Four Children's Books to Read to Elementary Students' During the Holidays
Guest Post by Patricia Garza
Are you looking for some new, interesting children's books to read to your students during the holidays? Aren't we all? I'm a fan of beloved classics like "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "The Polar Express," but there are so many other great books out there that teachers miss out on every holiday season.
During my years as a teacher, I'd read a list of unique book titles to my students as a means of getting them excited about the holidays, teaching them about different holiday traditions, and introducing them to the joys of reading. Over the next few months, teachers should make a consorted effort to make their class readings more engaging and diversified. It's unfair to focus on mainstream holidays like Christmas when there are a whole host of other celebrations taking place. Read further to discover four great children's books you can read to your students.
Seven Candles for Kwanzaa
Not many children know that much about Kwanzaa – a week-long celebration from December 26 to January 1 that honors an ancient harvest ritual as well as African-American heritage and culture. In light of the fact that not many students celebrate Kwanzaa, I like to introduce my students to this unique American/Canadian holiday through class readings. Andrea Davis Pinkney, the author of "Seven Candles for Kwanzza," does a great job of explaining the different traditions and rituals of Kwanzaa. This book is enriched with detailed information about the beginnings of Kwanzaa as well as the modern celebrations that take place during the week-long holiday. Your students will definitely appreciate this read.
The Mitten
I'm a little bias when it comes to "The Mitten," simply because it's a book I read to my kids when they were growing up. Jan Brett's "The Mitten" is a sweet holiday story that is perfect for any school or classroom, since it doesn't have any overwhelming references to any one religion or faith. "The Mitten" is about a little red mitten that appears in a forest full of animals and causes quite a stir. All of the animals are confused by the presence of the mitten – unsure of exactly what it is or what it is for. Over the course of the book, all the forest animals, including a large bear and sly fox, crawl inside the small, cozy mitten. Just how many animals will be able to fit in the warm mitten until it rips? Well, you'll just have to read to find out!
The Kvetch Who Stole Hanukkah
As you might have guessed, this fun children's book is based off of Dr. Seuss' classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." When I first started reading it, I was pleasantly surprised how deeply witty and clever Bill Berlin's "The Kvetch Who Stole Hanukkah" is. There are some playful references and similarities to Dr. Seuss' Christmas tale, but this book remains devoted to highlighting the traditions and origins of Hanukkah and Jewish culture. Like "Seven Candles for Kwanzaa," "The Kvetch Who Stole Christmas" exposes children to a type of literature they might not have been able to get their hands on in traditional class readings.
If You Were At the First Thanksgiving
I can't express enough how much I love this children's book. Anne Kamma's "If You Were at the First Thanksgiving" tells the story of fifty-two Pilgrims at the First Thanksgiving and what the experience was like for them. The story explains how Thanksgiving got its start, what the First Thanksgiving meal must have been like, and how the Thanksgiving tradition has changed through the years. I believe this book also does a wonderful job of answering questions about life in Plymouth at the time, the Pilgrims' relationship with the Native Americans, and how the First Thanksgiving celebration came together. It's a book that is educational and entertaining without being overly academic. Students will enjoy it and you will, too!
Reading is a great way to gear your students up for the holidays, so if want to engage your children in some diversified holiday reading, check out these four great titles!
Patricia Garza is an education blogger and freelance writer for oedb.org. She is passionate about all things education related and regularly writes about regionally accredited online schools. Patricia uses her knowledge of the online education world to help students and graduates make the most of their degree experience. You can reach her in the comments below.
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