Teacher Workbooks

Language Arts Series

Basic Skills
Christmas Theme – Volume 1

© Copyright 2002
Teachnology Publishing Company
A Division of Teachnology, Inc.

For additional information, visit us at www.teach-nology.com/publishing

 Table of Contents
Reading Comprehension 1-10

Alphabetization 11-18

Word Scramble 19-23

Standards Table of Contents

Students use a variety of technological and information

resources to gather and synthesize information 1-10

Apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret,

evaluate, and appreciate texts 11-23

© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.

iii
Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Read through the following text. Answer each question that follows in a complete
sentence.

Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas arrived in America from the Europeans, during the fifteenth
century. In fact, a port in Haiti was named Saint Nicholas on Christopher Columbus’s
first journey. In addition, what is currently known today as Jackson, Florida was
originally called “Saint Nicholas Ferry” by the Spaniards. The Dutch beloved Saint
Nicholas joined them in their immigration to America. During their journey to the New
World in 1630, a figure of Saint Nicholas decorated the bow of the ship.

1. Who brought Saint Nicholas to America?

__________________________________________________________________

2. What was Jackson, Florida once called?

__________________________________________________________________

3. How did the Dutch feel about Saint Nicholas?

__________________________________________________________________

4. What did the Dutch have on the front of their ship?

__________________________________________________________________

Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the
needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary works.
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
1
Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Read through the following text. Write a 3-5 sentence summary of the information.
Remember to compose complete sentences and proofread for correct spelling, punctuation, and
grammar.

Kriss Kringle

German immigrants to America enjoyed and celebrated Christmas. German

tradition of celebrating the arrival of Christmas is setting hay out in the barnyard on
Christmas Eve and finding on Christmas morning a basket filled with candy, dried apple
slices, and gingerbread. As the English and Germans began to intermarry, dialect from
the English and the Germans resulted in “Kristkingle” or “Kriss-kingle.” Eventually, a
name related to Santa Clause became “Kriss Kringle.”

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Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the
needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary works.
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Read through the following text. Answer each question that follows in a complete
sentence.

Saint Nicholas

The real Saint Nicholas was born in the Middle East, during the fourth century.
Born in a town about 350 miles northwest of Bethlehem, he grew up to be a Bishop. He
was well known and loved through the legends that tell of his kindness, love of children,
and the miracles that occurred when he was around. Both Greece and Russia hold Saint
Nicholas their national saint. Saint Nicholas died December 6th , in either 345 A.D. or
352 A.D.

1. Where was the real St. Nick born?

__________________________________________________________________

2. What role did St. Nicholas have as an adult?

__________________________________________________________________

3. Describe, with at least two properties, the character of Saint Nichola s.

__________________________________________________________________

4. Why do you think there is confusion over the year of St. Nick’s death?

__________________________________________________________________

Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the
needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary works.
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Read through the following text. Answer each question that follows in a complete
sentence.

Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas went through a gradual transformation after arriving in America

from Holland. The image of Saint Nicholas transformed from a solemn bishop to a
chipper and old elf. Washington Irving wrote the very first literary description of Saint
Nicholas printed in America. In his comic History of New York, Washington Irving
characterized Saint Nicholas as a stout and jovial Dutchman.

1. What does the term transformation mean?

__________________________________________________________________

2. Where did Saint Nicholas originate?

__________________________________________________________________

3. How is the original Saint Nicholas described?

__________________________________________________________________

4. How did Washington Irving describe Saint Nicholas?

__________________________________________________________________

Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the
needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary works.
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Read through the following text. Answer each question that follows in a complete
sentence.

Santa Around the World

All over the world Santa is an important figure. Father Christmas arrives from the
jungle for Christians living in the African Republic of Ghana. Hawaiian Christians
welcome Santa who arrives by boat. Santa, wearing a beautiful white beard and red
swimming trunks, enters Australia on the Nerang River on water skis. In Brazil Santa
arrives bearing gifts.

1. Where is Santa known?

__________________________________________________________________

2. Do you think Santa is a culturally diverse character? Why or why not?

__________________________________________________________________

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Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the
needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary works.
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Read through the following text. Write a 3-5 sentence summary of the information.
Remember to compose complete sentences and proofread for correct spelling, punctuation, and
grammar.

