I've created a Christmas writing activity for elementary school students. I've had successful classes with both 1st and 2nd years. I think 1st-3rd grade would be ideal for this activity, as they're still in that believing in Santa age.
Materials needed:
- Powerpoint presentation (attached)
- Letters to Santa worksheet (attached)
- Envelopes (1 for each student - buy from 100yen shop)
- Xmas Stickers (to act as stamps - buy from 100yen shop)
- A bag or some type of mailbox (a way to collect letters)
First, present the PowerPoint to the students. I've made it entirely in Japanese, as I did this activity with younger students. If you're uncomfortable speaking Japanese, maybe add some English and have your JTE/HRT do the translating/reading of the ppt.
The first few slides explain to students that (in America), children ask Santa for whatever they'd like for Xmas. I tell them that only good kids get presents for Xmas and bad kids get coal! My 1st years didn't really know what coal was, but the 2nd graders were surprised. Then you ask them if they were good kids or bad kids this year.
I go over some things they could ask for (欲しいもの) and have them repeat the words after me. They get excited when they see they can ask for a Switch! Tell them, though, that they can ask for anything, not just what's listed!
Then, we get down to writing the letters. This activity is successful because I've broken everything down. Everyone does each step together, one by one. I'll read the English, have students repeat after me, and translate the meaning. Then, we'll write. Throughout the presentation, let students know that writing in Japanese is OK!! Most of my 1st graders wrote in Japanese (some wanted to try English), and the 2nd graders were mostly trying their English. I think this would be perfect for 3rd graders to practice writing all in English, as well.
Students will eventually fill in the entire Letter with: their name, their age, how they've been all year (ex: I was good / bad / so-so all year), and what they'd like for Xmas (tell them they can ask for multiple things and they get so hyped!). It finishes with "From, ___________".
After everyone's written, together (step by step) we address the envelope (To: Santa / From: _______), fold the letter twice, put it in the envelope, and glue it shut. I then explain that letters need stamps, and I let them choose a sticker and show them where it'll go on the envelope (top right-hand corner).
At the end, you tell the students that you're Santa's friend (watch them freak out!) and that you'll give him their letters. Collect students' letters (I used a Xmas bag bought at Daiso as I didn't have time to make a mailbox, but having a mailbox would be fun for them too so they can feel like they're actually mailing their letters).
That's it! This usually takes up about 40 of the 45 minutes of class. With the extra time, we do the Gingerbread Dance and Freeze from Jack Hartmann on YouTube (shout out to that man and all his holiday dance + freeze songs!!) and that's class!
A simple activity that gets students involved in English and in Christmas traditions.