Christmas Archives - Staying Cool in the Library

Christmas Around the World Activities for Kids of All Ages

As Christmas approaches, we all know our students are buzzing with excitement for vacations, presents, and a break from the usual routine. This time of year can bring a lot of distractions! But instead of letting the holiday energy pull them away, why not bring the celebration into the classroom? That’s why I absolutely love using Christmas around the world activities. These engaging lessons help our students explore how different cultures celebrate holidays around the world. This keeps them curious and connected while they countdown to the break. Plus, it’s fun to dive into geography, traditions, and diversity, all wrapped up in the season’s magic! Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite resources to use to teach about Christmas around the world! What is Christmas Around the World? When we talk about Christmas around the world, we’re diving into the unique and diverse ways people celebrate this holiday across

12 Days of Christmas Lesson Plans and Activities

Christmas is just around the corner, and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s my favorite holiday, and I love everything about it—from decorating and listening to Christmas carols to watching holiday movies and picking out the perfect gifts for everyone on my list. There’s something extra special about seeing the joy and excitement on my students’ faces as they eagerly count down to the big day. As wonderful as this season is, every teacher knows it can also be one of the most exhausting times of the year. Keeping students focused and engaged during the holiday countdown can be a real challenge! If you’re already feeling the pressure of planning lessons for December, you’re in the right place! I’ve put together 12 days of Christmas lesson plans and activities to help you get through those hectic weeks leading up to winter break. Whatever grade you teach, you’re sure to

5 Free Downloadable Christmas Lesson Plans!

As we head into the busy holiday season, finding time to write lessons plans can be difficult. Look below for some free Christmas lesson plans and activities that you can use with your students right now! Santa’s Stuck This is a free set of literacy activities to go along with the book Santa’s Stuck by Rhonda Gowler Greene and Henry Cole. Activities included: comprehension questions to use in literacy centers or small groups, writing/drawing activity and a one page mini book. Christmas Traditions – Truth or Fib Scoot Game Your students will love learning about different Christmas traditions with this free Scoot game. This is a set of 16 task cards. On each card is a Christmas or New Year tradition from around the world. The student needs to decide whether the tradition is true or if it is a fib. Can be used as a literacy center or

Best Picture Books to Read in December

During the month of December many of my lessons focus on winter holidays around the world. These include books about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Diwali as well as Christmas. Below are 30 of my favorite December read alouds. A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel After destroying all of the gifts and decorations at home, Bad Kitty escapes from the car on Christmas Eve and finds a new friend, who helps her learn the true meaning of Christmas. A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas by Pat Mora Text in English with some Spanish words. Presents an adaptation of the folk song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in which friends exchange gifts such as pinatas and a little girl receives a present from a secret friend whose identity is eventually revealed. A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World by

Christmas Ornament Book Recommendation Freebie

The holiday season is upon us! Do you decorate your library or classroom for Christmas? I decorate for every season and Christmas is my favorite. I always put up a tree and string lights around the door. (Don’t tell the fire marshal!) A few years ago I started having the students make ornaments to put on the tree: Christmas ornament book recommendations! This is such a fun and engaging activity. You can use it with students in any grade level, the kids love to make them and they make your library look so festive! What could be better? Making the Christmas Ornament Book Recommendation This is a simple activity to prepare, which is always a bonus during this hectic and chaotic time. All you need are copies of the Christmas ornament book recommendation template, scissors, pencils, and crayons. If possible print them out on card stock or a thicker

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Christmas Around the World Activities for Kids of All Ages

12 Days of Christmas Lesson Plans and Activities

5 Free Downloadable Christmas Lesson Plans!

Best Picture Books to Read in December

Christmas Ornament Book Recommendation Freebie

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