RANDALL LIKES HOLIDAYS

Randall lives in a small town called Santa Fe in Ciruelas, Alajuela. This small town

has a small school called the same name of his town. Every day, Randall has to walk to

school from his little house to his elementary school near the town. On his way to school,

he passes through beautiful green fields, and a little river.

Randall loves to walk to school. He makes new friends on his way. In sunny and

rainy days, Randall walks to school. “We are on September.” replied Randall. “What do we

celebrate on September?” asked Luis. “Independence Day” answered Randall. His friends

and he are talking about this important celebration for Costa Ricans. “Wow” mothers and

kids said in chorus. All of them are very happy.

Every morning, Randall wakes up and thinks about his lantern. He is eager to start

building it with her mother. Her mother said to Randall: “We are going to buy the

materials for your lantern, today.” He jumps with joy. He claps his hands and starts

singing:

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.

If you’re happy and you know it, stump your feet.

If you’re happy and you know it, shout hooray.

If you’re happy and you know it and you really want to show it, do all three (clap, stump,

hooray).

Randall cannot believe how fast time runs. The day has come. His mother and

sister are walking with the lantern they all built together. It is September 14 th, children

have the Lantern Festival at school. Randall as well as his classmates carry their lanterns in

a parade at night. When Randall arrives to school, his schoolteacher congratulates him.

“Amazing lantern, Randall.” Exclaimed Miss Rodríguez. “Thank you” answered Randall.

The next day, on September 15th, Randall and his classmates attend to a short

assembly at school. Today, Randall and his sixth grade classmates are having an oral

presentation. They have special guests. Mr. Jim and his wife are in Costa Rica. They will

listen to these students.

CHARACTERSClassTeacherCarolina

AlejandroKatieKimberly

Class: Happy days! Special days! We celebrate holidays around the world.

Teacher: Carolina, which holiday do you like the most?

Carolina: I like Hanukkah!

Jewish light candles on the menorah. They play the dreidel game.

Class: Happy days! Special days! We celebrate holidays around the world.

Teacher: Alejandro, which holiday do you like the most?

Alejandro: I like kwanzaa! Afroamericans like to light the candles on the kinara.They set out harvest foods.

Class: Happy days! Special days! We celebrate holidays around the world.

Teacher: Katie, which holiday do you like the most?

Katie: I like Christmas. Many people celebrate it around the world, too. In Costa Rica we trim a tree and sing special songs.Giving gifts make me happy!

Class: Happy days! Special days! We celebrate holidays around the world.

Teacher: Kimberly, which holiday do you like the most?

Kimberly: I like Chinese New Year!They carry a lantern in a parade. They write happy wishes on red papers.

Class: Happy days! Special days! We celebrate holidays around the world.

Mr. Jim and his wife take pictures to Randall’s classmates. “Very good, kids. Excellent presentation.” said Mr. Jim. “thanks.” Replied them.

Close to them, other students march. So, his family goes to this activity after they

finished theirs. Randall and his family are planning to go.

A pleasant breeze welcomes them in Alajuela downtown. Randall is happy to see

other students marching and playing instruments in the band. Randall smiles and so his

family. They feel proud to celebrate one more year their independence.