December Classroom Ideas
I LOVE the holidays! I love all the traditions–getting just the right tree, decorating my home, making cookies and of course buying the perfect gift for my family and friends.
However, during the day I will spend the next few weeks having fun while maintaining control of my 22 very excited students! I always try to have fun while keeping kids engaged in learning until that final day.
Here are some of my favorite December Classroom Ideas that I use to keep my sanity until winter break:
- Table names-My students sit at tables and I give each table a name for many different reasons. In December, my table names are Grinch, Pete the Cat, gingerbread,cookies and candy canes. I call tables by their names and I also give table points when the whole table is following directions. The names are hints as to projects and activities that we will do this month. We will decorate cookies, do a Grinch STEM activity, watch a Pete the Cat video for retelling and learn how candy canes are made. This December classroom idea can be used anytime to reinforce vocabulary tied to academic lessons or units.
- Extra Brain Breaks-This month I use extra brain breaks. I have some ideas written on popsicle sticks. Throughout the day, I have my student helper pick one to do before the next lesson.
- Call backs-For the last several years, I have used some Whole Brain Teaching methods. One I consistently use is call backs. I say “Class, Class” and students say “Yes, Yes,” and they are expected to have hands and eyes on me. In December I change it. I say “In the lane snow is glistening,” and students say “With my brain I am listening.” They are still expected to have hands and eyes on me with their voices off.
- Reading Buddies-I have several small stuffed animals that I use for reading buddies. I teach expectations and they get to use them during independent reading time. Here is a link to my reading buddy expectations in my TpT store. An alternative activity is to do flashlight reading. Turn the lights off and students use flashlights to read. Students can bring their own flashlights or you can grab finger flashlights from Amazon.
- Games-Finally I play lots of games during these last few weeks. I take this time to review previously taught content with engaging games. Here are some math games that I use in my classroom. These are all games I have created to help my students practice math facts. All the addition games have several options to play with Go Fish, Memory or a Wild Card game-similar to Uno. These games can be played independently, with a partner or sent home for extra practice. See links below
- Would You Rather? I use Would You Rather Questions to add some festive writing. Check out my December bundle with digital & print versions, task cards, and worksheets. Here’s a blog post about how I use this December Would You Rather resource in my classroom.
- Review Behavior-I often take time to review behavior expectations during December. Read this blog post for ideas!
- What’s your Elf name? Here is a FREE Elf name generator-Once students find their elf name, they draw a picture of themselves as an elf and then write a story.
- Dress up Days-Plan dress up days such as red and white day, hats and scarves day and of course pajama day!
When you need some engaging activities, there are always games.
Click on the links below to grab some engaging games that students can play independently or you can send them home for extra practice.
