Happy classroom management Monday! I went on a much needed break to spend some time with family and celebrate my birthday. I hope you did something relaxing as well over the weekend…. lord knows we all need it! Anyway, I am BACK and I am here to tell you why you NEED an Elf on the Shelf in your classroom!!
The Elf on the Shelf popped up on my Pinterest feed about 5 years ago and I am SO glad that it did. It has REALLY been a lifesaver in the behavior department and that is why I think you need on for your classroom.
Let’s take a quick look at what an elf can bring to your classroom:
Elf inspired educational opportunities
Your elf isn’t just there to help Santa out. He/She also adds to your lessons too. Did you know that elfontheshelf.com has a whole section just for teachers? It is full of grade level specific resources and lesson plans. Seriously, I was so grateful for the work the owners at Elf On the Shelf put into everything they do.
Can’t find anything specific enough on the site? Try searching on Teachers Pay Teachers! There are HUNDREDS of activities and lessons that would be great in your classroom!
Oh, and hey, sometimes they give away free Elves to educators!!! Make sure to sign up for their emails!
Elf Patrolled Behavior Management
If you are lucky enough to teach in a grade that is still full of believers, it is really an amazing tool! I tend to try and make the Elf’s arrival super special and magical. Not only do your students light up with excitement, it keeps going until Christmas break.
Let’s be honest, when we come back from Thanksgiving break all the way until Christmas break is wild. Kiddos know Christmas is coming and they have a one-track mind. All roads lead to Christmas. Since they have Christmas fever going on, why not build on that? What is more Christmas-y than SANTA’S ELF?!?!?! The best thing is that you get to remind the kids that Santa has a helper in our classroom. For the most part, when the students are reminded of this, they settle down pretty quickly. Our elf, Sparkle, was my life saver for those few weeks.
Elf fun
On mornings when I am NOT running late for school, the elf gets to get a little crazy. And boy do the kids LOVE it.
Memories of a lifetime
For those who believe, this is pure magic to them. PURE. MAGIC. And you are apart of that. You get to create and build on some very special memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait until my kindergartners can tell their children about the time they had an ELF living in their classroom and continue the magic themselves. It doesn’t get better than that!!!!