Holiday Makers Lesson Plan

What We Are Learning

holidays

act out word meanings

giving, expressing gratitude

recognizing shapes

Kick off your lesson by talking about giving. Read the cover of the issue. When you get to Emily Elizabeth’s question (Who do you want to make a gift for?), have children turn and talk to their neighbor to answer the question. What would they make? Have them share their answers as you record it on chart paper. Then read the issue for more ideas. build engagement

SEL: Make Thank-You Cards

Materials: construction paper, art materials

With this activity, children will learn another way to say thank you—with a note!
Remind children that when they receive a gift or someone does something nice for them, they can say thank you with words. They can also say thank you with a handmade card!
Ask children to think about someone who has done something nice for them. The person could have given them a gift, made them lunch, or helped them with something, like tying their shoes. Have children take turns sharing who they’d like to thank and why.
Pass out paper and art materials. Have children decorate the front of their cards. Then circulate and have them dictate what they’d like to say in their cards. They can even practice signing their name at the end! prewriting/gratitudesafe

Materials: construction paper, paint, plates, markers

Encourage children to give the gift of helping!
For each child, prepare paper by writing I will help _______ .
Leave space for handprints on the page. Set out plates of paint.
Discuss how children can help during the holidays. For example, they might help bake holiday treats, set the table, or take visitors’ coats at the door.
When children have chosen a way to help, have them put their hands in paint and make handprint marks on their paper. You could also have them trace their hands, or you can trace their hands for them. Then help them complete the sentence with their job. They can also draw a picture of themselves helping! relationship skills