Learning Together Joyfully: December: Cold Days Ahead

Welcome back parents, grandparents and educators. Christmas brings the holiday season whether your family is celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah. It is a time to enjoy family and friends. It is often a time to enjoy dinners together. There are several activities included to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and winter solstice. Enjoy the many activities as you play, learn and grow together through December.

Quick Links

Use these links to quickly navigate to specific sections within this blog!

1. Read and Sing Together
2. Create Together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing
3. Explore, Engage & Interact Together
4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition
5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day About Learning

1.  Read and Sing Together 📚 

Reading to children is important for children as it builds: self-esteem; improves vocabulary; feeds imagination; improves cognitive skills; and helps along the process of cognitive development.

pinterest.com

CRITICAL THINKING BOOKS FOR KIDS: Empower young minds with engaging critical thinking books for children! Elevate learning for kids & students—from kindergarten to high school. Parents must see it! How to develop your children’s logic and critical thinking must be cultivated, and improve children’s critical thinking from an early age!  Critical thinking is an important skill for children to face competition in the future, and it is also the focus of American elementary school teaching! How do you learn critical thinking through intensive reading of picture books? The best critical thinking books can: stimulate children’s interest and greatly expand  knowledge and skills; develop critical Thinking Skills – Focus on the Family Teaching children to think critically, whether in books or about what people say, is. It is the first step in teaching kids the critical thinking process; they can improve reading skills; they can also improve critical thinking – Critical thinking is an important skill for children to develop as they grow. Good critical thinking skills can be attained in a variety of ways.  Employers regularly cite problem-solving and critical thinking skills as ideal qualities they seek in employees. Employers view critical thinking specifically as “very important” or “somewhat important.” Thus, preparing kids to think critically is preparing them for the workforce — and beyond. Undoubtedly, our society needs more critical thinkers. We have lots of problems, both old and new, that will require innovative solutions. 

Educatorstechnology.com

CRITICAL THINKING BOOKS FOR KIDS: Consider loaning the following books from your school or public library. You may also wish to purchase them.

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. With a simple, witty story and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark — and follow where it takes us. Her teacher smiled. “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can’t draw – she’s no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. “There!” she says. That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti’s journey of surprise and self-discovery. That special moment is the core of Peter H. Reynolds’s delicate fable about the creative spirit in all of us.

• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. When the fiercest dragon in the whole world smashes Princess Elizabeth’s castle, burns all her clothes, and captures her fiancé, Prince Ronald, Elizabeth takes matters into her own hands. With her wits alone and nothing but a paper bag to wear, the princess challenges the dragon to show his strength in the hopes of saving the prince. But is it worth all that trouble? Readers the world-over have fallen in love with this classic story of girl power. Now a newly designed Classic Munsch edition will introduce the tale to a new generation of young feminists.

• Charlotte’s Web: A Newbery Honor Award Winner by E.B. White. Chapter 1.  Chapter 7, Chapter 12, Chapter 13 . Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte’s Web, high up in Zuckerman’s barn. Charlotte’s spider web tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur’s life when he was born the runt of his litter. This book is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. It contains illustrations by Garth Williams, the acclaimed illustrator of E. B. White’s Stuart Little and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, among many other books. Whether enjoyed in the classroom or for homeschooling or independent reading, Charlotte’s Web is a proven favorite and a wonderful read aloud.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl. Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she’s just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a kid-hating terror of a headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It’ll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!

• Think Like a Detective: A Kid’s Guide to Critical Thinking  by David Pakman. Do you want to learn to think like a detective? This book is a fun and engaging children’s book designed to encourage young minds to think critically and solve problems creatively. It  introduces children to the basics of critical thinking, such as analyzing information, reasoning, and evaluating evidence. With colorful illustrations and relatable examples, this book presents critical thinking concepts in a way that is easy for children to understand and apply. Skills learned: Learn how to use critical thinking skills to analyze clues, evidence, and suspects; Develop your logical reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving abilities; Enjoy fun and challenging cases that will test your detective skills; Discover real-life examples of how detectives and others use critical thinking in their work.

 

• Critical Thinking Activity Book For Kids Ages 6 to 8: Fun and Challenging Games to Enhance Your Child’s Problem Solving & Critical Thinking Abilities … Will Boost Brain Power (Kids Ages 6, 7, 8))by Jennifer L. Trace. Help your child think smarter and solve problems faster with our Critical Thinking Activity Book. It’s packed full of exciting activities that are both fun and educational. As your child works through the book, they’ll practice key skills like understanding new ideas, making good decisions, and sharing their thoughts clearly. Inside this  activity book, children will find: Fun tasks created by expert writers; Big, easy-to-see activities with interesting themes; Puzzles that improve decision-making and thinking skills; Activities that build confidence and encourage focused work; Plenty of enjoyment for the whole family! There is a certificate at the back of the book to celebrate your children’s achievements! But the benefits of these activities don’t stop at better thinking skills. This book also: Helps reduce anxiety by giving your child a fun, productive way to relax; Increases confidence as they conquer each new challenge; Fosters a love of learning that will help them in school and beyond.

• The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka. In this hysterical and clever fracture fairy tale picture book that twists point of view and perspective, young readers will finally hear the other side of the story of “The Three Little Pigs.” In this humorous story, Alexander T. Wolf tells his own outlandish version of what really happens during his encounter with the three pigs…. Smith’s simplistic and wacky illustrations add to the effectiveness of this fractured fairy tale.

• Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins. Rosie the hen leaves the chicken coop and sets out for a little walk. Right behind her is the fox, slyly trying to catch up with her. Rosie’s walk is quiet, uneventful and eventually leads her back to the coop, blissfully unaware of the fox’s travails as he tries — unsuccessfully — to navigate the obstacle course that Rosie has led him through.

• Where is the Green Sheep? byMem Fox and Judy Horacek. Here is the blue sheep, and here is the red sheep; Here is the bath sheep, and here is the bed sheep; But where is the green sheep? Mem Fox and Judy Horacek take you on a wildly wonderful adventure in their rollicking search for the green sheep.

• The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle. From Eric Carle, New York Times bestselling author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and From Head to Toe, comes the classic story of one very grouchy ladybug. Eric Carle’s bright artwork and signature style will charm both ardent fans and new readers alike. As children follow the Grouchy Ladybug on her journey, they will learn the important concepts of time, size, and shape, as well as the benefits of friendship and good manners.For generations, this book has delighted readers of all ages with the story of a bad-tempered bug who won’t say “please” or “thank you,” won’t share, and thinks she is bigger and better than anyone else. Readers will love how this testy ladybug introduces them to many new animals and learns that maybe being grouchy isn’t always the best option.

• White is for Blueberry by George Shannon. Is a blueberry blue? Is a crow black? Is fire yellow? Is snow white? If you think you know, then think – and look again!

• The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson. This book illuminates the power in each of us to face challenges with confidence. On a dreary, stuck-inside kind of day, a brother and sister heed their grandmother’s advice: “Use those beautiful and brilliant minds of yours. Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and believe in a thing. Somebody somewhere at some point was just as bored as you are now.” And before they know it, their imaginations lift them up and out of their boredom. Then, on a day full of quarrels, it’s time for a trip outside their minds again, and they are able to leave their anger behind. This precious skill, their grandmother tells them, harkens back to the days long before they were born, when their ancestors showed the world the strength and resilience of their beautiful and brilliant minds. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez’s dazzling art celebrate the extraordinary ability to lift ourselves up and imagine a better world.

• What Do You Do With an Idea? By Kobi Yamada. A New York Times Best Seller and award-winning book, This book is for anyone who’s ever had a big idea. This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child’s confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. It’s a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s just getting started.

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful idea. “She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right. For the early grades’ exploration of character education, this funny book offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity. The girl’s frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it’s okay to make mistakes. The clever use of verbs in groups of threes is both fun and functional, offering opportunities for wonderful vocabulary enrichment. The girl doesn’t just “make” her magnificent thing — she “tinkers and hammers and measures,” she “smoothes and wrenches and fiddles,” she “twists and tweaks and fastens.” These precise action words are likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters eager to create their own inventions and is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…” Discover the inspiring story of the Little Blue Engine as she makes her way over the mountain in this beloved classic—the perfect gift to celebrate the special milestones in your life, from graduations to birthdays and more! The kindness and determination of the Little Blue Engine have inspired millions of children around the world since the story was first published in 1930. Cherished by readers for over ninety years, this book is a classic tale of the little engine that, despite her size, triumphantly pulls a train full of wonderful things to the children waiting on the other side of a mountain.

• 81 Fresh & fun/Critical Thinking by Laurie Rozakis. Help children of all learning styles and strengths improve their critical thinking skills with these creative, cross-curricular activities. Each engaging activity focuses on skills such as recognizing and recalling, evaluating, and analyzing.

• The Fallacy Detective: Thirty-Eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning by Nathaniel and Hans Bluedorn. “Can learning logic be fun? With The Fallacy Detective it appears that it can be. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants to improve his reasoning skills. Cartoon and comic illustrations, humorous examples, and a very reader-friendly writing style make this the sort of course students will enjoy. I really like The Fallacy Detective because it has funny cartoons, silly stories, and teaches you a lot! What is a fallacy? A fallacy is an error in logic a place where someone has made a mistake in his thinking. This is a handy book for learning to spot common errors in reasoning. For older children; Fun to use — learn skills you can use right away; Peanuts, Dilbert, and Calvin and Hobbes cartoons. Includes The Fallacy Detective Game. Exercises with answer key.

