I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas (Christmas) Sing-Along Story Time: July 23-24, 2018

Books:
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson *
The 12 Days of Christmas by Jane Cabrera
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Jon Rox *
Minerva Louise on Christmas Eve by Janet Morgan Stoeke *

Craft: Hippo with Santa Hat
The children colored hippo pieces (circle body, head, two feet) and a Santa hat before gluing them all together.


Literacy Extensions:
- After listening to the song I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, read an informational book on hippos.  Have your child give reasons why a hippo would or would not make a good pet.
- See if your child can remember the words and sing various Christmas songs.  (i.e. Jingle Bells, Away in a Manger, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, etc.)


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Christmas Story Time: December 19-20, 2016

Books:
Babushka by Sandra Ann Horn
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson *
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by John Rox
Minerva Louise on Christmas Eve by Janet Morgan Stoeke *
Monster Needs a Christmas Tree by Paul Czajak *

Craft: Candle Wreath
This week's craft was based on the picture at left.  The children colored a candle cutout before gluing it to a small paper plate with the center cut out.  Die cut holly leaves and large sparkles for berries were also glued onto the plate.

Literacy Extensions:
- Minerva Louise is a chicken that is confused about the different symbols at Christmastime.  Have your child identify different Christmas symbols and talk about what they mean (i.e. star, Christmas tree, Santa, angels, etc.)
- Christmas is a great time to give back to those who are less fortunate.  One great way is to have your child donate a toy to a charity for each new toy they get at Christmastime.


Candle Template: