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This time of year, it can be difficult to keep students engaged and on task. Everyone is excited for the magic and gifts of the season, and let’s face it… everyone is also counting down to the much-needed break.
So what better way to capture their attention than with a series of creative seasonal books that will make them laugh and ALSO will keep kids thinking and learning?
The “How to Catch” series by Adam Wallace, Andy Elkerton, and Alice Walstead are a huge hit with kids of all ages! The gorgeous illustrations and clever rhymes throughout each book will keep your students hooked.
In this post, I’ll share some ideas to weave some holiday fun with your literacy lessons using these books!
December can be a challenging time to keep students focused. Use these books as springboards for STEM to give your students some hands-on learning time to ensure active engagement!
Each story revolves around setting traps for a character. This provides a perfect opportunity to discuss cause and effect, problem-solving, and strategy. Students can analyze why certain traps work (or don’t!) and even design their own.
After reading, have students draw blueprints, write procedural instructions, and even build a model of their trap. This could turn into a STEM challenge- students could test the traps to see if they work!
You might also challenge students to write their own “How to Catch” story, choosing a new character to catch. Can they make it rhyme, too?!
Analyze and compare the characters – what traits were an important contribution to each book? Discuss the gingerbread’s quick wit or the elf’s teamwork, as well as problem-solving and perseverence.
If you purchase any books using my links below, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases as an Amazon associate (but it won’t cost you anything extra to use my links)!
Just tap on the book images to read more about each book:
Whether you’re using these books for read-alouds, writing projects, or STEM activities, they’re sure to make your December (and January!) lessons memorable and engaging.
Wishing you a happy holiday season!
