Tuesday, December 2, 2025

The First Noel – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

The First Noel – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

Hi friends!

Welcome back to our Christmas countdown series here on Printables by Janille – Teaching Fun for Kids! So far, we’ve explored Silent Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Silver Bells, Away in a Manger, Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, Feliz Navidad, Jingle Bell Rock, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and The Twelve Days of Christmas. Today, we’ll enjoy the peaceful, traditional carol: The First Noel! I’ve included crafts, reading lessons, and math activities for Preschool through 6th grade.

The History of The First Noel

The First Noel is a traditional English carol that dates back to at least the 16th century, although its first known publication appeared in the 19th century. The word “Noel” comes from the French word for Christmas, “Noël,” reflecting the carol’s European roots.

The song recounts the story of the birth of Jesus, including the angelic announcement to the shepherds in the fields. Its simple, flowing melody and repetitive lines made it easy for children and congregations to learn and sing, contributing to its enduring popularity.

The First Noel also reflects traditional English folk music elements, including a strophic form (repeated melody for each verse) and the use of pastoral imagery, which ties the story to the countryside and humble shepherds. Its serene and reverent tone sets it apart from the more exuberant carols of later periods, making it a favorite for Christmas Eve services and quiet family gatherings.

Through centuries, The First Noel has remained a beloved carol, symbolizing the spiritual significance of Christmas while being accessible for all ages to sing and enjoy.

Craft: Star of the First Noel

Materials Needed:

  • Yellow or gold construction paper

  • Scissors

  • Glue

  • String or yarn

  • Markers or crayons

  • Optional: glitter or stickers

Instructions:

  1. Cut a large star shape from construction paper.

  2. Decorate your star with glitter, markers, or stickers.

  3. Write “The First Noel” or your favorite line from the song on the star.

  4. Attach a string to hang it from a window, wall, or tree.

Worksheet/Visual Idea:

  • Provide a printable star template for children to color and cut out.

  • Include dotted lines to trace “Noel” or simple phrases from the song.

Reading & Literacy Lessons

Preschool:

  • Trace “Noel” on dotted letters.

  • Practice singing “The First Noel, the Angels did say” slowly.

Kindergarten:

  • Sight words: “first,” “Noel,” “angels,” “say.” Highlight them on a lyric sheet.

  • Read aloud: “The First Noel, the Angels did say.”

1st Grade:

  • Phonics focus: Identify “n” in Noel and “a” in angels.

  • Write the first line neatly on lined paper.

2nd Grade:

  • Vocabulary: Define “shepherds” and “star,” and use each in a sentence.

  • Draw a picture showing the shepherds and the star.

3rd Grade:

  • Sequencing: Cut out the lines of the first verse and put them in order.

  • Writing prompt: “Write 3–4 sentences describing the scene from the song.”

4th Grade:

  • Poetry study: Identify repeated phrases and why they are effective in songs.

  • Rewrite one line in your own words while keeping the meaning.

5th Grade:

  • Analyze imagery: How does this song create a sense of calm and reverence? Write a paragraph.

  • Compare The First Noel to another traditional carol in 2–3 sentences.

6th Grade:

  • Historical discussion: Why do you think this carol has lasted for centuries?

  • Journal prompt: Imagine you are a shepherd hearing the news. Write a short story about that night.

Visual/Worksheet Ideas:

  • Tracing sheets for Preschool/1st grade

  • Lyric sheet with highlighted sight words for Kindergarten

  • Sequencing cards and writing prompts for 2nd–6th grades

Math Lessons – The First Noel

Preschool (Counting and One-to-One Correspondence)

  1. Count 1–5 stars on your star craft.

  2. Count 6–10 stars.

  3. Point to 3 stars and count them.

  4. How many yellow stars are there?

  5. How many gold stars?

  6. Clap for each star you see (1–5).

  7. Touch each star and count aloud.

  8. Count 5 stars in a row.

  9. Add 2 more stars. How many now?

  10. Draw 4 stars and count them.

Kindergarten (Sorting and Tallying)

  1. Sort 10 stars into yellow and gold. How many of each?

  2. Tally the number of small stars.

  3. Tally the number of large stars.

  4. Draw 3 groups of stars and count each group.

  5. Count how many yellow stars are on top.

  6. Count how many gold stars are on bottom.

  7. Add the two groups together.

  8. Circle all small stars and count them.

  9. Draw 5 more stars and count the total.

  10. Color 7 stars and leave the rest blank.

1st Grade (Addition & Subtraction)

  1. 4 + 5 = ___

  2. 3 + 6 = ___

  3. 7 + 2 = ___

  4. 5 + 5 = ___

  5. 9 + 1 = ___

  6. 10 – 3 = ___

  7. 8 – 4 = ___

  8. 6 – 2 = ___

  9. 7 – 5 = ___

  10. 9 – 6 = ___

2nd Grade (Addition, Subtraction, Word Problems)

  1. 12 + 5 = ___

  2. 15 – 7 = ___

  3. There are 10 stars, 3 fall down. How many remain?

  4. 8 + 6 = ___

  5. 14 – 9 = ___

  6. 7 + 7 = ___

  7. 13 – 4 = ___

  8. There are 16 stars, 5 are small. How many are large?

  9. 9 + 8 = ___

  10. 20 – 6 = ___

3rd Grade (Multiplication & Introduction to Division)

  1. 3 × 6 = ___

  2. 4 × 5 = ___

  3. 6 × 2 = ___

  4. 7 × 3 = ___

  5. 8 × 2 = ___

  6. 12 ÷ 4 = ___

  7. 15 ÷ 3 = ___

  8. 18 ÷ 6 = ___

  9. 9 × 2 = ___

  10. 5 × 5 = ___

4th Grade (Division, Multi-Step Word Problems)

