Believe it or not, the Elf on the Shelf hasn’t been around for long. In fact, the holiday tradition is less than two decades old. But in that short time, it has taken households by storm.
Every Christmas, a little elf watches kids and reports their good (or bad) behavior to Santa. But why stop at the house? Kids spend plenty of time at school, so it’s time for the elf to go to the classroom.
These 14 Elf on the Shelf ideas for the classroom will help teachers bring this fun tradition into school. Because while we all know that kids are little angels all day at school, giving teachers a little backup doesn’t hurt.
These ideas incorporate the elf into the classroom without creating more work for already overworked teachers. And maybe, just maybe, knowing the elf is watching will help kids keep the pre-Christmas jitters down a little more.
Elf On The Shelf Classroom Ideas
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This simple Elf on the Shelf idea is excellent for that last-minute, “Oh no, I forgot to do the elf” moment that surprises everyone.
Just set up a little display with the elf and some Christmas books that kids will enjoy. The original post has other ideas for the home, several of which could also translate to a school.
If the elf is in the classroom, he should promote a little learning simultaneously.
This next elf classroom idea offers four different STEM-related projects for kids of various ages and ability levels. It’s perfect for teachers of all grade levels.
This Elf on the Shelf classroom activity is another fun STEM project that will teach kids about construction and physics. The included printable helps make setting up catapult kits for students a snap.
This idea would work great in the classroom or at home. The free printable Elf on the Shelf behavior reports let teachers and parents highlight good behavior or identify behaviors that need to be avoided. While including a plan to make sure the behavior isn’t repeated.
The classroom elf provides a stack of coloring pages for the students to enjoy during quiet time. Download and print the free coloring page in the article for this easy Elf on the Shelf idea.
Here’s another reading-based idea with more prep work than the previous one.
Print the free included printable and select a stack of various Christmas stories to read. Instead of a calendar, count to Christmas by reading a favorite Christmas book daily. The elf will help by writing down the day’s book on the list.
Here is another last-minute Elf on the Shelf idea. Print up a bunch of these free Elf on the Shelf-themed word searches. The elf can check them over after school and leave little treats for the kids who did a good job the next day.
7 Elf Activities (Plus Ideas List) in a Free Printable Pack for Holiday Fun
The best thing about this classroom Elf on the Shelf option is that it will get teachers through an entire week.
Just set aside a small section of the day as “Elf time” and print off one of this selection of elf activities for each day. These activities may be the perfect way to get through that last week before Christmas break starts.
Oh no- the elf has lost his shelf! It’s up to the students to build a new one in this inspired Elf on the Shelf activity. Kids can use toothpicks and gumdrops to create a new shelf.
They can even compete to see who builds the tallest shelf that can both remain standing and support the elf. See the post for a free printable elf.
The elf is all about reporting messages to Santa about how well the kids have been behaving. But sometimes, it’s nice to get a little feedback. This activity helps meet that want by giving kids a message from Santa.
However, just reading it through would be too easy, so Santa encoded it. Luckily, the free printable includes a decoder wheel so students can have fun figuring out the secret message.
It’s time to give the printer a break while keeping the elf theme alive. Break out the paper plates and let students enjoy an Elf on the Shelf craft.
The best part is that most or all supplies needed can commonly be found in a classroom.
While most of these ideas are elf-adjacent activities that work well in a classroom, this option incorporates school activities along with the elf.
These activities are an excellent option for the classroom, ranging from craft ideas to writing prompts.
These miniature activity pages are another Elf on the Shelf idea for the classroom. Print the pages, and let the kids have a blast with the classroom elf.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas - Elf on the Shelf Tip, Never Forget
If you want elf bulletin board ideas, this elf snowman is the perfect option.
It combines a snowman theme with a great way to keep him out of the reach of kids while delighting them with his silly little antics.
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Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.