December is packed with excitement for children in Australia. It marks the end of the school year and the beginning of the long summer, often called ‘Christmas’, holidays and, of course, Christmas itself.
Once final assessments for the year are done, it can be difficult keeping children focused on learning when their thoughts are turning to imminent adventures.
However, it needn’t be so, and here at readilearn we have a variety of lessons that keep the children learning while having some Christmas fun.
For me, the real meaning of Christmas is being kind and generous in spirit. But of course, those values are not confined to Christmas and hopefully children have been developing their friendship skills and ability to get along throughout the year. Maybe you’ve used some of the readilearn friendship skills lessons to support their development.
Who celebrates Christmas?
Before you dive into Christmas activities, a survey will help you find out which children in the class do and do not celebrate Christmas. While you will already have an idea of which children do, it can be an interesting way to begin the discussion of different cultural traditions celebrated by children in your class.
The main ingredient in any of these discussions should always be respect, and it is important to find ways of making classroom activities inclusive. A generosity of spirit develops when we see that what we share is more important than the ways in which we differ. Learning about each other is an important way of developing understanding.
Count down the school days
Continue reading: Christmas Lessons and Activities for P–2 – readilearn
Norah Colvin 
This is such an awesome website, my 2-year-old daughter and I are having lots of fun with arts and crafts while moms at work! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy!
LikeLike
Great post and resources, Norah. Teaching respect must start when kids are young. It’s a learned habit and habit becomes an attitude. I saw some videos posted by parents on the kids yelling at them. I don’t understand why those parents thought they were cute. Just wait until those kids grow up. A couple just shared that a few years ago, their adult son who is now an attorney said he would stop calling them mom and dad but called them by their names. It’s heartbreaking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words, Miriam. I agree, respect is learned from a young age. I’m not sure that names used are important for respect though. I think it goes deeper than that. Our children have always called us by our names rather than Mum and Dad. It was our decision when they were young and it never lead to a lack of respect.
LikeLike
I understand, Norah. The example of my friends is an issue of attitude and rebellion. It’s heartbreaking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have seen families like that, Miriam, but I don’t think it depends as much on the names as on the attitudes and relationships. It is heartbreaking. It sets the children up for unhappy adulthoods.
LikeLike
Pingback: Book Chat: The People Under the Stairs – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write
Sweet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
Excellent post, Norah. The real meaning of Christmas needs to be part of our everyday. The children must be antsy. I can’t imagine ending a school year on a big holiday. There probably isn’t much teaching / learning in December. Best to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Jennie. There always seems to be a lot to do at the end of the year, it can become rather hectic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely! Best to you, Norah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And to you, Jennie. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Holidays are tough times to motivate kids. I wonder if that will be true this year or it’ll just get lost in the tons of motivation efforts with remote learning. Good activities, Norah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It will be different this year, Jacqui, and there will be added sadness for many with the loss of loved ones to the pandemic. I guess time will tell how we all cope with the changes.
LikeLike
Respect is essential all year round but especially during the silly season for those who don’t recognise it … I try to avoid it as much as possible coz consumerism and hardships hijacked the spiritual aspect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pleased you agree with me about respect, Kate. I try to focus on the ‘spiritual’ rather than commercial aspect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
then you are one of the few Norah, peace be with you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And with you, Kate. Next year is the International Year of Peace and Trust. Should be a good one, eh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has to be much better than this year Norah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so. This year hasn’t been too peaceful and there hasn’t been a lot of trust in some areas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
very little trust anywhere, especially in our politicians!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. Sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
they will have to work very hard to earn it again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The school years may be different, but the challenges sound the same. Kids get restless for us around April, and we have to keep them hanging in there until June.
I love the focus on respect. That lesson can’t be emphasized enough and appreciation of other cultures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
April until June is a long time to keep restless children focused. Your students have a much longer holiday over there than ours do here.
I agree with you about respect. It’s incredibly important.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You make a great point, Norah, how the real meaning of Christmas, the values are lessons for all year round. And, like you say, different cultural traditions do not always celebrate Christmas. I emailed my daughter the “Who’s Hiding at Christmas”. Looks like fun! Many great ideas throughout this post. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Erica. I appreciate your kind words and support.
LikeLiked by 1 person