Christmas Stem Novel Study: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Course Summary

In this 2-week holiday book club, kids ages 8–10 will laugh, learn, and create as we explore The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Students will read chapters 1–3 at home, then join us to read chapter 4 together in class. We’ll discuss the hilarious Herdmans, discover the true meaning of Christmas, and bring the story to life by building a mini pageant stage and creating kindness ornaments.

Course Description

A family book club! Get ready for a fun and faith-filled Christmas book club! Over 2 weeks, kids ages 8–12 will dive into Barbara Robinson’s classic story The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Students will come to class having read chapters 1–3 at home, and together we’ll read chapter 4 during our first session. We’ll laugh over the Herdmans’ outrageous behavior, discuss why everyone is shocked when they take the lead roles, and think about how their fresh perspective changes the way we see the Christmas story. To bring the story to life, students will design their own mini pageant stage using a shoebox or cardboard lid, decorating it with paper curtains, actors, and props. In Week 2, students will read chapters 5–7 at home before class. We’ll talk about the pageant’s surprising ending, how the Herdmans transform Christmas for the whole town, and why this became the “best pageant ever.” For our project, each child will create a Christmas kindness ornament, writing down one act of kindness they will complete during the holiday season. Throughout the book club, we’ll reflect on Luke 2:10: “Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” The Herdmans remind us that God’s good news is truly for everyone—and we’ll leave class ready to share that joy in our own families and communities.

Content Considerations

This story includes a rough, comical portrayal of the Herdman children—there are mentions of bullying including teasing about a child's weight, stealing, smoking cigars, lying, and general misbehavior. These elements are not glorified but serve as a contrast to highlight transformation, kindness, and the true meaning of Christmas. Parents should be aware that humor is sometimes irreverent but ultimately points to positive themes of grace, acceptance, and seeing the Christmas story with fresh eyes. Class discussions will encourage students to think critically about the Herdmans’ behavior, the community’s response, and how the message of Luke 2:10 (“Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people”) applies today.

Syllabus

Week 1 – Meet the Herdmans & Build the Stage Reading: Students read Chapters 1–3 at home. We will read Chapter 4 together in class. Discussion: Who are the Herdmans, and why do they shock the town? Why does the pageant feel so different with them involved? How does their perspective make us think differently about the Christmas story? Activity: Create a mini Christmas pageant stage using a shoebox or box lid. Add paper curtains, actors, props, and decorations. Week 2 – The Best Pageant Ever & Christmas Kindness Reading: Students read Chapters 5–7 at home. Discussion: How did the Herdmans surprise everyone during the pageant? What changed about the way people saw Christmas? Why do you think this was called the “best” Christmas pageant ever? Activity: Create a Christmas kindness ornament (cardstock + decorations). Each ornament includes an act of kindness that students commit to completing before Christmas.

Supplies

📦 Weekly Supplies Week 1 – Pageant Stage Craft Shoebox or cardboard box lid Construction paper or cardstock Scissors Glue stick or tape Crayons, markers, or colored pencils Optional: fabric scraps, stickers, small figurines Week 2 – Kindness Ornament Craft Cardstock (pre-cut ornament shapes or circles work best) Scissors Markers, crayons, or colored pencils Stickers or embellishments (optional) Ribbon, yarn, or string for hanging