• Mastering Logical Fallacies: The Definitive Guide to Flawless Rhetoric and Bulletproof Logic by Michael Withey. Your argument is valid and you know it; yet once again you find yourself leaving a debate feeling defeated and embarrassed. The matter is only made worse when you realize that your defeat came at the hands of someone’s abuse of logic—and that with the right skills you could have won the argument. The ability to recognize logical fallacies when they occur is an essential life skill. Mastering Logical Fallacies is the clearest, boldest, and most systematic guide to dominating the rules and tactics of successful arguments. This book offers methodical breakdowns of the logical fallacies behind exceedingly common, yet detrimental, argumentative mistakes, and explores them through real life examples of logic-gone-wrong. Designed for those who are ready to gain the upper hand over their opponents, this master class teaches the necessary skills to identify your opponents’ misuse of logic and construct effective arguments that win. With the empowering strategies offered in Mastering Logical Fallacies you’ll be able to reveal the slight-of-hand flaws in your challengers’ rhetoric, and seize control of the argument with bulletproof logic.

• Logic Puzzles for Kids Ages 4-8: A Fun Educational Workbook To Practice Critical Thinking, Recognize Patterns, Sequences, Comparisons, and More! Paperback – Aug. 2 2020 by Activity Wizo. A Fun Activity Book for Kids to Teach Your Children Critical and Logical Thinking While Having Fun! Do you want to teach your kids critical thinking using exciting logic puzzles and games? Kids learn best through games. They need to go through an experience to adopt knowledge. Simply telling them how to think won’t work. You need to let them find out themselves through fun examples. This is where games and puzzles come in. Activity books of all kinds are great for children’s development. They are proven to boost self-confidence and attention span. Kids learn to focus and they acquire discipline. All these skills come in handy later in life, especially in school. This activity book is focused on developing critical and logical thinking for kids. There are a bunch of carefully designed games and puzzles with interesting drawings. Your kids will be entertained for hours, all while learning how to think and solve problems! Here’s what you get in this book: Kid-Friendly Fun: All games and puzzles are designed with the developmental needs of ages 4-8 in mind; 5 Exciting Chapters: Puzzles are organized by theme, from jungle fever, spacewalking, and pirate ships to city adventures and Jurassic park; 80+ pages: Full of original drawings and different games including mazes, counting, patter-spotting, and finding missing pieces; Answer Keys: All games come with hints and answers to help your kids out if they get stuck on a puzzle. There’s a lot of activity books out there, but with this one, your child will get hours upon hours of educational fun! Plus, there are so many different interesting games that they will never get bored with this book!

• Dragon Tales: Dinosaurs and Dragons: It Takes Two by Jean Marzollo. Max just loves dinosaurs! One day while in Dragon Land, he happens upon an egg that’s about to hatch. When it hatches and a baby dragon appears, Max wonders if maybe it just might be a baby dinosaur. Ord helps him figure out that it’s a baby dragon, of course, by observing its dragon behavior.

• Ish by Peter H. Reynolds. A creative spirit learns that thinking “ish-ly” is far more wonderful than “getting it right” in this gentle new fable from the creator of the award-winning picture book. Ramon loved to draw. Anytime. Anything. Anywhere. Drawing is what Ramon does. It’s what makes him happy. But in one split second, all that changes. A single reckless remark by Ramon’s older brother, Leon, turns Ramon’s carefree sketches into joyless struggles. Luckily for Ramon, though, his little sister, Marisol, sees the world differently. She opens his eyes to something a lot more valuable than getting things just “right.” Combining the spareness of fable with the potency of parable, this book shines a bright beam of light on the need to kindle and tend our creative flames with care.

• We are water protectors by Carol Linstrom. From author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Michaela Goade comes a New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Medal winning picture book that honors Indigenous-led movements across the world. Powerfully written and gorgeously illustrated, We Are Water Protectors, issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption―inviting young readers everywhere to join the fight. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all.
  When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth And poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.This book tells the story of real-life water protectors, Autumn Peltier and her great-aunt Josephine Mandamin, two Indigenous Rights Activists who have inspired a tidal wave of change.

• Frederick by Leo Lionni. Leo Lionni’s Caldecott Honor–winning story about a little mouse who gathers something unusual for the long winter is celebrating its fiftieth birthday! Winter is coming, and all the mice are gathering food . . . except for Frederick. But when the days grow short and the snow begins to fall, it’s Frederick’s stories that warm the hearts and spirits of his fellow field mice. Winner of a 1967 Caldecott Honor, this book has been cherished by generations of readers. A mouse who is a poet from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail demonstrates that a seemingly purposeless life is indeed far from that—and that we need not live by bread alone!” 

• A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka. Winner of the 2012 Randolph Caldecott Medal. This book relates a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy’s anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka’s signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.

• Cranky Pants by Laura Numeroff. This book is a delightful children’s book. This book shows the author’s imaginative and engaging storylines that have captured the hearts of young readers around the world. Her books are packed with adventure, humor, and relatable characters that children can identify with.This book weaves a charming tale that resonates with children. 

• Where’s Spot by Eric Hill. This first Spot book now has a brand-new cover in a fresh, vibrant color that makes it jump off the shelf.

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do You See: by Bill Martin Jr. Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? beginning readers: These beloved children’s stories are now available in beginning reader format. With the important pre-reading concepts of rhyme, rhythm, and repetition, these picture books have long been used as beginning readers. Now, with a 6″ x 9″ trim and a classic beginning reader layout, children will have a more “grown up” version to read by themselves. Complete with an introduction by master educator Laura Robb, and with fun reading activities added, these new versions of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? are certain to appeal to a new age group and find an even wider audience.

• Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young. “It’s a pillar,” says one. “It’s a fan,” says another. One by one, the seven blind mice investigate the strange Something by the pond. And one by one, they come back with a different theory. It’s only when the seventh mouse goes out-and explores the whole Something-that the mice see the whole truth. Based on a classic Indian tale, Ed Young’s beautifully rendered version is a treasure to enjoy again and again.

• What Should Danny Do on Vacation? By Adir and Ganit Levy. Danny is finally going on vacation! In this follow up to the #1 Amazon Best Sellers What Should Danny Do? and What Should Danny Do? School Day, Danny learns even more about his Power to Choose while on Vacation! Filled with pertinent lessons dealing with personal responsibility, empathy, kindness, sharing, and so much more! Your child will have a blast trying to reach all 9 endings in Danny’s longest book yet!

• The Mystery of the Missing Muffins by Disney. Meeska, Mooska, Mickey Mouse. Welcome to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto in two ready-to-read tales that teach valuable lessons about letters, numbers, shapes, decision-making, and friendshipMickey has baked a tray of his world famous muffins and has left them in his windowsill to cool. When he returns later the muffins are gone Detective Donald and the Clubhouse crew take on the case, and follow a series of clues to determine who or what is the mysterious muffin snatcher. The premiere of “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” delivered the highest ratings ever for a Playhouse Disney series premiere among Kids 2-5, Girls 2-5, Households, and Total Viewers. It also premiered at #1 among all basic cable networks in its time period for Kids 2-5. “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse “shows no signs of slowing down as it settles into its first season.

• The Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch it, Shape it, by JoAnn Deakin. Learn how much your brain can grow! The perfect introduction to growth mindset, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It is a growth mindset book for kids; a teacher must-have for classrooms; the best resource for anyone to teach growth mindset. Did you know you can stretch and grow your own brain? Or that making mistakes is one of the best ways your brain learns? Awarded as one of the best growth mindset books for kids, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It teaches all the ways that the brain can develop with exercise, just like the rest of our bodies. Educator and psychologist Dr. JoAnn Deak offers a fun and engaging introduction to the anatomy and functions of the brain that will empower each young reader to S-T-R-E-T-C-H and grow their fantastic, elastic brain!

• Duck on a Bike by David Shannon. Caldecott Honor winner David Shannon applies his wonderful off-beat humor to the story of a duck who decides to try riding a bike — and loves it! Another young, funny book perfect for reading aloud. One day down on the farm, Duck got a wild idea. “I bet I could ride a bike,” he thought. He waddled over to where the boy parked his bike, climbed on, and began to ride. At first he rode slowly and he wobbled a lot, but it was fun! Duck rode past Cow and waved to her. “Hello, Cow!” said Duck. “Moo,” said Cow. But what she thought was, “A duck on a bike? That’s the silliest thing I’ve ever seen!” And so Duck rides past Sheep, Horse, and all the other barnyard animals. Suddenly, a group of kids ride by on their bikes and run into the farmhouse, leaving the bikes outside. Now ALL the animals can ride bikes, just like Duck!

