Paddington's Magical Christmas
#10 of 16 in Paddington Bear Series
What’s inside...
Paddington’s Magical Christmas is a delightful book that follows Paddington the bear as he tries to make sense of the Christmas festivities surrounding him. With his friend, Mrs. Bird, singing about receiving gifts from a song, Paddington becomes puzzled about the celebration of Christmas. Over the days leading up to Christmas, Mrs. Bird's gifts increasingly align with the song 'On the Seven Days of Christmas,' deepening the mystery. This confusion prompts Paddington to seek understanding from his friend Mr. Gruber, who explains the significance and traditions of Christmas. The book is beautifully illustrated and serves as a wonderful resource for young pupils, especially in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), to understand the concept of Christmas, including giving presents, decorating, and carol singing. It can also be used to introduce non-Christian pupils to the religious celebration during a Religious Education (RE) lesson.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of Paddington's Christmas adventure and why?
How do you think Paddington felt when he experienced his first magical Christmas? Can you relate to his feelings?
Why is it important to share and give during Christmas like Paddington did?
What would you have done if you were in Paddington's place during his Christmas adventure?
How did Paddington help others in the story and what can we learn from it?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, maintain an enthusiastic and curious tone to keep your child engaged.
Refer to specific scenes in the book to help your child recall details and reflect deeper on the story's events.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their responses to show that their perspective is valued.
Connect discussions about the book’s themes to your child’s own experiences, especially focusing on the themes of sharing and kindness.
After the discussion, consider engaging in a related activity, such as drawing a scene from the book or writing a letter to Paddington about their own Christmas wishes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: Paddington shows kindness to everyone he meets, even when facing challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be kind to their friends and family, helping to create a supportive and caring environment.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Paddington's adventures begin from his curiosity about the world around him, leading to exciting experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and ask questions about their surroundings, fostering a love for learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Paddington encounters various problems that he must solve, using his wit and resources.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in school tasks or when dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The spirit of giving
Explanation: Paddington learns the joy of giving during Christmas, understanding that it’s not about receiving gifts but about the happiness of others.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of generosity and selflessness, especially during festive seasons and family gatherings.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Paddington often finds himself in unfamiliar situations but manages to adapt with positivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace change and adapt to new environments or situations at school or in social settings.