Weeks 13 and 14

What a crazy few weeks it has been! After the Thanksgiving holidays not only did the time fly, but we had a few ice days were we didn't go to school. Even so, we still had time to enjoy some great holiday stories in the library.

Our theme in the library this month was to discuss and learn all that we could about different holidays that are celebrated during the month of December. Even if we didn't have time to share an actual book about every holiday, I really encouraged the kids to share what holiday(s) they celebrate and tell us about them. I think it is important for us all to learn and embrace different cultures and traditions.

We started off the month reading books and learning about the story of Hanukkah.

The Hanukkah Hop by Erica Silverman

Read to: CDC, Pre-K, and Kindergarten

Skills: Learn about Hanukkah

Chanukah Lights Everywhere by Michael J. Rosen

Read to: Primer, 1st, and 2nd grades

Skills: Learn about Hanukkah

With all of our classes I began by first telling the story of Hanukkah. We discussed the history behind it and why we celebrate it. We also showed the kids a Menorah, discussed how to light it, showed them a Dreidel and explained how to play the game, and talked about traditional foods that are eaten. Many of our students that celebrate Hanukkah then shared some of their own family traditions.    

Santa Duck by David Milgrim

Read to: CDC, Pre-K, Kinder, Primer

Merry Christmas, Splat by Rob Scotton

Read to: Primer, 1st, 2nd Grades  

Santa from Cincinnati by Judi Barrett

Read to: 3rd and 4th Grades

Skills: Enjoy a holiday story and compare and contrast stories of Santa to other countries' stories

Following our lessons about Hanukkah I decided to share some fun stories about Christmas. Many of the stories' themes were similar in which characters are trying to be good so Santa will visit them etc, but the last book I read, Santa from Cincinnati, was a little different then that.  This story, written by the same author of, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, writes all about how a little boy named Santa grows up to become the real thing. It is an awesome story about Santa's life before he became Santa,  and after reading it we had a great discussion of other stories we have heard about Santa as well as stories of Santa from around the world. It was really neat to find out about what children in other countries believe and compare it to our own beliefs.       

Overall we had a great couple of weeks leading up to the holidays!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and happy new year!