• Sidekicks by Dan Santat. Suit up for this high-octane graphic novel debut by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat! Captain Amazing, the hometown hero of Metro City, is so busy catching criminals that he rarely has time for his pets — he hasn’t even noticed they’ve been developing superpowers of their own! So when Captain Amazing announces he needs a sidekick, his eager pets — a dog, a hamster, and a chameleon — all decide to audition for the part and a chance for one-on-one time with the Captain. But while each pet is focused on winning the coveted sidekick spot, an even bigger battle in Metro City is about to unleash. Dr. Havoc, Captain Amazing’s long-time nemesis, is hatching up a new scheme, and the Captain’s found himself in serious trouble. Can the warring pets put their squabbles aside to save the day? Will the return of a forgotten friend help them in their time of need? Or will this be the end for Captain Amazing? Get ready for sibling rivalry royale as pets with superpowers duke it out for the one thing they all want most: a super family.

• Shadow by Suzy Lee. A dark attic. A light bulb. An imaginative little girl.Internationally acclaimed artist Suzy Lee uses these simple elements to create a visual tour de force that perfectly captures the joy of creative play and celebrates the power of imagination. Stunning in their simplicity, Lee’s illustrations, in just two shades of color, present an adventure that begins and ends with the click of a light bulb.

• Going Places by Paul and Peter Reynolds. A go-cart contest inspires imagination to take flight in this picture book for creators of all ages, with art from New York Times bestselling illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. It’s time for this year’s Going Places contest! Finally! Time to build a go-cart, race it—and win. Each kid grabs an identical kit, and scrambles to build. Everyone but Maya. She sure doesn’t seem to be in a hurry…and that sure doesn’t look like anybody else’s go-cart! But who said it had to be a go-cart? And who said there’s only one way to cross the finish line? This sublime celebration of creative spirit and thinking outside the box—both figuratively and literally—is ideal for early learners, recent grads, and everyone in between.

• Mistakes Are How I Learn by Klara Wilson. This book is a new series called about Mistakes Are How I Learn. It is a rhyming story that involves SEL, social emotional learning.This story will help your child know that he/she is not alone when facing defeat. Tamara shares what she does when confronted with challenges. Developed to engage children, Wilson’s stories will empower children with the affirmations to overcome obstacles. With Tamara in examples children can identify with, your child will learn to develop resilience. Amazing Affirmations is the best new series.Mistakes are how I learn. I will get there soon. I’ll keep dreaming big. Even if it’s flying to the moon….”Mistakes Are How I Learn” This book is written for children of all ages.

• Duck! Rabbit! By Amy Krouse Rosenthal. From the award-winning team of author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld comes a clever take on the age-old optical illusion: is it a duck or a rabbit? Depends on how you look at it! Readers will find more than just Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s signature humor here; there’s also a subtle lesson for kids who don’t know when to let go of an argument. Children will love the fun story based on the classic duck/rabbit visual puzzle, while parents will appreciate the book’s lessons about differing points of view and right versus wrong. Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s award-winning children’s books “radiate fun the way tulips radiate spring: they are elegant and spirit-lifting,” This bestselling book has earned multiple starred reviews. Highlights include: “The snappy dialogue makes for fine read-aloud. Duck? Rabbit? As kids will readily see, it depends on how you look at it.

• What to do with a box by Jane Yolen. If you give a child a box, who can tell what will happen next? It may become a library or a boat. It could set the scene for a fairy tale or a wild expedition. The most wonderful thing is its seemingly endless capacity for magical adventure, a feature imaginatively captured in “cardboardesque” art and rhythmically celebrated in this poetic tribute. This board book edition of the popular 2016 picture book of the same name takes the literal shape of a box to bring an imaginative concept to life.

• They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel. Brendan Wenzel – 2017 Caldecott Medal. An ingenious idea, gorgeously realized. Both simple and ingenious in concept, Wenzel’s book feels like a game changer. The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?

• Solutions for Cold Feet and Other Little Problems by Carey Sookocheff. What do you do when you’re missing a shoe? When you’re caught in the rain? Or when your ice cream melts? This book is a sweet and gently humorous look at practical and creative answers for all the little daily problems in one young girl’s life, including her exuberant and pesky dog. Will her dog, who starts out as a problem, end up as a solution?

• Bad Dog by Mike Boldt. The differences between cats and dogs have never been funnier! In this hilarious story a little girl really, really wants a dog . . . but gets a cat instead! “Look what I got for my birthday! A pet dog!” says a little girl holding a . . . cat? Rocky doesn’t listen or obey like all the other dogs. (Because Rocky is a cat.) And Rocky hates her leash and doesn’t seem to like other dogs. (Probably because Rocky is a cat.) And rather than play fetch, Rocky prefers to . . . lick between her toes? Ew. Rocky is a bad “dog”! BUT Rocky doesn’t bark, and is so cute when she sleeps in sunny spots. Maybe Rocky IS a good dog? (Or, you know, maybe Rocky is a cat.) Cat lovers and dog lovers alike will howl with laughter at this little girl’s willful insistence that her cat is a dog. The hilarious ways in which cats and dogs are different are brilliantly illuminated with each turn of the page and will leave young readers and their grown-ups giggling.

• Duck! Rabbit! By Amy Krouse Rosenthal. From the award-winning team of author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld comes a clever take on the age-old optical illusion: is it a duck or a rabbit? Depends on how you look at it! Readers will find more than just Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s signature humor here; there’s also a subtle lesson for kids who don’t know when to let go of an argument. Children will love the fun story based on the classic duck/rabbit visual puzzle, while parents will appreciate the book’s lessons about differing points of view and right versus wrong. Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s award-winning children’s books “radiate fun the way tulips radiate spring: they are elegant and spirit-lifting,” This bestselling book has earned multiple starred reviews. Highlights include: “The snappy dialogue makes for fine read-aloud. Duck? Rabbit? As kids will readily see, it depends on how you look at it.

• What to do with a box by Jane Yolen. If you give a child a box, who can tell what will happen next? It may become a library or a boat. It could set the scene for a fairy tale or a wild expedition. The most wonderful thing is its seemingly endless capacity for magical adventure, a feature imaginatively captured in “cardboardesque” art and rhythmically celebrated in this poetic tribute. This board book edition of the popular 2016 picture book of the same name takes the literal shape of a box to bring an imaginative concept to life.

• They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel. Brendan Wenzel – 2017 Caldecott Medal. An ingenious idea, gorgeously realized. Both simple and ingenious in concept, Wenzel’s book feels like a game changer. The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?

WINTER SOLSTICE BOOKS: It is the day when half of Earth is tilted the farthest away from the sun, resulting in the least amount of daylight and the start of astronomical winter: It usually happens on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. in the Southern Hemisphere; It is an astronomical event that occurs when the sun is perpendicular to the Tropic of Cancer or the Tropic of Capricorn;  It is celebrated by many cultures around the world with fire and light symbols, feasts, and holidays.

• The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer.The science, history, and cultural significance of the shortest day of the year: The Winter Solstice! The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. “Using clear, concise language, Pfeffer discusses important ideas behind the shortest day of the year, such as the change from autumn to winter as well as the concept of the Earth tilting away from the sun…. While appealing to a younger audience, Pfeffer uses an easy, comfortable tone for conveying the basic information, and the end pages will provide additional opportunities for would-be astronomers to explore the principles on their own.”

• The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson. The winter solstice―the shortest day of the year―marks the beginning of the coldest, darkest season. Discover the scientific reasons for this phenomenon and learn how cultures past and present have celebrated it.

• The Solstice Badger by Robin McFadden.  The Solstice Badger tells the tale of the days when the Sun shone all day long, every day. In the beginning, The Sun roamed the earth happy and filled with joy, but eventually he became terribly lonely and sad, and his light began to dim. Aware of his plight, many of the earth’s creatures tried to befriend the Sun, only to find his intense heat burned, and prevented them from getting too close. To the Sun’s great joy, one day there came a creature that found a way to get close to the sun, and soon the two became great friends. Staying longer and longer each day with his friend, the Sun’s absence from the sky eventually caused the skies to darken and snow to fall. All living things suffered. Would the Sun realize his impact on the world’s suffering before it was too late? Would he have to leave his only friend and new found happiness forever in order to save the world? Robin’s engrossing tale and ethereal illustrations bring the Sun’s story to a satisfying conclusion as he learns that compromise, compassion, friendship, and wisdom will save the day.

• The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper. In this seasonal treasure, Newbery Medalist Susan Cooper’s beloved poem heralds the winter solstice, illuminated by Caldecott Honoree Carson Ellis’s strikingly resonant illustrations. So the shortest day came, and the year died. As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper’s poem “The Shortest Day” captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before — and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!

• Winter: A Solstice Story by Kelsey E. Gross. From this book comes a gentle and lulling picture book celebrating the magic of the Winter Solstice with a group of animal friends in a quiet forest. Tonight is the longest night of the year—solstice is here! Deep in the forest, the dark, cold, and quiet of winter is all around. Owl, Mouse, and Deer all watch the light fades and dark surrounds them, but they have a gift of hope to share with their neighbors. The moon and stars shine down on a lone tree in the forest, and the animals gather around to bask in its light. Winter Solstice arrives as the winter sky brings magic for all to share.

WINTER BOOKS: Winter is here, and it’s time to trade in the flannels for cozy sweaters, apple cider for steaming mugs of cocoa, and pumpkin spice for all things gingerbread and nutmeg! Here in So-Cal, the chilly, wintery nights have finally kicked in~ cold enough where we have to crank on the heater, and nighttime tea (with a side of popcorn) is a necessity for warming up before bed! It may not snow here, but it’s still chilly enough to warrant cuddling under 3 layers of blankets, lighting all of the cinnamon and sugar cookie scented candles, stringing up the twinkle lights, and spending all evening curled up with a good book and cup of hot chocolate. To welcome this frosty new season, Enjoy some wintery bookish fun!

