Hanukkah Lesson Plan with 'Full-Court Miracle' Movie (Grades 4–6)

Bring culture, history, and inspiration into your classroom with this engaging 2-hour Hanukkah lesson plan for Grades 4–6. This ready-to-use resource is built around the family-friendly film Full-Court Miracle and helps students learn through story, discussion, and reflection.

Students explore the historical story of Hanukkah in clear, age-appropriate language. They learn who the Maccabees were and why the holiday is celebrated. The lesson then connects the ancient story to a modern basketball team that faces big challenges as underdogs. This makes learning meaningful and memorable.

The plan offers alternatives for creative reflection, a thorough student worksheet, and guided discussion questions. Students consider tenacity, cooperation, faith, and self-belief. Additionally, they learn about Hanukkah customs and symbols in an approachable and courteous manner.

Everything is easy to understand and has a clear framework. Very little preparation is required. Cultural studies, religion, and ELA classes would all benefit from this lesson. It keeps students interested throughout while fostering empathy, critical thinking, and cross-cultural understanding.