Christmas
Family Celebrates S. Series
What’s inside...
Christmas is an exciting festival celebrated by many early years groups. It has at its heart such themes as sharing, giving and enjoying hospitality. This is one in a set of books providing teachers with season-related activities.
Why read this book
- Captures the spirit of Christmas beautifully.
- Enhances understanding of sharing and kindness.
- Vibrant illustrations complement the festive story.
- Encourages family reading during holiday season.
The Big Picture
- Emphasizes joy of family gatherings.
- Highlights importance of giving and sharing.
- Reinforces positive behavior and empathy.
What parents love
- Perfect for bedtime Christmas stories!
- Teaches kindness and the joy of giving.
- Colorful illustrations, captivating my kids’ attention!
- Love the focus on family and togetherness.
Diversity & Representation
- Includes characters of various cultural backgrounds celebrating together.
- Emphasizes inclusivity and unity in holiday celebrations.
- Showcases global Christmas traditions, fostering cultural awareness.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the Christmas celebration in the book and why?
How do you think the main character felt during the Christmas preparations?
Why is it important to help and share with others during Christmas, as shown in the story?
If you could add one more Christmas tradition to the story, what would it be and why?
How do the illustrations in the book make you feel about Christmas?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about Christmas and what they enjoy most about the holiday.
While reading, pause at key moments to discuss the character's feelings and actions, and relate them to your child’s experiences.
Encourage your child to describe the settings and characters using their own words, enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension.
After reading, have your child draw a picture of their favorite scene and explain why they chose it, fostering creativity and recall.
Suggest role-playing a favorite part of the book, which helps deepen understanding of the story and the emotions of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of giving
Explanation: In 'Christmas,' the main character learns the joy of giving gifts to others, highlighting that the act of giving can be more rewarding than receiving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to practice generosity by sharing toys with friends or siblings, and participating in community drives or charity events.
Example Lesson: Value of family traditions
Explanation: The story showcases various family traditions around Christmas that bring everyone closer, illustrating how customs and rituals are bonding elements for families.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in family traditions or help create new ones, reinforcing family bonds and creating lifelong memories.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book show empathy by being considerate of each other’s feelings during Christmas, teaching the importance of understanding others' emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by recognizing emotions in themselves and others, learning to respond with kindness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The joy of celebration
Explanation: The book vividly describes the excitement and joy surrounding Christmas celebrations, emphasizing that joy can be found in both simple and elaborate festivities.
Real-World Application: Children can find happiness in celebrating small wins and big occasions, learning to appreciate moments of joy in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Importance of community
Explanation: The story highlights how communities come together during Christmas, reinforcing the idea that a supportive community can enhance the festive spirit.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to contribute to their community, whether through school activities, local events, or helping a neighbor, thus building a stronger communal connection.