Winter is here, and it’s time to trade in the flannels for cozy sweaters, apple cider for steaming mugs of cocoa, and pumpkin spice for all things gingerbread and nutmeg! Here in So-Cal, the chilly, wintery nights have finally kicked in~ cold enough where we have to crank on the heater, and nighttime tea (with a side of popcorn) is a necessity for warming up before bed! It may not snow here, but it’s still chilly enough to warrant cuddling under 3 layers of blankets, lighting all of the cinnamon and sugar cookie scented candles, stringing up the twinkle lights, and spending all evening curled up with a good book and cup of hot chocolate.

To welcome this frosty new season, I’m sharing this collection of Children’s Book Recs, Crafts, and Interactive Read-alouds to bring some winter fun your way! Enjoy some wintery bookish fun with your little learners this season. Consider loaning the following books from your school or public library. You may also wish to purchase them.

• Jan Brett’s Winter Collection Box Set by Jan Brett. This collection of Jan Brett’s most beloved wintry stories makes the perfect gift for the and beyond. Jan Brett’s bestselling wintry picture books The Snowy Nap, The Hat, Cozy, and The Three Snow Bears make up this collection that will warm young hearts throughout the winter. From Hedgie’s adventures trying to stay awake to see the wonders of winter and entertaining all of his animal friends with a stocking on his head, to Cozy the musk ox keeping a sometimes boisterous group of animals warm during the Alaskan winter, and three of the furriest bears with the coziest house you’ve ever seen, Jan Brett’s favorite characters are sure to entertain during any weather.

• Flubby Does Not Like Snow by J. E. Morris. Flubby, the cute but aloof cat, will not play outside in the snow! It’s snowing, and Kami wants to take Flubby outside to play. But Flubby doesn’t like the snow—it’s too cold! Can Kami find a way to convince the cat to enjoy the winter wonderland? The charming illustrations, simple text, and comic-like panels by J. E. Morris, author-illustrator of the Maud the Koala books, make this a unique format with a narrative style perfect for story time and progressing readers.

• Maisy’s Snowy Day by Lucy Cousins. A snow day today—and Maisy and friends are going outside! A First Experiences story celebrates the everyday pleasures of the season.One day Maisy wakes up to a wonderful surprise: it’s snowing! After putting on her coat, scarf, and gloves, she heads outside, where everything looks beautiful covered in snow, even if it’s cold. Brrr! In the park, Eddie and Cyril are catching snowflakes on their tongues, while Charley and Tallulah throw snowballs. Maisy joins in the fun, and soon she and her friends are building a snowman and sledding down a hill. Yippee! When it gets too cold, the whole crew returns inside for hot cocoa and a snuggle. Warm and delightful, this First Experiences book captures the joys of a snowy day spent with friends.

• First Snow by Bomi Park. Look out. Now look up. From the sky one flake falls, then another. And just like that—it’s snowing. In this beautiful book from debut creator Bomi Park, a young girl wakes up to the year’s first snowy day. From her initial glimpse out the window to her poignant adventures—rolling a snowman, making snow angels—the girl’s quiet quests are ones all young readers will recognize. Simple, muted text and exquisite, evocative art conjure the excitement of a day spent exploring the wonder of snow—and the magic that, sometimes literally, such a day brings. As subtly joyful as a snow day itself, this book will find its home in the hearts of young adventurers everywhere. 

• The Story of the Snow Children by Sibylle von Olfers. Mini edition of the classic winter tale with art nouveau illustrations. Perfect for fans of Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies.Poppy is watching the snowfall outside her window when she realizes the snowflakes are really snow children, dancing and swirling in the air. They ask Poppy to join them and whisk her away to the Snow Queen’s wintery kingdom. In the sparkling ice palace, she enjoys a feast served by snowmen and dances merrily with the snow princess. And when she is tired and homesick, the Snow Queen sends Poppy safely home to her mother on a silver sleigh pulled by snow bears. This book offers vintage stories of nature children have been loved by generations. The whimsical tales are accompanied by beautiful art nouveau illustrations of characterful creatures, cheerful plants and flowers and magical little folk. This wonderful mini gift edition of The Story of the Snow Children faithfully reproduces classic illustrations.

• The Littlest Yak by Lu Fraser. The perfect book to snuggle up with at home!  This book is a joyous, rhyming caper that teaches little ones to celebrate their own unique talents! On the tip of the top of a mountain all snowy, where the ice-swirling, toe-curling blizzards were blowy, in a herd full of huddling yaks, big and small, lived Gertie . . . the littlest yak of them all.Gertie is the littlest yak in her whole herd, and she’s feeling stuck in her smallness – she wants to grow UP and have bigness and tallness!But when it turns out that there are some things that only Gertie can do, might she come to see that she’s perfect, just the way she is? A rollicking, heartwarming and reassuring story.

• Earmuffs for Everyone! How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs by Meghan McCarthy. Award-winning nonfiction picture book creator Meghan McCarthy tells the story of how Chester Greenwood went from having cold ears to becoming a great inventor in this nonfiction picture book. Earmuffs keep people warm and cozy on cold days, but who invented the wintertime accessory? In Meghan McCarthy’s trademark easy-to-follow narrative voice, this fact-filled picture book tells the story of Chester Greenwood, a Maine resident who in 1873, at the age of fifteen, decided he was tired of having cold ears while ice skating. He designed the first pair of ear protectors (a.k.a. earmuffs) out of wire, beaver fur, and cloth. By the time he was nineteen, he patented the design, and within a decade the Chester Greenwood & Company factory was producing and shipping “Champion Ear Protectors” worldwide! This successful businessman and prolific inventor accumulated over 100 patents during his lifetime.

• Wibble Wobble BOOM! By Mary Ann Rodman. Today’s my first ice skating class. I’ll fly through the air, land on one foot, and spin so fast you can’t see me! Claire can’t wait to get out on the ice and skate, skate, skate! She’s going to jump, leap, and twirl! Just you wait—pretty soon she’ll be on TV and dazzling audiences everywhere. But when Claire and her mom arrive at the Ice Center for Claire’s very first skate lesson, it’s not everything Claire was dreaming it would be. Beginners wear ugly brown skates, and who wants to practice marching in place when you can get right to it? But not so fast, Claire! One overeager foot on the ice, and…Wibble, Wobble, BOOM! In this humorous tale of expectation meets reality, Claire discovers beautiful performances require lots of skill, and it’s going to take many small failures and perseverance if she wants to skate like a pro.

• Winter’s Gifts (An Indigenous Celebration of Nature) by Kaitlin B. Curtice. A vibrantly illustrated children’s book about an Indigenous girl who finds awe in the resting and waiting that winter teaches us and shares with her friends how Creator’s gift of gratitude can transform the way we see the world.Your thankfulness is your gift to Earth.This book is the tale of a young Potawatomi girl named Dani whose family celebrates the darkest season of the year by treasuring the slowness that winter brings. Dani’s schoolmates think it’s silly to think that Earth gives us presents, but on a magical snowy day, her family and Creator give Dani the courage to teach her friends about the gifts of winter—resting, remembrance, and gratitude. Can Dani help them receive winter’s gifts? It is a book that is a joyful and tender family story of honoring creation, the power of storytelling, and how a new perspective can transform us.

• Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner. Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you’ve wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all! Caralyn Buehner’s witty, imaginative verse offers many amusing details about the secret life of snowmen and where they go at night, while Mark Buehner’s roly-poly snowmen are bursting with personality and charm. From the highly successful team that created such winning titles as Fanny’s Dream, Snowmen at Night is fabulous, frosty, and fun!

• Out Cold by Ryan T. Higgins. It’s wintertime in Soggy Hollow and the mice are doing all their favorite outdoor things, like ski jumping, building a snow family, and ice skating. But not Bruce. He’s inside with a cold. So the mice decide to bring the winter fun indoors! Lucky Bruce! 

• A Thousand White Butterflies by Jessica Betancourt-Perez and Karen Lynn Williams. As if being new to the United States wasn’t hard enough, Isabella’s first day of school is canceled due to snow! Isabella has recently arrived from Colombia with her mother and abuela. She misses Papa, who is still in South America. It’s her first day of school, her make-new-friends day, but when classes are canceled because of too much snow, Isabella misses warm, green Colombia more than ever. Then Isabella meets Katie and finds out that making friends in the cold is easier than she thought!

• Snowball Moon by Fran Cannon Slayton. This beautiful, rhyming picture book is the perfect winter read-aloud on cold, snowy nights!Snowball moon,bright as noon Mittens, boots, warm snowsuits. Grab the sled in the shed. Race outside for a ride. On a quiet snowy night, the lights go out, and the bright snowball moon outside illuminates everything. Two children meet up with some of their neighborhood friends to have fun in the snow sledding, building snow forts, and having snowball fights. They then go back inside to warm up by the fire with hot cocoa before going to sleep, dreaming of sleds and the next time they can have more snowy fun! With charming, retro illustrations and simple rhyming text, kids will love this warm winter picture book!

