Bookbug Session Plans: Festive

The Hello Song

Benefits

Familiar start – lets everyone know a Bookbug session has started.

Tips

Smile and use names if you know them. Clap or tap along to the beat.

Here We Go Round the Christmas Tree (to the tune of 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush')

Here we go round the Christmas tree, Christmas tree, Christmas tree

Here we go round the Christmas tree, on a cold and frost morning.

This is the way the reindeer trot (trot around the space)

This is the sound of Santa's laugh (laugh ho, ho, ho)

This is the way the elves make the toys (pretend to hammer and build)

This is the way we give our gifts (pretend to give a present to someone)

This is the way the snowflakes fall (flutter fingers)

Benefits

Familiar tune to help people join in with simple repetitive lyrics.

Tips

Encourage everyone to join in with the actions to the song, ask for suggestions of other verses.

Five Little Reindeer (to the tune of 'Five Little Ducks')

'Five reindeer went out one day,

Into the snow to laugh and play.

Santa Claus said,

'Ho, ho, ho, ho,'

Then one reindeer had to go.'

Benefits

A nice festive counting song, supporting participation.

Tips

Let the children take turns to be the reindeer and Santa.

Reindeer, Reindeer (to the tune of 'Horsey, Horsey')

'Reindeer, reindeer, don't you stop,

Just let your feet go clippity clop.

Your tail goes swish as you fly up high

Round the world, in the sky. . .'

Benefits

This song is great for babies, toddlers and young children to join in. Lots of opportunities for face-to-face, bouncing and movement.

Tips

Sit babies face to face with you and gently bounce them on your knee as the reindeer trots, then gently lift them in the air as the reindeer take to the sky. Toddlers and older children can move around the room trotting like Santa's reindeer.

I wonder what’s in my bag today?

Sing the song to the tune of 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush'

'I wonder what's in my bag today, bag today, bag today

I wonder what's in my bag today, come and take a look,

At Bookbug's favourite book'

Benefits Builds anticipation and captures the attention of the children. Tips Use Bookbug to help engage the children in singing the “I wonder what’s in my bag song”. Use Makaton to support different communication needs.

The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg

An absolute classic for the festive season! Join the Jolly Postman as he sets off to deliver Christmas mail to a host of nursery rhyme characters and fairy-tale friends. With detailed illustrations and actual letters, cards and games to share on each page, this is a book that will keep little ones engaged for days on end. The glorious rhyme and use of dialogue beg for it be read aloud, with as many different voices as you can manage.

• Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

Benefits

A festive favourite about everyone's favourite reindeer.

Tips

Encourage everyone to join in with the words and the actions.

• When Santa got stuck up the Chimney

Benefits

Familiar Christmas song that everyone can join in with.

Tips

Use actions to support the song and add in some playful sounds when Santa sneezes.

• We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Benefits

Familiar Christmas song that everyone can join in with.

Tips

Use Makaton to help support communication and understanding.

The Goodbye Song

Benefits

Lets everyone know the session is over.

Tips

Thank everyone for joining in.