'Twas Nochebuena
What’s inside...
It's Christmas Eve, and a family is preparing for their Nochebuena celebration. They spend the day making tamales, decorating their home with colorful adornos, and singing festive canciones. As they sip champurrado and enjoy a midnight feast, the celebration ends with unwrapping gifts and wishing everyone 'Feliz Navidad and to all a good night.' This holiday tale captures the laughter, love, and Latino traditions of Nochebuena.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the family in the story feels about celebrating Nochebuena?
What traditions in the book did you find interesting or fun?
Can you compare any of our family holiday traditions to those in the story?
Why do you think it's important for families to have traditions?
How did the illustrations help you understand the celebration of Nochebuena?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how traditions strengthen family bonds by discussing your own family's holiday traditions.
Ask your child to describe their favorite holiday activity and relate it to the activities in 'Twas Nochebuena to foster a deeper personal connection with the story.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking them to imagine a new holiday tradition for your family inspired by the book.
Help your child appreciate cultural diversity by exploring how different cultures celebrate holidays in various ways, using the book as a starting point.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: 'Twas Nochebuena' showcases a vibrant portrayal of a Latino family's Christmas Eve traditions. The story introduces children to Spanish vocabulary and customs through its rhythmic, bilingual text.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and traditions, which fosters empathy and understanding in their daily interactions with peers from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The book depicts a family coming together to celebrate a special occasion, highlighting activities like making tamales and singing traditional songs, showing the importance of family gatherings.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to value and participate in their own family traditions and gatherings, enhancing their sense of belonging and identity.
Example Lesson: Joy of Sharing
Explanation: In the narrative, the family shares food, stories, and songs, illustrating the joy and communal spirit of sharing during festive seasons.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sharing with others, which can lead to more cooperative behavior in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Significance of Tradition
Explanation: The book elaborates on specific cultural traditions, such as placing Nativity scenes or breaking piñatas, teaching children about the significance of heritage and customs.
Real-World Application: Understanding the role of traditions can encourage children to inquire about their own family's history and customs, deepening their personal values and connections.