Hanukkah, Santa and REINDEER, OH my!! December Craft & Retell has ‘em A L L and pairs with 6 different festive and holiday picture books perfect for kindergarten or first grade learners.
Just like the other monthly kits, December’s are consistent and offer your little learners some story printables, hands on story cards and a matching story craft for independent story sequencing! I mean, who doesn’t love a meaningful & festive craft for decorating lockers, bulletin boards and even the fridge at home! Now, let’s get into these books, shall we? *For more about the Craft & Retell series, check out this post. *
The 6 Mentor Picture Books
Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel
Hanukkah and Latkes! Every single time I read Hanukkah Bear, I wish that I had some latkes just like the ones Old Bear eats in the story. Since latkes are traditional for Hanukkah and special to this particular story, kiddos will craft up a hungry Old Bear with his latke that’s ready for some find motor story sequencing. Kiddos will sequence picture tiles directly onto a tasty little latke. Opt for a bigger bear and latke or give him a plate! (Resource Here)
The Great Santa Stakeout by Betsy Bird
If you’re looking for a funny holiday read aloud that includes Santa this story is g o l d. I also feel like it’s relatable for any kiddo who celebrates Christmas and has wanted to camp out all night or craft up a plan to catch Santa. But plot TWIST, Santa has a few tricks up his own sleeve and just can’t be caught – at least not this year. It’s a perfect tale for a retell! (resource here)
The Little Reindeer by Nicola Killeen
The Little Reindeer is a more subtle Christmas read and focuses on a little girl, Olive! From her bedroom, she hears a faint sound of a jingle bell and heads out to discover a REINDEER. The illustrations in this one are cozy and have a moodier color palette. Craft & Retell helps young kiddos retell the story by manipulating detailed story cards that are perfect for a group chart or pocket chart. & Of course, they’ll get to craft up their very own sequencing reindeer for this story. (Resource Here)
The Hanukkah Hamster by Michelle Markel
When cab driver Edgar discovers a lone hamster in his backseat, He quickly forms a bond and shares some of his Hanukkah traditions with his new companion… that he names CHICKPEA! If you have access to Epic! This picture book is on there! The retelling craft for this story is of course, a sweet hamster! (Resource Here)
The Real Santa by Nancy Redd
The Real Santa is one of the many new holiday books for 2021 that I’m obsessed with and it’s probably the most festive Christmas book I’ve e v e r read. The illustrations are the ultimate holiday treat on your eyes and will (for sure) spread extra Christmas cheer this season. This story Craft & Retell was inspired by the illustrations and will give kiddos a chance to sequence their own little Santa ornament.
Snowman earrings, holiday sweaters, festive mugs, holiday gift wrap and black Santa’s are just SOME of the exciting details you’ll find among the illustrations. It’s a must have story with representation and celebration of a black joy when a little boy sees a Santa who looks just like he does! (Resource Here)
Tough Cookie by Edward Hemmingway
A fresh take on a classic! Kiddos can practice a group retell using the story tiles (above) and then solo on their own Gingerbread craft. (Resource Here)
You can grab all of these kits solo or in the December Craft & Retell Bundle.
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