|
This
unit is
©Copyright 2004, 2008 by Cindy Downes. All rights
reserved.
Permission is given to homeschooling
parents to use these units free of charge in their own homeschool
only. These units may not be reprinted in any other form,
for any other purpose (commercial or otherwise) without
permission from Cindy Downes. Contact her at contact@oklahomahomeschool.com.
Index:
Directions:
This Christmas Unit is recommended for PreK- 5th+. It has
been designed to be completed in four weeks. Your students
will learn about Jesus and God's gift of amazing grace,
John Newton, the author of the song "Amazing Grace",
hymns and hymn writers, and sharing. If needed, read over General Directions for Cindy's
Unit Studies for more information on multi-level teaching.
In
addition to the books listed below which you can borrow from
the library or purchase through the blue links, you will need
the following activity books:
Week
1: Christmas is Jesus
Books
to read:
-
Read
Luke 2:1-20
-
I
Want to Know About Jesus by Rick Osborne.
32 pgs. One of my favorite books about the life of Jesus
for children. Unfortunately, it's out of print. Amazon
has some used copies. Get them while you can! ISBN 0310220874.
PreK-6.
-
Baby
Jesus is Born, Arch Book (Note: set of 5
is an error. It is just one book). The story of the birth
of Jesus in simple poetry and colorful pictures. ISBN
057009044X. PreK-2nd+
-
Three
Presents for Baby Jesus, Arch Book. Tells
the story of the three wise men and their gifts to the
baby Jesus in simple poetry and colorful pictures. ISBN
0570075246. (PreK-2nd+)
Websites:
Activities:
Back
to Top
Week
2: Christmas is Amazing Grace — Biography of John Newton
Books
to read:
-
Read
Ephesians 2:8.
-
Amazing
Grace: The Story of a Hymn by Linda Granfield.
32 pgs. Describes the events of the life of John Newton
as a captain aboard a slave trade vessel and later as
a clergyman that led to his writing the well-loved hymn,
"Amazing Grace."
ISBN 0887763898. (K-8)
-
John
Newton (Heroes of the Faith series) by Anne
Sandberg. Written for middle grades. This is an excellent
series. 203 pgs. ISBN 1557487855. 3-6+
-
Devil
on the Deck by Lois Hoadley Dick. 186 pgs.
This is my favorite story of John Newton and his conversion.
It is written as historical fiction and guaranteed to
keep you reading to the very end! It is out of print but
well worth looking for. Amazon has some used copies. ISBN
0800712013. Recommended for 7th+.
-
Out
of the Depths by John Newton. The original
and unvarnished account of one of Christianity's most
dramatic conversions-the autobiography of John Newton,
the author of "Amazing Grace." The enduring
story of a slave-trader turned preacher is a powerful
message, as spectacular and compelling today as when
it was first written. 160 pgs. ISBN 0825433193. 9th+
-
The
Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg.
32 pgs. In this Christmas picture book, children will
learn the Christian Symbolism behind the candy
cane and the importance of sharing the story of
Jesus with others. ISBN 0310212472. PreK-4+
Websites:
Activities:
Back
to Top
Week
3: Christmas is Singing — Hymns and Hymn Writers
Books
to read:
-
Read
Colossians 3:16.
-
Silent
Night: The Song and Its Story,
The Song and its Story by Margaret Hodges. 40 pgs.
On Christmas Eve in 1818, in a small Austrian town,
Father Mohr's church organ broke down. In compelling
prose, Hodges recounts the young priest's struggle
to write a poem that would bring the beauty of the
Christ Child's humble, but sacred birth night to
a congregation that expected to celebrate with music.
ISBN 0802852270. PreK-6.
-
The
Real 12 Days of Christmas,The
Story Behind a Favorite Christmas Song by Helen Hardle.
32 pgs. What do eleven lords a-leaping have to do
with Jesus' disciples? In the well-known carol, "The
Twelve Days of Christmas," the lyrics were used
to teach children Christian doctrine during a time
of persecution in sixteenth-century England. The partridge,
turtledoves, French hens, calling birds, and other
images all symbolized elements of the Christian faith.
You'll learn the history of the lyrics and gain a
new appreciation for this familiar carol. ISBN 031070118X.
PreK-6.
-
Great
Christian Hymn Writers by Jane Stuart Smith
and Betty Carlson. 204 pgs. Biographies of 47 hymn writers
including Fanny Crosby, Martin Luther, John Newton, John
Wesley, and many more. ISBN 0891079440. (5th+)
Video:
-
The Story Of Silent Night, DVD. "Silent Night" has been the most beloved of
Christmas carols for nearly 200 years. But do you know
how it came to be? This beautiful film tells the true
story of how a humble parish priest composed a timeless
poem that still has the power to move the heart to quiet
adoration. Featuring the world-famous Vienna Boys' Choir.
55 minutes. ISBN 1568550375. All ages.
Websites:
Activities:
Back
to Top
Week
4: Christmas is Giving
Books
to read:
-
Read
John 3:16-17.
-
The
Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.
96 pgs. The story of a family of incorrigible children
who discover the Christmas story for the first time and
help everyone else rediscover its true meaning. ISBN 0064402754.
All ages will enjoy.
-
Mr.
Willowby's Christmas Tree.
32 pgs. One of my favorite Christmas stories that
illustrates the blessings of sharing. ISBN 0385327218.
All ages will enjoy.
-
The
Tiny Star
by Arthur Ginolfi. 16 pgs. Starlet, the smallest star
in the sky, undertakes an amazing journey when she falls
to earth. Her inspiring story reminds us that God, who
created the stars, knows each of our dreams...and is
there to life us up every time we fall. ISBN 0849959292.
PreK-4+
-
No
Tree for Christmas by Marily Lashbrook. An illustrated
retelling of the nativity of Christ. Includes questions
for the reader to answer throughout the text. ISBN 0933657714. PreK-4
Websites:
Activities:
Other
Recommended Reading:
Be
sure to enter these topics on your copy of The
Checklist.
Please
let me know if any of these links do not work. Email:
contact@oklahomahomeschool.com.
Back
to Top
. |
|