Are you looking for some January celebrations children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This may be the list for you!
To begin with, some of these January celebrations children’s books may be classics that you have read before. Hopefully, some will be a wonderful new adventure for you and your kids to read. Whatever it may be, enjoy these engaging books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. The Night Before New Year’s by Natasha Wing
First, we start out with one of the newest books from the author’s bestselling Night Before series. It is the night before New Year’s and the whole family wants to stay up until midnight! After a night of family fun, some are getting sleepy. Will they make it until the clock strikes twelve?
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: My New Year’s Eve
- New Year’s Eve Senses Student Booklet
- New Year’s Eve Paper Plate Clock
- New Year’s Eve Party
2. Happy New Year Around the World by Sylvia Walker
Wonderfully illustrated, this book takes you around the word to nations holiday customs. From the parades in China to the countdown in New York’s Time Square find out what other countries do to celebrate the New Year!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: What do you do the Night Before Christmas?
- New Year’s Eve Traditions Student Booklet
- New Year Sight Word Game
- New Year Resolution Art Project
3. 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
4. The Mitten by Jan Brett
A Ukrainian folktale retold by Jan Brett is about a young boy who loses his mitten that is grandmother as made him in the snow. This lost mitten becomes a perfect home for so many woodland animals. The detailed illustrations in this story bring to life each of the beautiful characters.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “My Mitten is so a ______could fit in it!”
- Story Retelling: Act it Out
- Story Sequencing Cards
- Mitten Lacing Art Project
5. Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr. by Jean Marzollo
Dr. King’s life from his birth to his tragic death is retold in this sensitive book. The writing and illustration are a moving introduction to an American hero and carry his message of peace among all people. This is a wonderful book to pay tribute and celebrate Dr. King’s birthday.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: All About Martin Luther King Jr.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Student Booklet
- Retelling Story: Beginning, Middle, End
- Roll It! Read It! Short Vowel Words & Sentences
6. The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Johnny Ray Moore
A simple little board book that only uses about 200 words to tell about the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. The book begins with Dr. King’s childhood and how he tried very hard in school. It shows how segregation was part of his life and what steps he took to end it in America.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: I Have a Dream
- Writing Exercise: I Have a Dream Story
- Peace Dove Art Project
- Martin Luther King Gr. Roll & Cover Math Games
7. 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
8. If You Were a Penguin by Wendall & Florence Minor
What would you do if you were a penguin? This wonderful rhyming picture book helps young readers imagine what life as a penguin is like. Learn some interesting and fun facts about penguins!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: If I Were a Penguin
- I See Penguins Student Color and Count Booklet
- Penguin Acrostic Poem
- Paper Plate Penguin Art Project
Grab a free “If I Were a Penguin” Classroom Book Here!
Finally, there are so many January celebrations children’s books you can choose from. Choosing just a few was tough. 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.”