  1. 24 ÷ 4 = ___

  2. 36 ÷ 6 = ___

  3. 18 ÷ 3 = ___

  4. 48 ÷ 8 = ___

  5. 30 ÷ 5 = ___

  6. There are 32 stars for 4 garlands. How many per garland?

  7. If 5 stars fall from 25, how many remain?

  8. 60 ÷ 10 = ___

  9. A garland has 24 stars divided into 3 rows. How many per row?

  10. 72 ÷ 8 = ___

5th Grade (Word Problems & Multiplication)

  1. Each star shines 3 times per minute. 8 stars = ___ shines

  2. 5 stars × 4 shines each = ___

  3. 7 stars × 6 shines each = ___

  4. 9 stars × 2 shines each = ___

  5. If 12 stars shine 5 times each, total shines = ___

  6. 3 groups of 7 stars = ___

  7. 4 groups of 6 stars = ___

  8. There are 10 stars × 3 shines each = ___

  9. 8 stars × 7 shines each = ___

  10. 15 stars × 2 shines each = ___

6th Grade (Fractions, Ratios, Multi-Step Problems)

  1. 12 stars: 3 yellow, 9 gold. Fraction yellow = ___

  2. Ratio yellow:gold = ___

  3. 18 stars: 6 large, 12 small. Fraction large = ___

  4. 24 stars: 8 large, rest small. Ratio large:small = ___

  5. If 3/12 stars are yellow, how many are gold?

  6. 1/4 of 16 stars = ___

  7. 2/3 of 18 stars = ___

  8. If 5 yellow stars are added to 10 gold, new ratio = ___

  9. 12 ÷ 3 = ___ (fraction interpretation)

  10. There are 15 stars, 5 yellow, 10 gold. What fraction are gold?

Wrapping Up

I hope your kids enjoy crafting, reading, and counting along with The First Noel! With this final carol in our Christmas countdown series, we’ve explored history, crafts, literacy, and math for Preschool through 6th grade. I hope this series makes the countdown to Christmas both fun and educational for your family.

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The Twelve Days of Christmas – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

The Twelve Days of Christmas – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

Hi friends!

Welcome back to our Christmas countdown series here on Printables by Janille – Teaching Fun for Kids! So far, we’ve explored Silent Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Silver Bells, Away in a Manger, Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, Feliz Navidad, Jingle Bell Rock, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Today, we’re diving into the classic English carol: The Twelve Days of Christmas! I’ve included crafts, reading lessons, and math activities for Preschool through 6th grade.

The History of The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas is a traditional English carol first published in 1780 in a children’s book titled Mirth without Mischief. Its origins likely trace back even earlier, with roots in French and English folk traditions that used cumulative songs to teach memory and counting skills.

The song enumerates a series of increasingly grand gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas, beginning with a partridge in a pear tree. The “twelve days” referenced correspond to the period from Christmas Day (December 25) to Epiphany (January 5–6), a time historically celebrated with feasts, music, and gift-giving in England.

Some interpretations suggest that the song also served as a coded catechism during times when Catholicism was suppressed in England, with each gift symbolizing a Christian teaching. Its cumulative, repetitive structure has made it a beloved teaching tool for children, helping them learn counting, sequencing, and memory skills while enjoying the festive story of holiday generosity.

Today, The Twelve Days of Christmas remains a popular carol worldwide, celebrated for its playful rhythm, imaginative gifts, and the joy of counting up to twelve in a fun, musical way.

Craft: Twelve Days Gift Garland

Materials Needed:

  • Construction paper in various colors

  • Scissors

  • Glue or tape

  • String or yarn

  • Markers or crayons

Instructions:

  1. Cut 12 rectangles or shapes to represent gifts.

  2. Decorate each “gift” with markers, crayons, or stickers.

  3. Write the corresponding day and gift name on each rectangle (e.g., “1 Partridge in a Pear Tree”).

  4. Attach all 12 gifts to a string to make a garland.

  5. Hang it across a doorway or wall as a festive display.

Worksheet/Visual Idea:

  • Provide a printable template for all 12 gifts with dotted lines to trace the words.

  • Include spaces for children to color and decorate each gift.

Reading & Literacy Lessons

Preschool:

  • Trace numbers 1–12 and the word “Christmas.”

  • Practice singing “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me” slowly.

Kindergarten:

  • Sight words: “first,” “second,” “gift,” “Christmas.” Highlight them on a lyric sheet.

  • Read aloud: “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me.”

1st Grade:

  • Phonics focus: Identify “t” in twelve and “g” in gift.

  • Write the first two lines neatly on lined paper.

2nd Grade:

  • Vocabulary: Define “partridge” and “drummer,” and use each in a sentence.

  • Draw a picture of your favorite gift from the song.

3rd Grade:

  • Sequencing: Cut out the lines and put all 12 days in order.

  • Writing prompt: “Write 3–4 sentences about your favorite holiday gift you’ve received.”

4th Grade:

  • Poetry study: Identify repeated patterns and rhyme scheme.

  • Rewrite one stanza in your own words while keeping the meaning.

5th Grade:

  • Analyze imagery: How do the gifts create excitement and a sense of celebration? Write a paragraph.

  • Compare this song to another cumulative song or poem in 2–3 sentences.

6th Grade:

  • Cultural discussion: Discuss why cumulative songs help with memory and math learning.

  • Journal prompt: Create your own “Twelve Days of…” song with imaginative gifts.