Santa Clause

Known all over the world, and as a culturally diverse character, many
interpretations of Santa Clause exist. Children in Poland believe their gifts arrive from
the stars. In Hungary, children believe gifts are delivered from angels. In Italy, gifts
arrive from La Befana on Three Kings Day. In both England and France gifts are
delivered from Father Christmas.

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Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the
needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary works.
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Read through the following text. Answer each question that follows in a complete
sentence.

The Christmas Tree

In many parts of the world including North America, Germany, and other areas in
Europe the evergreen tree or Christmas tree is the most widely recognized symbol of the
holiday season. The popularity of this tree symbolizes life and hope when other trees and
plants have died and are bare. Evergreens have long been used to symbolize life, hope,
and good fortune. Roman homes used the greens of the tree to decorate during the
Festival of Saturnalia and their New Year Kalends of January.

1. Where is the evergreen used as a Christmas symbol?

__________________________________________________________________

2. Why is the evergreen an important holiday symbol?

__________________________________________________________________

3. What is Kalends of January?

__________________________________________________________________

4. Why is the evergreen used to symbolize life and hope?

__________________________________________________________________

Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the
needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary works.
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Read through the following text. Answer each question that follows in a complete
sentence.

Christmas in Spain

The Three Wise Men are seen just about everywhere around the Christmas
holiday. The Three Wise Men arrive and deliver gifts in the European country of Spain.
Spanish Christmas festivities last several weeks after the traditional December 25th
celebration. On the night of January 5th , the Eve of the Epiphany, children leave their
shoes on the front doorstep of their home. During the night, the Three Wise Men leave
gifts as they pass by. The following day, the Epiphany is recognized with parades and
candy and cake distribution.

1. Where can the Three Wise Men be seen in Spain?

__________________________________________________________________

2. Who delivers the gifts in the Spanish culture?

__________________________________________________________________

3. What is January 5th ?

__________________________________________________________________

4. How is the Epiphany celebrated?

__________________________________________________________________

Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the
needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary works.
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Read through the following text. Write a 3-6 sentence summary of the information.
Remember to compose complete sentences and proofread for correct spelling, punctuation, and
grammar.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe has no root system. It attaches itself to a tree and lives off that tree.
Without the tree the mistletoe would die. Mistletoe has had an interesting history.
Ancient Europeans thought it to be sacred. Celtic culture believed mistletoe had magical
and healing properties. The word mistletoe means “all heal” in the Celtic language. In
addition to the healing qualities it possessed, mistletoe was considered a good luck
charm. The English, during the eighteenth century, gave mistletoe a magical ability
called a kissing ball. A kiss could not be refused if standing under the mistletoe. This
kiss could mean friendship or romance.

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Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the
needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary works.
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Read through the following text. Write a 3-5 sentence summary of the information.
Remember to compose complete sentences and proofread for correct spelling, punctuation, and
grammar.

Poinsettia

The poinsettia is a popular holiday flower used during the Christmas holiday.
Arranged in lovely red, star shapes the flower arrived in the United States from Dr. Joel
Poinsett. Dr. Poinsett, the first ambassador to Mexico brought the flower here hundreds
of years ago. The flower and legend of the poinsettia are derived from Mexico. In
Central America the poinsettia is called “Flame Leaf” and “Flower of the Holy Night.”
California now supplies most of the poinsettias that are used.

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Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the
needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are
fiction and non-fiction, classic and contemporary works.
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Write each Christmas related term from the word box in alphabetical order on the lines
below.

Word Box

Christmas holly Santa Cla us

reindeer mistletoe toys

Alphabetical Order

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Write each Christmas related term from the word box in alphabetical order on the lines
below.

Word Box

Kris Kringle elves chimney

presents Christmas Eve tree

Alphabetical Order

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Write each Christmas related term from the word box in alphabetical order on the lines
below.

Word Box

jolly holly mistletoe

caroling Rudolph Frosty

Alphabetical Order

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Write each Christmas related term from the word box in alphabetical order on the lines
below.

Word Box

lights decorating ornaments

wreaths figurines gifts

Alphabetical Order

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Write each Christmas related term from the word box in alphabetical order on the lines
below.

