Classroom Elf Ideas!
The holiday season is a perfect time to bring a little extra magic into your classroom. One of the most exciting traditions to add to your festive classroom routine is with a Classroom Elf! The joy and excitement of a classroom elf can encourage creativity, kindness, and teamwork—all while creating unforgettable memories.
If you’re looking for some fun and simple ways to incorporate an elf into your classroom, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few ideas straight from my Classroom Elf Kit to help make this season extra special and stress-free. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time elf host, these activities will bring holiday cheer and excitement to your classroom.
1. Elf Arrival and Welcome Letter
Starting the elf tradition with a memorable arrival is key! Have your elf “arrive” in a fun way, and include a Welcome Letter to introduce them to the class.
How the Elf Arrives: Set up a creative scene where the elf parachutes in from the ceiling, slides down a zip line, or even “arrives” in a surprise box.
Elf’s Welcome Letter: I’ve included a customizable Elf Arrival Letter in the Classroom Elf Kit, which you can use to introduce the elf to your class. The letter can explain the elf’s mission (to spread cheer, kindness, and holiday fun) and tell students what they can expect over the next few weeks.
This letter helps set the tone for the fun that’s to come and gives your elf a special place in your classroom tradition.
2. Christmas Break Countdown
Who doesn’t love counting down the days until winter break? You can use your elf to help create excitement with a Christmas Break Countdown.
Elf’s Daily Countdown: Have your elf leave behind a note or a small activity each day that leads up to the big day. This could be a fun challenge or an activity to do as a class, like decorating a tree or singing holiday songs.
Countdown Calendar: I’ve included a Countdown Calendar in my kit, which can be printed out and displayed in your classroom. Each day, the elf can “check off” a new day, building anticipation as students count down to the holiday break.
This activity keeps students engaged, and it gives them something to look forward to each day in the classroom!
3. Pin the Carrot on the Snowman Game
One of the most fun ways to involve your elf in the classroom is through interactive games. Set up a Pin the Carrot on the Snowman game, similar to Pin the Tail on the Donkey, but with a festive twist!
How it Works: Print the game which is included in my Classroom Elf Kit, and prep the carrot nose pieces ahead of time (they need to be cut out).
Elf’s Role: Have the elf leave behind the snowman game with a note inviting the class to play. It’s a fun and lighthearted activity that will have everyone laughing and engaged.
This game is part of the Classroom Elf Kit and is a great way to get your students moving and excited about the holiday season!
4. Christmas Bucket List for the Classroom
Make the days leading up to winter break extra special by completing fun holiday activities together as a class! I’ve included a Christmas Bucket List in the kit, filled with easy and fun things to do with your students.
Here are a few ideas from the list:
Write Christmas Cards: Have each student create a card for a classmate or a school staff member.
Sing Christmas Carols: Got an extra 5 minutes before the end of the day? Take a festive brain break and sing a few holiday songs together as a class. I love going on Youtube to find some fun Christmas songs with words (Karaoke style) that the students can sing along! It’s always good to do songs they’ve heard before, like Jingle Bells, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, etc… but I also suggest learning a new one (actually an old one) that maybe they haven’t heard before? I always teach my students how to sing “Must Be Santa” by Mitch Miller, or there’s also a really cute version by Raffi.
Holiday Crafts: Plan a craft session where students can make holiday decorations or gifts.
5. Elf Word Search & Elf Coloring Pages
For some quiet holiday fun, have your students work on an Elf Word Search or color in some adorable Elf Coloring Pages.
Elf Word Search: A fun and festive way for students to practice their spelling and word recognition skills while getting in the holiday spirit. The word search includes all elf-related words and Christmas-themed terms.
Elf Coloring Pages: I’ve got some super cute, elf-themed coloring pages to give students the chance to express their creativity while taking a breather from more structured activities.
Both of these activities are great for downtime and are perfect to have on hand when you need a quick classroom filler.
6. Elf Twister & Zip Line Fun
Make movement part of your classroom elf tradition by introducing Elf Twister or setting up a Elf Zip Line!
Elf Twister: This is a holiday twist on the classic game! Have your elf leave a Twister mat in the classroom, and play with students while they follow the elf’s instructions to create silly, festive positions.
Elf Zip Line: Set up a mini zip line across the classroom and let the elf “ride” across it every day. You can have the elf zip across with a small note or activity for students to complete.
Both of these activities add an element of physical fun and excitement to the classroom, and they can easily be made with inexpensive supplies!
7. Dear Santa Letters
Get your students involved in the holiday spirit with some heartwarming Dear Santa Letters.
Elf’s Role: The elf can leave behind blank letter templates for students to fill out. They can write about their wishes for the holidays, something they’ve been working hard on, or simply what they’re looking forward to.
Reflection and Gratitude: You could also encourage students to reflect on what they’re grateful for this holiday season, making it a thoughtful activity that ties into the elf’s theme of kindness.
This is a wonderful way to help students practice their writing skills while making the season a little more meaningful.
8. Goodbye Letter from the Elf
When it’s time for the elf to say goodbye, make it memorable with a Goodbye Letter.
Letter from the Elf: The elf can leave behind a sweet farewell letter thanking the class for their kindness and for all the fun they had together. You could also include a small class gift or treat as a final token of appreciation.
The Goodbye Letter in the Classroom Elf Kit is a great way to wrap up the elf’s visit and leave a lasting, positive impression on your students as they head into their holiday break.
Bring the Magic to Life with the Classroom Elf Kit!
These are just a few of the many fun and festive activities you can do with your classroom elf this holiday season. If you’re ready to make your elf’s visit extra magical and stress-free, my Classroom Elf Kit has everything you need! From Elf Arrival and Goodbye Letters to fun games, word searches, bucket lists, and more, the kit is designed to make your classroom elf experience seamless and enjoyable for both you and your students.
Grab your Classroom Elf Kit today in my Teachers Pay Teachers shop!
Let the elf magic begin, and may your classroom be filled with holiday joy, laughter, and creativity this season!