Visual/Worksheet Ideas:

  • Tracing sheets for Preschool/1st grade

  • Lyric sheet with highlighted sight words for Kindergarten

  • Sequencing cards and writing prompts for 2nd–6th grades

Math Lessons – The Twelve Days of Christmas

Preschool (Counting and One-to-One Correspondence)

  1. Count 1–5 gifts on the garland.

  2. Count 6–10 gifts.

  3. Point to 3 gifts and count them.

  4. How many gifts are red?

  5. How many gifts are green?

  6. Clap for each gift you see (1–5).

  7. Touch each gift and count aloud.

  8. Count 5 gifts in a row.

  9. Add 2 more gifts. How many now?

  10. Draw 4 gifts and count them.

Kindergarten (Sorting and Tallying)

  1. Sort 12 gifts into 3 colors. How many of each?

  2. Tally the number of red gifts.

  3. Tally the number of green gifts.

  4. Draw 3 groups of gifts and count each group.

  5. Count how many gifts are decorated.

  6. Count how many gifts are plain.

  7. Add the decorated and plain gifts together.

  8. Circle all red gifts and count them.

  9. Draw 2 more gifts and count the total.

  10. Color 5 gifts and leave the rest blank.

1st Grade (Addition & Subtraction)

  1. 1 + 2 = ___

  2. 3 + 4 = ___

  3. 5 + 6 = ___

  4. 7 + 3 = ___

  5. 8 + 2 = ___

  6. 10 – 3 = ___

  7. 9 – 5 = ___

  8. 6 – 2 = ___

  9. 12 – 4 = ___

  10. 11 – 6 = ___

2nd Grade (Addition, Subtraction, Word Problems)

  1. 12 + 3 = ___

  2. 15 – 7 = ___

  3. 10 gifts on the first day, 2 more added. How many now?

  4. 8 + 6 = ___

  5. 14 – 9 = ___

  6. 7 + 7 = ___

  7. 13 – 4 = ___

  8. There are 16 gifts, 5 are red. How many are green?

  9. 9 + 8 = ___

  10. 20 – 6 = ___

3rd Grade (Multiplication & Introduction to Division)

  1. 3 × 6 = ___

  2. 4 × 5 = ___

  3. 6 × 2 = ___

  4. 7 × 3 = ___

  5. 8 × 2 = ___

  6. 12 ÷ 4 = ___

  7. 15 ÷ 3 = ___

  8. 18 ÷ 6 = ___

  9. 9 × 2 = ___

  10. 5 × 5 = ___

4th Grade (Division, Multi-Step Word Problems)

  1. 24 ÷ 4 = ___

  2. 36 ÷ 6 = ___

  3. 18 ÷ 3 = ___

  4. 48 ÷ 8 = ___

  5. 30 ÷ 5 = ___

  6. There are 36 gifts for 6 garlands. How many per garland?

  7. If 5 gifts fall from 30, how many remain?

  8. 60 ÷ 10 = ___

  9. A garland has 24 gifts divided into 4 rows. How many per row?

  10. 72 ÷ 8 = ___

5th Grade (Word Problems & Multiplication)

  1. Each gift has 3 bows. 8 gifts = ___ bows

  2. 5 gifts × 4 bows each = ___

  3. 7 gifts × 6 bows each = ___

  4. 9 gifts × 2 bows each = ___

  5. If 12 gifts have 5 bows each, total bows = ___

  6. 3 groups of 7 gifts = ___

  7. 4 groups of 6 bows = ___

  8. There are 10 gifts × 3 bows each = ___

  9. 8 gifts × 7 bows each = ___

  10. 15 gifts × 2 bows each = ___

6th Grade (Fractions, Ratios, Multi-Step Problems)

  1. 12 gifts: 3 red, 9 green. Fraction red = ___

  2. Ratio red:green = ___

  3. 18 gifts: 6 gold, 12 silver. Fraction gold = ___

  4. 24 gifts: 8 gold, rest silver. Ratio gold:silver = ___

  5. If 3/12 gifts are red, how many are green?

  6. 1/4 of 16 gifts = ___

  7. 2/3 of 18 gifts = ___

  8. If 5 red gifts are added to 10 green, new ratio = ___

  9. 12 ÷ 3 = ___ (fraction interpretation)

  10. There are 15 gifts, 5 red, 10 green. What fraction are green?

Wrapping Up

I hope your kids enjoy crafting, reading, and counting along with The Twelve Days of Christmas! Each week in our Christmas countdown series, we’re making learning hands-on, festive, and fun. Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll explore another classic Christmas carol with activities for every grade!

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We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

Hi friends!

Welcome back to our Christmas countdown series here on Printables by Janille – Teaching Fun for Kids! So far, we’ve explored Silent Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Silver Bells, Away in a Manger, Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, Feliz Navidad, and Jingle Bell Rock. Today, we’re spreading holiday cheer with We Wish You a Merry Christmas! I’ve included crafts, reading lessons, and math activities for Preschool through 6th grade.

The History of We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We Wish You a Merry Christmas is a traditional English carol dating back to the 16th century, originally sung by carolers in the West Country of England. Carolers would travel from house to house, singing and often requesting treats such as figgy pudding, which is mentioned in the lyrics.

The song embodies community, generosity, and festive celebration. For centuries, families would welcome singers with gifts, food, or drink, reinforcing the joy of giving and togetherness during the holiday season. Its cheerful melody and simple, repetitive lyrics made it easy to learn and sing, helping it endure as a holiday favorite worldwide.

Craft: Holiday Pudding Decoration

Materials Needed:

  • Brown construction paper or paper plates

  • Red and green construction paper

  • Cotton balls

  • Glue

  • Scissors

  • Markers or crayons

  • Optional: glitter or stickers

Instructions:

  1. Cut a round shape from brown construction paper or use a paper plate for the pudding base.

  2. Add green leaves or holly decorations on top using green paper.

  3. Glue cotton balls around the top to mimic whipped cream.

  4. Decorate with markers, stickers, or glitter.

  5. Display your “pudding” as part of your holiday décor!

Worksheet/Visual Idea:

  • Provide a printable pudding template to color and cut out.

