I know I know I know. Advent and Christmas come around once a year pretty much the same week and I should be ready by Thanksgiving, right? Well, I do think about different ways to celebrate Advent and think it’s too early to print off advent activity guides or research advent plans or reading guides. Now we are a few days into Advent and have not begun to start a proper Advent study in any way. Does this sound familiar to you or are you one of these super organized mom’s that have it all planned out..
If you are like me and still trying to get kids to finish up another week or so of school work before the new year then you probably do not have time to track down Advent plans so I have down the work for you. I want to do something but not quite sure what so I figured I would research a handful of ways to study Advent and share them with you.
Advent Morning Time Plans from Pam Barnhill (free digital download)
The plans include three weeks of Morning Time activities to help you count down the days from December 1 through Christmas. You can do these plans as a family to enhance your holiday season and for a great introduction to Morning Time. Bring beauty (and fun!) to your homeschool with poetry, fine arts, nature study, good books, and so much more — all prepared for you with your choice of a grid or loop schedule to follow.
Nature Study through the Holidays by Our Journey Westward (paid digital download)
You may not think Advent nature study should be a ‘thing’, but these unique Christmas lessons will keep the entire family excited about school in December! Christ-centered lessons with a nature study twist will draw you into the Word and allow you to check off several boxes in your lesson planner during the busy weeks before Christmas. This is a low-stress curriculum! You can choose to use it once per week of Advent or every day. You can use use all the activities provided or pick and choose.
Melk the Monkey by Katie Hornor of Paradise Praises (paid)
Melk, The Christmas Monkey, is an excellent tool for teaching God’s character to children through 30 fun Bible lessons and activities that the entire family can enjoy during the Christmas Advent season. The activities can also be easily adapted for a Sunday school class or Children’s Bible club. 2017 update includes new green cover, plus 11 monthly letters from Melk to be delivered during the year.
Jesse Tree Calendar Connection by Carisa of 1+1+1=1 (free digital download)
This set is based on the concept of the Jesse Tree, which takes us from God’s Creation, through the genealogy of Christ. Each card has a symbol, and a scripture reading, as well as information. The facts are written at a 3-6th grade level but you will be able to water them down for younger kids. It’s a great way to involve your entire family in exploring a particular theme.
Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda White (paid digital download)
I really believe December is one of best times to impress God’s Word on your kids’ hearts. Our whole country turns its attention to Christmas–stores are playing songs of worship to the newborn king, movies are playing on cable that show the real meaning of Christmas and people even decorate their yard with Bible characters! I try to leverage this Jesus-centered month by helping my kids meditate on and learn the real story of Jesus’ birth. That’s how this ebook was born. Out of a daily advent-ure with my daughter when she was only 1 year old.
Shepherd on the Search from Dayspring (Amazon product)
Embark on a family journey and find Christ in Christmas! During the Advent season, begin reading the story of your shepherd’s timeless journey in a beautifully illustrated interactive children’s book, and let the fun begin every day as you hide your shepherd and your children find him in a new place along the search! The shepherd’s journey begins anew every Christmas season and ends on Christmas day as your shepherd finds his way to the manger. Make meaningful Christmas memories, as year after year your family delights in helping your cuddly shepherd retell the timeless story – that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas.
The Christmas Star from Afar (Amazon Product)
The Star From Afar can easily be combined with any current Christmas traditions you made have. Play all the way until Ephipany if your family celebrates that holiday. Already have a Christmas elf? Have your elf do the hiding for the kids! You don’t have to play the game the whole month! Start a few days before Christmas or even the day before for very young kids.
Jesus Storybook Bible Advent from Faith Gateway (free)
Share with your children the story of Christmas and God’s great plan for Jesus’ birth! Zonderkidz and author Sally Lloyd-Jones are making this Advent guide and printables available to you for FREE through FaithGateway! Each day for 24 days you take one of the cards, read the corresponding Scriptures on the back, then read the companion story in The Jesus Storybook Bible. It’s super easy and fun for the entire family!
Knowing Him by Name from Focus on the Family (free)
This year’s theme teaches the names of Jesus, and we’ll focus on how Scripture uses different names to describe the character and role of the Savior. The pages of our calendar are filled with faith-based activities that will help your children develop a deeper understanding of the identity of Jesus. He is the Word, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Lamb of God!
I hope these resources for Advent bring you some ideas for learning and seeking Jesus in the hustle and bustle of this holiday season!
No matter what you decide to print or do JUST DO SOMETHING to learn about Christ this Advent season. Please leave me a comment if you have found other Advent resources free or paid so that I can share them with friends and family!
