Classroom Christmas Party Ideas: Games

Yay! It's my absolute favorite time of the year: that time when I can now listen to Christmas music without getting picked on! My year-round obsession with happy, sparkly holiday music is socially acceptable for the next few weeks. Ah, bliss.

So crank up those holiday tunes in your classrooms, teach-peeps, and let's start working on the most important day of the month: your Class Christmas Party. Eek! So exciting :) (Please tell me I am not the only one feeling the joy here!)

Over the next few days, I am going to share some fun and easy ideas for making your Christmas party great!

Today, we're talking about games. Let's take a look at a few ones that are sure to get your kids in the Christmas spirit:

Christmas Tree Relay Race: Students race in groups to wrap a teammate in a roll of green crepe paper and decorate them with cut-out ornaments. You could also use wrapping paper and ribbon. Read more here.

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Here's another version of the Christmas relay race idea that uses toilet paper:

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Christmas BINGO (Free printable!) Print out this fun freebie for a quick and easy class game. You can spice it up a bit by making a riddle for each one, instead of just calling out the word.

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Reindeer Toss An old box and sticks from your backyard make this a cheap (and cute!) game to put together. 

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Pin-the-Nose On the Reindeer Turn your bulletin board into a fun game with thumb tacks and red paper. You could also use little adhesive magnets on the back of each nose if you have a magnetic white board.

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Christmas Minute-to-Win-It Games Students Host your own game show by challenging your students to complete simple tasks in one minute or less. You can do an internet search for hundreds of ideas, but here are just a few quick ones I thought of:  Keep both a red and a green balloon off the ground for one minute...use chopsticks to pick up a certain number of red and green pom poms and place them in a soda bottle....separate an entire bag of Christmas M&Ms into a red pile and a green pile. 

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Penguin Race Give students red and green balloons and have them race from one of the room to either with the balloons held between their knees. This would work well as a relay race where the pass the balloon to the next person on their team.

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What are some fun and easy Christmas party games that you use in your room?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Your Teacher's Aide!

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DIY Bucket Seats (with storage!)

Erica over at Blooming in First Grade created these adorable seats out of 5 gallon buckets:

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The best part: they double as storage! See...

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I think a few of these might be in our playroom's not-so-distant future. I also love that they can be pushed completely under the table when not in use, so they don't take up any additional floor space. 

Find out more about how Erica made these bucket seats.

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This is just one idea that was pinned to the BEST Teaching Tips & Tools board on my Pinterest page. This is a awesome board full of TONS of creative ideas pinned by other teachers. Check it out:

Wanna join the board?

Do you sell your own teacher-created products? Have a teaching blog? Just love sharing interesting teaching pins with other teachers? Then this board is for you! It's easy- just follow these simple directions.

Before & After: Adding Color Without Painting

I love love LOVE seeing before and after pictures. And without an exception, every time I see one, I have this thought:

"Oh, I could SO do that too!"

Yeah...we all know how that turns out. But that won't stop me from enjoying some great classroom makeover pictures and sharing them with you!

Yolanda Morris runs a youth program in the Chicago area that serves over 150 kids. The folks over at Land of Nod heard about her program and her passion for youth in her neighborhood and decided to help her out with a little classroom makeover.

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I love how they took a completely blah room and gave it a bright and cheerful look....without having to change the wall color. Most of us are in the same boat with our classroom. We can't paint the walls, but we can take a few tips for the Land of Nod folks and insert color in a few fun ways:

• a collection of bright area rugs

• solid colored seating options

• simple paper garland strung across the ceiling (check out this tutorial to learn how to make your own)

• Large, graphic posters on the wall.

Do you have any good ideas for adding color to your classroom when you can't paint the walls or furniture?

Love these ideas? See more Before & After Makeovers!

DIY Classroom Display

Here's another great find from my Pinterest board: BEST Teaching Tips & Tools. The creator just used a paper towel holder, binder rings, and clear page protector sheets to create this simple display.

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Here's how you might use it in your classroom:

• Put each child's name on a label and stick it on a page protector. As students receive back papers that they are proud of (good spelling test, nice picture, etc), they can choose to put it in their sheets. The best part: they decide what goes in there and it's their job to change it out for a new one whenever they wish. Even your most struggling student will have a place to proudly display his or her best work.

• Use the page protectors that are designed for 4x6 photos. Print off class pictures throughout the year and create a class photo display. Parents and administrators can see at a glance what you've been doing all year (plus kids just love to see pictures of themselves!).

• As students read a good book from your classroom library, have them fill out a simple book-report form and present the book to the class in a quick one-minute presentation. The forms can then go in the page protectors and you've created a reading resource that students can use as they try to decide what good book they should read next.

• At the end of each unit- as a review activity- have students draw a picture of one thing they learned in this unit and write a short summary about that fact. Add these pages to the display all throughout the year as a record of what your class has been learning. 

