The Night Before Christmas is a narrative poem. It tells the story of a man's experience and what he sees one Christmas night. The author uses similes to to describe and compare things in the story.

Clement Clarke Moore's poem with illustrations fby Tasha Tudor - for show and read to children

Summary:This is a classic poem about the Night Before Christmas. Through the eyes of the father, we are told about the noises he hears, the sight of Santa coming into the house with toys in his bags. He describes Santa and what he looks like, with a round belly, a beard on his chin, rosey red cheeks...etc. And it ends with Santa flying away on his sleigh pulled by reindeer wishing a Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Personal Reaction: I love this poem and the joy it brings! It is a classic poem with the first line being "Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house...". I think almost everyone can quote that first line! It is magical poem and brings a smile to my face when I read it...no matter my age!

Classroom extension ideas: You could do a "Holidays Around the World" unit during Christmas time. Use this poem to talk about the holiday Christmas traditions in America....Santa Claus, and stocking filled with toys. You could extend it from there and have the students make a stocking to be hung in your classroom.

This poem is cleverly written and flows so beautifully. I love this poem, and many of your students will know this poem and be able to relate to it. ( )

"The Night Before Christmas" written by Clement Clarke Moore, is such a classic, lovely story. It begins on Christmas Eve with a child describing how quiet the house was. Then all of a sudden he hears a loud noise, and something on his roof. He looks out the window and discovers that it's Santa Claus and his reindeer. He goes out to the living room and describes what he sees when Santa is "working." At the end of the book Santa leaves, and exclaims "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night." I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it's a staple in any children's literature collection and is a great way to get children excited about the holiday season. I always loved this book as a child! The first classroom extension I thought would be an awesome learning experience would be to have the children write down some of the Old English words mentioned in the story. Words that they weren't sure about or had never heard at all. Afterwards, we could all share what they wrote down and then explain and compare them to words used in present day English. My second extension activity idea is to have the children draw a picture of what the holidays look like in their homes with their families and then share with their classmates. This a great activity to learn about different cultures and diversity! ( )