Preschoolers love stories—especially when they involve magic, celebration, or cuddling up with someone special. During the holidays, families can use storytime to introduce young children to cultural traditions and values from around the world.

• Hanukkah: Read “The Night Before Hanukkah” or “Latkes and Applesauce”. After reading, talk about your preschooler’s favorite part and what they learned about the holiday. You can also act out lighting the menorah or spinning a pretend dreidel to bring the story to life.
• Christmas Around the World: Try “Christmas in Australia” or “The Legend of the Poinsettia”. Discuss how Christmas traditions look different in sunny places or in different cultures. Let your child draw a scene from the story to help them remember the holiday’s unique details.
• Kwanzaa: Explore “My First Kwanzaa” and discuss each day’s principle. Practice saying the names of the seven principles together and matching them with everyday examples. You can even make a colorful chart or drawing to help your child remember what each principle means.

For non-readers, tell stories through felt boards or simple drawings. Encourage preschoolers to retell the story in their own words—it helps build comprehension and creativity.

Use puppets, costumes, or props to bring stories to life. Preschoolers can pretend to be characters, repeat key phrases, or help “set the scene.” This imaginative play deepens cultural understanding and keeps little ones engaged.

At Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Waterside, our storytime isn’t just about books—it’s about helping children connect to people, places, and traditions from all over the world. We foster curiosity and inclusion through every tale we tell. Come discover how powerful storytime can be in your child’s preschool journey.

If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at our school’s blog page. There you will find blogs on a wide variety of topics that we believe will be beneficial to you and your family. Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Waterside located in Richmond, Texas? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.