This holiday season, you will want to have some fun Christmas read-alouds ready for your upper elementary students. They will be excited about the holiday break and all the traditions, so set aside some time to read to them. Watch their eyes light up as you tell amazing Christmas stories, both old and new! Take a look at this list of fun titles and add them to your lesson plans this December.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
This is a children’s classic, and regardless of whether your students have read it, the story is exceptional. I always get a happy feeling at the end of the book, and your students are sure to enjoy it as well. There’s a movie made about the book. Have a fun hot cocoa day, and give each of your students a jingle bell at the end of the lesson.
A Wish to be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe
When a pine tree keeps getting passed up as a family Christmas tree, the woodland creatures in the area do something spectacular to perk the tree up. This sweet story is perfect for the holidays and is sure to brighten your student’s day this time of year.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston
This story is set in WWI and is always a hit. It’s a story of courage and the power of family. What better time to return to those family roots and strengths than the holidays? Read this story with your students and discuss all of the amazing plot points. It’s the perfect addition to your list of Christmas read-alouds!
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
This hilarious story lends itself to plenty of activities that your students will love doing in the classroom. Read the book to discover some silly things snowmen do in the middle of the night, and then invite your students to brainstorm what they think snowmen do at night. It’s a great opportunity for a writing activity and a shared reading.
The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel
Learn about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Habitat for Humanity in this lovable story! Show your students how one small act of kindness can turn into something amazing over the years! I love how this story opens the door for many discussions about giving, receiving, and turning something old into something new. Christmas read-alouds like this never get old.
The Christmas Owl by Gideon Sterer
When an owl’s home is cut down to celebrate Christmas, she has to find a new home. A woman named Ellen helps her out and shows her how amazing Christmas is. Students will love this Christmas read-aloud about friendship, compassion, and the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas read-alouds like this are adorable to read with any age.
The Christmas Tugboat by George Matteson
This is yet another story about the Rockefeller Christmas tree and how it got to New York City in 1931. It’s a fun-loving story with some history and tons of emotion. The pictures are incredible, and your students will appreciate this being added to your list of Christmas read-alouds for the school day.
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
Introduce your students to different cultures around the world using this amazing story. Learn how the poinsettia became the flower of Christmas and how the holiday is celebrated in Mexico. I love books by Tomie dePaola, and this one is no exception.
The All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll by Patricia C. McKissack
Teach your students the lesson of giving with this amazing story. Nella and her family don’t have much money, so when they receive a doll for Christmas, they are over the moon. Will the doll truly be all they ever wanted, or could there be more to the holiday season?
Amazing Peace by Maya Angelou
This collection of beautifully written poems will have your kids captivated as you read aloud. Read about how a family celebrates Christmas with the rich, poor, and those from all backgrounds and colors! Students will appreciate the multicultural text and representation!
I know you will love reading these Christmas read-alouds to your upper elementary students this year. They will appreciate the fun stories and lessons learned, and you will enjoy how happy they make you feel. Christmas books are the best!
For more fun Christmas ideas, take a look at these great ideas: