Powerful December Classroom Ideas for Reading That Actually Work
Why Low-Prep Matters in December Classroom Ideas
By the time December rolls around, classrooms are buzzing with energy. Schedules are interrupted by assemblies, concerts, and early dismissals. Students are distracted, and teachers are stretched thin. That’s why low-prep December classroom ideas that still pack a punch are essential this time of year. Choosing short, engaging texts paired with meaningful discussion keeps learning alive without draining your planning time.
Inclusive Holiday Reads for December Classroom Ideas
When choosing texts for December, inclusivity matters. Not every student celebrates the same holidays, but all students can connect to themes of kindness, resilience, and community. Here are a few short, accessible options divided into grade suggestions for ease of use:
Grades 3–6
- Poems
- Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost – accessible imagery, great for figurative language.
- The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper – rich with solstice imagery, connects to seasonal traditions.
- Winter-Time by Robert Louis Stevenson – captures the joy and coziness of winter through a child’s eyes.
- Folktales
- The Drum (India) – explores generosity and kindness in a simple structure younger students can follow.
- The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola (Mexico) – retold as a picture book, making it approachable but discussion-worthy.
- Babushka (Russia) – teaches compassion through a holiday tradition.
- Short Stories & Excerpts
- The Elves and the Shoemaker (Brothers Grimm) – kindness rewarded, perfect for exploring themes of gratitude.
- The Snow Child (adapted Russian folktale) – magical story that invites prediction and moral discussion.
- The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen – introduces reflection on growth, gratitude, and perspective.
Grades 6-8
- Poems
- Hope Is the Thing with Feathers by Emily Dickinson – abstract imagery, excellent for symbolism.
- Snow-Bound (excerpt) by John Greenleaf Whittier – detailed, reflective winter setting, connects to family traditions.
- The Snow Man by Wallace Stevens – explores perception and resilience in winter.
- Folktales
- The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen – tragic but powerful for empathy and social justice discussions.
- The Snow Maiden (Russian folktale) – explores themes of joy, fragility, and impermanence.
- The Crane Wife (Japan) – sacrifice, loyalty, and consequences of broken trust.
- Short Stories & Excerpts
- The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry – sacrifice and love, perfect for irony discussion.
- A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote – friendship across generations, nostalgic and reflective.
- Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck – simple but profound story of family love and giving.
Discussion Prompts That Spark Thinking
When looking for engaging December classroom ideas, pairing these texts with open-ended prompts makes even a single page last for a whole lesson. Here’s a ready-to-use bank:
Connection & Reflection
- How do celebrations bring people together across different cultures?
- What role does nature (snow, winter, light) play in this story or poem?
- Which character reminds you of someone you know in your own life?
Character & Theme
- Was generosity in this story a strength or a weakness? Why?
- Do sacrifices always lead to positive outcomes, as in The Gift of the Magi?
- In The Drum, the boy gives away gifts and ends up with something better. Do you think that always happens in real life?
Critical & Creative Thinking
- If this story were told in modern times, what would change?
- Do you think traditions matter more to individuals or to communities?
- How would the story change if told from another character’s perspective?
How to Use Them
- Whole-Class Discussions –
- Display the prompt on the board or projector.
- Read the text together (short story, poem, or folktale).
- Have students turn and talk with a partner before sharing responses aloud.
- Guide conversation by asking follow-up questions and drawing connections between student ideas.
- Small Group Work
- Assign each group a different prompt after reading.
- Groups record key ideas on chart paper or sticky notes.
- Conduct a gallery walk where students read/respond to other groups’ ideas.
- Individual Reflection
- Students choose one prompt to respond to in a reading journal.
- Encourage use of text evidence (“In the story it says…”).
- Collect as quick-writes, exit tickets (check out my post on exit tickets), or formative assessments.
- Movement-Based Variation
- Place prompts around the room.
- Students rotate in pairs or small groups, discussing and jotting notes before moving on.
- Great for December when attention spans are short.
For students who struggle to dive into abstract ideas, pair the prompts with my free Productive Struggle resource, which helps students approach challenging questions step-by-step without giving up too quickly. Challenge: Consider counterpoints or “What if?” questions to deepen critical thinking.
Add Movement: Keeping Students Engaged in December
Attention spans shrink in December—kids are restless, and sitting still for long lessons rarely works, and December classroom ideas need to adapt. Movement-based activities provide a balance. Strategies like gallery walks, rotation stations, or scavenger hunts keep students active while still working toward literacy goals. Teamwork channels that holiday energy into collaboration instead of distraction. I’ve written quite a few posts on movement activities if you’re looking more ideas.
Ready-to-Use Holiday Scavenger Hunts
If you’re looking for done-for-you ways to blend literacy, teamwork, and holiday fun, my seasonal scavenger hunts are built for December.
- Winter & Christmas Figurative Language Scavenger Hunts turn your classroom into a challenge zone where students hunt for similes, metaphors, and personification. It’s a festive way to reinforce ELA standards while students move, talk, and collaborate.
- Christmas Around the School Scavenger Hunt expands the fun beyond the classroom walls. Students race in teams to solve riddles, find hidden clues, and build school-wide holiday spirit. It’s the perfect mix of movement, collaboration, and seasonal joy when attention spans are running short.
These ready-to-use resources are low-prep, engaging, and curriculum-aligned—exactly what December classrooms need.
Final Thoughts – December Classroom Ideas
December doesn’t have to be chaotic. By pairing inclusive short texts with discussion prompts, adding movement-based activities, and leaning on ready-made resources, you can keep learning, you can make your December classroom ideas meaningful without burning yourself out.
Bookmark this list as part of your go-to bank of December classroom ideas—and when you’re ready for even more festive, low-prep activities, check out my scavenger hunts and free productive struggle resource to make the season both fun and productive.
Happy teaching
