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The Holiday Kindness Character – An Inclusive Holiday Activity

The winter holidays can be a very hectic time. A time filled with much excitement for the upcoming celebrations. Many schools and classrooms are incorporating holiday activities in their schedules during this season.

Since I teach at a Catholic school, I’m allowed to openly celebrate Christmas, however, I know that’s not the case for most schools. I know teachers who don’t celebrate the holidays or celebrate each holiday so all students feel included.

While reflecting on both school activities and what society sees in the stores, I’ve noticed that much of the holiday resources available are all geared toward Christmas, which not everyone celebrates. I even have my own Christmas resources in my TpT store that I know not everyone can use. This is how the Holiday Kindness Character was born. The Holiday Kindness Character is an inclusive holiday activity you can use in your classroom during the holiday season.

Are you tired of seeing holiday activities that are only about Christmas? The Kindness Character is an inclusive holiday activity. Freebie inside!

The Holiday Kindness Character

Similar to “Elf on the Shelf”, the Kindness Character watches you during the holiday season. It is a stuffed animal or doll of your choosing who joins your classroom during the month of December. This character brings letters each day that promote kindness during the holiday season. Each letter has specific ideas of what students even as young as Pre-K and Kindergarten can do to spread some joy.

The Kindness Character does not discuss any specific holidays but the holiday season in general. This makes this activity a much more inclusive holiday activity than the popular Elf on the Shelf. (Now, I’m not going to lie, I use the Elf in my classroom and we do celebrate Christmas because of my school’s circumstances, however, I want each classroom to be able to spread joy and love through the season, even if they don’t celebrate Christmas.)

Are you tired of seeing holiday activities that are only about Christmas? The Kindness Character fixes that by celebrating all holidays. Freebie inside!

The Resource

This resource includes 20 letters from your Kindness Character. These letters include ways to promote and spread kindness throughout the holiday season. It is editable so you can write your character’s name. It also includes an editable template so you can write your own letter.

Celebrate Thanksgiving With a Thanksgiving Book Companion

The holidays officially begin once Halloween is over and Thanksgiving is upon us! Many of us are working toward the middle part of our school year at this point. Students are in a routine and have learned many things so far!

If you don’t know already, I absolutely LOVE celebrating holidays in my classroom. There’s something magical about this holiday season and getting to share it with your students.

When the excitement is high and teaching feels more like herding sheep, it can be a little hard to get students to focus on your regular academic schedule. This is why I love using book companions in my classroom! Book companions make it easy to incorporate the holiday into the classroom while still focusing on academic essentials.

Take a peek at what’s inside my Thanksgiving Book Companions!

Using Thanksgiving Book Companions is a perfect way to incorporate the magic of Thanksgiving while still focusing on academics. Check them out here!

Thanksgiving Book Companions

Bear Says Thanks

Here’s a list of all that’s included in this book companion resource:

  • Sequencing the story
  • Problem and solution
  • My Favorite Part Writing
  • Additional Writing Prompt
  • Describing Bear Graphic Organizer
  • Bear’s Verbs
  • Craftivity

The Night Before Thanksgiving

Here’s a list of all that’s included in this book companion resource:

  • Sequencing the story
  • How the family prepared for Thanksgiving Graphic Organizer
  • Problem and solution
  • My Favorite Part Writing
  • Additional Writing Prompt
  • Describing the Family Graphic Organizer
  • The Night Before Thanksgiving Verbs
  • Craftivity

Five Flying Turkeys

Here’s a list of all that’s included in this book companion resource:

  • Sequencing the story
  • My Favorite Part Writing
  • Additional Writing Prompt
  • Describing Turkeys Graphic Organizer
  • Five Flying Turkey’s Verbs
  • Craftivity

Using Thanksgiving Book Companions is a perfect way to incorporate the magic of Thanksgiving while still focusing on academics. Check them out here!

These book companions can be purchased in a bundle or individually depending on which story you’d like to incorporate or if you’d like to incorporate all! Using a book companion is a great way to sneak in some Thanksgiving fun while still learning or reviewing critical language arts skills.

Using Thanksgiving Book Companions is a perfect way to incorporate the magic of Thanksgiving while still focusing on academics. Check them out here!

What are your favorite ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in your classroom?

No Stress Valentine’s Day Lesson Plan Ideas

I have mixed feelings about celebrating Valentine’s day in the classroom (mostly because it’s all chocolate and sugar and we all know what happens when our kids have too much chocolate and sugar) but I do like the concept of friendship and love for one another. Since all holidays in the classroom are filled with a bit of chaos, I’m sending no stress Valentine’s Day lesson plan ideas your way!

Need inspiration for Valentine's Day activities? Look no further! Read here for some no stress Valentine's Day lesson plan ideas. Freebie included!

No Stress Valentine’s Day Lesson Plan Ideas

Read a Valentine’s Day Story

I’m sure other primary teachers can agree that it’s always nice to find a book where our students can relate to the characters. I love when a character has a problem that my kids might have. Then, I can talk about how the character solved their problem and can refer back to them if I ever find my students in the same problem.

I love the book The Biggest Valentine Ever by Steven Kroll because my students can relate to the characters’ problem. For those who haven’t read, this book is about two students (mice) who want to make a valentine for their teacher (Mrs. Mousely). As they’re making their valentine, the two start fighting because they don’t like the way the other is contributing. So, they go home and try to make their own valentine but find that something is missing because they can’t make part of the valentine like their friend could. The next day, they come back together and decide to try again. They end up making the biggest, most beautiful valentine for their teacher and her and the class love it!

This book is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s day and refresh your student’s on what it means to be a good friend and working together.

Challenge your students to work together to create one valentine

Pair your students up (or let them choose their own partner if you’re feeling brave) and tell them they must create one valentine together (like Desmond and Clayton from The Biggest Valentine Ever).

Make a valentine out of something other than paper

Have students search the classroom to create a valentine out of something other than paper such as play-doh, legos, on a whiteboard etc. You could even take your class outside and so they can make a valentine out of leaves or sticks!

Decorate a Valentine’s Day bag for all their valentine’s

This is a practical idea if you need somewhere for all the valentines to go. I get plain white bags from Amazon and students get to decorate their valentine “mailbox” however they want. Then when we have our Valentine’s Day party, students deliver their valentines to their classmates bags.

Valentine’s Day Packet

Packets are an easy way to keep students occupied while still reviewing some important skills. I like to look on Teachers Pay Teachers for some themed math or literacy worksheets and I print a few and turn it in to a packet. In my class, students can earn a ticket when they finish the packet.

Valentine’s Day Write the Room

Write the rooms are such a fun way to celebrate a holiday or special theme while getting students up and moving! Students walk around the room and find the write the room cards. When they find the card, they match it to the recording sheet and write the word. This is a great way to expose them to new vocabulary as well!

Need inspiration for Valentine's Day activities? Look no further! Read here for some no stress Valentine's Day lesson plan ideas. Freebie included!

With such a chaotic day, we all need some no stress Valentine’s Day lesson plan ideas. I hope these ideas make your Valentine’s Day less crazy! What are some of your favorite Valentine’s Day activities?

Run, Run for These Gingerbread Activities

There are so many activities you can do with your students during Christmas time that it can get overwhelming to try to do it all. Yet, I ALWAYS try to do it all because I can’t seem to let anything go. Gingerbread activities are some of my favorite to do during this season. The first and second grade teachers and I have started a tradition at our school where we mix our classes and students get to design gingerbread houses. This activity, plus a gingerbread man in class project, make for a perfect gingerbread filled day! Here are two gingerbread activities that are too much fun to give up!

What is your favorite way to celebrate the Christmas season in your classroom? Read about two of my favorite gingerbread activities here!

Design a Gingerbread House

Like I said, my kiddos, the first graders and the second graders all get to design their own gingerbread house. The day before this event, parent volunteers assemble these houses. (Tip- use very sturdy plates, a large tub of royal icing and milk cartons for extra support.) Then, the day of, I split my class into three and some kids go into the other rooms and they get to go to town on designing a gingerbread house. Many kids get very creative and add a front or backyard! It’s an activity where students surprise you on their creativity and attention to detail.

