Christmas School

We are headed into one of the most distracting times of year for the homeschool family. With the possible exception of senioritis, Christmas fever is the deadliest disease we face. Those of you with early elementary age children can combat this ailment with a month-long dose of Christmas school. If you have a curriculum that will allow for a slight detour, try putting the regular agenda aside this year and learning with Christmas as your focus.

Like any unit study, all you have to do is base all of your subjects on some aspect of your topic, which in this case is Christmas. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Math—measure surface area of boxes to be wrapped and cut paper to that measurement.
• Math—have children measure ingredients for Christmas baking
• Math—calculate budget amounts for gifts and have children add costs as you buy presents and subtract from budgeted figures.
• Handwriting—have children sign and address Christmas cards.
• Writing—compose stories or poems to include in family Christmas greetings
• Writing—journal family Christmas activities and traditions
• Writing—have children write letters to out-of-town family members and of course, thank you cards for gifts.
• Literature—read classic Christmas literature like “A Christmas Carol,” or “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.”
• Social Studies—go to the library and check out books on Christmas customs around the world. Discuss how a culture’s Christmas traditions are influenced by other aspects of their society.
• History—study how Christmas celebrations have changed through the ages. Find out how traditions changed during times of war or other societal upheavals.
• Art—study depictions of Jesus’ birth by famous artists.
• Art—take this opportunity to use school art class to produce some masterpieces for gift giving.
• Science—this is a good time to study evergreens, electrical circuits, astronomy, and snow.
• Missions—work on a special project for a local ministry, or send cards or small gifts to overseas missionaries.
• Music—listen to classical Christmas music and maybe even produce some of your own. Practice carols to sing at a local nursing home or in your neighborhood.
• Bible—obvious!

Sound like fun? Trust me, it is. If you are at a point where you could all really use a change in the routine, try learning through digging into Christmas. My kids will always remember the year we took December to have Christmas school!