Creative Nativity Ideas: How to Celebrate the Christmas Story with Young Children
Posted by EYR Team on 28th Oct 2024
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The festive season is the perfect opportunity to introduce young children to the story of Christmas through engaging, hands-on activities. These Nativity themed activities not only teach the Christmas message but also help to develop key early years skills, from fine motor coordination to storytelling. In this blog we share some creative ways in which you can bring the Nativity story to life in your EYFS setting using our free downloadable resources.
1. Nativity Puppets
Crafting Nativity puppets is a hand-on activity that children will love. Using our Nativity Storytelling download, lolly sticks, glue and additional decorations, children can create characters from the Nativity story such as baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and animals from the stables.
Benefits:
- Supports development of fine motor skills
- Promotes storytelling and creativity
- Consolidates learning about the Christmas story
Activity tip: Why not stick your puppets into air drying clay to create your own DIY Nativity at home?
2. Nativity Role Play
Role-playing the Nativity is a fun and interactive way for children to explore the Christmas story. Set up a simple stage area with props like crowns, robes, and toy animals. Assign roles such as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, and wise men.
Benefits:
- Encourages imaginative play
- Supports language development
- Helps children understand the story’s sequence
Activity tip: Why not turn this into small world play with small world people, animals and props?
3. Nativity Themed Fine Motor Practice
Activity sheets are a great way to help children engage with the Nativity story in a visual and fun way. Some ideas include:
- Colouring in: using colouring in pencils, crayons or collage pieces, children can craft their own Nativity scenes.
- Tracing Mary and Joseph’s Journey: Children can draw and trace the path Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem.
- Dot-to-dot: can be used to support pencil control whilst learning about the story
Benefits:
- Hand-eye coordination, pencil control and fine motor skill development
- Encourages creativity and imagination
4. Sensory Nativity Activities
Sensory play helps children explore the story through touch, sight, and sound. Ideas include:
- Sand Tray Manger Scene: Children can create a stable scene using sand, small figurines, and natural materials.
- Nativity Sensory Bin: Fill tubs with shredded paper, beans, rice or even cereal as well as small figures for children to dig and observe.
Benefits:
- Supports sensory development
- Engages children in interactive storytelling
5. Christmas Songs and Music
Incorporating music into Nativity activities makes the story memorable. Teach simple songs about the Nativity or Christmas carols. Encourage children to sing along and act out the story with movements.
Benefits:
- Builds memory and language skills
- Encourages participation and confidence
Bringing it all Together
Celebrating the Nativity with young children doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining role-play, crafts, sensory activities, and music, you can create a rich, memorable experience that brings the Christmas story to life.
Tip: Take photos of the children’s creations and performances to share with parents, creating a sense of community and pride in their learning.
Free Resources and Templates
To make planning easier, check out our free Nativity templates and craft resources. These ready-to-use materials help you implement activities quickly while keeping children engaged.