  • Include shapes for holly leaves and berries to glue on.

Reading & Literacy Lessons

Preschool:

  • Trace “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” on dotted letters.

  • Practice singing the first line while clapping along.

Kindergarten:

  • Sight words: “wish,” “merry,” “Christmas.” Highlight them on a lyric sheet.

  • Read aloud: “We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas.”

1st Grade:

  • Phonics focus: Identify “w” in wish and “m” in merry.

  • Write the first line neatly on lined paper.

2nd Grade:

  • Vocabulary: Define “figgy” and “pudding,” and use each in a sentence.

  • Draw a picture of the pudding mentioned in the song.

3rd Grade:

  • Sequencing: Cut out the song lines and put them in order.

  • Writing prompt: “Write 3–4 sentences about a holiday treat you enjoy.”

4th Grade:

  • Poetry study: Identify repeated phrases and discuss why repetition is effective.

  • Rewrite one line in your own words while keeping the meaning.

5th Grade:

  • Analyze imagery: How does this song create a festive and welcoming feeling? Write a paragraph.

  • Compare We Wish You a Merry Christmas to another Christmas carol in 2–3 sentences.

6th Grade:

  • Historical discussion: Why do you think this carol lasted for centuries?

  • Journal prompt: Write a short story about caroling in your neighborhood.

Visual/Worksheet Ideas:

  • Tracing sheets for Preschool/1st grade

  • Lyric sheet with highlighted sight words for Kindergarten

  • Sequencing cards and writing prompts for 2nd–6th grades

Math Lessons – We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Preschool (Counting and One-to-One Correspondence)

  1. Count 1–5 berries on the holly.

  2. Count 6–10 berries.

  3. How many red berries are there?

  4. How many green leaves?

  5. Point to 3 berries and count them.

  6. Clap for each berry you see (1–5).

  7. Touch each berry and count aloud.

  8. Count 5 berries in a row.

  9. Add 2 more berries. How many now?

  10. Draw 4 berries and count them.

Kindergarten (Sorting and Tallying)

  1. Sort 10 berries into red and green. How many of each?

  2. Tally the number of small berries.

  3. Tally the number of large berries.

  4. Draw 3 groups of berries and count each group.

  5. Count how many red berries are on top.

  6. Count how many green berries are on bottom.

  7. Add the two groups together.

  8. Circle all small berries and count them.

  9. Draw 5 more berries and count the total.

  10. Color 7 berries and leave the rest blank.

1st Grade (Addition & Subtraction)

  1. 4 + 5 = ___

  2. 3 + 6 = ___

  3. 7 + 2 = ___

  4. 5 + 5 = ___

  5. 9 + 1 = ___

  6. 10 – 3 = ___

  7. 8 – 4 = ___

  8. 6 – 2 = ___

  9. 7 – 5 = ___

  10. 9 – 6 = ___

2nd Grade (Addition, Subtraction, Word Problems)

  1. 12 + 5 = ___

  2. 15 – 7 = ___

  3. There are 10 berries, 3 are eaten. How many remain?

  4. 8 + 6 = ___

  5. 14 – 9 = ___

  6. 7 + 7 = ___

  7. 13 – 4 = ___

  8. There are 16 berries, 5 are red. How many are green?

  9. 9 + 8 = ___

  10. 20 – 6 = ___

3rd Grade (Multiplication & Introduction to Division)

  1. 3 × 6 = ___

  2. 4 × 5 = ___

  3. 6 × 2 = ___

  4. 7 × 3 = ___

  5. 8 × 2 = ___

  6. 12 ÷ 4 = ___

  7. 15 ÷ 3 = ___

  8. 18 ÷ 6 = ___

  9. 9 × 2 = ___

  10. 5 × 5 = ___

4th Grade (Division, Multi-Step Word Problems)

  1. 24 ÷ 4 = ___

  2. 36 ÷ 6 = ___

  3. 18 ÷ 3 = ___

  4. 48 ÷ 8 = ___

  5. 30 ÷ 5 = ___

  6. There are 32 berries for 4 puddings. How many per pudding?

  7. If 5 berries fall from 25, how many remain?

  8. 60 ÷ 10 = ___

  9. A pudding has 24 berries divided into 3 rows. How many per row?

  10. 72 ÷ 8 = ___

5th Grade (Word Problems & Multiplication)

  1. Each pudding has 3 berries. 8 puddings = ___ berries

  2. 5 puddings × 4 berries each = ___

  3. 7 puddings × 6 berries each = ___

  4. 9 puddings × 2 berries each = ___

  5. If 12 puddings have 5 berries each, total berries = ___

  6. 3 groups of 7 puddings = ___

  7. 4 groups of 6 berries = ___

  8. There are 10 puddings × 3 berries each = ___

  9. 8 puddings × 7 berries each = ___

  10. 15 puddings × 2 berries each = ___

6th Grade (Fractions, Ratios, Multi-Step Problems)

  1. 12 berries: 3 red, 9 green. Fraction red = ___

  2. Ratio red:green = ___

  3. 18 berries: 6 gold, 12 silver. Fraction gold = ___

  4. 24 berries: 8 gold, rest silver. Ratio gold:silver = ___

  5. If 3/12 berries are red, how many are green?

  6. 1/4 of 16 berries = ___

  7. 2/3 of 18 berries = ___

  8. If 5 red berries are added to 10 green, new ratio = ___

  9. 12 ÷ 3 = ___ (fraction interpretation)

  10. There are 15 berries, 5 red, 10 green. What fraction are green?

Wrapping Up

I hope your kids enjoy crafting, reading, and counting along with We Wish You a Merry Christmas! Each week in our Christmas countdown series, we’re making learning hands-on, festive, and fun.

