The Elf on the Shelf

With Thanksgiving over, Christmas is now in full swing! Over the next few weeks I will be sharing many holiday traditions and activities I have used in my classroom. First up is a tradition your kids will love!

How many of you have heard on The Elf on the Shelf? I only discovered this amazingly fun tradition a few years ago and loved the idea so much I had to add it to my classroom. It’s a little on the cost side, but it’s an investment that is worth making. It comes in a sturdy, well-made box with a hardcover book and a stuffed Elf.

The idea of The Elf on the Shelf is that an Elf from Santa’s Workshop appears to watch over kids and their behavior. The Elf then reports back to Santa each night, and when he returns, he moves to a new location. It’s a huge thrill for kids to search for the Elf each morning!

The hardcover book is excellently written and includes lovely illustrations. When the Elf appeared in my classroom for the first time, the book was always sitting next to him. It tells the story and tradition of the Elf in rhyme. It also explains in the story that the children are to name the Elf. In my classroom, I always took suggestions and had the kids vote on the name. The kids love the Elf. Part of the Elf’s magic is that he will not speak and can not be touched! Kids love to whisper their Christmas wishes to the Elf. It’s adorable to watch!

I highly recommend adding this tradition to any classroom or home. Not only is it a ton of fun for the kids, adults will love coming up with creative ways to move the Elf each day!

An interesting tidbit: I just happened to come across an interview with the authors earlier this week, and CBS will be airing an animated movie about The Elf on The Shelf tonight!

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf in your classroom or home?