Graduation, promotion, or move-up day—no matter its name, recipients deserve a celebration. Discover the history of the momentous feat with a brief video that highlights the traditional cap and gown, diploma, and infamous song, Pomp and Circumstance.

Concepts

Holidays, holiday celebrations, graduation, promotions, education, achievement

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• View the video as a class—begin with a discussion then start planning the big day together 
• After watching the video, talk about what happens after graduation—topics will vary depending on what grade level you teach 
• Turn the final question into an essay prompt—direct graduates to write their responses and share their work with their peers 

Classroom Considerations

• Generally, graduation ceremonies take place in May or June 
• Headphones will heighten focus and lower volume if scholars watch the video at different times 

Pros

• The video boosts excitement for graduation
• All levels of graduation are discussed—elementary, junior high, high school, and college
• A link to download and share is easily accessible 

Cons

• None