• Snowflakes on Our Tongues  by Mike Ornstein. Farmer Pumpernickel has a blissful, peaceful farm with his contented cows, satisfied sheep, pampered piglets, cheerful chickens, and happy horse. All is as it should be. But when winter arrives with its cold weather, something wacky happens when the good farmer isn’t looking. As snow starts to fall, the farm animals share their delight in the tasty flakes coming down from the sky. The animals prance, dance, and kick up their hooves and feet in a barnyard revelry. Boisterous rhymes combine with humor-filled artwork to bring this snowy celebration to life. And, as it turns out, the farmer has fun as well. After all, who doesn’t like snowflakes on their tongue? Back matter includes animal facts as well as information on the science of snowflakes.

• Zander Stays by Maureen Fergus. Zander the goose is trying something new this winter. He is not going to go south. Zander is going to stay! Every year as winter approaches, geese return south to avoid the cold and snow. Not Zander, though. Zander declares he wants to stay this year, but first he’ll have to learn how to survive the harsh winter climate. Should he do as Bear suggests and put on a thick layer of fat? Or should he snuggle up with friends like bat does? None of his furred friends seem to have the right answer for Zander, but he’s determined to make the best of a freezing situation. He just needs to find a northern animal whose winter adaptation works for him. Luckily, one such animal arrives just in the nick of time, walking on two snugly booted feet. This book brings humor and charm to Zander’s adventure, from awe-filled autumn walks along the shore to cozy winter hijinks with his new human friend. An author’s note further explores how Zander’s animal friends adapt to their winter environment.

• The Snowman Waltz by Karen Konnerth. On a cold winter’s night under a starry sky, a dozen snowmen swoop down into a woodland glen. With a swing and a glide, they waltz in pairs, moving gracefully along a frozen river to a one?two?three tempo. Wearing top hats and colorful mittens, the snowmen bump, spin, and laugh as they make their way to dance on a frozen pond in a clearing. But wait, who is tramping down the hill and into the very same space? A dozen penguins, with their gleaming eyes and red bowties, march into the clearing, interrupting the dance. It’s a collision on ice. What a disaster! How can both groups share the same space? What will it take to sort out this kerfuffle to the satisfaction of both parties? Told in lyrical text with contrasting rhythms, this fun read-aloud offers a subtle lesson in cooperation for readers of all ages. Back matter includes song and sheet music, as well as a finger dance activity.

• S is for Snow by Ashley Marie Mireles.  A is for arctic; B is for boots ; C is for chairlift. It’s time to catch a winter chill! With H for hot chocolate, J for Jack Frost, and T for toboggan, this colorful primer has everything you need to know about what makes the winter season cool. Take this wintry slope from A to Z, and you’ll never want the snow day to end!

• How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace. Our heroes’ entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life―and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Getting ready for snow is much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they’ll never forget? Who snows! This delightful picture book for ages 4-10 is filled with silly rhymes, fun art, and STEAM connections.perfect for families and educators to enjoy this winter or as a holiday stocking stuffer.I don’t thumpity-thump or give warm hugs―that’s for my snowman friends to do. Clever kids will try to trap me, but who will YOU catch me?

• Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers: How Animals Adapt in Winter by Jessica Kulekjian. A poetic and informative exploration of the many ways animals face the challenges of winter. When the autumn days grow shorter and the temperatures cool, animals prepare for winter. Some, the hiders, choose a place to rest and wait out the winter, hibernating under the ground or snuggling in a sheltered spot. Other creatures are seekers, migrating to new locations where the weather is milder and the food sources more plentiful. And then there are the finders, who keep warm and fed by adapting to the new conditions. Every animal knows just what to do — following an ingenious plan that’s just right for them! This lyrical informational picture book uses expressive text supplemented with sidebars to explain how different animals survive winter. While the compelling narrative tells the bigger story, the sidebars provide fascinating information about specific winter animal behaviors — for example, how box turtles lower their heart rates, and monarch butterflies travel all the way to Mexico! The stunning illustrations show the concepts in detail and provide a visual story, featuring a father and a child, that evocatively traces the subtle changes in the landscape from late fall to early spring. Grouping the animals into three categories makes for easier comprehension of topics such as hibernation, migration and adaptation. Back matter contains a guide to tracking prints in the snow, an author’s note and a list of resources. There are strong links here to primary grades’ earth and life sciences curriculums. This is also a perfect read-aloud for a snowy day!

• The Gnomes’ Winter Journey by Ernst Kreidolf. An enchanting winter tale with vintage illustrations reminiscent of Elsa Beskow and Sibylle von Olfers. Three forest gnomes journey to visit their mountain cousins, helped by dancing snow fairies and a sledge pulled by friendly squirrels. When they finally arrive there’s much fun to be had – snowball fights, tobogganing and a delicious feast with the elegant Winter Queen. First published in 1924, this is a gorgeous new edition of a classic winter story from a renowned Swiss artist.

• Only the Trees Know by Jane Whittingham. A frustrated little rabbit longs for spring in this gentle, warmhearted story about waiting. Little Rabbit is hungry, bored and very tired of winter. “When will it be spring?” he asks his parents. All they can tell him is that he must wait and be patient. Except, Little Rabbit doesn’t like waiting, or being patient. Instead, he turns to the oldest, wisest rabbit in the forest, his grandmother, to find out when it will be spring. “Only the trees know,” she says. “Ask them, and they will tell you.” So Little Rabbit does. But the trees don’t answer him. He tries shouting, jumping up and down, listening very hard. And still, nothing. Then, just when Little Rabbit is about to give up, he notices there’s something different in the forest, something that’s right underneath his nose … Author Jane Whittingham’s message of finding hope and patience in trying times is always a relevant one for children. The lyrical depictions of the forest in winter — “The winds blew and bit, the trees shivered and shook, and the snow fell and fell” — give this book the feel of a classic. Cinyee Chiu’s lush illustrations in muted shades evoke a magical wintery world, and their varied perspectives perfectly showcase Little Rabbit’s place in his world. This book offers excellent character education lessons on patience, perseverance and resilience. Young readers will be rooting for Little Rabbit, easily relating to his impatience. It’s the perfect read-aloud for a late-winter day, or anytime children are finding it hard to wait.

CHRISTMAS BOOKS: Christmas is a time every child looks forward to. While Santa Claus, presents, and decorations are the main attractions, it’s also important to teach the values that are integral to the festival. Use the season to introduce or remind your child of these values.

• How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace. It’s Christmas Eve and an elf is on the loose… in YOUR house! Do you have what it takes to catch him? Follow along in this fun holiday story as a mischievous elf causes chaos Christmas Eve! Filled with zany traps, vibrant illustrations, STEAM concepts, and even Santa Claus himself, this Christmas picture book for kids is guaranteed to become a new holiday tradition! The perfect elf book for kids, funny stocking stuffer or Christmas  this festive read aloud is loved by children, parents, and educators alike. Some kids have tried to catch him, but Santa’s fast, you see! So they’ve set their eyes on a smaller prize, and now they’re after me!

• Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids by Chris Van Allsburg.  This edition of The Polar Express is the perfect gift for all those—of any age—who believe, come Christmas Eve, that they too will hear the sweet sound of a reindeer’s silver bell. This edition includes a keepsake ornament.A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole . . .Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a barren desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the huge city standing alone at the top of the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.For millions of readers around the world, this mysterious journey to the North Pole has become a beloved Christmas classic. In this thirtieth-anniversary edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is showcased with a bold new jacket design and expanded interior layout. This book is a Caldecott Medal winner, and reading the story together is a beloved holiday tradition held by generations of families. It has also become a favorite holiday movie and been translated into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season.

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss. Grow your heart three sizes—and dazzle your eyes—with this FULL COLOR edition of the beloved holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas!—the perfect gift for under the tree and for Dr. Seuss fans and collectors any time of year! This season of giving, give a gift that’s never been given before—a full color edition of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Originally published in 1957 using just 2 different colored inks (red and black), this new, jacketed edition features Dr. Seuss’s original illustrations in full color for the very first time—the way he’d have likely colored them had he published the book today! While this edition is not a replacement for the original, it makes a cheerful addition to the Dr. Seuss canon that is bound to appeal to Dr. Seuss fans of all ages. PS: The drabness of the Grinch’s life in his cave compared to the happy, vibrant life of the Whos in Who-ville has never been easier to see!

• The Polar Bear Who Saved Christmas by Thomas Nelson. Christmas-themed storybook with lively text and beautiful illustrations. When Pip the polar bear is woken up in the middle of winter by a strange jingling sound, he sets off into the snow to find out what it is. When Pip finds Santa’s grotto, he learns that the sleigh is one reindeer short and Christmas will be canceled unless they can replace her! Find out what happens in this charming and delightful story about a shy, little polar bear, who overcomes fear, helps others, and saves Christmas. Simple, rhyming text and Clare Fennell’s beautiful illustrations combine to create an exciting, magical world. Young children will love reading about Pip’s Christmas adventure, and the adorable illustrations make this an ideal book for adults to share with children at Christmas time.

• The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling. A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child’s love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it. A tale for the whole family to fall in love with, from one of the world’s greatest storytellers. One boy and his toy are about to change everything. Jack loves his childhood toy, Dur Pig. DP has always been there for him, through good and bad. Until one Christmas Eve something terrible happens — DP is lost. But Christmas Eve is a night for miracles and lost causes, a night when all things can come to life… even toys. And Jack’s newest toy — the Christmas Pig (DP’s replacement) — has a daring plan: Together they’ll embark on a magical journey to seek something lost, and to save the best friend Jack has ever known.

