chapters to children to dramatize. Help them understand their part and
their actions. Each day have a different group dramatize a chapter.
the book into a play that can be performed around Christmas time. The
play may be done in a Reader's Theater format.
the children to rewrite page 5. If they were transported into Arboria
instead of Chris and Laura, what would their first comments be? What
would their main concerns be about the situation in Arboria?
out Christmas ornaments or have children bring one from home. Have them
write a story about their ornament.
reading Gabriel's Magic Ornament aloud to the class, read The Polar
Express by Chris Allsburg, The Pied Piper, and Pandora's Box.
reading page 44, ask children to debate, using proper debate etiquette,
whether they would want to stay or return home. Or have children write
one paragraph giving valid reasons for their decision to stay or return
children to research doves and olive branches and to report on their
reading page 62, ask children to debate or write paragraphs stating
what they think about cheap toys versus expensive toys. Ask them if
they would rather have quality or quantity. Let the children share their
children to read the glossary first; then have them write their own
students to write a different ending to the story and share it with
*Suggestions are by Judy Staley, Children's Librarian (retired)