Word Box

symbols nativity sleighs

reindeer Dancer Prancer

Alphabetical Order

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Write each Christmas related term from the word box in alphabetical order on the lines
below.

Word Box

snow evergreen tree eggnog

poinsettia Saint Nick caroling

Alphabetical Order

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Write each Christmas related term from the word box in alphabetical order on the lines
below.

Word Box

candles gathering Frosty

Rudolph Jingle Bells sleigh

Alphabetical Order

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
17
Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Write each Christmas related term from the word box in alphabetical order on the lines
below.

Word Box

Christmas Santa Claus chimney

sleigh reindeer elves

Alphabetical Order

1. __________________________________________

2. __________________________________________

3. __________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________

6. ___________________________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
18
Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Unscramble each Christmas related term from the word box on the lines below.

Word Box

Christmas holly Santa Claus

reindeer mistletoe toys

1. msChtaris _________________________

2. lyhlo _________________________

3. tometiesl ___________________________

4. edierenr ___________________________

5. atSna ulaCs ___________________________

6. ysot ___________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Unscramble each Christmas related term from the word box on the lines below.

Word Box

Kris Kringle elves chimney

presents Christmas Eve tree

1. mhiycen __________________________

2. shaCmirt vEe ___________________________

3. vesle ___________________________

4. sKir igKnrle ____________________________

5. srnetpse ____________________________

6. eter _____________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Unscramble each Christmas related term from the word box on the lines below.

Word Box

jolly holly mistletoe

caroling Rudolph Frosty

1. iclagrno ______________________________

2. soyFtr ______________________________

3. lhylo _______________________________

4. lyjlo _______________________________

5. toslemiet ________________________________

6. dohRlpu ________________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Unscramble each Christmas related term from the word box on the lines below.

Word Box

lights decorating ornaments

wreaths figurines gifts

1. cnitdreoga _____________________________

2. uegrfisni ______________________________

3. fsgit ______________________________

4. tihlgs _______________________________

5. mrestonan _______________________________

6. rshwate _______________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
22
Name _______________________________ Date __________________________
Language Arts: Christmas

Directions:
Unscramble each Christmas related term from the word box on the lines below.

Word Box

symbols nativity sleighs

reindeer Dancer Prancer

1. cDrnae __________________________

2. iyvatnti ____________________________

3. nePcrar _____________________________

4. eneriedr ______________________________

5. hlsegis _______________________________

6. boslyms _______________________________

Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They
draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word
meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features
(e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.
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 Answers
Page 1 Page 13
1. Europeans caroling, Frosty, holly, jolly, mistletoe,
2. Saint Nicholas Ferry Rudolph
3. loved him
4. a figure of Saint Nick Page 14
decorating, figurines, gifts, lights,
Page 2 ornaments, wreaths
Answers will vary.
Page 15
Page 3 Dancer, nativity, Prancer, reindeer, sleighs,
1. Middle East symbols
2. Bishop
3. loving, kind, helpful, caring Page 16
4. no written records of long ago caroling, eggnog, evergreen tree, poinsettia,
Saint Nick, snow
Page 4
1. change Page 17
2. Holland candles, Frosty, gathering, Jingle Bells,
3. solemn Rudolph, sleigh
4. stout, jovial
Page 18
Page 5 chimney, Christmas, elves, reindeer, Santa
1. all over the world Claus, sleigh
2. Answers will vary.
Page 19
Page 6 Christmas, holly, mistletoe, reindeer, Santa
Answers will vary. Claus, toys

Page 7 Page 20
1. North America, Germany, other chimney, Christmas Eve, elves, Kris Kringle,
European countries presents, tree
2. represents life, hope
3. Roman New Year Page 21
4. remains green year long caroling, Frosty, holly, jolly, mistletoe,
Rudolph
Page 8
1. just about everywhere during the Page 22
holiday season decorating, figurines, gifts, lights,
2. Three Wise Men ornaments, wreaths
3. Eve of the Epiphany
4. parades, candy/cake distribution Page 23
Dancer, nativity, Prancer, reindeer, sleighs,
Pages 9-10 symbols
Answers will vary.

Page 11
Christmas, holly, mistletoe, reindeer, Santa
Claus, toys

Page 12
chimney, Christmas Eve, elves, Kris Kringle,
presents, tree

© 2002 Teachnology, Inc.

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