My Favorite Christmas Activity in the Classroom

After thirty years in the gifted and talented classroom, I had a favorite activity each Christmas season that was so much fun for all! I would partner with a primary teacher who would have her students write letters to Santa, and my older kids would answer these. I know it is still November, but mail is slow to and from the North Pole, so I'd give this an early start!

Let's face it. There comes a time when kids stop believing in Santa and become a part of the secret. I found the best age to return letters is sixth grade and up. One year, I did this activity with fifth graders and got a horrible look on one young man's face that told me I was destroying a valued secret. 😢 I spoke to his mother who said, "It's about time!" Still, I felt horrible and never went below sixth grade after that.

I also found that first grade is the ideal age for the letter writers. The kindergarten letters are pretty much illegible, but the third grade up crew have several non-believers. Second grade is kinda a toss-up in terms of nonbelievers, but may also work.

The best of the best is to pair siblings together or kids that know each other. When my son was in sixth grade, he was in my class and his littlest sister was in first. He wrote, "Be nice to your brother and sister . . . especially Daniel." 😂😂

If you can tap into a pair that know each other, the letter gets very personal and fun. I also got the first-grade teacher to spill the juice on kids who we didn't know. I heard that the first graders were in shock at how Santa knew so much. The older kids had a blast writing letters from Santa!

However, a couple of ground rules are important. Do not promise anything that the parent has not given you permission to say! This is especially true for puppies. 😂😂 I remember a young child asking for a puppy and Santa's reply. "We don't have any puppies at the North Pole. How about a polar bear?"

The final bit of fun takes a little money out of the teacher's pocket. I mean face it, what doesn't? I used to buy peppermint sticks and staple them to each letter. Of course, candy is optional but adds to the enjoyment.

If you decide to write letters have fun and drop me a line telling me how it went. I'd love to hear from you. jlansky@comcast.net

I have also posted two new Christmas logic puzzles and am working on a third. Christmas Logic Puzzles for 4th - 6th grade are 1/2 off until tomorrow.

I also just posted a High School Christmas Logic Puzzle for 20% off. I typically will not sell resources for under a dollar and am not even sure TpT will let me.

I am currently working on a Primary Christmas Critical Thinking Activities Pack for 1st - 3rd, which should be in my store soon. It will also start at 1/2 price for a limited time, so please make sure you follow my store to receive notification for when it goes on sale.

If your kids do not fit in these exact grade categories, these resources might still work for them. After all, you know your kids best. The previews are pretty extensive and should give you a good idea of what is inside.

Also, a quick apology to the high school teachers for not making multiple puzzle packs like for the younger kids. Let's face it, creating the rigour appropriate for high school can be tough. I do my best. Hopefully, one day I will have a high school puzzle for each season/holiday and will create a bundle that way. Just like the letters, I make no promises because who knows whether or not Santa can deliver. 😂 After all, the most recent puzzle had to be proofed multiple times because I kept getting a different answer. My rule of thumb is that if a puzzle doesn't make me sweat, at least a little, it's not difficult enough for high school.

Have a great rest of the weekend and please keep your headaches to a minimum as you teach during the holiday season. I remember how tough it was. (((HUGS)))

Joyce Catch My Products The Gifted Department Store

Thanks to Blame it on The Weekend for the photos.

Happy Halloween

Although for awhile, now, we've been wearing masks and consuming huge amounts of candy, the official day for this is right around the corner. I love Halloween! This year, we put more decorations out to delight our grandson who has come for a visit. My husband calls the balloon ghost in the yard a snowman because he melts everynight when I unplug him. I figure there is no sense flashing his colorful lights all night, when no one sees them, only to have his bulbs burn out before the 31st. The new gadgets for Halloween are amazing! Somehow he senses the night and lights up only in the daylight. I think the poor guy was hung over this morning because although he blew up, he needed my help to stand to his full five-feet.

We also have a little ghost who lights up and sang an annoying song, repeatedly. My grandson fixed this ghost with a swim in the dog's waterbowl. Now, he lights up, even on the off switch, but his little song is softer, so I don't hear, "Trick-or-Treat. Smell my feet. Give me something good to eat!" Darn it. A few years ago, my son caught me asleep on the couch and thought it fitting to film me. I showed him when I openned an eye in midproduction. He turned this clip into a delightful Halloween comercial for my store. Check this out. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/303570831142615210/ Be sure to click to find all sorts of Halloween activities for ages K - 12! Joyce Catch My Products

Halloween Fun

I love Halloween! It's the one night of the year when kids can dress up and collect candy from friends, relatives, and neighbors. I grew up in St. Louis where trick-or-treat meant just that. When ringing door bells, home owners would often request a trick before giving a treat. This practice stopped at our home after Larry, a large child, shook the house with his somersault. None-the-less, Halloween was a great time to hear a good joke and enjoy fun. We weren't the vicious youngsters who would toilet paper a house as a trick.

Can you guess what this couple is dressed as?

Furthermore, what kid doesn't like Halloween activities in the classroom or through distance learning? Here is your chance to challenge your 4th and 5th graders with a logic puzzle pack!

Inside this BUNDLE you will find: Halloween Logic Halloween Logic Answer Key Halloween Circle Logic (difficult) Halloween Circle Logic Answer Key Vocabulary Words for Story Writing Creative Halloween Prompt Halloween Research Halloween Research Answer Key Ghost Research Design a Haunted Classroom Measurement Activity

Find spooky good fun at: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Digital-Worksheets-Logic-Puzzles-and-Brainteasers-746518 Answer: Star Wars