Traditions Around the World Reading Comprehension

2nd Grade Social StudiesCultural Diversity4 pages

About this worksheet

A one-page passage defines culture and tradition for 2nd grade readers, then describes two celebrations: Diwali in India, with clay lamps called diyas, and Lunar New Year in China, with dragon dances and red envelopes. It closes with American examples like Fourth of July fireworks and Thanksgiving. Students answer six questions on the text, including a true or false item and a comparison of the two holidays, then write and draw a tradition of their own. The four pages fit C3 Framework indicator D2.Geo.6.K-2, and the answer key covers every question.

Remix for free

Page 1 of 4

Traditions Around the World Reading Comprehension: Cultural Diversity - page 1
Traditions Around the World Reading Comprehension: Cultural Diversity - page 2
Traditions Around the World Reading Comprehension: Cultural Diversity - page 3
Traditions Around the World Reading Comprehension: Cultural Diversity - page 4

When this preview is focused, use the left and right arrow keys to move between pages.

Curriculum objectives covered

D2.Geo.6.K-2

“Identify some cultural and environmental characteristics of specific places.”

The Diwali and Lunar New Year paragraphs and Questions 2 and 4, which tie diyas and red envelopes to India and China.

What's inside this worksheet

Read the Passage

Five short paragraphs cover what culture includes, how traditions pass from grandparents to children, Diwali, Lunar New Year, and family traditions at home.

Understanding the Text

Six questions ask what culture is, what people light at Diwali, whether traditions happen only in China and India, and what the red envelopes stand for. Students also copy the sentence on why traditions matter and finish "Both Diwali and Lunar New Year are times when families..."

Your Own Culture

Students write three sentences about a tradition their family or community celebrates, then draw it.

How teachers use it

Compare and contrast

Model Question 6 first. Draw a quick two-circle chart on the board and fill it with details from the Diwali and Lunar New Year paragraphs before they write.

Near the holidays

Time this reading for the fall or midwinter, close to Diwali or Lunar New Year. Students who celebrate either holiday often want to add details the passage leaves out.

Writing stamina

Hold students to three full sentences in Question 7. A starter such as "Every year my family..." helps reluctant writers get the first one down.

More 2nd Grade Social Studies worksheets

Local GovernmentEconomics and TradeGeography

Get started today

Create your own lesson plans, worksheets, and classroom activities in minutes using our AI-powered tools.

Try Chalkie for free