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Jingle Bell Rock – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

Jingle Bell Rock – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

Hi friends!

Welcome back to our Christmas countdown series here on Printables by Janille – Teaching Fun for Kids! So far, we’ve explored Silent Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Silver Bells, Away in a Manger, Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, and Feliz Navidad. Today, we’re celebrating a fun, upbeat carol: Jingle Bell Rock! I’ve included crafts, reading lessons, and math activities for Preschool through 6th grade.

The History of Jingle Bell Rock

Jingle Bell Rock was written by Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe and first released in 1957 by Bobby Helms. Unlike traditional carols, it has a rock-and-roll rhythm that makes it lively and perfect for dancing along. The song references classic Christmas imagery like jingle bells, sleigh rides, and fun winter activities.

It became popular in the 1950s, reflecting the new era of rock-and-roll music while keeping the festive spirit of Christmas. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics have made it a favorite in schools, holiday parties, and family gatherings, encouraging movement, music appreciation, and seasonal celebration.

Craft: Jingle Bell Ornament

Materials Needed:

  • Small plastic or paper cups

  • Bells or jingle bells

  • Ribbon or string

  • Glue

  • Markers or crayons

  • Optional: glitter or stickers

Instructions:

  1. Decorate the cup with markers, crayons, or stickers.

  2. Glue a small bell inside or attach several bells to the rim.

  3. Tie a ribbon through the top of the cup to hang it.

  4. Shake to hear your very own jingle bell!

Worksheet/Visual Idea:

  • Provide a template of a cup to color and cut out.

  • Include bell stickers for children to add to their ornaments.

Reading & Literacy Lessons

Preschool:

  • Trace “Jingle Bell Rock” on dotted letters.

  • Practice saying “Jingle, jingle, jingle” while shaking a bell.

Kindergarten:

  • Sight words: “jingle,” “bell,” “rock.” Highlight them on a lyric sheet.

  • Read aloud: “Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.”

1st Grade:

  • Phonics focus: Identify “j” in jingle and “r” in rock.

  • Write the first line neatly on lined paper.

2nd Grade:

  • Vocabulary: Define “sleigh” and “dance,” and use each in a sentence.

  • Draw a picture showing a sleigh ride from the song.

3rd Grade:

  • Sequencing: Cut out the lines of the first verse and put them in order.

  • Writing prompt: “Describe your favorite winter activity in 3–4 sentences.”

4th Grade:

  • Poetry study: Identify rhymes and rhythm in the verse.

  • Rewrite one line in your own words while keeping the meaning.

5th Grade:

  • Analyze imagery: How does this song create a lively holiday feeling? Write a paragraph.

  • Compare Jingle Bell Rock to another fun Christmas song in 2–3 sentences.

6th Grade:

  • Historical discussion: Why do you think Jingle Bell Rock became a holiday favorite in the 1950s?

  • Journal prompt: Write a story set on a snowy day inspired by the song.

Visual/Worksheet Ideas:

  • Tracing sheets for Preschool/1st grade

  • Lyric sheet with highlighted sight words for Kindergarten

  • Sequencing cards and writing prompts for 2nd–6th grades

Math Lessons – Jingle Bell Rock

Preschool (Counting and One-to-One Correspondence)

  1. Count 1–5 bells on your ornament.

  2. Count 6–10 bells.

  3. How many red bells are there?

  4. How many green bells?

  5. Point to 3 bells and count them.

  6. Clap for each bell you see (1–5).

  7. Touch each bell and count aloud.

  8. Count 5 bells in a row.

  9. Add 2 more bells to the ornament. How many now?

  10. Draw 4 bells and count them.

Kindergarten (Sorting and Tallying)

  1. Sort 10 bells into red and green. How many of each?

  2. Tally the number of small bells.

  3. Tally the number of large bells.

  4. Draw 3 groups of bells and count each group.

  5. Count how many red bells are on top.

  6. Count how many green bells are on bottom.

  7. Add the two groups together.

  8. Circle all small bells and count them.

  9. Draw 5 more bells and count the total.

  10. Color 7 bells and leave the rest blank.

1st Grade (Addition & Subtraction)

  1. 4 + 5 = ___

  2. 3 + 6 = ___

  3. 7 + 2 = ___

  4. 5 + 5 = ___

  5. 9 + 1 = ___

  6. 10 – 3 = ___

  7. 8 – 4 = ___

  8. 6 – 2 = ___

  9. 7 – 5 = ___

  10. 9 – 6 = ___

2nd Grade (Addition, Subtraction, Word Problems)

  1. 12 + 5 = ___

  2. 15 – 7 = ___

  3. There are 10 bells, 3 fall off. How many remain?

  4. 8 + 6 = ___

  5. 14 – 9 = ___

  6. 7 + 7 = ___

  7. 13 – 4 = ___

  8. There are 16 bells, 5 are red. How many are green?

  9. 9 + 8 = ___

  10. 20 – 6 = ___

3rd Grade (Multiplication & Introduction to Division)

  1. 3 × 6 = ___

  2. 4 × 5 = ___

  3. 6 × 2 = ___

  4. 7 × 3 = ___

  5. 8 × 2 = ___

  6. 12 ÷ 4 = ___

  7. 15 ÷ 3 = ___

  8. 18 ÷ 6 = ___

  9. 9 × 2 = ___

  10. 5 × 5 = ___

4th Grade (Division, Multi-Step Word Problems)

