Christmas Core Vocabulary Activities for “Make”, “Put” and “Get”

1. Make Christmas Decorations

One of my favorite things to do at Christmas is to make homemade ornaments. You can use pretty much anything – buttons, paint, glitter, beads… The possibilities are endless. Model “let’s make…” on your AAC user’s system and let the fun begin!

Paper Garland

Get colored paper and cut it into strips. The thickness is up to you, but keep it consistent. Take the two ends of the one strip of paper and attach them securely with tape or glue creating a circle. Then take another strip and loop it through the first circle. Attach the two ends together. This forms the beginning of a chain. Continue with the rest of the strips until you reach the desired length.

Stained Glass Ornaments

Download these free templates and cut them out (including the middle sections marked by an “x”).

Trace them onto colored paper and cut them out. Then cut pieces of tissue paper slightly bigger than each of the middle sections. Attach them to the back with tape or glue. Add string or ribbon to allow you to hang them up. Put the ornaments by a window to let the light shine through.

Filled Ornaments

Get clear ornaments and fill them with small items like these:

• Buttons
• Pom poms
• Ribbon
• Glitter or fake snow
• Small bells
• Beads
• Strips of paper
• Feathers

2. Put up the Tree

Put your handmade garland and ornaments on the tree. Make it look festive! Every time you put something on, there’s an opportunity to model core vocabulary using your AAC user’s system.

3. Better to Give than to Get

Teach your AAC user about the joy of giving. Whether you buy gifts or make them, work together to wrap them. Put wrapping paper on or put the gifts in bags. Make your own bows out of ribbon or get some from the store.

4. Make Something Yummy

Nonalcoholic Eggnog

While there are many different types of hot drinks, nothing says Christmas like eggnog. Try this recipe from Food Network.

Gingerbread House

Gingerbread houses aren’t just nice to look at… they’re delicious too! Put on colorful candy, gummies and frosting.

5. Books, of Course!

Like any “AAC by the Book” blog post, I’m going to suggest using books to teach core vocabulary. Here are a few options…

• That’s Not My Reindeer by Fiona Watt
• Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Shertle
• Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

6. Christmas Core Vocabulary Resource

If you’re looking for simple, repetitive text that’s loaded with core vocabulary, check out my Christmas core vocabulary resource (available for purchase on www.teacherspayteachers.com).

This resource includes 3 colorful booklets featuring the core words “on”, “make”, “get” and “put” along with visuals or sequencing cards for each booklet, a handout explaining aided language stimulation, and coloring pages. Print and laminate the visuals then use them for years to come!

“My Christmas Tree”

The first booklet features the character of Abby decorating a Christmas tree. It offers multiple opportunities to target the core word “on”. It comes with a picture of a Christmas tree with ornaments that you can put on the tree as you read.

“The Christmas Card”

In this booklet, Abby makes a Christmas card. It’s filled with core words like “get”, “put”, “on”, “finished” and “give”. Put the sequencing cards in order and help your AAC user make their own Christmas card.

“Christmas Cookies”

The last booklet shows Abby following the steps for making Christmas cookies and includes the core words “make”, “get”, “put”, “in”, “on”, “different” and “eat”. Act out the story using the sequencing cards and toy food. Make real cookies if you can!

This resource also includes a handout explaining aided language stimulation to share with members of your AAC user’s team any time of year.

With these core vocabulary activities yule have plenty to do all the way up to December 25^th!

P.S. Explore all the core vocabulary resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.