Whether you're looking for classroom ideas to get you in the festive spirit or for Christmas writing ideas to help you to teach a particular writing genre, we've got you covered. As always, a quick search of our extensive Writing Bank gave us heaps of inspiration for Christmas lessons. With each idea you'll find a real-life example, ideal for exemplification, finding ideas and lesson inspiration.
Here are our top 10 ideas:
Ask your class to write as if they were a Christmas tree or perhaps a decoration on the tree or a present underneath it! What do they see going on around them as we're busy preparing for Christmas? Here's an example.
Take a look at a well known Christmas poem and then ask your class to write their own versions. Twas the night before Christmas or The 12 days of Christmas are great options.
Asking your class what Christmas means to them is a great opportunity for a festive discussion and then to write using metaphors. Here's a lovely example to share with your class.
What was Christmas like at different times though history? During World War One or in Victorian times perhaps. A perfect opportunity to get your class doing some research!
When you're putting up a Christmas tree, where do you start? What about wrapping a present or making a card? Ask your class to write a clear and concise set of instructions. Here's an example of how to put up a Christmas tree.
The annual advertising from major brands usually provide an excellent basis for classroom writing. You could ask your class to retell the stories, write setting or character descriptions or even analyse them! Here's an example.
What does the main man do in the run to the big day? What does he do for the rest of the year? What would happen if Santa was sick? Questions like these are sure to prompt some creative writing! Find an example here.
How does Christmas compare in your country to Christmas across the other side of the world? Ask your class to research the celebrations and traditions of another country, how does it differ? What is the same? Here's an example about Christmas in China.
Most of your class will be familiar with writing the annual letter to Santa, but can they write an alternative and ask for something different too? Something that will change our world for the better perhaps. Here's a wonderful example for you to share.