• Little Blue Truck’s Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids by Alice Schertle. Celebrate Christmas with the #1 New York Times bestselling Little Blue Truck in a light-up novelty book that’s the perfect gift for the holiday season.It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Little Blue Truck is spreading cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Can you help count each green tree from one to five and back again? Don’t forget to save one for Blue! Beep! Beep!With the gentle rhythm and signature illustration style that made Little Blue Truck a household name, Blue’s snowy adventure is full of holiday warmth. Sturdy cardstock pages, a compact and child-friendly text, and flashing colored Christmas lights on the final page come together in a novelty gift book that’s sure to be the favorite treat of the season.

• Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney. Llama Llama holidays.Jingle music. Lights ablaze.How long till that special date?Llama Llama has to wait. If there’s one thing Llama Llama doesn’t like, it’s waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can’t wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that “Gifts are nice, but there’s another: The true gift is, we have each other.”

• Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson. Celebrate the holidays with Bear and his friends in this sweet picture book from bestselling author Karma Wilson! Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up—by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents of all!

HANUKKAH BOOKS: Celebrate Hanukkah with your child and a great book. You can learn about the story of Hanukkah and the history of the Jewish people while enjoying stories that are simply fun.

• Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf by Greg Wolfe. In this delightfully inventive holiday tale, an elf named Shmelf takes a journey from the North Pole . . . and discovers all the joys of Hanukkah.Shmelf is one of Santa’s most important elves. He’s part of the List Checking department, and he makes sure all the good boys and girls get their presents! But when Shmelf finds out that some children are missing from Santa’s list, he goes to investigate. What Shmelf uncovers is Hanukkah, a wondrous and joyful holiday that Jewish families celebrate each year. As Shmelf observes a family lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and hearing the Hanukkah story, he sees how special the traditions of the holiday truly are–and he wants to be a part of it! Luckily, Santa just might have a special role in mind for Shmelf . The rich traditions of Hanukkah come to life in this whimsical and magical story that’s perfect for the holiday season.

• The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler. Hanukkah is a wonderful time filled with games, food, family, and fun.It’s also the celebration of an ancient miracle, and retelling and remembering the story of that miracle is an essential part of the holiday, for young and old. The story of the courageous Maccabees is retold in simple yet dramatic text, accompanied by vibrant paintings of the battle, the Temple of Jerusalem, and the oil which miraculously burned for eight long nights.A traditional recipe for latkes is included, as are directions for the dreidel game, for readers who want to continue the festivities at home.

• Chanukah Lights Everywhere: A Hanukkah Holiday Book for Kids by Michael J. Rosen. One crescent moon glows in the sky. Two headlights shine through the window. . . . On each magical night of Chanukah, a young boy and his sister count more lights shining all around them! Join them as they discover what it means to celebrate Chanukah in a world filled with so many other lights.

• Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer. Rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah, Latke has trouble learning the house rules. Despite a series of mishaps, he is one Lucky Dog!

• Happy Llamakkah!: A Hanukkah Story by Laura Gehl. Celebrate Hanukkah with the Llama family in Happy Llamakkah!, a joyful, rhyming picture book. Follow along with the Llama family’s Hanukkah traditions as they light their menorah, spin the dreidel, fry latkes, and more. Laura Gehl’s lively rhyming text and Lydia Nichols’s vibrant illustrations make for a festive read. The book also features kid-friendly back matter, with expanded information on the holiday’s history and traditions. The book’s funny premise—llama plus Hanukkah equal Llamakkah—pays off with an entertaining story of a llama family celebrating the Festival of Lights. A family of llamas observe Llamakkah in this brightly colored picture book that reminds readers about the coziness and joy of that Jewish holiday.

• Happy Hanukkah, Corduroy by Don Freeman. Celebrate the festival of lights with Corduroy, the classic bear loved for 50 years. Corduroy’s having a Hanukkah party for all of his friends. First they light the menorah, then they eat yummy potato pancakes. After they open presents, there’s time for a game of dreidel. Introduce little boys and girls to all of the Hanukkah traditions with Corduroy, one of the most beloved children’s books characters for the past five decades.

• Happy Hanukkah, Curious George Tabbed Book: A Hanukkah Holiday Book for Kids by H.A Rey & Margret Rey. It is the eighth night of Hanukkah, and George and his friends have gathered for a celebration. They light the menorah, spin the dreidel, make latkes, and learn the importance of mitzvah! In this tabbed board book, youngsters will even find a tasty latke recipe and instructions for constructing a dreidel, with rules for play. A festive foil-stamped cover makes this a fine holiday gift for fans of Curious George. For more monkey fun, investigate www.curiousgeorge.com.

• Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah by Sylvia A. Rouss. Sammy Spider watches longingly as Josh Shapiro lights another candle and receives another brightly-colored dreidel each night of Hanukkah.

• Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein by Amanda Peet & Andrea Troyer.For anyone who’s ever asked “Why can’t we have a Christmas tree?” comes a lighthearted story about being Jewish during the holiday season—by actress Amanda Peet! Rachel Rosenstein is determined to celebrate Christmas this year—and the fact that her family is Jewish is not going to stop her. In a series of hilarious and heartwarming mishaps, Rachel writes a letter to Santa explaining her cause, pays him a visit at the mall, and covertly decorates her house on Christmas Eve (right down to latkes for Santa and his reindeer). And while Rachel may wrestle with her culture, customs, and love of sparkly Christmas ornaments, she also comes away with a brighter understanding of her own identity and of the gift of friends and family. Inspired by actress Amanda Peet’s experience with her own children, Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein is sure to be a new holiday classic! Will help introduce young readers to other cultures while allowing them to preserve the magic of their own.

HANUKKAH BOOKS: Celebrate Hanukkah with your child and a great book. You can learn about the story of Hanukkah and the history of the Jewish people while enjoying stories that are simply fun.Celebrate Hanukkah with your child and a great book. You can learn about the story of Hanukkah and the history of the Jewish people while enjoying stories that are simply fun. Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days every year. The holiday commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Temple and the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks in ancient Israel. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, as it involves lighting candles on a special menorah for eight nights.

• Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf by Greg Wolfe. In this delightfully inventive holiday tale, an elf named Shmelf takes a journey from the North Pole . . . and discovers all the joys of Hanukkah.Shmelf is one of Santa’s most important elves. He’s part of the List Checking department, and he makes sure all the good boys and girls get their presents! But when Shmelf finds out that some children are missing from Santa’s list, he goes to investigate.What Shmelf uncovers is Hanukkah, a wondrous and joyful holiday that Jewish families celebrate each year. As Shmelf observes a family lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and hearing the Hanukkah story, he sees how special the traditions of the holiday truly are–and he wants to be a part of it! Luckily, Santa just might have a special role in mind for Shmelf . The rich traditions of Hanukkah come to life in this whimsical and magical story that’s perfect for the holiday season.

• The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler. Hanukkah is a wonderful time filled with games, food, family, and fun. It’s also the celebration of an ancient miracle, and retelling and remembering the story of that miracle is an essential part of the holiday, for young and old. The story of the courageous Maccabees is retold in simple yet dramatic text, accompanied by vibrant paintings of the battle, the Temple of Jerusalem, and the oil which miraculously burned for eight long nights.A traditional recipe for latkes is included, as are directions for the dreidel game, for readers who want to continue the festivities at home.

• Chanukah Lights Everywhere: A Hanukkah Holiday Book for Kids by Michael J. Rosen. One crescent moon glows in the sky. Two headlights shine through the window. . . . On each magical night of Chanukah, a young boy and his sister count more lights shining all around them! Join them as they discover what it means to celebrate Chanukah in a world filled with so many other lights.

• Latke, the Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer. Rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah, Latke has trouble learning the house rules. Despite a series of mishaps, he is one Lucky Dog!

• Happy Llamakkah!: A Hanukkah Story by Laura Gehl. Celebrate Hanukkah with the Llama family in Happy Llamakkah!, a joyful, rhyming picture book. Follow along with the Llama family’s Hanukkah traditions as they light their menorah, spin the dreidel, fry latkes, and more. Laura Gehl’s lively rhyming text and Lydia Nichols’s vibrant illustrations make for a festive read. The book also features kid-friendly back matter, with expanded information on the holiday’s history and traditions. The book’s funny premise—llama plus Hanukkah equal Llamakkah—pays off with an entertaining story of a llama family celebrating the Festival of Lights. A family of llamas observe Llamakkah in this brightly colored picture book that reminds readers about the coziness and joy of that Jewish holiday.

• Happy Hanukkah, Corduroy by Don Freeman. Celebrate the festival of lights with Corduroy, the classic bear loved for 50 years. Corduroy’s having a Hanukkah party for all of his friends. First they light the menorah, then they eat yummy potato pancakes. After they open presents, there’s time for a game of dreidel. Introduce little boys and girls to all of the Hanukkah traditions with Corduroy, one of the most beloved children’s books characters for the past five decades.