UPDATE: I received an email from a lovely reader named Michelle last week who saw this post. She teaches in the middle/high school setting and had some great ideas for using this display in a secondary classroom. She suggested using it as a quick reference for student data that you could keep on your desk. Here's what she wrote:

"The teacher's desk version could include the following:  
- class rosters
- seating charts
- daily agendas
- standards/benchmarks per unit
- weekly lesson plans
- charts/graphs of class achievement data 
- group assignments/arrangements 
- textbook numbers
- participation tracking sheets.  

These are things that we normally keep in separate binders or plan books.  If student data was coded (to protect privacy!), then the information would all be very helpful for the regular teacher on a daily basis but for paraprofessionals in and out of the room different days/times, substitutes, progress monitors, administrators, and other visitors needing to see class data without interrupting your teaching and students' learning, too!  ELA teachers in middle and high school classrooms could also track books read by students throughout the year for silent reading time without having to dig in a file card box or student notebooks."  

Wow! I love these ideas and I love that she was able to take something useful she found here and think outside the box. Thanks for sharing, Michelle!

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This is just one idea that was pinned to the BEST Teaching Tips & Tools board on my Pinterest page. This is a awesome board full of TONS of creative ideas pinned by other teachers. Check it out:

Wanna join the board?

Do you sell your own teacher-created products? Have a teaching blog? Just love sharing interesting teaching pins with other teachers? Then this board is for you! It's easy- just follow these simple directions.

Super Teacher Tip #7: U-Shaped Desks

Use a U-shaped desk arrangement in your room. It's so flexible! A few months ago, I introduced you to the idea of using a desk arrangement like this:

Here's a picture I found of another teacher who does this same arrangement:

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I love this arrangment because it allows you to quickly create a circle, a large u-shape, small reading groups, etc. Most of the kids are facing forward or to the side, so it's easy for them to focus on the front of the class if that's where you are presenting the lesson at that moment.

Read more about why I loved this desk arrangement.

What's your favorite way to arrange your desks?

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What's a"Super Teacher?" Any teacher that's trying his or her very best to create effective teaching moments and provide a positive classroom environment.  We Super Teachers aren't perfect teachers by a long-shot, but we are always striving to become better teachers. Read more Super Teacher Tips here!

Want to share some of your own Super Teacher Tips? Just leave a comment below.

Voice Recording Buttons For Centers

So I was perusing my BEST Teaching Tips & Tools board on my Pinterest page the other day and ran across something that I thought would have been just perfect for center work in my classroom:  

Voice Recording Buttons:

You can record anything you want on each one and the students simply push the button to play back the recording. Here are some fun ways I thought they could be useful in your room:

• Record the instructions for each center on a disk. Students push the button to hear the directions if they forget what to do at that center.

• If you could record the spelling words for the week on one disk. When a student finishes their work early, they could take a practice spelling test on their own. You could also use this idea to allow absent students to take a make-up spelling test in the corner of the room while you do your large group work with the rest of the class. 

How would you use these buttons in your room? If you've used them before, let us know what you think about them! 

Meet My November Sponsors

My sponsors and affiliates are a big part of why I am able to keep this blog up and running and I am super grateful for their support. Each month, I like to take just a moment to highlight each one and give em a big 'ole shout out. Ready? Here is it.....

 

(very.very.very.very.much)

Check each one out to find some fun goodies that just might be perfect for your home or classroom.

Enchanted Homeschooling Mom (Member's Only Website):

• Currently home to over 260+ printable curriculum's, unit studies, activity packs, and more for a $15.00 one-time lifetime fee!
• Perfect for teachers, homeschoolers, and parents looking for after school enrichment and reinforcement.
• Join now and receive access to everything on the site, plus any future resources that are created.

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Why are educators using Luminous Learning materials?

• They focus on a clear design and clean aesthetic to simplify mathematical concepts.
• They are created with built-in supports, such as visual aids, step-by-step strategy guides, and clear examples to empower students who struggle in school or have a learning disability.
• Their worksheets further students’ learning and provide a way for the teacher or parent check for understanding, ensuring that students have mastered the material before moving onto the next topic.

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Clcik here to download FREE printable math worksheets!

What you might find at Barefoot Books:

• An independent publisher that specialized in carefully crafted children's books, CDs, games, puzzles, and gifts.
• All products celebrate enduring values and inspire creativity.
• Core Values: Imagine, Explore, Create, Connect, and Give Back

Some of my favorite finds:

    

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Save 20% off of select books in their "Gifts for Giving" Sale that runs through the end of November.

• A detailed guide of sample resumes that show how children's talents, skills, abilities, and challenges can propel them to success. 
• "One of the most dynamic resources available to children on the move and to those needing loving motivation to move." 
• Awarded a Best Parenting Book badge by RadicalParenting.com and is a Mom's Choice Awards Gold Recipient.

{Purchase the Book}

Morgan from Learned It the Hard Way manages to take the simple, everyday moments of her life and tell them in a way that will leave you rollin' on the floor!

