Welcome to a new “Off the Shelf” blog post highlighting important key dates, ideas, and activities for December that you can incorporate into your library lesson plans or classroom activities. My goal is to help you stay organized and inspired as you plan your month, making it simpler to bring exciting and meaningful activities to your students. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas or resources to save you time, I hope these posts help make your planning process smoother and more enjoyable.

Key Dates, Ideas, and Activities for December:

December 1 =  Cyber Monday

December 4 =  National Cookie Day
*Check out a cookbook and follow the recipes to make your favorite cookies!

December 4 = Last Full Moon of 2025
     *Explore Space and the moon through books and/or databases. Then show your learning on this Space Fast Facts or illustrate the phases of the moon.

December 7 =  Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
     *Use your online research resources to learn about the events of Pearl Harbor.                         

December 10 = International Human Rights Day

December 12 = Gingerbread House Day
     *Click on this link and learn about gingerbread!

December 15 = Bill of Rights Anniversary, First Day of Hanukkah
     *Explore Hanukkah through books and/or databases.  Choose a craft to create like the ones found here.

December 21 = Winter Solstice 

December 24 = Christmas Eve

December 25 = Christmas Day
     *Explore Christmas through books and/or databases.  Choose a craft to create like the ones found here.

December 26 = Kwanza begins
*Explore Kwanza through books and/or databases.  Then create this craft together.

December 31 = New Year’s Eve

Activities For December:  

These bookmarks have been a lifesaver for me this year in the library! After students check out their books, they choose one of the bookmarks to color. This gives them a fun, new bookmark each time they visit the library, but it also gives them something to do while they wait for others to finish finding their books.

Activity Link: TpT Store

Want some easy literacy stations to use with your kids this winter?  These are super easy to use, and will be a great complement to your winter lessons.

Activity Link: TpT Store

Want a super fun way to teach coding without a computer to students?  Check out this unplugged activity that goes perfectly with the book How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk!   This activity has everything you need, even if you don’t have the book! Just create a grid, print out the signs, and you’re good to go!

Activity Link: TpT Store

Want another super fun way to teach coding to students without a computer? Check out this unplugged activity that goes perfectly with the book “How to Code a Rollercoaster” by Josh Funk. This activity has everything you need, even if you don’t have the book! Just create a grid, print out the signs, and you’re good to go!

Activity Link: TpT Store