Middle School Christmas, Chanukah, & Kwanzaa Lesson

A novel study unit covering The House Without a Christmas Tree By Gail Rock.

Included in Unit:

Novel Study Materials:

· Suggested Lesson Plans

· Daily Discussion Questions (with answers)

· Goals and Instruction Pages for Parent/Teacher

· Setting Worksheet

· Character Worksheet

· Conflict Worksheet

· Theme Worksheet

· Plot

· 3 Quizzes (Used weekly)- With Answer Key

· 2 Final Unit Test Options (Multiple choice or short answer)-With Answer Key

Vocabulary Materials:

· Goals and Teacher Instructions

· 3 Sets of Vocabulary Words

· Master definitions

· Student Dictionary

· 3 Crosswords

· 1 Vocabulary in Context Worksheet

· All Vocabulary Word Search

· Final Vocabulary Test

· Answer Keys

Recalling a Christmas Memory Project

Students will be able to use brain mapping worksheets to recall and answer the questions who, what, when, where, and why in reference to a Christmas memory. The project is a four-paragraph writing project.

Materials Included:

· Goals and Teacher Instructions

· Student Introduction Page

· Student Planning Page

· Grading Rubric

· Optional Writing Page

Christmas Tree Lot Project

Students will be asked to make a tree lot according to the student instruction page. Students will use special skills along with area and perimeter skills. A minor research component is included to research the types of trees to sell on their Christmas Tree Lot.

Materials Included:

· Goals and Teacher Instructions

· Student Introduction Page

· Student Planning Page

· Grading Rubric

· Optional Writing Page

· Christmas Tree Research Page

· Legends Page

· Elements and Pieces page

· 11x14 grid page

This bundle includes the in-class and digital versions of our highly popular Christmas ELA Escape Rooms!

There is no wonder why escape rooms are so popular; they are engaging and encourage people to work together and think creatively in order to solve different puzzles... all while trying to beat the clock. Now, you can facilitate our Christmas ELA Escape Room in the classroom and at home for distance learning with this meticulously-crafted bundle. All tasks are skills-based so that with these fun lessons, learning is not sacrificed. Whether they are in school or at home, your students will be having so much fun that they won’t even realize the higher order thinking skills they are applying in the playing of these games!

How does it work?

Your students are stuck in their digital classroom and cannot leave for Christmas vacation until they solve 5 challenging Language Arts skills-based tasks about Christmas!

• Fa-la-la-la Figurative Language: In the first task, students must identify the figurative language devices used in popular Christmas songs. Shaded boxes in the correct answers form the first code.
• 'Twas the Night Before Christmas: In the second task, students must order the plot events of Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, on Freytag's Pyramid. Once solved, corresponding letters reveal the second code.
• Christmas Fun Facts: In the third task, students will read 8 fun facts about Christmas and must identify the parts of speech of underlined words within the passages. When matched correctly, shaded boxes will reveal the third code.
• Xmas Around the World: In the fourth task, students must correct commonly confused words (like except and accept) in passages about how Christmas is celebrated around the world. Once complete, they must unscramble shaded boxes to reveal the fourth code.
• Encrypted Message: In the final task, students must solve an encrypted Christmas message using the codes and clues from the first four tasks. Then they must figure out the final line that completes the message. Once they write that on the final page, they can share the document with you (or sing it to you in the in-class version) and escape to Christmas vacation!

In-Class Escape Room Includes:

- Escape Room Basics

- Detailed Day-Of Instructions

- Escape Room Print Checklist

- Student Teams Chart

- Welcome Sign for Your Door

- Materials for 5 Tasks: task signs to be folded upright, task instructions (2 per page for easy printing), and necessary information to be kept at stations

- Student Answer Booklets (small and large options)

- Teacher Answer Keys

- Code Word Theme Open Response for homework or in-class writing activity

Digital Escape Room Includes:

- Instructions for how to access and share escape room and answer key through Google Drive

- Materials for 5 Tasks: digital task signs, detailed task instructions, and supplementary materials

- Digital Student Worksheets

- Digital Teacher Answer Key

*Note that this is the digital version of the Christmas Escape Room; tasks are identical, just reformatted for digital experience. Requires use of Google Slides.*

Suitable for middle and high school students and is ideal during the month of December.

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•This all-inclusive unit contains everything you need to teach about Jesus' Birth and Childhood. There are graphic organizers to help understand the content, there is also a map of Israel and the Mediterranean to help students picture the locations.