  1. 24 ÷ 4 = ___

  2. 36 ÷ 6 = ___

  3. 18 ÷ 3 = ___

  4. 48 ÷ 8 = ___

  5. 30 ÷ 5 = ___

  6. There are 32 bells for 4 garlands. How many per garland?

  7. If 5 bells fall from 25, how many remain?

  8. 60 ÷ 10 = ___

  9. A garland has 24 bells divided into 3 rows. How many per row?

  10. 72 ÷ 8 = ___

5th Grade (Word Problems & Multiplication)

  1. Each bell jingles 3 times per minute. 8 bells = ___ jingles

  2. 5 bells × 4 jingles each = ___

  3. 7 bells × 6 jingles each = ___

  4. 9 bells × 2 jingles each = ___

  5. If 12 bells are used 5 times each, total jingles = ___

  6. 3 groups of 7 bells = ___

  7. 4 groups of 6 bells = ___

  8. There are 10 bells × 3 jingles each = ___

  9. 8 bells × 7 jingles each = ___

  10. 15 bells × 2 jingles each = ___

6th Grade (Fractions, Ratios, Multi-Step Problems)

  1. 12 bells: 3 red, 9 green. Fraction red = ___

  2. Ratio red:green = ___

  3. 18 bells: 6 gold, 12 silver. Fraction gold = ___

  4. 24 bells: 8 gold, rest silver. Ratio gold:silver = ___

  5. If 3/12 bells are red, how many are green?

  6. 1/4 of 16 bells = ___

  7. 2/3 of 18 bells = ___

  8. If 5 red bells are added to 10 green, new ratio = ___

  9. 12 ÷ 3 = ___ (fraction interpretation)

  10. There are 15 bells, 5 red, 10 green. What fraction are green?

Wrapping Up

I hope your kids enjoy crafting, reading, and counting along with Jingle Bell Rock! Each week in our Christmas countdown series, we’re making learning hands-on, festive, and fun. Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll explore another classic Christmas carol with activities for every grade.


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Feliz Navidad – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdow


Feliz Navidad – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

Hi friends!

Welcome back to our Christmas countdown series here on Printables by Janille – Teaching Fun for Kids! So far, we’ve explored Silent Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Silver Bells, Away in a Manger, Deck the Halls, Joy to the World, and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. Today, we’re celebrating a bilingual favorite: Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano. This lively carol is perfect for spreading holiday cheer, and I’ve included crafts, reading lessons, and math activities for Preschool through 6th grade.

The History of Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad was written and first recorded by José Feliciano in 1970. Its simple, joyful lyrics—“Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad”—have made it one of the most popular Christmas songs worldwide. Feliciano combined English and Spanish in a way that makes the song easy to sing for children and adults alike, celebrating joy, togetherness, and the holiday spirit.

This song has become a bridge between cultures, introducing children to Spanish phrases while encouraging multicultural appreciation. It is commonly sung in schools, homes, and public events, often accompanied by decorations, music, and holiday celebrations that reflect both Latin American and English-speaking Christmas traditions.

Craft: Merry Holiday Banner

Materials Needed:

  • Red, green, and white construction paper

  • Scissors

  • Glue or tape

  • Markers or crayons

  • String or yarn

Instructions:

  1. Cut construction paper into triangles or rectangles for banner pieces.

  2. On each piece, write “Feliz Navidad” or “Merry Christmas” in large letters.

  3. Decorate with markers, crayons, or stickers.

  4. Attach each piece to a string to make a banner.

  5. Hang it across a doorway or wall for a festive touch.

Worksheet/Visual Idea:

  • Provide a printable banner template with dotted letters for tracing.

  • Include spaces for students to color and decorate each piece.

Reading & Literacy Lessons

Preschool:

  • Trace “Feliz Navidad” on dotted letters.

  • Practice saying “Feliz Navidad” while clapping to the beat.

Kindergarten:

  • Sight words: “Feliz,” “Navidad,” “joy.” Highlight them on a lyric sheet.

  • Read aloud: “Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad.”

1st Grade:

  • Phonics focus: Identify “f” in Feliz and “n” in Navidad.

  • Write the first line neatly on lined paper.

2nd Grade:

  • Vocabulary: Define “próspero” and “felicidad,” and use each in a sentence.

  • Draw a picture showing a festive holiday scene from the song.

3rd Grade:

  • Sequencing: Cut out the song lines and put them in order.

  • Writing prompt: “Write 3–4 sentences about how you celebrate Christmas or another holiday.”

4th Grade:

  • Poetry study: Identify repeated phrases in the song and discuss rhythm.

  • Rewrite one line in your own words while keeping the meaning.

5th Grade:

  • Analyze imagery: How does the song create a sense of joy and celebration? Write a paragraph.

  • Compare Feliz Navidad to another bilingual Christmas song in 2–3 sentences.

6th Grade:

  • Cultural discussion: Why is it important for children to experience music in different languages?

  • Journal prompt: Write about a holiday tradition from another country that you’d like to try.

Visual/Worksheet Ideas:

  • Tracing sheets for Preschool/1st grade

  • Lyric sheet with highlighted sight words for Kindergarten

  • Sequencing cards and writing prompts for 2nd–6th grades

Math Lessons – Feliz Navidad

Preschool (Counting and One-to-One Correspondence)

  1. Count 1–5 triangles on the banner.

  2. Count 6–10 triangles.

  3. How many triangles are red?

  4. How many triangles are green?

  5. Point to 3 triangles and count them.

  6. Clap for each triangle you see (1–5).

  7. Touch each triangle and count aloud.

  8. Count 5 triangles in a row.

  9. Add 2 more triangles to the banner. How many now?

  10. Draw 4 triangles and count them.

Kindergarten (Sorting and Tallying)

