Illustrate a 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Book

It's difficult to think of a more precious holiday keepsake than your child’s hand-crafted, illustrated version of this sweet Christmas tale. With your help, your child will explore basic poetic elements including rhyme, similes, meter, and imagery. Strengthen his reading comprehension and fine motor skills as you lead him through this winter drawing activity.

What You Need:

• 12 sheets of 8 ½” x 11” white paper
• 12 sheets of red, heavyweight construction paper
• Markers
• Craft glue
• Hole punch
• Ribbon

What You Do:

1. Visit the library and read this classic Christmas poem to your child, or if he is old enough, have him read the story to you. Help him sound out any unfamiliar words and make sure that he understands each section of the poem.
2. Together, discuss different poetic elements such as rhyming words, similes, meter, and imagery. For a refresher, refer to the definitions of these elements online.
3. Using the poem as a reference, type all of the stanzas for your child, leaving space in between each. Print the poem out and have your child cut out each individual stanza.
4. Ask your child to draw pictures that correspond with each verse. Encourage him to use his imagination—and lots of color!
5. Help your child glue each picture onto the construction paper along with the corresponding verse.
6. Punch three holes along the “spine” of the book and tie three pieces of ribbon to “bind” the book together. Be sure to tie the knots loosely, allowing the pages to turn freely and unencumbered by the ribbon.
7. Now read your child’s new book together and watch a proud smile spread across his face.

This hand-made picture book can be enjoyed as a cherished keepsake for years to come or serve as a charming holiday gift for someone special.