The holidays are here! As teachers, we understand how exciting and magical this time can be, but also how crazy things get in December! Our favorite trick to survive December is to embrace the holiday spirit and keep a consistent routine. An easy way to do that is by reading aloud Christmas books during your reading block!
Christmas books are a great way to harness your students’ anticipation for the holidays and funnel it into something educational. There are so many great Christmas books that are fun and engaging for students and also make great mentor texts to practice reading skills. Take this idea a step further and create a fun holiday tradition in your classroom. Wrap each book in wrapping paper and keep them in your classroom. Countdown to Christmas by unwrapping a new book each day and reading it aloud! Here are our top books to read aloud this Christmas!
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Dasher
We LOVE this book! Seriously, it is the best Christmas book ever! Your students will love this story about an ordinary family of reindeer that become the most famous animals in the world. Plus it has absolutely gorgeous illustrations.
Memoir’s of an Elf
Memoirs of an Elf by Devin Scillian is the perfect Christmas read aloud. Students will love the excitement of listening about Santa, the elves and reindeer on their mission around the world on Christmas Eve. Grab this book companion and craftivity to engage your students and finish your holiday display board!
Gingerbread Pirates
This tale about a boy’s gingerbread cookies that come to life on Christmas is always a hit in our classrooms! The gingerbread pirates have a daring adventure that captures students’ imagination. Expand upon this read aloud with this literacy unit to get students practicing sequencing events, identifying character traits, sorting fact vs opinion, and more!
The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas
Bring some Christmas cheer to the classroom with the Gingerbread Man’s newest adventure! This time, the Gingerbread Man fights bad weather to deliver the perfect holiday gift. We love using this book to discuss how kindness and gratitude are an important part of the holidays! Combine it with a book companion and craftivity to make a day of it!
The Story of Santa’s Beard
Everyone knows about Santa’s beard, but do you know why it is so long? Your students will love this magical story all about Santa’s beard. Watch their faces light up as they realize that their good acts are what make Santa’s beard grow!
The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza
David Shannon is one of our favorite children’s book authors and this book does not disappoint! With gorgeous illustrations and a worthy moral, we love reading this book to our classes. Let your students further explore this great tale and practice their comprehension strategies with this book companion and craftivity.
The Polar Express
The Polar Express is our nostalgic pick for a holiday read aloud. We love the illustrations and how this classic story captures the magic of Christmas. Get in the Christmas spirit by bringing hot chocolate for your students to enjoy as they read this book.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
No Holiday book list is complete without the Grinch! We love reading this book with our class and discussing how people can change their attitudes and beliefs. This classic never gets old!
Home Alone
This classic Christmas movie is just as fun and hilarious as a picture book! Our students always crack up at this silly book. Use these literacy activities alongside the book and make a whole day out of it!
How to Catch an Elf
Your students will be cracking up with this hilarious story about an elf loose in a house on Christmas. Extend this book into a STEAM activity by having your students design their own elf trap!
Twas the Night Before Christmas
This classic poem is so well known for a reason! Every year we have at least one student who recognizes it from their parents and we love watching their eyes light up as they realize that we are sharing their family tradition.
Who’s that Knocking on Christmas Eve
This story is based on a traditional Norwegian folktale. We love the beautiful detailed illustrations! Our students always shriek and laugh at the trolls and the ice bear.
Did we miss any of your favorite Christmas read alouds? Let us know in the comments below!
