Joyful Learning in December

Bible Concept
December Theme
Christmas and the Birth of Jesus
December's Songs and Poems
Related Links for December

Bible Concept:
Jesus is God's Son

Themes:

Christmas and the Birth of Jesus
(PDF planning sheet)

Activities to Celebrate Christmas and the Birth of Christ
 

Bible Memory:

Luke 2:11
Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Acts 9:20b
Jesus is the Son of God

Sample Activities:

Whispering Tube Baking with Mommy Candy Cane Countdown to Jesus Birth Wrapping Paper

December's Songs and Poems

Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes. Jesus loves me.
Yes. Jesus loves me.
Yes. Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so!

The Angel Told the News
(Tune: The Farmer in the Dell)

Verse 1 (Clap to rhythm):
Joy to the world!  Joy to the world!
The Lord has come for everyone.
Joy to the world!

Verse 2 (Cup hands around mouth):
The angel told the news. The angel told the news.
God's Son is born in Bethlehem.
The angel told the news!

Verse 3 (Run in place):
The shepherds ran to see.  The shepherds ran to see.
Our Savior in the manger lay.
The shepherds ran to see!

Verse 4  (Bounce slowly as if riding a camel):
The wise men traveled far! The wise men traveled far!
The star announced His royal birth.
The wise men traveled far!

Glad Christmas Day

Here is kind Mary and nice Joseph too. Hold up one index finger then the other They were tired from traveling all the day through. So they stopped in the town Slump shoulders and bow head Joseph knocked on the door.  But the man said Knock on door I'm sorry – There's no room for more. Shake head no & wave index finger You may stay in the barn and sleep on the hay. Lay head on hands and pretend to sleep It was there God sent Jesus, Oh glad Christmas day!

Snowy Pokey

You put your right glove in
You put your right glove out
You put your right glove in and you shake it all about.
You do the Snowy Pokey and you turn yourself about.
That's what it's all about!

Left glove
Right boot
Left boot
Hat
Snowsuit (whole body)

We Wish You A Merry Christmas (with a Twist)
(Hold hands and walk around in a circle as you sing this part.
Then, stop and sing the following verses (doing the motions.) )

We wish you a Merry Christmas.
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
We wish you a Merry Christmas.
And a Happy New Year!

Movement Verses:
Let's all do a little clapping.
Let's all do a little clapping.
Let's all do a little clapping.
To spread Christmas cheer!
(hopping, twirling, stomping, snapping, leaping, etc.)

Five Little Christmas Trees

Choose 5 children to be trees.
Choose 2-3 children to be in the happy family.
Choose 1 child to be the woodcutter.

Five little Christmas trees
Standing all alone.
Their hearts were very sad
Cause they hadn't found a home.
Then CHOP went the ax
And down fell a tree.
And off it went with the happy family.

Related Links for December

December's Playdough

December's Sensory Tub

Shape Angel Craft - from DLTK
Sheep Printable - from Activity Village
Printable Christmas Nativity - from DLTK
Countdown to Jesus' Birth
Star Treasure Hunt (sample)

Santa - Origins and FAQs
Why Jesus is Better Than Santa Claus
Prophesies Foretelling Jesus' Birth
Legend of the Candy Cane - from Danielle's Place