Education Wrapped in Holiday Fun
You can get a head start on next year's holiday reading fun! Keep visiting as I add more info and book suggestions throughout the year. You'll find great gift ideas and if you're a teacher, you can get a jump on next year's planning. You might even consider 'celebrating' Christmas in July or April or September-it's a great motivator!
It's a proven fact that everyone learns best when they are excited about the subject matter. What could be more exciting than Christmas? You can take that excitement and motivation and channel it into learning with children of all ages. Visit often as I add new ideas and information to help your holidays burst with reading.
Check out these Christmas reading ideas!
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Christmas Fun - Kids Books - Children's Literature for Christmas
Children's literature for Christmas. Recommended r more...0 points
Kids Christmas Stories, Poetry, Rhymes, Plays and Recitals
A collection of Kids Christmas short stories, tale more...0 points
Holiday Reading Magic for Beginners
Launch your new reader on a holiday adventure!
If you wish, teach your emergent reader to recognize some special Christmas words, like Christmas, happy, holiday, Jesus, Bethlehem, and so forth. Choose your words carefully if this is a difficult task; pick words of dramatically different sizes, shapes and beginning letters for maximum success.
Now, start searching for words your child knows how to recognize. Look in cards, newspapers, and on decorations. Check marquees when you are out and about. Watch signs and printed Christmas carols. Celebrate together each time you find a word your child can read. Keep a list and watch it grow for the next few weeks. Your child will be pleased and amazed at the number of words he or she already knows how to read, and big ones, too! Nothing boosts self-confidence quite like this simple activity.
"Christmas reading-what great motivation for kids!"
The Magic of Christmas Music
Find copies of the words to Christmas music that have the words broken into syllables for singing. Many older hymnals are written this way, or you could type your own. By presenting the words in broken up form, you will help beginning readers to see patterns in syllabication and vowel sounds. They will begin to learn about how to attack larger, unfamiliar words.
Songs don't have to be sung, either. Try reading them as a group, or dividing the lines to turn them into choral readings. A few that tell stories can even be presented as plays or puppet shows! Have fun!
Great Christmas Reading from Amazon
Check out these seasonal books and gift ideas
Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)
Amazon Price: $12.64 (as of 09/05/2008)
Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1)
Amazon Price: $6.04 (as of 09/05/2008)
The Shack
Amazon Price: $8.24 (as of 09/05/2008)
Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3)
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 09/05/2008)
Brisingr (Inheritance, Book 3)
Amazon Price: $15.13 (as of 09/05/2008)
More Christmas Fun
When the kids are bored right after Christmas....
--> Use a digital camera to illustrate a family Christmas album or newspaper. Write captions or whole stories to go with each picture.
--> Make a Christmas ABC book. Put in one page for each letter of the alphabet and illustrate something related to Christmas (however loosely!) that begins with each sound.
--> Revive the old-fashioned notion of writing thank you notes for gifts received.
Cook Up Some Holiday Reading Fun
What could be more motivating???
If your child is older or a more able reader, head off to the bookstore, library or internet and find some great new recipes to try. Who knows? Maybe you'll come up with a new family favorite!
Christmas Jokes and Riddles
A Touch of Humor for Your Beginning Reader
- Christmas jokes for kids
- These one-liners are classics for the season, but they will be fresh for your young children. Check them out!
- More Christmas Jokes
- And here are still more groaners that will appeal to your young child.
Try Some Christmas Bingo
Here's a great way to practice reading Christmas words
Children feel an immense sense of accomplishment when they learn to recognize words that are important in their lives. Even young kids can learn to see the differences between words like tree and Santa. While the little ones may not actually be reading yet, they ARE practicing important discrimination skills that will help them be better readers in the long run.
More Christmas Reading Fun
Check out these ideas....
Here are some online Christmas stories available for free: Christmas Stories.
Looking for a seasonal reading comprehension lesson? Check this out: The Night Before Christmas Comprehension activity.
Here are Christmas reading suggestions for children of all ages: Suggested Christmas Reading.
Christmas In Other Lands
Motivational reading activities for older students
Multicultural Christmas Traditions
Read all about it!
JATS Holiday Classics: Over the River and Through the Woods (Jats 8x8)
Amazon Price: $3.50 (as of 09/05/2008)
The Miracle of the First Poinsettia
Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 09/05/2008)
People of Earth Join in Peace (Boxed Cards - 100% Recycled Paper)
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 09/05/2008)
Hoiday Wishes (and Other Thoughts)
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