How Santa Lost His Job
What’s inside...
Santa has the best job he can think of -- bringing presents each Christmas to children all around the world. Every year, he prepares for his trip by trimming his beard, taking a bath, getting dressed, and packing up his sleigh for the long night ahead. However, there are always a few unexpected delays that make things a little hectic. Muckle, one of the elves who helps Santa, thinks he can come up with a more efficient way of delivering the toys -- a method that won't involve Santa at all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Santa felt when he lost his job? How would you feel in his situation?
Why do you think the elves chose to use machines instead of Santa? What are some advantages and disadvantages of using machines?
Can you think of a time when someone or something replaced another? How did that make you feel?
What qualities do you think make Santa special, besides delivering presents? How can those qualities apply to people?
How do you think the story would change if Santa never got his job back? What would he do?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the themes, make connections to real-life events where technology has replaced traditional ways of doing things, helping children relate to the story.
Encourage empathy by asking how your child would feel in Santa's shoes, promoting emotional intelligence.
Ask questions about what qualities make someone irreplaceable, fostering a deeper understanding of personal values.
Explore alternative endings with your child to spark creativity, asking them how they would end the story if they were the author.
Highlight the importance of adapting to changes, both in the book and in real life, to help your child understand and accept change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The story showcases Santa's innovative thinking as he tries to reclaim his job after being replaced by a machine. His journey highlights the importance of problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach challenges creatively and think critically to find solutions, whether in their studies or daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and embracing change
Explanation: Santa's willingness to adapt to new circumstances after losing his job to a machine demonstrates the importance of being flexible and open to changes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace change positively in their lives, be it transitioning to a new school or adjusting to a new family dynamic.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Santa works together with his elves to find a solution, emphasizing the value of teamwork and seeking assistance when needed.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to collaborate with peers in school projects or playing team sports.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: Despite the setback of losing his job, Santa perseveres and explores new ways to continue delivering joy, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children not to give up easily, encouraging them to keep trying in the face of difficulties, like mastering a new skill or solving a tough puzzle.