For some great Christmassy ideas, take a look at the free sequences below.
Years 5 and 6 – The Call (poetry)
This poem by Charlotte Mew has a number of possible themes and interpretations. We have chosen to make a link to elements of the Christmas story but you could equally well teach this at another time of year and focus on something else.
The change and development in atmosphere using film techniques is a key part of the sequence.
Grammar activities include those to support the teaching/revision of noun phrases (pre-and post-modification, verb choices, and commas for clarity.
Years 5 and 6 – Christmas Tales: Storyworld cards
This sequence makes use of a fantastic resource – a pack of cards containing characters and prompts that are often found in Christmas stories. Children use the cards to create a Christmas story for a younger age group in the school.
Years 5 and 6 – Bethlehem: A Christmas Poem
This wonderful poem by Carol Ann Duffy describes Bethlehem in a lyrical way. A useful, short sequence for Christmas time. The children could write about their own homes during the festive period.
Years 3 and 4 – The Snowman
A ‘re-imagining’ of Raymond Briggs’ original by Michael Morpurgo.
Years 3 and 4 – Mog’s Calamity Christmas
This sequence is based on the wonderful 2015 Christmas advert from Sainsbury’s which even includes a visit from Judith Kerr who wrote the book. The focus is on conveying character and emotions.
- Download Mog’s Christmas Calamity sequence
- Watch the video on YouTube
- Download a document containing stills from the video
Years 3 and 4 – How Santa Really Works
If you know and love How Dogs Really Work by the same author, Alan Snow, then this book is one for you. The whole text is an explanation but with other elements included. Wonderful!
KS1 – Snow in the Garden
A lovely anthology of stories, poems, recipes and Christmassy things to make.
- Download ‘Cold’ from Snow in the Garden sequence
- Download ‘Pretty Paper Lanterns’ from Snow in the Garden sequence
KS1 – How to Catch Santa
This is a lovely set of instructions and essential tips about catching Santa! It is part of a series of ‘How to…’ books by the authors. Inventive and funny.
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