  1. Sort 10 banner triangles into red and green. How many of each?

  2. Tally the number of white triangles.

  3. Tally the number of triangles with decorations.

  4. Draw 3 groups of triangles and count each group.

  5. Count how many red triangles are on top.

  6. Count how many green triangles are on bottom.

  7. Add the two groups together.

  8. Circle all white triangles and count them.

  9. Draw 5 more triangles and count the total.

  10. Color 7 triangles and leave the rest blank.

1st Grade (Addition & Subtraction)

  1. 4 + 5 = ___

  2. 3 + 6 = ___

  3. 7 + 2 = ___

  4. 5 + 5 = ___

  5. 9 + 1 = ___

  6. 10 – 3 = ___

  7. 8 – 4 = ___

  8. 6 – 2 = ___

  9. 7 – 5 = ___

  10. 9 – 6 = ___

2nd Grade (Addition, Subtraction, Word Problems)

  1. 12 + 5 = ___

  2. 15 – 7 = ___

  3. There are 10 triangles, 3 are removed. How many remain?

  4. 8 + 6 = ___

  5. 14 – 9 = ___

  6. 7 + 7 = ___

  7. 13 – 4 = ___

  8. There are 16 triangles, 5 are red. How many are green?

  9. 9 + 8 = ___

  10. 20 – 6 = ___

3rd Grade (Multiplication & Introduction to Division)

  1. 3 × 6 = ___

  2. 4 × 5 = ___

  3. 6 × 2 = ___

  4. 7 × 3 = ___

  5. 8 × 2 = ___

  6. 12 ÷ 4 = ___

  7. 15 ÷ 3 = ___

  8. 18 ÷ 6 = ___

  9. 9 × 2 = ___

  10. 5 × 5 = ___

4th Grade (Division, Multi-Step Word Problems)

  1. 24 ÷ 4 = ___

  2. 36 ÷ 6 = ___

  3. 18 ÷ 3 = ___

  4. 48 ÷ 8 = ___

  5. 30 ÷ 5 = ___

  6. There are 32 banner pieces for 4 rooms. How many per room?

  7. If 5 triangles fall from 25, how many remain?

  8. 60 ÷ 10 = ___

  9. A banner has 24 triangles divided into 3 rows. How many per row?

  10. 72 ÷ 8 = ___

5th Grade (Word Problems & Multiplication)

  1. Each triangle has 3 decorations. 8 triangles = ___ decorations

  2. 5 triangles × 4 decorations each = ___

  3. 7 triangles × 6 decorations each = ___

  4. 9 triangles × 2 decorations each = ___

  5. If 12 triangles have 5 decorations each, total decorations = ___

  6. 3 groups of 7 triangles = ___

  7. 4 groups of 6 decorations = ___

  8. There are 10 triangles × 3 decorations each = ___

  9. 8 triangles × 7 decorations each = ___

  10. 15 triangles × 2 decorations each = ___

6th Grade (Fractions, Ratios, Multi-Step Problems)

  1. 12 triangles: 3 red, 9 green. Fraction red = ___

  2. Ratio red:green = ___

  3. 18 decorations: 6 gold, 12 silver. Fraction gold = ___

  4. 24 decorations: 8 gold, rest silver. Ratio gold:silver = ___

  5. If 3/12 triangles are red, how many are green?

  6. 1/4 of 16 decorations = ___

  7. 2/3 of 18 triangles = ___

  8. If 5 red triangles are added to 10 green, new ratio = ___

  9. 12 ÷ 3 = ___ (fraction interpretation)

  10. There are 15 triangles, 5 red, 10 green. What fraction are green?

Wrapping Up

I hope your kids enjoy crafting, reading, and counting along with Feliz Navidad! Each week in our Christmas countdown series, we’re making learning hands-on, festive, and fun. Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll explore another classic Christmas carol with activities for every grade.


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Jolly Old Saint Nicholas – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas – Fun Learning Activities for a Christmas Countdown

Hi friends!

Welcome back to our Christmas countdown series here on Printables by Janille – Teaching Fun for Kids! So far, we’ve explored Silent Night, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, Silver Bells, Away in a Manger, Deck the Halls, and Joy to the World. Today, we’re celebrating a playful favorite: Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. This carol is perfect for spreading holiday cheer and excitement, and I’ve included crafts, reading lessons, and math activities for Preschool through 6th grade.

The History of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas is a classic Christmas song first published in 1881, written by Emily Huntington Miller. The lyrics describe children’s wishes to Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) and their anticipation of gifts, highlighting the excitement of Christmas morning. This song has remained a staple in holiday celebrations for over a century, connecting generations through festive storytelling and imagination.

Saint Nicholas himself has a long history, dating back to the 4th century as a kind bishop known for giving gifts to children. Over time, his legend merged with various cultural traditions, eventually evolving into the modern Santa Claus figure we know today. In many countries, children write letters or make wish lists for Santa, decorate stockings, and leave treats for him and his reindeer, reflecting the joyful themes celebrated in this song.

Craft: Santa Wish List

Materials Needed:

  • Red, green, and white construction paper

  • Scissors

  • Glue or tape

  • Markers or crayons

  • Optional: glitter or stickers

Instructions:

  1. Cut a rectangle from white construction paper to create a “wish list.”

  2. Decorate the top with “Dear Santa” using markers or crayons.

  3. Draw or write 5 things you would like for Christmas on the list.

  4. Add decorative borders using red and green paper or stickers.

  5. Optional: sprinkle glitter on the decorations.

Worksheet/Visual Idea:

  • Provide a printable template of a Santa-shaped wish list with dotted lines for tracing “Dear Santa.”

  • Include numbers 1–5 for children to write their wishes.

Reading & Literacy Lessons

Preschool:

  • Trace “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” on dotted letters.

  • Practice saying “Ho, ho, ho!” while clapping.

Kindergarten:

  • Sight words: “Santa,” “wish,” “list.” Highlight them on a lyric sheet.

