It's become a yearly Veritas blog tradition that we gather suggestions for Christmas gifts from our faculty to help parents with ideas for educational, developmentally-appropriate gifts that are not only fun, but also enriching. After all, these teachers are spending nearly seven hours a day with your children, investing in their holistic growth, and so they have a firm handle on what kinds of gifts will enhance these children's learning experience.
If you're looking for some inspiration, here is our annual Christmas gift ideas list, organized by grade level.
Preschool: Ms. Kayla Holod
- Melissa & Doug create timeless modern classics, and these pattern blocks will keep your little one busy and engaged.
- Floor puzzles are fantastic, and some favorites might be this world map with animals or this traffic jumbo jam.
- Animals are always a hit at this age, so this Little People A to Z Learning Zoo playset - which combines alphabet learning and imaginative play - will be a hit.
- Start a family game time tradition this coming year and invest in some educational and fun games to bond over. Some great ideas include The Honey Bee Tree, The Sneaky Snacky Squirrel, and Sound Bingo.
Kindergarten: Mrs. Jackie Lake
- Kindergartners love the Bob Books, and this is a great set that will help them build their reading skills with confidence.
- They love learning to read, and this game - which combines sight words and popcorn - helps them do just that.
- ABCs ad 123s go together, and these kids enjoy their numbers too. Foster that love of learning with this fun game that helps them polish their addition and subtraction skills.
First Grade: Mrs. Sharon Strawbridge
Many of our students love drawing, so art supplies would make great gifts. Consider:- Crayola Crayons (my favorite)
- Art paper or sketch books
- Coloring books
- Books are best! Here are some of our favorites:
- Early Readers (the "I Can Read"publications)
- Bob Books
- Dr. Seuss
- I SPY books
- Poetry books, such as Hailstones and Halibut Bones by Mary O'Neill, The Random House Book of Poetry for Children (selected by Jack Prelutsky), and Lavender's Blue (nursery rhymes: Kathleen Lines)
- Carolyn Haywood's Betsy books
- Books that cover topics we discuss in class, such as Pennsylvania history, Indians, planets and solar system, or Bible stories.
- A new "real" Bible (ESV or NKJV may be easier to read)
- Music/CDs
- Judy Rogers' Why Can't I See God or Teach Me While My Heart is Tender
- Steve Green scripture memory songs Hide 'Em In Your Heart
Second Grade: Miss Deb Chapin
- Second graders will likely love some of the exploratory and educational toys from the National Geographic website, such as:
- National Geographic Shut the Box Game
- Around the World Touch-Pad Quiz Game
- All-in-One Adventure Multi-tool
- Voice Changer
- Some books that they might enjoy include:
Third Grade: Mrs. Katie Zappitella
- If your students enjoy playing games, teach them strategy and remind them of C.S. Lewis’ wonderful land of Narnia at the same time with Narnia Stratego. Or, practice your bingo skills with Roman Empire Jingo!
- If your student enjoyed D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Mythology, try any of their other beautifully illustrated books. They have written on topics from Norse Mythology to trolls to the American founders.
- Another fun read is the Asterix and Obelix comic book series. Originally written in French, these hilarious translations chronicle the adventures of the Gauls vs. the Romans. Boys and girls alike enjoy them!
- A few of our literature books have sequels. Homer Price is followed by Centerburg Tales.
- Rosemary Sutcliff, who wrote Black Ships before Troy, also wrote a children’s version of the Odyssey called The Wanderings of Odysseus.
- The students love creating stories with the Roman soldier figures that we have in the classroom. These are similar!
- A mosaic kit is also lots of fun, and can give your student practice for when we will make mosaics later this year!
- For those who like crafts, here is a fun book that incorporates Greek and Roman Mythology with crafty activities.
Fourth Grade: Mrs. Emily Fischer
- Fourth graders love fun games and strategy, so here are some ideas to help them rise to the challenge:
- Rubix cubes of varying shapes or for an even tougher challenge, a Gear Cube
- Ticket to Ride: Europe (Stategy game), which coincides with our study of Europe in the Middle Ages History.
- They also love science—especially if it helps them throw things! Try:
- Finally, some might enjoy toy soldiers, outfits, and medieval buildings.
Stay tuned this weekend for special interest ideas (like art, science, and athletics) and ideas for older children!
