The Wild Christmas Reindeer 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
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SUMMARY
"The Wild Christmas Reindeer" by Jan Brett is a heartwarming tale that follows the story of a young girl named Teeka who is chosen to prepare Santa's reindeer for Christmas Eve. Excited but inexperienced, Teeka approaches the task with a stern and bossy attitude, unaware of the gentle nature of the reindeer. As she tries to train them, she soon realizes that her tactics aren't working and the reindeer become even more wild and uncooperative. Feeling disheartened, Teeka receives guidance from a wise and compassionate Arctic owl who teaches her the importance of kindness and understanding. With newfound patience and compassion, Teeka connects with the reindeer on a deeper level, and they respond with joy and cooperation. In the end, Teeka and the reindeer work together to create a magical and successful Christmas Eve flight. "The Wild Christmas Reindeer" is a beautifully illustrated story that teaches the value of empathy, teamwork, and the power of a gentle touch.
 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.
- Cause and effect can be a difficult skill for students. This book is a perfect mentor text for teaching this skill.
- Discuss the books plot and examine the problem and solution.
- Identifying the theme, message, or moral is an important skill that takes a lot of practice. Use this story as an opportunity to help your students with this reading strategy.
- Teach a mini lesson on compound words.
- Practice identifying the base of a word.
- Discuss patience with students and share strategies they can use to be more patient.
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.
- Olive, The Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh
- How to Catch a Reindeer by Alice Walstead
- Imogene's Antlers by David Small
- Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares
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!