  • Read aloud: “Jolly old Saint Nicholas, lean your ear this way.”

1st Grade:

  • Phonics focus: Identify “s” in Santa and “l” in list.

  • Write the first line neatly on lined paper.

2nd Grade:

  • Vocabulary: Define “chimney” and “sleigh,” and use each in a sentence.

  • Draw a picture showing Santa delivering gifts.

3rd Grade:

  • Sequencing: Cut out the lines of the first verse and put them in order.

  • Writing prompt: “Write 3–4 sentences about what you would ask Santa for.”

4th Grade:

  • Poetry study: Identify rhymes in the verse.

  • Rewrite one line in your own words while keeping the meaning.

5th Grade:

  • Analyze imagery: How does this song capture the excitement of Christmas? Write a paragraph.

  • Compare Jolly Old Saint Nicholas to another Santa song in 2–3 sentences.

6th Grade:

  • Historical discussion: How do songs like this reflect Christmas traditions of the late 19th century?

  • Journal prompt: Imagine writing a wish list to Santa in the 1800s—describe it in detail.

Visual/Worksheet Ideas:

  • Tracing sheets for Preschool/1st grade

  • Lyric sheet with highlighted sight words for Kindergarten

  • Sequencing cards and writing prompts for 2nd–6th grades

Math Lessons – Jolly Old Saint Nicholas

Preschool (Counting and One-to-One Correspondence)

  1. Count 1–5 gifts on the wish list.

  2. Count 6–10 gifts.

  3. How many gifts are red?

  4. How many gifts are green?

  5. Point to 3 gifts and count them.

  6. Clap for each gift you see (1–5).

  7. Touch each gift and count aloud.

  8. Count 5 gifts in a row.

  9. Add 2 more gifts to the list. How many now?

  10. Draw 4 gifts and count them.

Kindergarten (Sorting and Tallying)

  1. Sort 10 gifts into red and green. How many of each?

  2. Tally the number of gifts with bows.

  3. Tally the number of small gifts.

  4. Draw 3 groups of gifts and count each group.

  5. Count how many red gifts are on top.

  6. Count how many green gifts are on bottom.

  7. Add the two groups together.

  8. Circle all small gifts and count them.

  9. Draw 5 more gifts and count the total.

  10. Color 7 gifts and leave the rest blank.

1st Grade (Addition & Subtraction)

  1. 4 + 5 = ___

  2. 3 + 6 = ___

  3. 7 + 2 = ___

  4. 5 + 5 = ___

  5. 9 + 1 = ___

  6. 10 – 3 = ___

  7. 8 – 4 = ___

  8. 6 – 2 = ___

  9. 7 – 5 = ___

  10. 9 – 6 = ___

2nd Grade (Addition, Subtraction, Word Problems)

  1. 12 + 5 = ___

  2. 15 – 7 = ___

  3. There are 10 gifts, 3 are delivered. How many remain?

  4. 8 + 6 = ___

  5. 14 – 9 = ___

  6. 7 + 7 = ___

  7. 13 – 4 = ___

  8. There are 16 gifts, 5 are for boys. How many are for girls?

  9. 9 + 8 = ___

  10. 20 – 6 = ___

3rd Grade (Multiplication & Introduction to Division)

  1. 3 × 6 = ___

  2. 4 × 5 = ___

  3. 6 × 2 = ___

  4. 7 × 3 = ___

  5. 8 × 2 = ___

  6. 12 ÷ 4 = ___

  7. 15 ÷ 3 = ___

  8. 18 ÷ 6 = ___

  9. 9 × 2 = ___

  10. 5 × 5 = ___

4th Grade (Division, Multi-Step Word Problems)

  1. 24 ÷ 4 = ___

  2. 36 ÷ 6 = ___

  3. 18 ÷ 3 = ___

  4. 48 ÷ 8 = ___

  5. 30 ÷ 5 = ___

  6. There are 32 gifts for 4 houses. How many per house?

  7. If 5 gifts fall from 25, how many remain?

  8. 60 ÷ 10 = ___

  9. A list has 24 gifts divided into 3 rows. How many per row?

  10. 72 ÷ 8 = ___

5th Grade (Word Problems & Multiplication)

  1. Each gift has 3 bows. 8 gifts = ___ bows

  2. 5 gifts × 4 bows each = ___

  3. 7 gifts × 6 bows each = ___

  4. 9 gifts × 2 bows each = ___

  5. If 12 gifts have 5 bows each, total bows = ___

  6. 3 groups of 7 gifts = ___

  7. 4 groups of 6 bows = ___

  8. There are 10 gifts × 3 bows each = ___

  9. 8 gifts × 7 bows each = ___

  10. 15 gifts × 2 bows each = ___

6th Grade (Fractions, Ratios, Multi-Step Problems)

  1. 12 gifts: 3 red, 9 green. Fraction red = ___

  2. Ratio red:green = ___

  3. 18 bows: 6 gold, 12 silver. Fraction gold = ___

  4. 24 bows: 8 gold, rest silver. Ratio gold:silver = ___

  5. If 3/12 gifts are red, how many are green?

  6. 1/4 of 16 bows = ___

  7. 2/3 of 18 gifts = ___

  8. If 5 red gifts are added to 10 green, new ratio = ___

  9. 12 ÷ 3 = ___ (fraction interpretation)

  10. There are 15 gifts, 5 red, 10 green. What fraction are green?

Wrapping Up

I hope your kids enjoy crafting, reading, and counting along with Jolly Old Saint Nicholas! Each week in our Christmas countdown series, we’re making learning hands-on, festive, and fun. Stay tuned for the next post, where we’ll explore another classic Christmas carol with activities for every grade.

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