Christmas Sentence Scramble Pocket Chart Activity for Kids

A Simple Christmas Literacy Activity That Actually Works

December is an exciting time in the classroom, but it can also feel hectic. When you need something meaningful, engaging, and easy to manage, a Christmas Sentence Scramble Pocket Chart Activity is one of the best choices. It gives children hands on practice with sentence structure, sight words, reading fluency, and fine motor skills, all through a predictable and calming routine.

This post will walk you through exactly how to use this activity in your classroom, whether you teach preschool, kindergarten, or first grade.

To download some FREE sample pages, CLICK HERE or the button below. To purchase the complete 61-page packet, scroll to the end of this post for links to my online stores.

Step By Step: Using the Christmas Sentence Scramble Pocket Chart Activity

Step 1: Start With the Picture and Word Cards

Begin by showing students the picture card for the sentence. The picture helps them think about meaning and sets the context before they begin reading. Then introduce the word cards, explaining that the words can be rearranged to build a complete sentence.

Step 2: Model How to Build the Sentence

Place the picture card in your pocket chart and model how to try different word orders. Read each version aloud so students hear what sounds correct. This demonstration helps children understand how meaning, capitalization, and punctuation work together.

Step 3: Let Students Build the Sentence

Once students understand the routine, let them build the sentence themselves. They can move the cards around as many times as they need. This repeated reading builds confidence and fluency.

Step 4: Complete the Cut and Paste Worksheet

After building the sentence with cards, students complete the matching cut and paste worksheet. They cut the word tiles, glue them in the correct order, and then read their sentence aloud. This reinforces reading and adds valuable fine motor practice.

Step 5: Illustrate and Reread

Invite students to illustrate their completed sentence. This step boosts comprehension and gives them a sense of ownership. Many teachers like to collect these pages in a December writing folder so students can reread their work throughout the month.

Differentiation Tips

These activities are easy to adapt for different learners:

• Kindergarten: Use the guided worksheets with the model sentence printed at the top.
• First Grade: Use the independent worksheets and scrambled word cards.
• ELL Students: Provide picture cards and allow verbal rehearsal before gluing.
• Advanced Students: Encourage them to write their own Christmas sentence on the back.

Troubleshooting Tips

A few small adjustments can keep your center running smoothly:

• Too many pieces? Use one sentence set at a time.
• Slow cutters? Pre-cut word boxes for a small group.
• Mixing sets? Store sentence cards in labeled envelopes or zip lock bags.
• Early finishers? Ask them to rewrite the sentence using a new Christmas noun.

Quick Teacher Checklist

Before starting the activity, make sure you have:

• Pocket chart ready
• Sentence cards printed, laminated, and cut
• Worksheets copied (Set 1 or Set 2)
• Small bags or trays for organizing card sets
• December writing folder for completed pages

Christmas Sentences Included in the Activity

1. I see pretty bells.
2. I can put on the star.
3. We like to decorate cookies.
4. We open gifts at Christmas.
5. The tree is on our car.
6. Dad put lights on our house.
7. Mom (Mum) will read me a story.
8. Kim can post the letter.
9. Sam and Jill pull the cracker.
10. My family likes to eat ham.
11. This is my Christmas pinata.
12. We sing carols at night.
13. We go to church at Christmas
14. Are there toys in my stocking?
15. The elves can make toys.
16. Santa’s reindeer pull the sleigh.
17. Is Santa at the North Pole?
18. There are toys in Santa’s sack.
19. Jesus is in the manger.
20. Wise Men went to see Jesus.
21. Shepherds went to see Jesus.
22. Mary and Joseph are with Jesus.

Christmas sentence building activities bring together festive fun and meaningful learning. Students love building sentences with cards, gluing word tiles into order, and rereading what they created. You’ll love how calm, structured, and effective the routine feels during such a busy month. This packet keeps students engaged, focused, and practicing important literacy skills with minimal prep.

Happy Teaching! 😊

Purchase the Christmas Sentence Scramble packet

To download the complete packet, click on either store link below.

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