Children love singing the classic Christmas carol "The 12 Days of Christmas". This year, create a personalized version of the song that you and your child can sing together as they are learning their numbers.

Getting Started

1. Begin by transforming the customary lyrics to the 12 days of Christmas into a more personalized version that will appeal to your child. For instance, it might go: On the first day of Christmas, my Mommy gave to me: a hug and a kiss on my cheek. On the second day of Christmas, my Mommy gave to me: two fuzzy mittens and a hug and a kiss on my cheek
2. Next, take pictures of each of the objects that you have included in the song to illustrate your book. If possible, take a picture that includes the number of objects that each verse of the song refers to. Such as, two mittens, five rubber duckies, etc.. Add these pictures to a new folder.

Creating Your "12 Days of Christmas Book"

1. Create a new book in Picaboo and select the Happy Holidays theme.
2. Add the pictures that illustrate your song to the book and select page layouts that allow you to include the photos for each verse as well as the lyrics.
3. Alternate a page spread that focuses on each specific verse, with page spreads that recount all of the previous verses. You may wish to use the text only page spread on the right for these pages and a collage layout on the left to illustrate all of the previous verses.
4. When you are finished organizing your book and adding the text, use holiday backgrounds and fun corners to finish the effect.

You and your child will have a wonderful time singing through your custom "12 Days of Christmas" book together, and it will be a wonderful way for you to help reinforce the concept of numbers.