Santa's New Suit

I'm home sick today with a bad cold so I've got lots of time to blog! I hate being sick because I hate writing lesson plans. I'd rather go sick but when you can't breathe and can't talk, I guess it's time to give in and write those plans.
I want to share a great Christmas book. I got this from a dear friend years ago when I first moved down to first grade. Shelley helped me survive the move. I don't know what I would have done without her! She showed me this cute book and fun idea. The book is called 'Santa's New Suit' by Laura Rader. Santa is tired of his old santa suit and wants something new. He goes shopping and tries on all kinds of fun things from pajamas to cowboy duds. But nothing seems right until he finds the perfect new suit. I stop right there and ask the kiddos what they think his new suit could look like. They have all kinds of weird ideas. Then I send them home with a picture of Santa and ask them to create his new suit. They can use crayons, markers, fabric, food, whatever to decorate Santa's New Suit. They have a week to finish and bring it back. Then we display them in the hall for all to see. And then I finish reading the rest of the story to them. They love it and I love seeing the creativity! I'll have to post pictures later in the week when I get them all back. Click on the picture of the book for more info from Amazon.com.

Click on the picture below to grab a copy of Santa for the firsties to decorate.

I love Laura Rader's books. She's written some more which my kids love hearing. After I read them it gives the kids lots of writing ideas.

Thanks Shelley for helping me get through my first years of first grade, introducing me to some great books and sharing wonderful ideas.