•The lesson plans include a PowerPoint which contains an editable packet of work that can be completed independently, or collaboratively. Students will read the bible, summarize passages, answer comprehension questions, and complete graphic organizers about the information.

•Students will learn critical vocabulary and use problem-solving skills to think about examples and non-examples for vocabulary. Students will also reflect on and work to memorize Isaiah 9:6.

Unit Includes…

• 15-page student packet
• Rubric to grade packet
• Answer Key
• Class slides to guide students through the packet. Includes the answer keys, slides to add ideas from class brainstorming, games, and discussion questions.
• Links to Quizlet, Gimkit, and Blooket games that match the packet
• Test & Answer Key
• Vocabulary Words such as salvation, manger, Messiah, Prophecy, Advent Wreath, City of David, Nativity, and Magi.
• Word Wall with vocabulary words and definitions
• An outline of the Family Tree from Adam to Jesus.
• Advent Wreath Note Taking page and a short presentation on Advent, the Advent Wreath, and symbolism.
• Graphic Novel page and rubric

Awesome Things in the Packet

• Students will analyze the Hail Mary prayer, connect it to the bible, and rewrite the meaning in their own style.
• Students will match the people in the unit to Gifts of the Holy Spirit as a review of the people and their strengths.
• Students will match the events and locations to a map to better understand the geography of the region.
• Students will read about 4 saints and complete a graphic organizer after researching one saint. Saint Josephine Bakhita, Saint Lucy, Saint Juan Diego, Saint Agnes Lê Thi Thành.
• Students will analyze the Messianic Prophecies and compare the Prophecies to the knowledge of Jesus and John the Baptist.
• Students will use Hexagonal thinking to connect the people and vocabulary from this section.
• Students will connect information from this unit to sacraments, the Catholic Mass, the Liturgical colors, and the Gloria.

Objectives covered in the packet

• Understand, remember, and analyze translations of Isaiah 9:6 using a worksheet, verse sort, and sparkle

• Understand, remember, and analyze vocabulary for this unit by writing examples, non-examples, sentences, drawing pictures, and playing games.

• Understand the Family tree from Adam to Jesus.

• Understand, remember, and analyze the pregnancies of Mary and Elizabeth.

• Understand, remember, and analyze the births of Jesus and John the Baptist.

• Analyze the Messianic prophecies from the Old Testament and apply them to Jesus and John the Baptist.

• Remember and understand the stories of Anna and Simeon, andcreate a headline about the Messiah.

• Remember and understand the Wise Men and gifts of the Magi.

• Remember and understand the story of the boy Jesus in the Temple.

• Analyze people and places from this section and connect them with hexagonal thinking.

• Remember and understand the Passover and the connection with Jesus in the Temple.

• Understand the map of Israel during this time period.

• Remember people from the unit and evaluate a lesson learned about those people.

• CATHOLIC: Apply the information from this section to deepen an understanding of the sacraments specifically analyzing sacraments that use anointing with oils.

• CATHOLIC: Apply the information from these sections to deepen an understanding of the Mass by analyzing the Confiteor prayer by sorting, writing definitions, and praying the prayer, as well as understanding the Tabernacle’s connection to the Ark of the Covenant and Eucharistic Adoration.

• Apply the information from this section with a review.

• Apply the information from this section with a test.

Enhance your teaching of Jesus' Birth and Childhood with this comprehensive Nativity Unit, designed to provide engaging and informative lessons for your students. This all-inclusive unit contains everything you need to effectively cover the Christmas lesson plans that revolve around the story of Jesus’ birth, ensuring a deep understanding of the Nativity and its significance in the Christian faith. With well-structured lesson plans, students will embark on an exciting learning journey that integrates Advent lessons with a focus on the Nativity, providing a holistic approach to understanding the Christmas season.
To support your students’ learning, the unit includes graphic organizers that help them dissect and comprehend key content areas.

Accompanying these resources is a detailed map of Israel and the Mediterranean, allowing students to visualize the geographical context of the Nativity story. This visual aid is crucial for students to grasp the locations of significant events, deepening their understanding of the historical and spiritual journey leading to Jesus’ birth. By integrating mapping activities into your Christmas unit, you foster critical thinking and enhance spatial awareness among your students.
The lesson plans feature an interactive PowerPoint presentation that guides students through an editable packet of work.

This packet can be completed independently or collaboratively, fostering a sense of community in the classroom as students engage in discussions and group activities. They will read passages from the Bible, summarize their learnings, answer comprehension questions, and utilize graphic organizers to synthesize their understanding of the Nativity and its key figures.