You might need…

 

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Gingerbread Man Project

For this activity, students try to disguise a gingerbread house so the gingerbread man won’t get eaten by the old lady or any animals. This project is apart of my Kindergarten Projects for the Years growing bundle. It can be used as a take home project or in class. Since I didn’t have enough time to send home the project, I chose bits and pieces of the project and students completed it in class. Check out this project here.

You may also be interested in…

A Unique Way to Use Elf on the Shelf in the Classroom

Creating Christmas Magic in the Classroom

#StopTeacherGuilt: How to Relax While You’re on Break

If you’re like me you’re always thinking of the next thing to do and never slow down (even on breaks). I often think of breaks as a perfect time to get more done and once break is over I don’t feel as rested as I should. Three inspirational teachers, Kelsey, Shana, and Jenna  have started a movement called #stopteacherguilt. This movement is about teachers making time for things that are important in their lives and not feeling guilty if they’re not constantly planning or working on things for the classroom. With winter break around the corner, I’ve created a list of how to relax while you’re on break and to #stopteacherguilt when you’re resting and recharging.

#StopTeacherGuilt: How to Rest and Recharge during Break

Photo by Michał Grosicki on Unsplash

1. Make a List

Create a list of things you don’t have time for during the regular school year. Some of the things on my list are:

  • Move into/settle into my new house
  • Play with and train my new puppy
  • Read a book
  • Learn hand lettering
  • Bake Christmas goodies with my family
  • Watch Christmas Hallmark movies

Other Ideas:

  • Binge watch a show
  • Try a new recipe
  • Complete a DIY project

2. Make a Promise to Yourself

Make a promise to do one of the things on your list each day (even if it’s just to rest!) Here’s the important thing about this promise: don’t think of any teaching responsibilities, #stopteacherguilt!

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

3. Put Your Computer Down

I know, I know that’s not always possible and if creating a new product or starting a teacher blog is on your List of Things You Don’t Have Time For During School Time then allow yourself to use it, but only if it’s making your heart happy! Try, try, try not to check your school email. Parents’ needs can wait while you’re enjoying your well deserved time off. I have my school email on my phone (I know, total mistake right?) but I try not to check my messages until the day before we go back from break.

4. Leave Your Planner at School

Now, this might not be realistic and I will admit that I do take time to plan over breaks but if you can, leave it at school. If you can’t, only dedicate one day to planning and then put it away for the rest of your break. I like to enjoy the first part of my break, mostly because I am usually so burnt out and ready for a recharge that I can’t even think about planning until after I’ve given myself a break. This year, I’m going to try my hardest to plan before so I don’t have to work at all!

5. Make Time for You and Enjoy Your Break!

 

Are you a teacher who thinks about your job 24/7? Do you feel guilty when you're not working because there's so much to do? #StopTeacherGuilt, read here!

 

Join this wonderful #StopTeacherGuilt movement! What will you do to make sure you rest and recharge over break? Comment below!

A Unique Way to Use Elf on the Shelf in the Classroom

Elf on the Shelf is typically known for getting into trouble and doing mischievous things. Not my Elf! My classroom elf promotes kindness throughout the holiday season in my kindergarten classroom.

Do you use Elf on the Shelf in your classroom? Instead of getting into mischief, my classroom elf promotes kindness during the holiday season. Read how here

The Inspiration

I am obsessed with everything the holidays have to bring! My favorite time of year is right before Thanksgiving and throughout the month of December. This is when we start to cozy up by the fire, set out decorations, light scented candles and spend quality time with our friends and families. It’s also a time of fun activities in our classrooms as well as reflection on what a great year it’s been.

The holidays in the classroom can be a tricky time. It’s hard to balance doing exciting activities to celebrate the holidays while still managing to teach the academics and not let your students spiral out of control.

Do you use Elf on the Shelf in your classroom? Instead of getting into mischief, my classroom elf promotes kindness during the holiday season. Read how here

The Classroom Elf

I’ve always loved Elf on a Shelf and the magic he inspires. (Not to mention students are always on their best behavior while the elf is watching.) And, I love using my creativity to make our elf get into trouble. However, I wanted to give our elf a bigger purpose. So last year, our classroom elf, Elfie, challenged us each day to complete an act of kindness.

