Students will learn about different holiday traditions from the perspective of American Girl dolls.

While it will not be directly taught in this class, there are sensitive topics within some of the American Girl books, including race, discrimination, stereotypes, slavery, controversial representations, violence, and war. Topics will be handled sensitively if they are brought up and students will be given ample space to share their thoughts and feelings around these topics. As the teacher, I will provide historical context for their questions if they arise on a sensitive topic.  

Holiday traditions that the American Girl dolls celebrate will only be discussed as they relate to the books and not to promote any specific religion.  I will not be sharing my personal religious beliefs and will not engage the students in a discussion of their religious beliefs but only specific traditions and how they relate to the dolls.

This class will be based on stories and traditions from:
Kirsten's Surprise by Janet Shaw
Molly's Surprise by Valerie Tripp
Samantha's Surprise by Maxine Schur
Felicity's Surprise by Valerie Tripp
Josefina's Surprise by Valerie Tripp
Growing Up With Aloha by Kirby Larson
Addy's Surprise by Connie Porter