Are you looking for engaging children’s books for December with literacy extension activities? This may be the list for you!
Because there are so many children’s book for December to choose from, this list has been narrowed to eight great books. Above all, whatever you choose to read, enjoy these wonderful books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Suess
Another Christmas is soon to come, so the grouchy Grinch sets out to ruin Christmas for the people of Whoville. Consequently, to his surprise, he changes is ways when he learns the real spirit of giving and love.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Literacy Extensions:
- Will you be the “Grinch” or a “Who for Christmas? Classroom Book
- Retelling of Story Worksheet
- Grinch Art Project
- Grinch Popcorn: Green popcorn, red M&M’s and marshmallows
2. The Night Before Christmas by Charles Santore
Probably the most classic and well-know poem is beautifully illustrated in this book. Most noteworthy, are the large detailed pictures for kids to find some wonderful Christmas treasures.
“The Night Before Christmas” Literacy Extensions:
- What do you do the Night Before Christmas? Classroom Book
- Story Sequence Worksheet: Sequence events of the story
- Christmas Sight Word Game
- Dear Santa Letter
3. Snowmen at Christmas by Carlayn & Mark Buehner
The second story after the beautiful book, Snowmen at Night takes place at Christmastime. While watching everyone else busy with their own families, the snowmen learn how to celebrate Christmas.
“Snowmen at Christmas” Literacy Extensions:
- What does your snowman do at Christmas? Classroom Book
- Sequencing Book: How to build a snowman
- Snowman Ornaments
- Venn Diagram: Compare & Contrast Your Christmas Celebration with the Snowmen’s Celebration
4. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer by Robert L. May
Due to being bullied by the other reindeer because of his unusual red nose, Rudolph worries that Santa will never let him pull his sleigh. When bad weather hits, Rudolph finally gets his chance to shine!
“Rudolph the Read Nose Reindeer” Literacy Extensions:
- Rudolph, Rudolph What Do You See? Classroom Book
- Story Retelling: Act it Out
- Rudolph Art Project
- Rudolph Cookies: Peanut butter cookies, red M&M noses, & pretzel piece antlers
5. Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
First, the Santa train goes door to door to pick up chidren for the ride of a lifetime. Their final destination to see Santa at his workshop and the hopes of having all they have wished for come true.
“Polar Express” Literacy Extensions:
- Our Christmas Wishes Classroom Book
- Story Sequencing Worksheet
- Writing Exercise: My favorite part of the Polar Express
- Hot Chocolate and Cookies Party: Watch the movie!
6. A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe
Another beautiful tree is taken from the forest to be a Christmas tree, but why can’t the big overgrown tree be chosen. Rather than be taken by a family, the animals of the forest convince the tree that he is their Christmas tree all year long. Therefore, the forest tree becomes the biggest and most beautiful tree in the forest.
“A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree” Literacy Extensions:
- How to Decorate a Christmas Tree? Classroom Book
- Story Parts Worksheet
- Christmas Tree Art Project
- Tree and Ornament Number Match Game
7. How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan
Finally, after waiting for days Christmas Eve is here and it is time to catch Santa. So, what do you do with Santa if you catch him? The two siblings in the story give you tips and tricks of how to catch Santa and what to do with him if you do.
“How to Catch Santa” Literacy Extensions:
- If I caught Santa I would…… Classroom Book
- Story Retelling Worksheet
- Santa Art Project
- How to Catch Santa Writing Activity: Use first, next, then & last
8. Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
Jan Brett’s gingerbread tale is a twist on the story, The Gingerbread Man. It begins similarily; Matti opens the oven too soon , as a result, the little Gingerbread Baby jumps out and the adventure begins. Finally, Matti comes up with a plan to trap the Gingerbread Baby when no one else can.
“Gingerbread Baby” 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.
Grab a free Gingerbread Man Color Words Booklet Here!
Due to the fact that there are so many engaging children’s books for December with literacy extensions available, it just might be hard to pick. Rather than choosing just one, maybe you should consider a few books that will fit the needs of your students and support your learning activities. Seems like there is an endless supply of children’s books for December that could be enjoyed by all. 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.”
