OTT 271: 10 of the Best Children’s Christmas Books (That Still Teach Something)
10 of the Best Children’s Christmas Books (That Still Teach Something)
December doesn’t have to be survival mode. We’re sharing ten Christmas read‑alouds that bring the room to a cozy hush while still nailing essential skills like character analysis, sequencing, vocabulary, point of view, and fluency. Each pick comes with a clear teaching angle and simple prompts you can use tomorrow, so you can steer into the season’s energy without losing rigor.
We break down why holiday books work so well during the chaotic weeks before break and pair every title with high‑impact strategies. Turkey Claus becomes a mini‑lesson on perseverance and how illustrations build meaning. Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus opens rich conversations about perspective, story structure, and author’s purpose, complete with a free five‑day close reading unit. Hurry, Santa! and Santa Is Stuck are tailor‑made for sequencing and problem–solution, and they double as quick STEM challenges—design a morning routine, prototype a rescue device, then write the steps.
We also lean into inclusion and visual literacy with Are You Grumpy, Santa?, where unexpected illustrations spark empathy and careful noticing. Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett invites close reading of borders and background details, while Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh supports character comparison across a beloved series. The Polar Express serves as a mentor text for theme and vocabulary with a film comparison to analyze medium and tone. Finally, The Night Before Christmas turns into a fluency workshop and a gentle lesson on multiple‑meaning words.
If your December feels like glitter in a wind tunnel, let these stories do the heavy lifting. Grab the free Yes, Virginia unit from the show notes, explore our STEM Story Stations for easy extensions, and subscribe to get more cozy, standards‑aligned ideas each week. Share your favorite holiday read‑aloud with us and leave a review to help other teachers find the show.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus Companion Unit Freebie
10 Christmas Read-Aloud STEM Story Stations
Christmas Trolls Comprehension Companion
Christmas Trolls STEM and Comprehension
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh STEM Challenge
Polar Express Comprehension Companion
Books Mentioned:
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus by Chris Plehal
Hurry, Santa! by Julie Sykes & Tim Warnes- so cute
Santa’s Underwear by Marty Rhodes Figley
Are You Grumpy, Santa? by Gregg & Evan Spiridellis
Santa Is Stuck by Rhonda Gowler Greene
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! by Mo Willems
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
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