This collaborative approach not only enhances comprehension but also encourages teamwork and communication skills, which are vital in any educational setting.
As part of the unit, students will also engage with essential vocabulary related to the Nativity, such as salvation, Messiah, and Advent Wreath.

The curriculum includes activities that promote vocabulary acquisition, allowing students to apply critical thinking skills as they differentiate between examples and non-examples of each term. Additionally, the unit offers opportunities for reflection and memorization, such as working with the scripture from Isaiah 9:6. This focus on both comprehension and application ensures that students are not just memorizing facts, but genuinely connecting the material to their faith and personal experiences.

Incorporating other relevant content, the unit encourages students to analyze the Hail Mary prayer, connect it to the Bible, and explore the lives of saints related to the Nativity. They will research and complete graphic organizers on saints like Saint Josephine Bakhita and Saint Lucy, allowing them to recognize the broader Christian tradition during this festive season.

By examining Messianic prophecies and connecting them to the story of Jesus and John the Baptist, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the scriptures and their relevance to the celebration of Christmas. This Nativity lesson plan is not only a vital educational resource but also a meaningful way to enrich your students' understanding of their faith and the importance of the Christmas season.

Other Lesson Plans

Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost

Confiteor Prayer from the Catholic Mass

PURPOSE: These 5 Google Slide lessons provide digital pre-reading resources, historical background info, vocabulary word study, practice, and assessment for 5 classic stories: THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL, A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, THE GIFT OF THE MAGI, KIDNAPPED SANTA, BURGLAR’S CHRISTMAS.

GOAL: to prepare each student to read rigorous literature by front-loading story elements critical to comprehension aligned to standards

AUDIENCE: whole group, small group, or independent work for regular ed, learning support, ESL or virtual classrooms

PDF FILE. Plus, each ZIP file comes with a PDF folder containing 8 printable worksheets to be used with the PPT lesson! These printables include Connotation and Grammar sort, Word Study, and Vocabulary Quiz with optional word bank and answer key.

EACH Google Slide Lesson:

1. **Author Bio:** To connect vocabulary with real-world context, we provide author biographies related to each short story. This adds depth to the lesson, allowing students to appreciate the words in the context of the author's life experience.

2. **Setting**: highly informative slides include maps, historical images and intriguing video links to prepare students to have a deeper understanding of the location and time period in which the story takes place. This is a crucial element when preparing students to read outside their own worldview.

3. **Vocab with Concise Definitions :** Our PowerPoint lesson provides clear and concise definitions for challenging vocabulary words, ensuring that students understand the meaning of each word in context as it appears in the text. (See Individual lesson for vocabulary words)

4.**Bold Photos:** Visual learners will thrive with our visually appealing slides, featuring bold and relevant images that help reinforce vocabulary concepts and make learning more engaging.

5.**Parts of Speech:** Understanding the parts of speech is crucial for effective language comprehension. Our lesson includes sections dedicated to identifying the part of speech for each vocabulary word.

6. **Grammar Review & Sort** Strengthen language skills with integrated grammar review sections, ensuring students can apply the vocabulary words correctly in their own writing and communication.

7. **Connotation Review & Sort** Dive deeper into vocabulary nuances by exploring the connotations of words, helping students grasp the subtle shades of meaning and usage.

8.**Context Clues Sentences:** Our lesson includes carefully curated sentences that employ context clues, enabling students to decipher word meanings from surrounding text. This fosters independent comprehension skills. These worksheets can be used for practice or assessment.

9.**Quizlet Practice:** Reinforce learning and encourage self-assessment with Quizlet practice sets tailored to the vocabulary words covered in the lesson. This interactive tool allows students to review and quiz themselves.

10**PDF file** 9 organizers, activities, and quizzes

11 **Fun Fact** video link are inserted throughout to bring important elements of the story into context and aid comprehension

DIGITAL USES IN THE CLASSROOM:

· Introduce new story

· Provide backstory to text

· Stimulate group discussion/prediction

· Create predictions about text

· Use as distance learning resource

· Post on webpage for review

· Add to electronic notebooks

· Provide test review

· Prompt Writing or Research assignments

· Grammar study / parts of speech

· Discuss Word Connotation

PRINTABLE USES: word walls and interactive notebooks

This bundle is also available in PowerPoint!

Enjoy -from Kiwious About Vocab!

You need this Ultimate Christmas Bundle to get through the chaos of the month of December. It's chockful of games, writing & drawing activities, including Would You Rather that will keep elementary and middle school students busy when they finish their work! Perfect for use throughout the month of December to help celebrate the Christmas holiday!

