Are you looking for some dazzling December thematic units to use in your classroom? Check this list to explore some wonderful topics for the month of December.
For each dazzling December thematic unit, we will first, begin with the topic. Second, a literature list that relates to the topic choice. And finally, centers and activities that can be developed to use throughout the themed unit.
1. Gingerbread Thematic Unit
A gingerbread unit is such a fun way to start out the month of December. There are so many cross-curricular activities to do with this theme. Along with these activities, there are also a number of versions of the classic story “The Gingerbread Man” that can be compared and acted out.
Gingerbread Literature:
- The Gingerbread Man: Karen Schmidt
- Gingerbread Baby: Jan Brett
- The Gingerbread Kid Goes to School: Joan Holub
- The Gingerbread Girl: Lisa Campbell Ernst
Gingerbread Themed Centers & Activities
- “How to Decorate a Gingerbread Man” Classroom Book
- “My Gingerbread Men” Student Coloring Booklet
- Gingerbread Man Art Project
- Gingerbread Letter and Sound Match Game
- Gingerbread Counting Math Games
2. Christmas Trees Thematic Unit
Christmas trees are a great December thematic unit and offer many cross-curricular activities to do with your students. There is a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature about Christmas trees. Along with books, there are numerous activities that include reading, writing, math, science and social studies skills.
Christmas Trees Literature:
- A Wish to be a Christmas Tree: Colleen Monroe
- The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever: Steven Kroll
- The Last Christmas Tree: Stephen Krensky
- 10 Trim-the-Tree’ers: Janet Schulman
- Christmas Tree Farm: Ann Purnell
Christmas Trees Themed Centers & Activities
- Classroom Book: “How to Decorate a Christmas Tree
- “Christmas Tree Senses” Student Booklet
- My Christmas Tree Student Story
- Christmas Tree Art Project
- Christmas Tree Roll & Bump Math Dice Games
3. Christmas Thematic Unit
Toward the end of the month of December is the holiday of Christmas. You can create so many cross-curricular activities that are in the theme of Christmas. Students will love to listen to stories, work at centers, and play reading and math games all with the wonderful theme of Christmas!
Christmas Literature:
- How to Catch Santa: Jean Reagan
- It’s Christmas David! David Shannon
- Pete the Cat Saves Christmas: Eric Litwin
- Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer: Thea Feldman
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Suess
Christmas Themed Centers & Activities
- Christmas Writing Station Words
- “Christmas Senses” Student Booklet
- Christmas Ornament Art Project
- Christmas Roll It & Read It! Short Vowel Word Game
- Christmas Counting Math Games
4. Winter Thematic Unit
The Winter season begins in the month of December, so you could choose a thematic unit to study this beautiful time of year. There are so many books and activities that can be explored on the topic of winter. Even if it is not your favorite season you may want to share and enjoy this wonderful theme with your students.
Winter Literature:
- The Mitten: Jan Brett
- The Snowy Day: Ezra Keats
- Animal in Winter: Henrietta Bancroft
- Now It Is Winter: Eileen Spinell
- Dream Snow: Eric Carle
Winter Themed Centers & Activities
- Winter Writing Word Bank
- “Winter Senses” Student Booklet
- Winter Hat & Mitten Art Project
- Mittens & Snowflakes Make a Word Game
- Winter Roll & Cover Math Games
5. Snowmen Thematic Unit
Snowmen are another fun thematic unit for children. Who doesn’t love to read about snowmen in the wintertime? You can introduce a lot of literature, songs, reading and math skills using this fun thematic unit.
Snowmen Literature:
- Snowmen At Night: Caralyn Buehner
- The Biggest Snowman Ever: Steven Kroll
- Sneezy the Snowman: Maureen Wright
- The Snowman: Raymond Briggs
- Snowmen at Christmas: Caralyn Buehner
Snowmen Themed Centers & Activities
- “How to Build a Snowman” Classroom Book
- “How Many Snowmen” Student Booklet
- “My Snowman” Student Story
- Snowman Build a Word
- Snowman Addition & Subtraction Math Games
Grab your Free, Gingerbread Art Project Here!
In summary, there are many dazzling December thematic units to celebrate in the month. You and your children can explore the units with books, centers and activities. Whatever theme you choose your students will have a wonderful time discovering with the literature and activities you choose.
Find some more Thematic Units and ideas in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more topics about thematic units check out my blog, “Why Use Thematic Units In Your Classroom or Home School?”
