Drew Daywalt’s book, The Crayons’ Christmas makes a great holiday mentor text. Like his other books, this one is written using letters from Duncan’s crayons. However, in this holiday book there are fold out letters and activities. Students will love this interactive book. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
Fans of Drew Daywalt’s crayon books will love this Christmas story about their favorite characters. As Duncan and his crayons start preparing for Christmas, they also start receiving letters and packages in the mail. Readers will learn how Duncan, his crayons and their families celebrate the holidays.Â
The story starts off with a letter from Peach Crayon’s mother who has sent some clothes, knowing that Peach Crayon has always been shy. As Duncan and the crayons start to take out the Christmas decorations, they receive their second letter. This time it is a note from Beige Crayon’s father. He has sent a recipe for Christmas cookies and hot cocoa that the crayons enjoy making. Soon after, readers to learn about Gray Crayon who is away celebrating Hanukkah with family. A note with a dreidel has been sent for Duncan and the crayons.Â
After the group goes caroling, they return to find that Chunky Toddler Crayon has ordered a present for everyone online, it is a game that they can all play! The very last letter the friends receive is from Estaban and Neon Red Crayon. Duncan is disappointed to learn they won’t be home for Christmas because they’re helping Santa deliver toys. While Duncan is happy his crayons received so many letters and presents, he feels sad they won’t all be home. Thankfully, his crayons are there to cheer him up with a Christmas surprise.Â
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
While we love that this book is a great read aloud during the holiday season, it can also be used to teach a variety of literacy concepts. Reads alouds are a great way to practice reading comprehension strategies, writing, and grammar skills. Take a look at some ideas for using this book in your classroom.Â
- Practice summarizing the important events of the story.
- Work with students to identify the genre of this book.Â
- Allow students to get creative and write about Duncan’s crayons.Â
- Integrate letter writing by having students write letters from the crayons’ perspective.
- Teach a lesson on proper nouns and compound words.
- Introduce students to irregular verbs.Â
- Use this book to discuss a variety of feelings with students and how to manage them.
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 also love these similar books:
- Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
- The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
- The Day The Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt
- Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
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