The Night Before Christmas

This resource, designed for Years 5 and 6 (Upper KS2), is a comprehensive literacy activity based on Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, The Night Before Christmas. It offers a variety of engaging tasks aimed at developing reading comprehension, critical thinking, and creative writing skills. Here’s what it includes:

1. Close Reading and Comprehension Questions: Students analyse key excerpts from the poem, answering questions about details, themes, and vocabulary to deepen their understanding.

2. Partner Activities: Collaborative tasks encourage discussion and teamwork, such as interpreting specific lines, exploring literary devices, and identifying the mood and tone of the poem.

3. Creative Writing: A “Santa’s Special Letter” activity invites students to adopt the persona of Santa Claus, writing a reflective and imaginative letter. It emphasises narrative writing, descriptive language, and the use of poetic vocabulary.

4. Scaffolded Learning: The worksheet transitions from guided individual questions to collaborative and creative activities, supporting a variety of learning styles and abilities.

5. Seasonal Relevance: With its festive theme, the resource is perfect for engaging students during the holiday season while maintaining academic focus.

This worksheet not only brings literary classics into the classroom but also offers a structured way to enhance literacy skills in a fun, Christmas-themed context. It would work well as a standalone lesson, part of a seasonal unit, or even as an engaging holiday homework activity.