A Very Curious Christmas: Festive facts, winter science and holidays around the world
Curious Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Explore the wonders of Christmas and winter through the lens of science and culture with Maddie Moate. From the science behind snowflakes to the diverse ways holidays are celebrated around the globe, this book promises a journey full of learning and fun.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What new holiday tradition from around the world would you like to try this Christmas and why?
How do you think science helps us understand other components of winter, not just the holiday celebrations?
What is the most surprising festive fact you learned from this book?
Can you think of ways we can incorporate some festive facts into our own holiday celebration?
How do holidays around the world differ and what do they have in common?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about and respect cultural differences by discussing various global holiday traditions mentioned in the book.
Use the 'winter science' section as a practical learning session, perhaps doing simple related experiments or observations.
Ask your child to pick their favorite festive fact and explore it further together, perhaps creating a small project or presentation around it.
Relate the content to your own family’s traditions and encourage your child to think about how they might evolve or expand those traditions using new information.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child why they think certain celebrations evolved in different climates or parts of the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: This book explores various holiday traditions and celebrations from around the world, broadening a child's understanding of global cultures.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultural practices and can share knowledge about different celebrations with friends and family.
Example Lesson: The Science of Winter
Explanation: Explains the scientific aspects of winter, such as why it snows and how animals adapt to colder temperatures.
Real-World Application: Children can relate these scientific facts to their observations during winter, fostering a curiosity and understanding about the natural world.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: The book highlights how holidays are times for family gatherings and community celebrations, reinforcing social bonds.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and participate in family and community events, enhancing their social skills and sense of belonging.