Are you looking for the top December thematic units to use in your lower elementary classroom. Check this list out for some wonderful holiday adventures.
December has so many learning opportunities for children. In fact, the most difficult part is what thematic unit to pick for the month.
First, let’s begin the journey with the December thematic units 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. Christmas Thematic Unit
This is such a magical time for young children to explore all the wonders of the Christmas season. There are so many Christmas books and activities to do with children. Here are just a few!
Christmas Literature:
- How to Catch Santa: Jean Reagan
- The Night Before Christmas: Charles Santore
- Pete the Cat Saves Christmas: Eric Litwin
- Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer: Thea Feldman
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Suess
- Bear Stays Up for Christmas: Karma Wilson
Christmas Themed Centers & Activities
- How I Would Catch Santa: Classroom Book
- Christmas Senses Student Booklet
- Ornaments Art Project
- Christmas Sight Word Games
- Christmas Roll & Bump Math Games
2. Gingerbread Thematic Unit
Gingerbread has been linked to the holiday season for many years. The Gingerbread Man is one of the most famous stories told. Children love the centers and activities that involve this and other stories about gingerbread.
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
- The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School: Laura Murray
Gingerbread Themed Centers & Activities
- Gingerbread Man Student Color Booklet
- Venn Diagram: Compare Gingerbread Man & Gingerbread Baby
- Gingerbread Art Project
- Gingerbread Real and Nonsense Word Sort
- Gingerbread Cookie Decoration Store: Students must buy decorations for their cookie with money or tokens.
3. Christmas Trees Thematic Unit
A tree is such a beautiful symbol for Christmas! The evergreen tree is a sign of life and has been the inspiration for many stories and activities for young children.
Christmas Tree Literature:
- A Wish to be a Christmas Tree: Colleen Monroe
- The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever: Steven Kroll
- The Last Christmas Tree: Stephen Krensky
- The Legend of the Christmas Tree: Rick Osborne
- The Little Christmas Tree: Loek Koopmans
Christmas Tree Centers & Activities
- How to Decorate a Christmas Tree? Classroom Book
- “How Many Trees?” Student Booklet
- Christmas Tree Art Project
- Christmas Trees Make a Short Vowel Word
- Tree and Ornament Number Match Game
4. Christmas Around the World Thematic Unit
December is the best time to explore other cultures with Christmas around the world. Take your students on an adventure to discover what other kids do to celebrate this wonderful holiday.
Holidays Around the World Literature:
- Christmas Around the World: Mary D. Lankford
- December Holidays Around the World: Baby Professor
- Walk the World of Christmastime: Debbie Powell
- The Legend of the Poinsettia: Tomie dePaola
- A World of Cookies for Santa: E. Furman
Holidays Around the World Themed Centers & Activities
- My Family Holiday Tradition: Classroom Book
- Christmas Around the World Student Booklet
- Menorah or Kinara Candle Holder Art Project
- Christmas Around the Word Journey Map
- Christmas Around the World 5 In a Row Math Games
5. Winter Thematic Unit
Explore the wonders of winter with your students. Children just love this time of year, especially if you live where you see and feel snow. The books and activities about winter are plentiful.
Winter Literature:
- Snowmen at Night: Caralyn Buehner
- The Biggest Snowman Ever: Steven Kroll
- The Mitten: Jan Brett
- The Snowy Day: Ezra Keats
- Dream Snow: Eric Carle
Winter Themed Centers & Activities
- How to Build a Snowman: Classroom Book
- Winter Senses Student Booklet
- Snowman Art Project
- Winter Build a CVC Word Game
- Winter Roll & Cover Math Games
Grab your free Christmas Roll & Bump Games Here!
In summary, there are many engaging December thematic units with several books, centers and activities for young children. Whatever theme you select your students will have a wonderful time exploring the topic 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 assessments check out my blog, “Engaging Children’s Books for December With Literacy Extension Activities”.
