Holiday lessons for middle school can be a challenge to find. During December I try to bring in a festive element to my lessons. I still continue with my current units of study, but once those are finished I try to incorporate as many holiday-related literacy lessons as possible to keep my students interested in their learning.
Bring the Meaning of the Season To Your Classroom
I like to get my students involved in thinking about how they can help others this holiday season. See the list below of ways your class can make a difference this holiday season.
- Organize a food drive for the local food bank
- Make holiday cards for senior citizens and drop them off to a local seniors home
- Discuss the importance of volunteering time at an organization that is meaningful to them, and then help your students come up with a volunteering plan
- Co-ordinate with your Music/Drama/Dance departments for an after school field trip to a senior’s home where students can showcase their talents and learning from the semester
- Fundraise for a cause important to your school/community
- Check out this list of ways to Help Students Think About Giving Instead of Getting during the holiday season.
I also like to bring some holiday cheer into the classroom during the weeks leading up to holiday break. My students really enjoy these Christmas themed interactive writing prompts get students up and moving during the warm up portion of your Writer’s Workshop. Students use the 7 different story prompts to get thinking creatively about what might happen in each scenario. Students must move around the classroom to answer each other’s story writing prompts. I love building movement into my writing program, as I feel students are more creative when they are allowed to brainstorm and share their ideas with others.
If you need a longer writing assignment for December try this Christmas Writing Assignment. Students will select the role of one character: Santa’s Elf, Christmas Turkey, Gingerbread man, Christmas Tree or Museum Curator and create a written product (brochure, postcards, infographic, etc) based on the character’s specific writing prompt. By using this fun Christmas creative writing choice board assignment, teachers can combine covering the writing curriculum and enjoying the holiday season with their classes.
Help students learn about different cultures, celebrations and faiths with this holiday research assignment. Students will work in pairs to research 1 of the 16 suggested holiday and/or cultural celebrations. Students could also choose to research a local holiday or cultural celebration. To support the research process a graphic organizer is provided with prompting questions, and a space to record research. Students will present their research findings in a slideshow to their classmates.
This is a cross-curricular unit plan for the Christmas Truce of 1914. This event took place between the British and German troops along the western front trenches in France. It is explained to students using a variety of media types: readings, videos, and songs. Students will reflect on this significant event which occurred during the First World War.
Check out other fantastic ideas for celebrating the season with your classes, family and friends.
Holiday Gift Guides
Are you looking for holiday gift ideas? Check out these gift guides to see if your shopping can be made easier this year.
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I do agree that pictures with meaning make walls much more personal; I've owned my own photography business for about 8 years now, but I've always loved taking and collecting pictures. I hope Santa brings you some photography lessons!! It's my passion for sure! Thanks for joining us on the hop!
~Julie
Loved your tasks here Kristy – especially the Christmas themed writing prompts. How do students of different faiths replace the theme with one of holiday meaning to them? Great to share a hop with you! Ellen
The writing prompts are very generic to Santa or winter. I teach in a public school so I ensure all my lessons are inclusive.
Crossing fingers for your photography lessons! I'll bet you'll take some awesome pictures to put on the wall. Merry Christmas!
~Addie
I love your picture book idea! I will have to check that one out. Thanks!
You've piqued my curiosity! I've never read "Christmas in the Trenches" and will have to check it out. Thank you for sharing!