Reading to children is an important activity that every family should participate in. Crucial early literacy skills such as letter and sound recognition can be developed through regular book reading times. With the holidays approaching, it is the perfect time to read a Christmas themed book to a special young child.
Choosing a Christmas Themed Children’s Book
There is a variety of Christmas and holiday themed books available for young children. Begin the selection process by finding age appropriate reading material. For example, a bright board book filled with colorful pictures will interest and entertain a toddler aged child, while a story based picture book might be more appropriate for a preschooler.
Consider the storyline or plot when choosing a Christmas children’s book. Look for a story that may interest the particular child. These interest based books may include:
- Animal holiday books. If a child has a particular interest in animals, a book about Santa’s reindeer may be a great choice.
- Main characters. Favorite characters from literature, television, or movies are also another way to play to a child’s interests.
- People. A young child may easily identify with other children of the same or similar age. Seek out books that focus on a child’s point of view.
- Seasons/Nature. Look for books about Christmas and winter or Christmas trees.
- Picture only books: Do not forget about simple pictorial representations. Viewing and understanding illustrations or pictures is a great way to increase representational thought in the young child.
Holiday Book Suggestions for Kids
Selecting the right book for the individual child can be a difficult task. The following list provides a few examples of Christmas books that are appropriate for young children (preschool and under):
- Santa Kid by James Patterson and Michael Garland (Little Brown & Company, 2004]). Santa’s daughter Chrissie tells the story of how a powerful company tries to take over Christmas. Christmas falls apart, and Chrissie helps to save the day. This book includes a special-tear out poster.
- On Christmas Eve by Peter Collington (Alfred A Knopf, 1990). A picture only book in which angels help to light the way for Santa.
- When Cows Come Home For Christmas by Dori Chaconas and Lynne Chapman (Albert Whitman & Company, 2005). An animal story about the cows’ Christmas. When there is no tree to decorate, the cows decorate one of their own.
Reading to the Young Child
Make the holiday reading experience a family activity. Parents can take turns reading selected passages, while older siblings can point out specific words or sentences. Make sure that the young child is engaged in both listening and viewing activities throughout the story reading time. Be sure to bring excitement and animation to the characters and story with fun vocal expressions and other noises.
After the book has been finished make time to discuss what the child just heard and saw or add in a connecting holiday craft. Ask questions such as:
- Who were the main characters?
- What was the first thing that happened in the story?
- What happened in the middle?
- How did the story end?
- What was the book called?
- What was this book about (what holiday)?
Reading to a child can be rewarding experience for all family members. Choose a book based on the child’s age, interests, and family needs. Engage the child throughout the entire process, and remember to encourage him or her to actively view the pictures. When the book reading is over, extend this activity into a thoughtful discussion.
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