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Christmas Lessons and Activities for P–2 – #readilearn

Christmas lessons and activities for P-2

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

Comments

29 responses to “Christmas Lessons and Activities for P–2 – #readilearn”

  1. October Story Chat Summary: “The People Under the Stairs” by Hugh W. Roberts – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write Avatar

    […] the stairs like children worry about the Nightmare in the Closet.  He and many of his readers toyed with the fear of imaginary people in the comment […]

    Like

  2. equitysoftware Avatar

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Miriam Hurdle Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      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.

      Like

      1. Miriam Hurdle Avatar

        I understand, Norah. The example of my friends is an issue of attitude and rebellion. It’s heartbreaking.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          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.

          Like

  4. Book Chat: The People Under the Stairs – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write Avatar

    […] under the stairs like children worry about the Nightmare in the Closet.  He and many of his readers toyed with the fear of imaginary people in the comment […]

    Like

  5. Msdedeng Avatar
    Msdedeng

    Sweet!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you. 🙂

      Like

  6. Jennie Avatar

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks so much, Jennie. There always seems to be a lot to do at the end of the year, it can become rather hectic.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie Avatar

        Definitely! Best to you, Norah.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          And to you, Jennie. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  7. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      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.

      Like

  8. calmkate Avatar

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I’m pleased you agree with me about respect, Kate. I try to focus on the ‘spiritual’ rather than commercial aspect.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. calmkate Avatar

        then you are one of the few Norah, peace be with you!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          And with you, Kate. Next year is the International Year of Peace and Trust. Should be a good one, eh?

          Liked by 1 person

          1. calmkate Avatar

            It has to be much better than this year Norah!

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Norah Avatar

              I hope so. This year hasn’t been too peaceful and there hasn’t been a lot of trust in some areas.

              Liked by 1 person

              1. calmkate Avatar

                very little trust anywhere, especially in our politicians!

                Liked by 1 person

                1. Norah Avatar

                  I know. Sad.

                  Liked by 1 person

                  1. calmkate Avatar

                    they will have to work very hard to earn it again!

                    Liked by 1 person

  9. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      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.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Erica/Erika Avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you so much Erica. I appreciate your kind words and support.

      Liked by 1 person

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