Christmas
Appalachian (December 2006)
Books: One Christmas Dawn by Candice Ransom, Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story by Cynthia Rylant
Craft: Beaded icicle ornaments (children provided with “kits” that contained clear faceted beads and fishing line. They then chose the color of their choice from the colored faceted beads for the middle of the ornament.)
December 2009
Books: If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff (Illus. Felicia Bond), 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore (Illus. Mary Engelbreit), Santa Claus The World's Number One Toy Expert by Marla Frazee, Where, Oh Where, Is Santa Claus? by Lisa Wheeler, "Reindeer" by Sylvia Read (The Beauty of the Beast, poems selected by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Mailo So)
Special Music (For Dancing & Singing): "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helm, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Gene Autry, "The Christmas Song" by Alvin and the Chipmunks, "Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives, "Frosty the Snowman" by Gene Autry, "Jingle Bells" by Fats Domino, "Jingle Bells" by Dolly Parton, "Jingle Bells" by Dean Martin (Yes, I had a hard time deciding which version of "Jingle Bells" to use. My compromise was 3 different versions.)
Crafts: Pipe cleaner candy canes (2 pieces of pipe cleaner, twist together and bend to make candy cane shape), Christmas cards (glue candy cane paper shape onto pre-cut card). Tree shaped ornaments (use sticky dots to decorate card-stock Christmas trees)
December 2010
Greeting and Dance: (Jingle Bell Rock & Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree)
Whole Body Movement: “The Christmas Tree” & “Snow”
Invitation to Listen
Book: Bunny Wishes: A Winter’s Tale by Michaela Morgan or Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
Magnet Board: Five Little Snowballs (2 versions)
Sing: Rudolph, Frosty, & Jingle Bells
Book: Sofie’s Role by Amy Heath
Whole Body Movement: “The Christmas Tree” & “Snow”
Book: “Bob” & “Merry Christmas Party” from Bob & 6 More Christmas Stories by Sandra Boyton
Magnet Board: Five Little Snowballs (2 versions)
Dance & Sing!
December 2011
Movement Song: “Can’t Sit Still” by Greg & Steve (Kids in Action)
(Introduce self and say hello to everyone)
Listening Song: “If You Want to Hear a Story”
Announce Theme: Christmas
Book: Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
Sing-Along-Song: “Jingle Bells” (version by Dolly Parton, give the children jingly instruments to use)
Book: If You Take a Mouse to the Movies by Laura Numeroff
Fingerplay: “Snow”
Poem: “Reindeer” by Sylvia Read from The Beauty of the Beast selected by Jack Prelutsky
Sing-Along Song: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (the original version by Gene Autry)
Closing Rhyme: Wave Goodbye by Rob Reid
December 2012
Opening Song: “The Wheels on the Bus” by Larry Groce (Disney Children’s Favorite Songs Volume 4) [It’s time to get on the bus and go to story time!]
Movement Song: “Can’t Sit Still” by Greg & Steve (Kids in Action)
Announce Theme: Christmas
Listening Song: “If You Want to Hear a Story”
Book: Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
Game with Flannel Board: Where’s the Duck? Winter version
Book: Mary Engelbreit’s A Merry Little Christmas
Sing-Along Song: “Jingle Bells”
Book: The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood
Closing Rhyme: Wave Goodbye by Rob Reid