Deck the Halls: A Christmas Window Surprise Book
What’s inside...
Young readers may turn pages with clear panels in them to see the different holiday shapes, including a reindeer, a snowman, and Santa Claus, that appear in the windows. Young readers are challenged to figure out what they see by looking at the different shapes that appear in the acetate windows, in this holiday novelty book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
7 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the Christmas preparations in the book, and why?
How do you think the characters felt when they saw the Christmas decorations?
Can you think of a time when you helped decorate for a holiday? What did you do?
Why do you think celebrating with friends and family is important during Christmas?
If you could add a new window surprise to the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the different decorations mentioned in the book, helping them expand their vocabulary and understanding of festive symbols.
Discuss the emotions of the characters during the festive preparations to help your child develop empathy and recognize feelings.
Connect the story to your own family traditions; share stories of past holidays to make the reading experience more relatable and enriching.
Ask your child to imagine and describe their ideal Christmas celebration, fostering creativity and personal expression.
Praise your child’s responses and ideas during the discussion to boost their confidence and promote a positive reading environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: In 'Deck the Halls: A Christmas Window Surprise Book,' the characters demonstrate the joy of giving by decorating and sharing festive cheer with each other.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take pleasure in giving to others, whether through sharing toys, helping around the house, or participating in community service.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The book shows characters coming together to decorate and prepare for Christmas, highlighting how teamwork can make challenging tasks more manageable and enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by collaborating with classmates on school projects or working together with siblings to complete household chores.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: As characters in the book creatively decorate the halls, it encourages children to express themselves through art and decoration.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in arts and crafts projects at home or school, expressing their thoughts and emotions through their creations.
Example Lesson: Tradition and cultural appreciation
Explanation: The story revolves around Christmas preparations, which can help children understand and appreciate the traditions and cultural significance of the holiday.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to learn about and participate in various family and cultural traditions, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Anticipation and patience
Explanation: Through the countdown to Christmas, the book teaches children the value of anticipation and patience as they wait for the big day.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop patience in everyday situations, such as waiting their turn during games or for special events.