Hanukkah Lesson Plan + Movie Guide: Hanukkah on Rye (Grades 4–6)

Bring culture, film, and meaningful discussion into your classroom with this engaging Hanukkah lesson plan for Grades 4–6. This ready-to-use, 2-hour lesson is built around the family-friendly movie Hanukkah on Rye and helps students learn through story, visuals, and guided activities.

Students explore the history and meaning of Hanukkah in clear, age-appropriate language. They learn about the miracle of the oil, menorah lighting, dreidel, and traditional foods. The lesson also introduces Jewish deli culture and shows how food connects families and communities.

Students concentrate on themes of rivalry, tradition, forgiveness, and endurance as they watch the movie. They can reflect and exchange ideas with the aid of thoughtful discussion questions. A thorough student worksheet fosters critical thinking, vocabulary, comprehension, and interpersonal relationships. To save teachers time, an answer key is provided.

Cultural Studies, Religious Education, and ELA all benefit greatly from this course. It promotes open communication, empathy, and respect. It is interesting, organized, and simple to teach, making it ideal for December lessons or cultural festivals.