas Jamaican Style.

 

Day 3: Christmas in Jamaica Part 2

Watch The Joy of Jonkonnu: How Slaves in the Caribbean Celebrated Christmas to learn about the history of Jonkonnu street performances.

Read 10 Traditional Jamaican Christmas Foods and Drinks.

Have your children draw or write about what they have learned about Christmas in Jamacia. They can use regular paper, or you may like to use this downloadable writing paper or these downloadable notebooking pages.

 

Day 4: Christmas in Jamaica Part 3

Watch Merry Christmas Mom and Dad read aloud in Jamaican Patois/Patwa.

Read How to Speak Jamaican Patois if your children want to learn more about the language. Please be aware: The video embedded in this article briefly mentions “ganja.” If this is an issue, skip the video. It’s not necessary to watch the video to understand the article’s content.

 

Day 5: Christmas in Jamaica Recipes

Prepare rice and peas, cornmeal pudding, or coconut cookies.

Listen to the Christmas Carol Service in Jamaica while your family cooks.

 

More Christmas Around the World Unit Studies

If you enjoyed this unit study, don’t miss our other Christmas Around the World units. We have several countries to choose from!