How Santa Got His Job is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
Â
SUMMARY
"How Santa Got His Job" by Stephen Krensky is a delightful children's book that explores the whimsical backstory of how Santa Claus became the beloved figure we know today. The story follows a young Santa Claus, who tries out various jobs in search of the perfect fit. From zookeeper to chimney sweep, Santa encounters comical mishaps and learns valuable lessons along the way. With the help of his unique skills, such as his ability to squeeze down small spaces and his jolly spirit, Santa finally discovers his true calling as the world's greatest gift-giver. Through playful illustrations and a lighthearted narrative, Krensky's book not only entertains young readers but also teaches them about perseverance, finding one's passion, and embracing one's unique talents. "How Santa Got His Job" is a charming holiday tale that reminds children that everyone has a special role to play.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Help students to analyze what the author’s purpose for writing the book might be.
- Have students sequence the important events in the story. This is an important skill when it comes to retelling a story.
- Teach students how contractions are used.
- Explain to students the various ways to use a comma.
- Introduce pronouns and practice using them.
- Encourage students to think about ways they can show compassion.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Santa Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
- The Animals' Santa by Jan Brett
- Stick Man by Julia Donaldson
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