• Happy Hanukkah, Curious George Tabbed Book: A Hanukkah Holiday Book for Kids by H.A Rey & Margret Rey. It is the eighth night of Hanukkah, and George and his friends have gathered for a celebration. They light the menorah, spin the dreidel, make latkes, and learn the importance of mitzvah! In this tabbed board book, youngsters will even find a tasty latke recipe and instructions for constructing a dreidel, with rules for play. A festive foil-stamped cover makes this a fine holiday gift for fans of Curious George. For more monkey fun, investigate www.curiousgeorge.com.

• Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah by Sylvia A. Rouss. Sammy Spider watches longingly as Josh Shapiro lights another candle and receives another brightly-colored dreidel each night of Hanukkah.

• Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein by Amanda Peet & Andrea Troyer. For anyone who’s ever asked “Why can’t we have a Christmas tree?” comes a lighthearted story about being Jewish during the holiday season—by actress Amanda Peet! Rachel Rosenstein is determined to celebrate Christmas this year—and the fact that her family is Jewish is not going to stop her. In a series of hilarious and heartwarming mishaps, Rachel writes a letter to Santa explaining her cause, pays him a visit at the mall, and covertly decorates her house on Christmas Eve (right down to latkes for Santa and his reindeer). And while Rachel may wrestle with her culture, customs, and love of sparkly Christmas ornaments, she also comes away with a brighter understanding of her own identity and of the gift of friends and family. Inspired by actress Amanda Peet’s experience with her own children, Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein is sure to be a new holiday classic! Will help introduce young readers to other cultures while allowing them to preserve the magic of their own.

• MUSIC: The importance of Music education in schools or at home: Music is arguably the most life-enriching academic subject of them all. A universal language that triggers emotional responses and kickstarts creativity like no other, music is a fundamental pillar of arts education. It does the following: music is one of the most creatively stimulating tasks any person can undertake. If you want to spark your child’s creativity, there are few better things you can do than to encourage them to create their own unique music by picking up an instrument or engaging in their music class; learning an instrument to an elite level is no easy task. It takes considerable hand-eye coordination to learn almost any instrument. Those who master their craft are blessed with a unique skill; it’s something that can be applied to other areas of academia and general life. Hand-eye coordination is important in many sports, especially bats or racquet sports like tennis or cricket; it can also help elsewhere in education, as writing skills and art require the hands and eyes to work together; in adulthood, your child will find them relying on their hand-eye coordination to do any number of tasks. Practical things like DIY are easier with good coordination; allowing your child to improve it with music will benefit them for a lifetime;  improving memory is another well-established benefit of music in education; learning an instrument, the language of music and the notes and lyrics that make up songs all require a flexing of memory; Music is also one of the easiest things to store in your memory, often to our frustration. Songs get stuck in our heads, sometimes for days; a perfect display of how music can stick in our minds; music is often considered a solo effort, but it’s unlikely your child will go through their musical education alone. In class or as an extracurricular activity, music is one of the best ways to learn vital life skills like teamwork. Be it in a band or singing group, teamwork is vital to creating good music; school is such an important time for children and at times it can be stressful – especially during tough examination periods; music has become a proven remedy to relieving stress, with research from Stanford University linking this to the beat of music. At 60 beats per minute, music can cause our brain to synchronize and cause alpha brain waves – which are present when we are relaxed. Over a period of 45 minutes or so, it can help induce sleep too; after a long day studying, a musical session is an easy way to relieve stress and take your child’s mind off of deadlines and exams; as an extension of improving teamwork, music is also a great way for your child to meet new people and create lasting friendships. Music is a great way to bring people together;  If children decide to take up music as an extracurricular activity, they’ll be bonding with like minded children who share their passion; in a time when children are increasingly interested in communicating online and focusing on digital skills, music is a refreshing return to face-to-face contact; speak to anyone who has mastered a musical instrument or played in a successful band; musical excellence is hard to come by; it requires plenty of practice and a willingness to keep going. To continue to improve and progress requires perseverance; a child understanding they have to work hard to achieve something is incredibly powerful and something they will lean on for the rest of their lives; there are few better ways to instill perseverance than through music; when a child does achieve a musical goal, they get the incredible satisfaction that comes from working hard to attain something; in that sense, music is a great confidence builder; creating something as expressive and loved as music and seeing audiences on stage or family members at home enjoy it can be an incredibly rewarding experience; confidence is one of the most valuable skills a child can have and music is one of the best ways to allow it to flourish in your child; how many times have you met an adult who says their biggest regret is not learning a musical instrument as a child? Musical skills they didn’t learn as a child become some of the most sought after in adulthood. Help your child to develop their skills in music from an earlier age and you’ll be giving them a gift that will bring them, and others, joy for the rest of their life.

Indeed.com

CRITICAL THINKING: Critical thinking is an important skill for children to learn because it helps them to: make good decisions; understand the consequences of their actions; solve problems; analyze and evaluate information effectively make informed decisions based on evidence.

CRITICAL THINKING:

• Introduction to Critical Thinking (revised)
• 9 Riddles That Will Boost Your Thinking Skills
• Critical Thinking for Children – Introduction
• Using Brain Teasers to Build Critical Thinking Skills
• Logical Fallacies 1  
• How to Solve a Problem in Four Steps: The IDEA Model

CHRISTMAS: Christmas is important for children because: It teaches them about kindness, sharing, and being part of a community; It allows families and friends to come together and express love and gratitude; Children love the fun and festivities associated with Christmas; It inspires gratitude and appreciation for what they have.

• Download:
  • Super Simple Christmas Songs
  • We Wish You a Merry Christmas
  • Kids Christmas Songs” 3 Hours | Rudolf, Santa Claus, Frosty & More, Children Busy Beavers
  • Christmas Songs for Kids – Jingle Bells; Me and Santa’s Elves; Twelve Days of Christmas; Christmas Hop
  • 25 Minutes of Christmas Music (Featuring Jingle Bells, Deck The Halls and more!)
  • Christmas Songs for Children – Up on the Housetop – Kids Christmas Songs by The Learning Station

HANUKKAH:

• Hanukkah Compilation Video – The Kiboomers Songs for Jewish Holidays
• Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel with Lyrics – Hanukkah Children’s Song by The Learning Station
•  Hanukkah is Here by the Kiboomers 
• Sweet Hanukkah Gelt
• My Hanukkah Menorah 
• The History & Meaning of the Menorah

familyservicesnew.org

2. Create Together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing 🧩

 HANUKKAH ACTIVITIES: What is Hanukkah? Hanukkah (also known as Chanukah) is the Jewish Festival of Lights and lasts eight days. It usually falls in late November or December. Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah to commemorate the Miracle of the Oil. The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication”. Over 2000 years ago, in 165 BC, the Jews in Judea rebelled against their Syrian ruler, Antiochus, because he insisted that all Jewish people must worship Greek Gods. After three hard years of fighting, the Jews defeated Antiochus and, to celebrate, they restored the Temple of Jerusalem – which had been taken over by the Syrians – and rededicated it to their God. As part of the celebrations they lit an oil lamp which should have been kept burning all the time, even though they could only find enough oil to keep it burning for one night. But a miracle occurred, and the oil lamp stays lit for eight days, which was the time it took to make new oil for the lamp. This  was the Miracle of the Oil. It was then declared that every year, Jews would remember the day with an eight-day Festival of Lights and celebrate the miracle of the oil by placing eight candles in a Menorah (a special candlestick) and lighting one candle for each evening of the celebration. Electric lights are sometimes used, especially where an open flame might be dangerous, such as a hospital room. The Hanukkah lights are meant to remind those walking by the home about the holiday’s miracle, so the Menorah is displayed at a prominent window or near the front door.

quotesgram.com

• HANUKKAH ACTIVITIES:
  • Hanukkah find the differences
  • Complete the Dreidel puzzle
  • Hanukkah word scramble
  • Hanukkah word search
  • Menorah Grid Copy
  • Hanukkah Bookmarks #1; Hanukkah Bookmarks #2
  • Chanukak Acrostic Poem
  • Hanukkah Acrostic Poem
  • How to Make a Dreidel
  • Hanukkah Word Search
  • Latke – Play food Cut outs.
  • Latkes- What comes first
  • Latke Song
  • The Story of Hanukkah
  • Hanukkah Gelt Cookies
  • Festival of Lights Word Play
  • Hanukkah Number line problems 
  • Make your own paper Menorah – cut and color
  • Make a Menorah Light Chart
  • Hanukkah Cards – cut and fold
  • Hanukkah Dreidel Game
  • Hanukkah Sweater Connect the Dots OR Hanukkah Dot-to-dot
  • Hanukkah Rebus Story – cut and paste

blog.brokespublishing.com

3. Explore, Engage & Interact Together 🌍

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES:

• Download these activities:
  • Christmas Decorations
  • Christmas Tree Activity
  • Decorate the House for Christmas
  • Decorate the Room for Christmas
  • Decorate the Tree for Christmas
  • How to Draw a Candy Cane
  • How to draw a Poinsettia
  • Complete the Reindeer Picture
  • Learn to Draw a Christmas Candle
  • Learn to Draw a Christmas Stocking
  • Learn to Draw a Christmas Tree
  • Learn to Draw a Christmas Wreath
  • Learn to Draw a Snowflake #1; How to draw a snowflake#2.
  • Snowflake Symmetry
  • Snowflake Size Sorting
  • Learn to Draw a Snowman
  • Snowman Letters – large and small
  • Christmas Bingo
  • Christmas Scavenger Hunt
  • Christmas cut and Colour
  • Christmas Cutting Shapes
  • Christmas Cut and complete the picture
  • Twelve Days of Christmas Colouring
  • Colouring anyone? Ornament Christmas colouring – cut and colour; Candy Cane; Carolers; Snowboarder.
  • Colour the Christmas Tree Lights – You could also practice counting and hanging them up for some fine motor fun!
  • Christmas Tree Painting – use a small object to dab paint around the tree.
  • Cut and Colour
  • Christmas Tree Cut and Paste
  • Christmas Tree Playdough Mat
  • Santa Playdough Mat
  • Christmas Flashcards
  • Christmas Carol Colouring
  • Christmas colouring booklet
  • Christmas Journal Page
  • Happy christmas Jigsaw
  • Christmas Lunch Box Jokes
  • Christmas Picture Cards
  • Christmas Word Cards
  • Christmas word Jigsaw – cut and glue
  • Christmas Carols booklet with instructions.
  • Christmas Wreath #1; Christmas Wreath #2.
  • My Picture Gallery – drawing
  • Christmas Decorations – fill in the blanks
  • Christmas Decorations vocabulary booklet
  • Gingerbread Lacing  Activity
  • Christmas Feet Bookmarks or Christmas Mouse bookmarks or Christmas Tree bookmarks or Christmas Tree Jokes bookmarks or Christmas Word Colouring bookmarks or Elf feet bookmarks or Rudolph the Reindeer bookmarks or Santa bookmarks or Christmas Bookmarks.
  • Christmas Math Adding Facts #1; Christmas Math Adding Facts#2.
  • Winter Big and Small Size Sorting
  • Winter Counting Jigsaw
  • Winter Patterns #1; Winter Patterns #2
  • Winter Tree Size Sorting; Winter Skate Size Sorting
  • Ice Rink counting Jigsaw
  • Camel dot-to-dot numbers or Candy Cane dot-to-dot lower case or Christmas Angel dot-to-dot numbers or Christmas Bells dot-to-dot numbers,
  • Christmas Carol Lyrics
  • Christmas Subtraction; Christmas Subtraction – 3 digits.
  • Christmas Tree Centerpiece
  • Christmas Word Search
  • Christmas Crossword Puzzle
  • Christmas Memory Game
  • Christmas Subtraction
  • Holiday Wreath Project
  • Christmas Rhyming Puzzles #1; Christmas rhyming Puzzles #2.
  • Colourful Christmas Gifts
  • Christmas Word Problems
  • Christmas Countdown
  • Christmas Bookmarks
  • Christmas Bingo
  • Design an Ugly Christmas Sweater
  • Letter to Santa OR Santa Letter
  • Letter to Santa OR Letter To Santa OR Letter to Santa
  • Twelve Days of Christmas Game; First Day of Christmas; 2nd Day of Christmas; Third Day of Christmas; Fourth Day of Christmas; Fifth Day of Christmas-Game; Fifth Day of Christmas;  Sixth Day of Christmas; Seventh Day of Christmas; Eighth Day of Christmas; Ninth Day of Christmas; Tenth Day of Christmas; 11th Day of Christmas; 12th Day of Christmas;
  • Christmas Wish List – writing
  • Ski Race – Math
  • Ski Maze
  • Letter to Santa OR Santa Letter OR Letter to Santa; Christmas Poster or Candy Cane Poster
  • Christmas Activity Countdown Random Acts of Kindness Random Acts of Kindness Cards
  • Santa Says Random Acts of Kindness for Christmas Christmas Tree I Spy  Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt
  • Christmas Gift Giving Rules & Ideas 12 Days of Christmas Acts of Kindness Christmas Mood Spinner Craft – Directions Christmas Eve Ideas
  • Elf Warning
  • Elf on the Shelf Activities
  • Elf on the Shelf Welcome Pack

HANUKKAH ACTIVITIES:

• Download the following:
  • Hanukkah traditions
  • Hanukkah Dreidel Sudoku
  • Hanukkah Mini-booklet
  • Hanukkah Countdown
  • Hanukkah Decorations
  • Hanukkah Crossword Puzzle
  • Hanukkah Word Cards
  • Colouring Anyone? Happy Hanukkah; Menorah; Dreidels; Snowman
  • Posters: Menorah – Here’s a poster featuring a menorah, the traditional Jewish candle holder that is lit on each night of Hanukkah; Dreidel Playing with the dreidel is a traditional Hanukkah game played in Jewish homes all over the world. Use our dreidel poster as part of a Hanukkah display at home or in the classroom; Happy Hanukkah – Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights with this cheerful and colorful poster; Latke – Latkes are a shallow-fried pancake usually made from shredded potatoes, eggs, onions and salt, cooked on Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of the menorah oil in the Jewish temple. Print this poster to use as part of a Hanukkah display, or for projects and crafts; Sufganiyot – A sufganiyot is a jam doughnut covered with powdered sugar, traditionally eaten at Hanukkah. This printable poster is part of a set to help children learn about Jewish traditions and the Festival of Lights.

WINTER ACTIVITIES:   

• Download these activities:   
  • December Brain Breaks
  • December Conversation Starters
  • Inspirational Bookmarks
  • Christmas Morning Pop-up Story Book with Instructions.
  • Cutting practice: Snowman; Mittens; Snowflakes Cutting Practice; Winter Cutting Shapes.
  • Ice Rink – Connect the Dots
  • Winter Cut and complete the picture.
  • Tracing practice: Mittens; Snowflake; Snowman.
  • Winter Weather Fun with handout Build a Snowman
  • Winter Spelling
  • Winter Addition #1; Winter Addition #2
  • Winter Spelling Word Search
  • Winter Word Search
  • Winter Creative Writing Prompt
  • Winter words
  • Winter First, Second, Third – cut and paste
  • Adding in the Snow
  • Acrostic Winter Poem
  • Avoid the Germies Maze
  • Build a Snowman – colour, cut and paste
  • Snowman Search
  • Winter Fun Crossword
  • Warm Winter Words
  • Winter Sudoku or Snowflake Sudoku
  • Ice Skating Story Starter
  • Winter Bucket List
  • Snowman colour by number
  • Winter Playing Cards
  • Cut Out 
  • Reader’s Theatre – The Snowman’s Day to Play
  • Play Snowman Race
  • Frosty Fact Families: Addition and Subtraction
  • Reader’s Theatre – The Snowman’s Day to Play
  • Play Snowman Race
  • Read about the Winter Solstice
  • Download a Winter Solstice Sun Catcher with directions.

planetpals.com

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT:

Yoga: Yoga has seen an immense rise in popularity over the recent years. Yoga enthusiasts and experts alike would point it to the rising number of health issues that concern various individuals and the rising costs of medical care. Thus, using natural means such as yoga to promote health and prevent ailments offer a lot of cost savings. But not too many are aware though that younger kids can already begin their practice of yoga. This would ultimately raise concern among parents who fear that their child’s body is not yet fully developed to expose it to such rigorous exercises. There is no need to worry though as a specific branch of yoga has been designed by experts to provide simple yet beneficial exercises that any child can perform. This is a great way to get them involved physically while nourishing their health.

 CHRISTMAS YOGA:

• Christmas Special | A Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventure!
• Winter Wonderland (Super Yoga) | Cosmic Kids Yoga
• Disney Christmas Yoga | Calming yoga for Kids 
• Read: A Holiday Yoga Practice

centralofsuccess.com

WINTER:

• Winter Wonderland (Super Yoga) | Cosmic Kids Yoga
• Frozen Kids Yoga Warm-up Exercise
• Read: Winter Yoga

vecteezy

HANUKKAH YOGA:

• Happy Hanukkah Yoga for Kids
• Hanukkah 🕎 Yoga
• Download this poster of Hanukkah Themed Poses.

Alphabet Yoga Poses

• Download Alphabet Yoga here:

Classroom Yoga

• Download Classroom Yoga

NUTRITION: As children grow and develop, they need important nutrients to be strong and healthy. Some of the benefits of healthy eating include: stable energy; strong bones and teeth; improved mental health as it makes us think clearly and be more alert; maintaining a healthy weight; and preventing chronic diseases. Also consider the following: Plan weekly meals together, so you can talk about healthy food options; take your child to the grocery store so they can see healthy options and talk about them. Have them pick produce from each different nutrient to consume throughout the week; read the labels for nutritious facts together; cook meals together to show them that what they are eating matters.

CELEBRATE HANUKKAH

• Classic Latkes

• Sufganiyot

• Star of David Cookies

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

• Create a traditional Bouche de noel.

• Create a Santa Face with Fruit

• Christmas Tree Pizza Recipe – Fun for kids

• Baked French Toast

• Fun Holiday Snack

• Snowman Cupcakes

• Easy Christmas Cookies for Kids

• Make a Healthy Snowman Breakfast

Rudolph Punch – a drink for kids

CELEBRATE WINTER:

• Bake Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

• Bake Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

• Winter Wonderland cake

• Winter Snack – Snowflakes

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day About Learning 💭

LEARNING TOGETHER:

4.bp.blogspot.com

CHRISTMAS:

northpoleChristmas.com

HANUKKAH:

WINTER:

blowspot.com

pinterest.com

cariboo.cmha.bc.ca