Do you use Elf on the Shelf in your classroom? Instead of getting into mischief, my classroom elf promotes kindness during the holiday season. Read how here

The Letters

Each morning, my students find our classroom elf in a different spot of the room, up to some sort of silliness, next to a letter. The letter explains what the elf is doing and encourages the class to spread kindness or Christmas cheer through a specific action.

For example, I introduce my elf by having him sit in one of our buckets we use for bucket filling. Through this letter, he tells students to spread kindness through writing a bucket filler for someone they wouldn’t normally write one for.

Do you use Elf on the Shelf in your classroom? Instead of getting into mischief, my classroom elf promotes kindness during the holiday season. Read how here

These letters state many different ways students can share joy through the holiday. From giving a hug or smile, to donating old books or clothes, these letters give students as young as kindergarten concrete ideas of how to show love and spread kindness.

Check out my Classroom Elf: Promoting Kindness here.

Classroom Elf

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Creating Christmas Magic in the Classroom

 

100th Day Center Ideas

The 100th day of school is highly anticipated by kindergarteners, first graders, even second graders everywhere! Since I teach at a small, private school, we celebrate as a cluster which means we celebrate with the first grade and second grade classes. (There’s only one class per grade.) We celebrate for half of our day with centers that go along with “100”. You’ll find many 100th day center ideas in this post.

100th-day-center-ideas

Prep for the Day

Before the 100th day of school, there is much we need to prep. In order to prepare our 100th day centers, we get our parents involved. Parents are in charge of bringing a plain white t-shirt (that they don’t mind getting decorated on), volunteering to run a center and bringing in food donations for our trail mix center.

100th Day T-shirt

About a week before our 100th day, we send home our classes white t-shirts with a parent volunteer. This volunteer stencils “100” on each shirt. When finished, they return the white shirts. We then send the white shirts home with the student who brought it and they get to decorate it. They can decorate it however they want! We let students wear this shirt on the 100th day of school, which is a big deal for us because our students wear uniforms.

100th Day Center Ideas

This special day is celebrated through completing our 100th day centers. Since we celebrate as a cluster, we each have three centers in our rooms and students move throughout the centers and throughout the rooms from about the beginning of the day until lunch. We mix students so they can make friends in other grades. Here are a few 100th day center ideas you can use for your 100th day of school!

100 Fruit loops

For this center, students count out 100 fruit loops and string them to make a necklace.
Tip: count them out in groups of 10
Tip 2: Use 2 pipe cleaners to create the necklace (way easier to string!)

100 Art Project

Print the number “100” on a piece of paper for each student. Students cut out the 1 – 0 – 0 and create something out of the numbers. I like to put out markers and construction paper and glue so students can really get creative with it!

100th-day-center-ideas

100 Stacking Cups

One of the easier centers – students create a structure by stacking 100 cups.
Tip: make it more interesting by creating a contest. Who can make the tallest structure? Who can design the strongest structure?

100 Legos

Another easy center – students count out and build with 100 legos.

100 Words We Know

Students at this center get a piece of paper and they write down as many words they know or until they get to 100 words.
Tip: put this center in front of your word wall to help students get started!

100 Pieces of Trail Mix

This center is always a top favorite! Students count out different items to make a trail mix of 100 pieces. You can use whatever you want to make the trail mix. We use things like goldfish, popcorn, pretzels, m&ms, chocolate chips, cheese-its etc.

100 Paint Dots

For this center, students get 10 colors and decorate a piece of paper with 10 dots in each color. We use Q-tips for them to create the dots.

100th Day Crowns

This center is one of my favorites because students get to wear their crowns home and they always look so happy and proud of all they’ve done on our 100th day. We have a crown template we use along with a sentence strip to create the crown. Once they color and decorate the crown however they want, we fit it to their heads and they get to wear it the rest of the day!

Color to 100

This is a math center where students color a 100s chart. They roll a dice, color in that number with one color. Then, they roll the dice again and continue to color the 100s chart but in a different color. They continue until they roll and color all the way to 100 or past 100.

100th-day-center-ideas

I love celebrating these special milestones and holidays in the classroom. This day is so important to our kindergarten, first grade and second grade students as 100 days in school is a big accomplishment! What are your favorite 100th day center ideas you learned in this post? Do you do any of the same? Share how you celebrate in your classroom below!