Morals and Values Education
No Presents for Christmas
The story is set during the Great Depression. Times are hard in John’s house. There is little money to feed and buy clothes for five children and five adults. There were no computers to play on, no tv but that didn’t stop the children having fun. Although the family is poor they are happy, but the thought of the coming Christmas with no presents makes them all a little sad. John and his sister Maggie meet a boy who has a mouth organ that he found at the tip. Could this be the answer to their problem, could this be a way of making Christmas a little special?
Teaching Points
Develops values:
- The self, recognising that we are unique human beings capable of spiritual, moral, intellectual and physical growth and development
- relationships as fundamental to the development and fulfilment of ourselves and others, and to the good of the community. We value others for themselves, not only for what they have or what they can do for us
- insights for non-Christian children on the importance of the festival of Christmas for families
- provides an opportunity for children to reflect on their developing values and hopefully develops a sense of values of people, money and then things
- covers the Great Depression and could relate to the 2007 recession
Who should buy?
- All primary and secondary schools (key stage 2 and 3) libraries and English departments
- All prep schools
- Libraries
- Parents who are interested in supporting their children’s reading development
- Literacy hour co-ordinators
- Special needs co-ordinators
- Area advisors for English
- School Librarians
- School clubs
- Schools of education at university level.
- Teacher trainers at university level