I made these creative activities because I needed independent work that I could use in my classroom that I knew students would actually LIKE doing!

What's Included:

December Early Finishers Packet This monthly packet features like puzzles, games, and SEL-centered drawing and coloring activities. They'll love the fun games they can play with a partner quietly, or anything from the selection of 20 fun pages of independent, challenging puzzles and creative activities this packet offers!

Would You Rather Christmas Edition This class game is a fun way to get your students excited to be in school, create relationships, and get students talking and connected! Questions are fall-themed and related to Christmas. All you need to do is project the questions on the board to get the fun started, no other prep is needed!

Found Your iPhone - Santa/Grinch Edition With this character cell phone analysis activity, students will make inferences using what they know about either Santa or the Grinch. The engaging design of this cell phone activity will ask students to "snoop" through a phone they found, peep their text messages, playlists and even check their most recent location history. This literary analysis activity can be used during the holidays for a fun activity that's in keeping with the holiday spirit.

Christmas Greeting Cards Help your students celebrate Christmas by being creative as well as mindful with these cards they can color! Perfect for teens and secondary students who may not have the time or patience to make a card. Choose from 5 design options for the cover of the card. Cards print double-sided. This card is cute and a fun way for students to share the Christmas spirit.

Letter to Santa Help your students celebrate Christmas by writing a letter to Santa! Choose from 2 different design options - black and white and color. These letters are a fun way for students to express their creativity this Christmas.

Christmas Coloring Pages Help your students celebrate Christmas by being creative as well as mindful with these coloring pages! Choose from 3 different design options. These pages are a cute and fun way for students to express their creativity this Christmas.

Gingerbread Reading Comprehension You may be in full swing with your holiday or Christmas celebrations, but do your students need practice to identify the elements of a story? This Gingerbread-themed worksheet with an original reading passage titled, "Gingerbread Adventure is designed to give your students an opportunity to practice identifying story elements, sequencing, and reading comprehension.

Secret Santa Questionnaire and Tracker These student gift questionnaires and trackers will make it a smooth process! Students will list three wishes on the form and write their names. Collect the slips, fold and have students select their Secret Santa. Use the handy tracker to match up the student they are gifting so there is no confusion. These print-and-go forms are a fun and easy way for students to participate in a gift exchange this Christmas without the stress!

**For personal and single classroom use only. If using with multiple classrooms, please purchase additional licenses at the discounted rate.**

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Unlock the full potential of teaching O. Henry’s timeless story The Gift of the Magi with this NO-PREP Comprehensive Full Unit Study.  Designed for middle to high school students, this all-inclusive resource offers everything educators and homeschool parents need to create a seamless, engaging, and insightful learning experience.  With meticulously planned materials, The Gift of the Magi NO-PREP Comprehensive Full Unit Study delves into the story’s rich themes, intricate symbolism, and poignant narrative of love and sacrifice.

This resource is packed with tools to guide students through an in-depth exploration of the text.  It includes a detailed lesson plan, scope and sequence, and pacing guide to keep your instruction on track.  The visually engaging PowerPoint presentation enhances understanding, while the symbolism analysis uncovers deeper meanings in O. Henry’s writing.  From reading passages with comprehension questions and answers to 20 writing prompts, 20 student activities, and 20 discussion prompts, this resource promotes critical thinking and meaningful engagement.

To ensure a well-rounded study, the unit features 20 student projects with materials and instructions, supported by a teacher guide for project facilitation.  The 6-Part Assessment Tool with answer key, 40 vocabulary words and definitions, 20 note-taking sheets, exit tickets, and a plot diagram further reinforce comprehension.  Additionally, a character analysis map aids in understanding the story’s protagonists and their emotional journey. Grading is made simple with the included grading scale, structure, rubric, and spreadsheet, providing everything you need to track student progress with ease.

With a blend of creative activities, analytical tools, and comprehensive assessments, this full unit study encourages students to connect with the timeless themes of love, generosity, and the true meaning of sacrifice.  Save time and reduce planning stress while providing an enriching educational experience for your students with this all-in-one teaching resource.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• lesson plan

• scope & sequence

• pacing guide

• PowerPoint

• symbolism from The Gift of the Magi

• reading passage

• passage questions and answers

• 20 writing prompts

• 20 student activities

• 20 discussions prompts

• 20 student projects

• teacher guide for student projects

• 6-Part Assessment Tool with answer key

• 40 vocabulary words and definitions

• 20 note-taking sheets

• exit tickets

• plot diagram

• character analysis map

• grading scale

• grading structure

• rubric

• grading spreadsheet

BENEFIT FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Time-saving:  Fully no-prep resource designed for ease of use.

