Read aloud this Christmas
At the time of writing, it’s the second day of Advent. I’m wearing one of my Christmas jumpers (yes, there’s a collection), I’m playing tunes from The Best Christmas Album in the World… Ever! , and I’m wondering if at 9.00 am if it’s too early for a mince pie. I’ve also just dusted off the Primary English Christmas Book collection and thought it might be worth highlighting a few Christmas themed books to share with the children in your class.
First off is The Story of Christmas by Jane Ray. Whilst not currently in print, there are plentiful copies available from third party sellers on Amazon. This is a beautifully illustrated book which includes text adapted from the King James bible and so provides a most traditional retelling of the Christmas story. With the Holy Family clearly representative of their Middle Eastern heritage, this is an important addition to your school’s collection of representative literature.
Mog’s Christmas Calamity by Judith Kerr is a perfect for sharing aloud. Jam-packed with hilarity, action and mild peril, it’s also a story that reminds us about the importance of neighbourly goodwill. And who can forget the Sainsbury’s Advert that brought the story to the small screen. We have a Guided Reading Teaching Sequence for Mog’s Christmas Calamity on our resources page.
Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allen is now a must-read-book for storytime in EY and KS1. The sleep-deprived innkeeper is all of us when disturbed from our sleep. And I personally LOVE bringing him to life in my reading aloud. Available to buy here.
I just know you’ll all be reading it, but I can’t leave The Polar Express out of my review. As with all of Chris Van Allsburg’s work, the illustrations are stunning and a key part of the storytelling. I never tire of returning to this book each year and think it’s an essential addition to every school’s Christmas read aloud collection. We have a set of Starting Points for The Polar Express on our resources page.
And last but not least, one of the best books I’ve read in my life…ever! The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. If you’re looking for a longer book to read to your Year 5 and Year 6 pupils this Christmas, this is the one. Dark, sinister and deeply engaging, The Dark is Rising is the story of one boy’s battle against the darkest of forces awoken by the magic of Yuletide. Available to buy here.
If you liked this post, you may like our Good books to read aloud article.
Other Christmas articles are: