Are you looking for some delightful December children’s books to use in your classroom that includes literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
The month of December is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these delightful books already, but hopefully, some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether it is the winter season, or the fun holiday of Christmas enjoy these engaging books and try 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 on how to catch Santa and what to do with him if you do.
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 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!
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. The animals of the forest convince him that he is their Christmas tree all year long.
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. The Gingerbread Man by Karen Schmidt
This wonderful retelling of an old classic with chanting and rhythmic text. The lively illustrations show a sassy, boastful Gingerbread man who jumps from the oven he is baking in. He eludes several pursuers until he meets his match in a clever fox.
Literacy Extensions:
- “The Gingerbread Man” New Ending Classroom Book
- “Gingerbread Senses Student Booklet
- Gingerbread Man Art Project
- Gingerbread Man Roll It & Read It Short Vowel Game Cards
6. Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
This book is a little twist on the classic, The Gingerbread Man. It begins in a similar way; Matti opens the oven too soon and out jumps the little Gingerbread Baby and the adventure begins. Read to find out how clever Matti traps the Gingerbread Baby when no one else can.
Literacy Extensions:
- Gingerbread Men Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram: Compare Gingerbread Man & Gingerbread Baby
- Gingerbread Real and Nonsense Word Sort
- Gingerbread Cookie Decoration Store: Students must by decorations for their cookie with money or tokens.
7. Now It Is Winter by Eileen Spinell
This delightful tale is about a mouse who yearns for spring where the sun shines and the ducks can swim. His mother reminds him all about the wonders of winter and what he can enjoy during this time of year. The author gently reminds all of us to look for happiness wherever you are.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: What We Do in Winter
- Student Booklet: Winter Senses
- Counting Snowflakes Math Game
- Venn Diagram: Winter Activities/Spring Activities
8. The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll
A sequel from his bestseller, The Biggest Pumpkin Ever, this book takes you on a mouse adventure to make the biggest snowman ever! The two main characters, Clayton and Desmond want to win the contest of making the biggest snowman but find out doing it alone is hard. In the end, they decide to work together to make the biggest snowman ever!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: How to Build a Snowman
- How to Build a Snowman Sequence Student Page
- Snowman Chain Art Project
- Snowman Build a Word Center
Grab your Free, Christmas Tree Roll & Cover Math Games Here!
Finally, there are so many delightful December children’s books you can choose from. From the themes of snowman to the holiday of Christmas 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.”