• Comprehensive materials:  Includes everything from lesson plans to assessments, all in one package.

• Flexible and adaptable:  Suitable for classroom or homeschool settings.

• Engaging tools:  PowerPoint presentation and interactive projects enhance student learning.

• Effective grading:  Built-in grading scale, structure, rubric, and spreadsheet simplify evaluation.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• In-depth learning:  Comprehensive resources promote critical thinking and deeper understanding.

• Creative engagement:  Projects and activities allow students to express their insights creatively.

• Skill development:  Enhances vocabulary, writing, and analytical skills.

• Interactive tools:  Encourages collaboration and discussion through prompts and note-taking sheets.

• Connection to themes:  Helps students relate to the story’s universal messages of love and selflessness.

Equip yourself with this The Gift of the Magi NO-PREP Comprehensive Full Unit Study and bring O. Henry’s timeless tale to life in your classroom or homeschool setting.  This resource simplifies planning, enriches instruction, and engages students with its thorough and creative materials. From fostering deep literary analysis to encouraging meaningful connections to the themes of love and sacrifice, this unit has everything you need to make learning impactful and memorable.  Save time, inspire curiosity, and provide your students with a truly comprehensive exploration of this classic short story.

Thank you for your support!

Tina – Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links:  http://linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to this website so you do not miss out on new resources and blogs:

http://tidewindacademyhomeschool.com

Take the guesswork out of teaching with this NO-PREP Comprehensive Teaching Resource for The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry.  Designed for middle and high school students, this The Gift of the Magi NO-PREP Comprehensive Teaching Resource offers a complete package that explores the story’s themes of love, sacrifice, and irony, along with its rich use of symbolism.  Whether you’re in a classroom or homeschool setting, this resource provides all the tools you need to create a seamless and engaging learning experience.

This The Gift ofthe Magi NO-PREP Comprehensive Teaching Resource resource includes a meticulously crafted 2-week lesson plan, a scope and sequence, and a pacing guide to ensure each day is productive and focused.  Students will engage with the key elements of the story through a PowerPoint presentation that offers a visually rich and interactive way to dive into O. Henry’s masterful writing.  The symbolism in The Gift of the Magi is explored in depth, giving students the opportunity to uncover deeper meanings and appreciate the literary artistry of the text.

The included tools—such as the PowerPoint, pacing guide, and a detailed exploration of symbolism—are designed to provide structure and enhance student understanding.  Use the interactive elements to analyze the characters, plot, and themes, fostering critical thinking and discussion.  The resource encourages both independent and group activities, making it adaptable to a variety of teaching styles.

INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE:

• 2-Week Lesson Plan
• 2-Week Scope & Sequence
• 2-Week Pacing Guide
• Symbolism in The Gift of the Magi
• Powerpoint
• Plot Diagram
• Digital or Printable Character Analysis Map
• Self-Evaluation Form

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Ready-to-use tools:  Save time with a no-prep resource that includes everything you need for two weeks of instruction.
• Structured lesson plans:  Provides a detailed 2-week lesson plan, pacing guide, and scope and sequence.
• Engaging multimedia:  PowerPoint presentation enhances instruction and student engagement.
• Flexibility:  Suitable for individual, group, or whole-class learning.
• In-depth analysis:  Covers literary elements like symbolism, themes, and character development.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS:

• Enhanced comprehension:  Deep dive into the story’s symbolism, themes, and plot.
• Critical thinking skills:  Analyze characters and themes through guided activities and discussions.
• Interactive learning:  Utilize the PowerPoint and structured lessons to stay engaged.
• Time management:  Follow a clear pacing guide for organized and manageable learning.
• Connection to literature:  Explore timeless themes of love and sacrifice in an accessible way.

From exploring the timeless themes of love and sacrifice to analyzing the rich symbolism embedded in the story, this resource equips educators with all they need for an impactful and meaningful study of The Gift of the Magi. Make teaching more enjoyable and effective while helping students connect with this enduring classic in a thoughtful and memorable way.Thank you for your support!

Tina – Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

Social Media Links: http://linktr.ee/bigeasyhomeschoolingmom

Please subscribe to my website to you do not miss any new resources or blogs:

http://tidewindacademyhomeschool.com