Saturday, December 17, 2011

Christmas Countdown with Books

I stole this idea and I don’t even know who to thank. Yes, being naughty at Christmas time is not a good idea. But someone, somewhere out there in cyberspace – perhaps living closer to the North Pole, found this idea on Pinterest, wrote about it, and I stole borrowed it. I confess: My name is Susan and I am a blogaholic. I have no idea where to look for it because I love to blog hop. Could be worse, right?

Going in my favor (Santa, are you reading this?) is that I love to read! So here is the “original” idea: Wrap up 25 children’s Christmas books and unwrap one a night and read it together as a family. Here’s my spin:  If you can’t find 25 Christmas books at the used books store or garage sales, especially with snow already blanketing some areas, then wrap up any children’s books – used, new, different genre; it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you are reading books with your children every night.

If you are really pressed for time, and can’t even fathom wrapping 25 more things, just put a Countdown Till Christmas stash of books in a basket and pat yourself on the back for teaching math: 25, 24, 23… Counting backwards helps children learn subtraction. If you’re out of bows, perhaps you could put Post-it-Notes with numbers on the books. I opted for not wrapping the books, but wrote numbers on the backs of the bows going 1 through 25. Children can put the bows in numerical order—backwards or forwards. Whatever works, as long as you’re reading.

Martha Stewart won't be calling me for photo advice. We didn't even get the wood painted for the train track (oh no!). But that is on my list to do after Christmas. As well as shop on my favorite day of discounts, Dec. 26th. I bet I can find many children's books greatly reduced. I'll wrap them with scraps of wrapping paper (going green) and my basket will be ready for next year.

SNUGGLING, CUDDLING, AND READING PROMOTE:
  • Bonding, security, consistency, stability, routine, self-esteem
  • Literacy - a love of reading
  • Helping children learn about their world through nature and science books
  • The 3 Rs: Rhyming, Rhythm, and Repetition to enhance reading skills 

MY NEW YEAR’S CHALLENGE TO YOU
I have a simple challenge and it does not involve weighing yourself. Make a New Year’s Resolution to read at least one book a month—just for yourself. It is fun to pin, blog hop, surf, tweet, text, stumble around upon, connect with Facebook, and join in the increasing number of cyberspace adventures (myself included), but please let your children see you enjoying good books. Something about anything can be learned from reading. I wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS as you COUNTDOWN TILL CHRISTMAS WITH BOOKS!  










21 comments:

  1. This is genius! They will love it!!!

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  2. You are so sweet. I wondered about posting it this late - but there are lots of late bloomers out there like me. I'm avoiding the stores until after Christmas anyway. Traffic and shoppers are getting a little angry around the malls. Ho Ho Ho.

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  3. Oh Susan, What a wonderful idea. I think that children everywhere will love this. Good post.

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  4. Very CUTE blog...adorable children too.

    Stop by my blog if you like for an e-book giveaway and a new review of THE WICKED WIVES.

    NEW FOLLOWER

    Elizabeth

    http://silversolara.blogspot.com

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  5. We countdown with books too - we look forward to it every year!! Thanks for linking up to TGIF!! Merry Christmas,
    Beth =-)

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  6. Well, I am not a teacher but I do have lots of grandchildren (almost 10) and I have a lovely collection of Christmas books from my childhood and from my grown children. We love to read these together each Christmas season.

    Fun stopping by your place here for a visit!

    Kindly, Lorraine

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  7. Stopping by from the Weekend Warrior blog hop! I'm a SAHM taking a break from my elementary teaching career....I have really enjoyed reading your blog...such great advice for parents and teachers here! I'm your newest follower on GFC!

    Lisa
    Criss-Cross Applesauce

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  8. Great ideas for promoting literacy and awesome family memories at the same time! I added your post to my December 2011 Family Activities at http://livingmontessorinow.com/2011/11/29/december-2011-family-activities/

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  9. Well, thank you for adding my link to your blog Deb. I appreciate that. I'm visiting everyone's sites and following. Happy Blog Hopping! and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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  10. What wonderful ideas! I love the idea of counting down with books.

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  11. I'm doing that this year! You can see all my posts under Christmas books on Milk N Honey. I'm also doing crafts. I have a Bible giveaway if you make any comments!

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  12. You all have such wonderful blogs! Amazing moms! So glad you are encouraging reading.

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  13. I love reading to my kids, and love your ideas. Merry Christmas from Bacon Time.

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  14. Wonderful idea! I was, and still am, an avid reader as a child and I love when books are part of their lives.

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  15. You have great ideas! Have a Merry Christmas! I am your newest follower!
    Briana @ babblingsandmore.blogspot.com

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  16. You are my 100th follower! I thought it was Mikki - but it's Okay! Thank you and I'll hop on over to your place.

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  17. Great idea! we are all readers in our house..and we can never get enough books or ideas about reading books! I am a new follower from the hop..pls follow back if you can!

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  18. Your blog is very cute. Love the Sesame Street Birthday Party Ideas - and those Eiffel Tower Cookies - very cool. Thank you for visiting my blog.

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  19. I updated my post from before and added your photo to my 50+ December Family Activities: http://livingmontessorinow.com/2011/11/29/50-plus-december-family-activities/

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    1. Thank you so much Deb! I am so happy to be on this sensational much-needed Family Activities list. Have a wonderful Christmas season!

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  20. Could you update this post with the books you have read and would recommend? Thank you!

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