This children’s article, Rudolph and friends: the amazing world of reindeer, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about animals that live in very cold places, and understand why reindeer are so special at Christmas time. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
Built for the cold
Reindeer are some of the toughest animals on Earth. They live in freezing places, such as the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas, including northern Europe, Russia, Canada, and Alaska.
To survive freezing temperatures, reindeer have thick fur with hollow hairs. These trap air and help keep their bodies warm. They also have wide hooves that act like snowshoes. This stops them from sinking into deep snow as they walk. Even their noses are special. A reindeer’s nose helps warm cold air before it reaches the lungs.
What reindeer eat and how they live
Reindeer eat plants that many animals cannot survive on. In winter, their favourite food is lichen, which grows on rocks and trees. Reindeer dig through snow with their hooves to find it.
In summer, they eat grass, leaves, and small plants. This helps them build strength for the long winter ahead.
Reindeer often travel in large herds; in some cases, the herd can be as big as 500,000 strong! Unsurprisingly, when they’re this big, they’re known as super herds. Living together in such big groups helps them stay safe and survive harsh weather.
Rudolph, Santa, and the Christmas reindeer
At Christmas time, reindeer are especially famous because they help Santa deliver presents around the world. One reindeer, Rudolph, is known for his bright red nose, which helps light the way on dark and foggy nights.
Santa’s reindeer are strong, fast, and able to travel long distances through the sky. These special skills match those of regular reindeer, which can travel many kilometres across snow and ice without stopping.
Rudolph and the other reindeer remind people of kindness, teamwork, and helping others when times are difficult.
The dangers reindeer face today
Life is becoming harder for reindeer in the wild. Climate change is warming cold regions and changing the plants that reindeer depend on for food. New roads, towns, and other human activities can also block the long journeys reindeer make each year.
People can help reindeer by protecting cold habitats and reducing pollution that warms the planet. Learning about reindeer and respecting the places they live also helps protect them for the future.
By caring for reindeer, we help make sure these amazing animals continue to thrive in snowy lands.
Want to learm more about Christmas traditions like Rudolph? Read this about the history of the Christmas tree.
Article vocabulary list
- Reindeer – large deer that live in cold regions
- Arctic – the very cold region around the North Pole
- Lichen – a plant that grows on rocks and trees and is eaten by reindeer
- Herd – a group of animals that live or move together
- Habitat – the natural home of an animal
- Climate change – long-term changes in Earth’s weather patterns
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Where do reindeer live?
A) In hot deserts
B) In cold northern regions
C) In deep oceans
Answer: B) In cold northern regions
2. Why do reindeer have thick fur?
A) To look bigger
B) To stay warm
C) To scare predators
Answer: B) To stay warm
3. What food do reindeer mainly eat in winter?
A) Lichen
B) Fish
C) Fruit
Answer: A) Lichen
4. Why are reindeer important at Christmas?
A) They build toys
B) They help Santa travel
C) They deliver letters
Answer: They help Santa travel
5. How can people help reindeer?
A) By protecting their habitats
B) By keeping them indoors
C) By teaching them tricks
Answer: A) By protecting their habitats
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
