Santa’s Workshop: Our Top Picks for Books that Keep Giving

Our elves at UDA Creative Arts Preschool are busy getting ready for Christmas.  We are excited for the holidays and all the joy that comes with it.  We want to share with you the going-on’s around Santa’s workshop, as well our favorite giving books, for we believe the joy of the season is found in the presents we give away.

Santa’s Workshop

giving books

We’re working so hard on our program!  We can’t wait to share it with you.  Performing not only gives us the opportunity to share what we’ve been learning in our movement and music class, it helps us build confidence and courage!

giving books

It may not be snowing much around town, but we let it snow, let it snow, let it snow around the discovery room!  Adding props to our imaginative dramatic play encourages our play-based learning.

giving books

The snow works great for stuffing Santa too!  We love to see cooperation and team work as our friends help friends.

giving books

We’re making ornaments  for our “Oo” week and trimming the tree.

giving books

Our elves are working hard making toys,

giving books

and wrapping presents.  Cutting with scissors gives them great practice using their “pincher” grip, as well as developing fine motor skills.  Children love role playing what they see their parents and caregivers do.  It helps them develop life skills. 

giving books

And our team of reindeer…

giving books

…are the cutest in town.  Look out Rudolph, with these glowing noses, you just may be out of a job this Christmas Eve.

As you can see, our workshop has been hustling and bustling! We’re all ready for the holidays.  How about you?!

Giving Books

The holiday season offers wonderful literature experiences.  Your local library is a great place to start, but we’d like to share a few of our own favorites.  These giving books keep on giving as they provide occasion for discussion and application.  While reading them with your preschooler, ask about how the story makes them feel and how they can give too.

giving books

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, by Robert Barry

This delightful story is about a Christmas tree that is just a little too tall.  Each time the top is chopped, it finds a new home as someone else’s tree.  How can you help someone by sharing what you don’t need anymore?

giving books

The Christmas Train, by Thomas S. Monson, illustrated by Dan Burr

This beautifully illustrated story is about a young boy during the Great Depression who finds joy in not only giving a gift, but sacrificing something of his own.  How does giving something that you love help you feel more joy?

giving books

Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear, by Don and Audrey Wood

This fun and colorful book shares the experience of our friend Little Mouse as he transforms his heart from hiding his gifts to sharing them with someone who may seem a little scary.  Who are people we overlook at Christmas time?

All of us at UDA Creative Arts Preschool wish you a happy holiday season.  We welcome visitors at Santa’s Workshop or whatever learning adventures we are engaging in.  Give us a call at (801) 523-5930 to schedule a tour at our Draper, Utah campus today!

Written by: Elsje Denison

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