Has Santa Been?
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A delightful Christmas tale where children eagerly anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus and wonder if he has visited their home. The story captures the magic and excitement of the holiday season through the eyes of the children.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Santa happy when he visits homes?
How do you feel when you give someone a gift? Is it similar to how Santa might feel?
Why do you think Santa needs to be so quiet when he delivers presents?
Can you imagine living at the North Pole like Santa? What would be the most exciting part?
What is one thing you would like to ask Santa if you met him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions as they relate to both the story and the festive season. Use the illustrations in the book to spark discussion about the colors, settings, and characters. Allow them to lead parts of the story to gauge their understanding and perspectives. Finally, relate the book’s themes to personal family traditions or holiday experiences to make the conversation more meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: In 'Has Santa Been?', children discover the pleasure and excitement that comes from giving to others, as they follow the story of characters preparing surprises for each other.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to derive happiness from acts of kindness and generosity, not just during festive seasons but throughout the year by sharing and giving to friends and family.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to prepare for a festive celebration, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or helping out at home, understanding that cooperating with others can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Patience and anticipation
Explanation: The story builds excitement as children await the arrival of Santa, teaching them the value of patience and the rewards of anticipation.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children manage their expectations and learn to wait patiently for events or rewards, be it during family occasions, school projects, or other activities.
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: Throughout the book, various emotions are depicted as characters experience joy, surprise, and satisfaction, helping children understand different emotional expressions.
Real-World Application: Children can relate these emotional expressions to their own experiences, helping them to better communicate their feelings and empathize with others.
Example Lesson: Celebrating traditions and cultural events
Explanation: By showcasing the preparation and celebration of a well-known holiday, the book underscores the importance of cultural traditions and their role in bringing people together.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and partake in their own family or cultural traditions, understanding their significance and enjoying participation in communal events.