December Secrets

Last updated Monday, November 24, 2003

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff
Illustrator: Blanche Sims
Date of Publication: 1984
ISBN: 0440417953
Grade Level: 5th
Date(s) Used: December 2003

Synopsis: Each student in Ms. Rooney's room celebrates the December holidays by being a secret pal to a classmate.

Discussion topics for before reading:

• What is the “secret friend” or “secret Santa” game?
• What are the different holidays in December? How are they celebrated? Do they have anything in common?
• What does the “spirit of giving” mean? What kinds of things can you do for people in that spirit?

Craft ideas:

• Put everyone’s name into a hat, and everyone then pulls out a name different from his/her own. This is your "secret friend" -- make ornaments to exchange.
• Make a holiday card for your best friend

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don’t have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!