More Than Holidays: Helping Students Share Identity and Belong Through Culture

From family dinners and festivals to colorful clothing and ancient rituals, culture and tradition are all around us—and they offer rich, relatable ways for English learners to express who they are and understand others.

In every country, culture shapes how people celebrate, connect, and live their values. Teaching this topic in the English classroom goes far beyond vocabulary lists about holidays. It opens space for students to explore identity, share stories, and build real confidence using language that’s deeply personal.

Think of the kinds of moments students encounter in real life—chatting with coworkers about weekend celebrations, describing a family tradition at school, explaining a cultural practice at work, or simply answering the question, ‘What’s your favorite holiday?’ These everyday conversations require students to speak with clarity, respect, and pride. This is where cultural vocabulary and understanding become essential.

Bringing culture into the classroom also fosters a deeper kind of fluency. It encourages students to compare customs, ask questions, and reflect on their experiences. It helps build cross-cultural empathy—an important skill in our increasingly diverse schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces.

And for learners adjusting to life in a new country, it works both ways. They’re not only learning about holidays like Thanksgiving or Halloween—they’re also learning how to share their own traditions, like Diwali or Lunar New Year. In doing so, they feel seen and valued, which increases motivation and confidence in using English in real settings.

Culture and tradition also make your classroom more engaging. Whether students are describing wedding ceremonies, explaining food customs, or sharing music and dance, this topic brings authentic, joyful energy into your lessons.

If you’re looking to strengthen student voice, celebrate diversity, and make language learning truly meaningful, culture is the key.

Add this set of visuals and cultural lessons to your teaching library today and help your students connect with the world—and each other—one beautiful tradition at a time.