What's included
12 pre-recorded lessons
2 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentProjects
1 hour per week. This class is highly project-based and encourages learners to actively participate, express their creativity, and connect with story themes through hands-on crafts that deepen their understanding and enjoyment of each chapter.Grading
I will communicate with learners in response to sending in projects. If requested I am available for a one-on-one review. Please check my listings if interested.Class Experience
US Grade Preschool - 1
Beginner Level
Welcome to Christmas Story and Craft Countdown, a joyful self-paced storytime class inspired by the heartwarming tale Hazel and the Enchanted Acorn. Each class, young learners will join Hazel the Hedgehog on her magical journey through the winter forest, discovering the values of kindness, friendship, and the joy of giving. Classes are designed to be watched for 12 consecutive days prior to Christmas in the style of an advent calendar. Each class follows Hazel on her adventure to finding the true meaning of friendship and finishes with a craft based on the chapter. This class is more than just a storytime; it’s a supportive, creative space where early literacy skills are nurtured, social connections are encouraged, and each child’s imagination is celebrated. Join us on this enchanted journey as Hazel’s holiday tale comes to life, one day at a time! My teaching style is nurturing, interactive, and inclusive. I aim to create a supportive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore. I will focus on experiential learning, allowing children to learn through stories and literature. Please note that these projects may require some adult supervision depending on the age or ability of the learner. This is discretionary and is up to the learners family to determine their capabilities. At Christmas Story and Craft Countdown, I am committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all children. This program is designed to accommodate various learning styles and needs, and I am dedicated to making any necessary adjustments to ensure that every child can fully participate and benefit from our activities. Please contact me if you cannot find the necessary adjustments. #holiday #winterbreak
Learning Goals
Through interactive storytelling and hands-on crafts, children will enhance their creativity and use their imagination to connect with the story.
Daily storytime sessions promote listening comprehension, vocabulary building, and sequencing skills essential for early literacy.
Syllabus
12 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
Chapter 1 The Sparkling Acorn
Learners will hear chapter one of Hazel and the Enchanted Acorn. I will talk about the chapter and the characters/events. Then learners will be walked through creating a sparkling acorn activity.
Lesson 2:
Chapter 2 The Deer Family
Learners will hear chapter two of Hazel and the Enchanted Acorn. I will talk about the chapter and the characters. Then learners will be walked through making an ornament.
Lesson 3:
Chapter 3 Song of the Sparrow
Learners will hear chapter three of Hazel and the Enchanted Acorn. I will talk about the chapter and the characters. Then learners will be walked through making a musical ornament/wreath.
Lesson 4:
Chapter 4 The Snow Hare's Snowflakes
Learners will hear chapter four of Hazel and the Enchanted Acorn. I will talk about the chapter and the characters. Then learners will be walked through creating a snowflake picture.
Other Details
Learning Needs
Class is designed with flexible craft options, visual schedules are included with a predictable routine, and time is taken to describe the visuals of each story page.
Parental Guidance
Learners may be required to use scissors in order to complete projects. Adults may complete the cutting prior to the class in order to for learners to complete projects without utilizing scissors.
Please note that these projects may require some adult supervision depending on the age or ability of the learner. This is discretionary and is up to the learners family to determine their capabilities.
Supply List
The following supplies will be needed for this class. I am organizing this list into the needs per chapter. A list will also be sent out to students when they enroll. Chapter 1 : Sparkling Acorn Activity Acorn Ornament Template Printable ornament page Glitter Glue or Glitter paint Elmer’s glue Ribbon for hanging Adaptive finger paint acorn needs finger paints in sparkly colors/sparkly markers and sequin stickers Chapter 2: Firefly lantern Lantern printable Marker or crayons (glow in the dark is a lot of fun) Scissors Tape or glue Adaptive firefly lantern requires finger paints or crayons, tape, and the adaptive printable. Chapter 3: The Deer Family Tree Ornament Pinecone pompoms Elmer’s glue Adaptive project for this requires glue dots instead of Elmer’s glue. Chapter 4: Sparrow’s Song Ornament 1 large jingle bell 2 smaller bells Wooden beads (hole should fit a ribbon easily) Ribbon or yarn pre-cut to measure 8” Scissors The adaptive project requires the printing of the musical wreath printable, glue dots, smaller wooden beads, and 3 bells. Chapter 5: Mrs. Squirrels Cookie Ornament Air dry clay (model magic or similar) or Salt Dough Cookie cutters of preferred shapes Paint or markers Ribbon for hanging pre-cut to measure 5” Adaptive craft will require air dry clay, cookie cutter, and stickers/glitter glue to decorate. Chapter 6: Snow Hare’s Snowflakes Snowflake Printable Shades of blue paint and glitter glue q-tips Adaptive project can use finger paint instead of q-tips. Chapter 7: Owl’s Starry Night Black construction paper Star Stickers Cotton balls for clouds Elmer’s glue Adaptive craft will use glue dots to attach the cotton. Larger star stickers can be purchased for ease of use. Chapter 8: Frost Art with a Fox Printable of the Lake Blue and White paint Parchment paper Adaptive craft can use finger paints or sponge paint brushes. Chapter 9: Winter Dance Headband Headband printable Tape Marker’s, crayons, or paints Adaptive craft can use finger paints. Chapter 10: Sensory Sound Project Toilet paper tube or a small plastic bottle 2 bells rice/lentils/beads for sound Paper for the lid of the toilet paper tube or an adult to secure the lid of the bottle with glue to prevent spillage. Star stickers for decoration Adaptive craft is the same kind of shaker. Larger stickers or a different sound creating item can be used. Chapter 11: River Otter’s Painted Rock Smooth stone Acrylic paints brushes Paper towels for cleanup water Adaptive project can use paint markers for easy handling, stickers, or larger rocks. Chapter 12: Christmas Tree Project White cardstock Shades of Green Construction Paper Brown Construction Paper Colored dot stickers Star Stickers Scissors Glue Adaptive project uses green patterned washi tape, pre-cut tree stump out of brown construction paper, dot stickers, and star stickers.
1 file available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Original story, Hazel and the Enchanted Acorn, is used with permission of the author.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from California State University, East Bay
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from University of California, Santa Cruz
I am an artist and a writer, that has spent the last 15 years growing in my own craft. I have continued to practice my art at my home studio while also teaching. I believe that art and literature should be accessible and fun for everyone. My continued goal is to inspire in students a love of reading and art that keeps on GROWING!
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$15
weekly12 pre-recorded lessons
2 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
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Ages: 3-8