Christmas Lesson Plans
We realize Christmas isn't all about presents and toys, but the question, "What do you want for Christmas?" is one that most children will inevitably be asked around the holidays, so it presents a great opportunity for practicing "I want.../I don't want..." "What Do You Want For Christmas?" from Super Simple Songs One and "Santa's On His Way" (formerly titled "What Do You Want For Christmas, Part II") from Super Simple Songs - Christmas teach children to think about gift ideas and toys they would like.
Here is an easy lesson plan to practice "What do you want?" "I want...,” and toys.
Christmas Lesson Plan #1
Using "What Do You Want For Christmas" and "Santa's On His Way"
Stickers and stamps
We like to start our lessons by greeting each student with a stamp or sticker. Our students all have "Passports." At the beginning of class we collect the passports and let each student choose a sticker. This is a great time to call each student by name and practice/review very simple language like "Hello!" "How are you?" and "What color?" (when choosing a sticker). If possible, use a Christmas themed sticker.
We love singing "Hello, Reindeer" throughout the four or five weeks leading up to Christmas. When introducing a new song, use the flashcards to teach children the words and practice the gestures together. Don't worry if they don't sing it the first time, they will pick it up soon.
For learners four years old and younger, you'll want to use the same hello song each week to reassure them at the start of class. For older students, try changing up the song a bit. Use "Hello, Reindeer" for a couple of weeks, then split the class in two and have one half of the class sing the first part, while the other half of the class responds. Or use the sing along version.
If your class already knows "B-I-N-G-O," it will be a breeze to teach them "S-A-N-T-A." Print the S, A, N, T, A flashcards from the Super Simple Learning Resource Center to review the letters, or simply write them on the board, and start. Instead of clapping, pat your tummy. You can also pat your legs, jump or do other gestures.
Make a Circle
Make a circle with everyone in the class. Make a big circle! Make a small circle. Go up! Go down. Walk around in a circle. Next, sing "Make A Circle" from Super Simple Songs One. The students will love it and at the end of the song everyone will be seated in a circle, ready for the next activity.
Print out the flashcards for "Santa's On His Way" from the Resource Center: ball, yo-yo, bike, jump rope, and Santa. Before class, place them in a large envelope and decorate it with a Christmas tree. Look inside the envelope at the picture cards without letting the students see. Try to build excitement and anticipation for seeing the cards. Call on one student to come up and ask them "What do you want for Christmas?" Pull out one card and have them identify the toy. Pretend to use the toy together; ride the bike, play yo-yo, jump rope, or bounce a ball. Pass the card around so that each student can see it. Have another student come to the front and select a card.
Write a Letter to Santa
Print out the "A Letter To Santa" worksheet from the Resource Center, or give each student a plain sheet of paper. For students that are too young to write, have them draw a picture of a toy that they would like. Be sure to write each student's name on their letter or picture and hang them up around the room. A great follow up activity is to have each student tell the class what they would like for Christmas.
Sing your favorite clean up song ("Clean Up!" from Super Simple Songs One is a good one) and put away all of the writing and drawing materials. Always remember...clean up time is an activity and a great opportunity to use real, practical language. Don't rush it!
Place all of the toy picture cards on the whiteboard or somewhere in front of the class. Quickly point to each card and elicit the names from the students. For each card, review the appropriate gesture. After going through all of the cards, tell the students, "Close your eyes!" While the students' eyes are closed, take away one of the cards. Tell the students, "Open your eyes," and then ask, "What's missing?" Try to elicit the name of the missing card from the students. Repeat several times. If it is easy for your students, try removing more than one card at a time!
"Santa's On His Way"
Sing "Santa's On His Way." Before each verse, point to the picture card of the next toy so students will be ready. If your students are already familiar with "What Do You Want For Christmas?" from Super Simple Songs One, this new version will give them additional toy vocabulary. If this song is brand new to them, the repetition makes it easy to learn. Later, you can use the sing-along version to add in more toys.
Play some gentle music to indicate it is story time. "Please Sit Down (And Storytime Music)" from Super Simple Songs One works well. After students become familiar with this song, they will know that when they hear it, it is time to sit down quietly and prepare for storytime. Be sure to sing along and gesture to the first part. This helps reinforce the actions of sitting down, being quiet and listening. Read one of your favorite Christmas time picture books.
Give each student a sticker or stamp to reward them for a job well done.
Sing "Goodbye, Snowman" from Super Simple Songs - Christmas.