Are you looking for something easy to do with your kids as Christmas approaches? Read “The Last Christmas Tree” and enjoy some fun christmassy activities. Don’t forget to grab our free printable elf ornaments for your children to color and cut out.
Preschoolers love stories don’t they? They also like making ornaments, so I found that combining the two activities was always a win. Can you imagine anything more wonderful than snuggling up with a good book and then making some ornaments together! This month I’ve picked out a really lovely Christmas book for you to enjoy with your child. Then we have a simple Christmas ornament to go along with it.
THE LAST CHRISTMAS TREE by Stephen Krensky
In this charming tale we meet a little Christmas tree. It is scrawny and imperfect, but is filled with the joy and hope of the season. The weeks go by and all the other trees get selected until finally the little tree is left alone in the lot. But the little tree remains hopeful, even when it seems unwanted and forgotten.
I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I loved the ending and I think it is one that will delight your child.
This is a heart-warming and magical tale with an encouraging message. The language is simple, so it is the perfect story for lively preschoolers.
The illustrations are gorgeous and reflect the bustle and excitement of Christmastime.
Children will find themselves warming to the little tree, and they will be delighted when they see who finally takes it home.
AS YOU READ
Take your time with this book and try not to speed through the story. There is a lot going on in the illustrations. Point out the things in the pictures that interest you and encourage your child to do the same. Look at all the trees and notice some of the differences. Ask:
- Which tree would you choose?
- Imagine we brought this little Christmas tree home. Where could we put it?
- What decorations could we put on the tree?
Look at all the people rushing to and fro. Wonder what they are doing. Invite your child to pick one of the people and make up a story about them.
AFTER THE STORY
Childhood 101 has some lovely Christmas finger plays and songs to enjoy. The all time favorite with the preschoolers at the library is this one.
We’ll Decorate the Tree (Tune: “The Farmer in the Dell”)
We’ll decorate the tree,
We’ll decorate the tree.
Heigh-ho, it’s Christmas time,
We’ll decorate the tree.
The cookies we will bake,
The cookies we will bake,
Heigh-ho, it’s Christmas time,
The cookies we will bake,
Christmas songs we’ll sing,
Christmas songs we’ll sing,
Heigh-ho, it’s Christmas time,
Christmas songs we’ll sing,
Why not make up your own verses? The presents we will wrap; The turkey we will cook ….
CHRISTMAS TREE SNACK
I love this healthy snack made from pretzel sticks and apples. It is so cute and easy to make. While you eat, tell your child about the Christmas trees you had as a child. Did you have a real tree or fake one? Were there special traditions around putting up the tree?
FIELD TRIP
A trip to the Christmas tree lot or farm would be a lovely follow up activity. Even if you don’t actually buy a tree, it is a fun thing to do.
Alternatively you could go and look at the decorated Christmas trees in the stores or other public places.
OTHER CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
- Read A Book And Make An Ornament
- Christmas Preschool Tracing Worksheets
- Fizzing Candy Canes
- Free Printable Christmas Worksheets
MAKE A SIMPLE ORNAMENT
Here’s a simple ornament for your child to make for the Christmas tree. The first page has two ornaments with a cute little elf design. One is ready to go and the other is ready to be colored in. The second page has 2 blank ornaments, so your child can decorate it however he/she wants.
MATERIALS NEEDED
- Ornament file
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Yarn or ribbon
- Crayons or markers
- 1-2 small coins
- tape
- Optional: small decorative items like stickers, old Christmas cards, buttons, sequins, paint
INSTRUCTIONS
- Get the file and print onto white card stock!
- Invite your child to decorate the ornament
- Cut around the outline. Older children should be able to manage this, but younger ones will need some help.
- Tape the coins on the undecorated side (They help add some weight, so the ornament hangs well.)
- Fold the two sides along the dotted line. The decorated sides will be on the outside.
- Punch a hole in the top
- Thread yarn or ribbon through for hanging
Get your free printable here.
YOUR TURN
What kinds of ornaments do you like to make with your children? Do you have a favorite Christmas book? Leave a comment below.
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