Are you looking for some Christmas themed children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Christmas can be a great theme to engage your students. It is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Christmas books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Explore with your children the theme of Christmas by trying these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan
After waiting for days, it is finally Christmas Eve and time to catch Santa. The two siblings give you tips and tricks of how to catch Santa and what to do with him if you do.
From the authors bestselling, HOW TO… series, comes a delightful new offering. Written again in a hilarious instructional style. Two sibling narrators give clever tips for catching Santa. They must be crafty and be gentle! . Filled with humor and holiday warmth, this is a jolly read-aloud for the whole family to enjoy!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: If I caught Santa I would……
- Christmas Word Bank
- Santa Art Project
- How to Catch Santa Writing Activity: Use first, next, then & last
2. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer by Robert L. May
Rudolph is a youthful reindeer buck who possesses an unusual glowing red nose. He is teased and excluded by his peers and bullied by the other reindeer for his red nose.
He worries that Santa will never let him pull his sleigh. When bad weather hits, Rudolph gets his chance to shine! One particularly stormy Christmas Eve, Rudolph manages to prove himself after Santa Claus catches sight of his nose and asks him to lead his sleigh for the evening.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: Rudolph, Rudolph What Do You See?
- Story Retelling: Act it Out
- Rudolph Art Project
- Rudolph Cookies: Peanut butter cookies, red M&M noses, & pretzel piece antlers
3. A Wish to be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe
A beautiful story about an overgrown big tree who wants to be chosen to be a Christmas tree. It is always being passed by for the other trees in the forest.
With delightful illustrations by wildlife artist Michael Monroe and enchanting text from Colleen Monroe, the birds, deer and squirrel of this story help make their special friend’s wish come true.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: How to Decorate a Christmas Tree?
- Christmas Tree Story Parts Worksheet
- Christmas Tree Art Project
- Tree and Ornament Number Match Game
4. The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever by Steven Kroll
It is the day after Thanksgiving, and Clayton and Desmond feel the chill in the air. The cool weather makes them think of Christmas, and Christmas makes them think of Christmas trees!
Who will find the biggest one? From the bestselling series, Clayton the town mouse and Desmond the country mouse team up to bring the spirit of Christmas to Mouseville in a BIG way.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Our Christmas Trees”
- “How Many Trees” Student Booklet
- “My Christmas Tree” Student Story
- Christmas Tree Roll & Cover Math Game
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess
Grinch has lived in a cave on the side of a mountain, looming above the Whos in Whoville. The noisy holiday preparations and singing of the happy little citizens below annoy him to no end. The Grinch decides this frivolous merriment must stop. The grouchy Grinch sets out to ruin Christmas for the people of Whoville.
Looking quite out of place the Grinch slithers down chimneys with empty bags and stealing the Whos’ presents, their food, even the logs. He dumps and waits to hear the sobs of the Whos when they wake up and discover everything is gone.. But what is that sound? It’s not sobbing but singing! He is surprised when he learns the real spirit of giving and love.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: Will you be the “Grinch” or a “Who for Christmas?
- Story Retelling Worksheet
- Grinch Art Project
- Grinch Popcorn: Green popcorn, red M&M’s and marshmallows
6. The Night Before Christmas by Charles Santore
This classic poem by Clement C. Moore is beautifully illustrated with large, detailed pictures for kids to find some wonderful treasures. This is an oversized padded board book edition of the classic The Night Before Christmas.
Since the poem’s inception in 1823, The Night Before Christmas has been a yearly staple of the holiday season and has been told countless times. The artwork tells the tale of Saint Nick’s visit, that captures the same magical detail and charm as editions beforehand. Children will love this book built especially for them!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: What do you do the Night Before Christmas?
- Story Sequence Worksheet: Sequence events of the story
- Christmas Sight Word Game
- Dear Santa Letter
7. It’s Christmas David by David Shannon
Readers of all ages will vividly remember trying to peek at hidden gift packages or writing scrolls of wish lists to Santa They are all struggling to behave at formal Christmas dinner parties.
Always in the background, we know Santa Claus is watching, soon to decide if David deserves a shiny new fire truck or a lump of coal under the tree. From playing with delicate ornaments to standing in an endlessly long line for Santa, here are common Christmas activities–but with David’s naughty trimmings. A surefire hit that is destined to be an annual classic.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Down on the Christmas” Classroom Book
- Christmas Student Story
- Christmas Sight Word Match Game
- Christmas Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
The day before Christmas, snuggled on his floor, Bear sleeps soundly with a great big snore. Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas!
So, they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree and bake cakes. They hang up stockings and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents!
Literacy Extensions:
- Christmas Writing Station Words
- Christmas Letter & Sound Match Game
- Christmas Art Project
- Christmas Roll & Cover Math Game
Finally, there are so many Christmas children’s books you can choose from. From Christmas fiction to nonfiction, the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
