I have a tradition in my family that would also be a lovely classroom tradition, and that's to read Christmas books during Advent.
These are seven books that are timeless, filled with gorgeous illustrations and sweet stories.
1. Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett
Jan Brett is one of my favorite author/illustrators. Her books are always a treat, with stunningly detailed illustrations on every page. This charming story is a play on the gingerbread man, and has a cute little twist at the end.
If you're using this with your class, there are lots of language arts topics you could focus on, such as adjectives, rhyme, alliteration, and strong action verbs.
2. Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett
If you loved the "Gingerbread Baby" you'll love this follow-on story with Jan Brett's adorable style and a sweet story, with a cute ending.
There are lots of patterns in the illustrations throughout this book, so if you're using it with your class that would be a great idea to focus on.
3. The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren
This is a delightful story about the Tomten, a Christmas character from Scandinavia. If you're learning about traditions from other countries, this is a must-read. It's also fun to make a "Tomten" with a toilet roll and colored paper or felt for a cone-shaped hat.
4. The Tomten and the Fox by Astrid Lindgren
Here's another sweet story about the Tomten, this time with a mischievous fox who is also out on a cold winter night.
5. A Little House Christmas Treasury by Laura Ingalls Wilder
These classic stories are all about traditions and family. If you've read any of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books then you'll recognize these stories and her special talent for storytelling. The stories are a delightful insight into Christmas a long time ago, but the importance of kindness, making your own gifts, gratitude, and family are timeless.
6. Christmas in Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren
Can you tell that Astrid Lindgren is one of my favorite authors? This fun story with sweet illustrations tells the story of a Swedish girl's Christmas with her neighbors.
It's a great book for learning about Christmas in other countries, and your kids could make the paper hearts, popsicle stick hearts, and gingerbread just like in the book. A game of "Blind Man's Bluff" or "Blind Man's Buff" (both are common names for it) is lots of fun too.
7. Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
This is a fun story about a Christmas tree that starts off huge as ends up spreading joy to more and more people and creatures as it gets smaller and smaller.
I hope your children enjoy reading some of those books this Christmas, or enjoy having you read to them.
Do you have some favorite Christmas books that you always read at Christmas time? Let me know below.
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