Some of my favorite posts:

• Wigs & Winners
• My Grandma Says
• My Standby Life

{Website} {Facebook} {Twitter} {Pinterest}

• Blog written by Leah, a Santa Cruz artist, writer, and homeschooling mom.
• Shares about her passions, life motherhood, homeschooling, arts and crafts, fun things to do with kids, great local places, favorite recipes, and random thoughts. 

Some of my favorite posts:

• Art Projects for Kids
• Best Free Educational Websites
• 6 Must-Have Homeschool Resource Books

{Website} {Facebook} {Google+} {Pinterest} {Twitter} {LinkedIn} {Instagram} {Etsy}

• Amazon has partnered with DonorsChoose.org to offer the largest selection of supplies and resources to America's teachers.
• Find out how you can support Your Teacher's Aide through Amazon.
• Use Amazon as a simple and stress-free school fundraiser.

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• BuySellTeach is an online store for the teaching community to BUY, SELL, and TEACH the highest quality educational resources. 
• Resources available in every subject area for Pre-K through Grade 12.
• Sign up with a free membership to become a teacher seller and make your high quality resources available to a wider audience of educators.

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RAK: Collect Food

During my first few years of teaching, I read a book by Ron Clark called The Essential 55. Besides being an extremely entertaining story, Ron talks about 55 'life rules' that he imparted to his students each year. 

The one rule that really stood out to me was Rule 11: "Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness. Go out of your way to do something surprisingly kind and generous for someone at least once a month. " My students and I decided that we would brainstorm and do a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) each month at our school and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable parts of our year. While not technically *random,* these act were a great way to teach my students the value of being kind to others.

Want to join the club? Each month, we are going to highlight a different RAK that you can do with your class. You can choose to do this or any RAK of your choosing. Don't forget to come back and share with us how it went! 

Whoops! I just realized that I hadn't done a Random Act of Kindess idea this month! So sorry! Here's a simple one for you to do during this holiday season:

This month's RAK:

Collect Food For a Local Food Pantry

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Here's some tips for doing this RAK: 

• Call a local food pantry and find out what kinds of food they are collecting right now. 

• Check with your principal that this extra 'fundraiser' is okay. You never know, the school might already be planning on collecting canned goods and you could just tag-team on that project! 

• If possible, have a representative from the food pantry come to the classroom to collect the food so they kids can put a real face to their project. Better yet, if your school is within walking distance of the food pantry, have the class walk the food down there themselves.

It's your turn now! Go brainstorm a RAK with your class or use the one found here. Then come back and tell us how it went! 

Do you have a good RAK idea? I'd love to hear them! You never know...they might just be featured on YTA in the future :) 

Toys that Get Kids Exploring!

As a teacher, I'd often get asked about certain 'kid products' and whether or not they had any educational value. Now that I'm also a parent, I am always on the search for a fun toy or gift that will help my children develop healthy bodies and minds. 

I decided to put together a list of toys that encourage kids to learn, grow, and explore the world around them (and boy, did I have fun choosing my top ones!). 

Each week, I will share one of these lists:

Toys That Get Kids Outside!

Toys That Get Kids Moving!
Toys That Get Kids Thinking!

Toys That Get Kids Creating!
Toys That Get Kids Reading!
Toys That Get Kids Imagining!
Toys That Get Kids Exploring!

Be sure and subscribe to my feed so you won't miss any of these goodies! :)

*** Click on the links to see current prices and customer reviews.


1. Snap Circuits- Follow the directions to connect these circuits and make doorbells, burglar alarms, radios, and more! Winner of Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products and Best Educational Products. Winner of The National Parenting Center-Seal of Approval.

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2. Gears!- Perfect for the small explorer! This toy teaches kids about chain reactions. We had something similar to this when I was younger and we'd spend hours creating new configurations.

3. Geocaching GPS Unit- Ooooo! This one is soooo cool! If you haven't heard of geocaching, here's a short summary: It's essentially a real-life treasure hunt. Folks all over the world (and most likely right in your own town) hide small objects at a certain GPS coordinate. The person who hides it then goes to www.geocaching.com and lists the GPS coordinates and any instructions on how to find it. You look up the coordinates and then use this GPS unit to find the prize! Often, folks will tell you that you can take the little prize as long as you leave a small one for the next person to find. Other times, the coordinates might lead you to an interesting landmark or to a journal that you sign saying that you found this cache.

The best part about this toy is that it gets your family outside, moving, and engaged together (from the youngest to the oldest!) Definitely a winner in my book!!

4. Magic School Bus Science Lab Kits- Each Magic School Bus kit provides your child will all the materials they need to conduct an experiment (the kit shown is their Slime and Polymer Lab). These award-winning kits are based off the Magic School Bus books and dvds. (Which are awesome! Even my 3 year old learns facts from them.)

5. Walkie-Talkies- These fellas could launch a hundred adventures. {Static} Over. Bonus: They reach over 10 miles so adults could use them on family outings too. {Static} Over.

6. Talking Trivia Globe- We used to beg my dad to ask us trivia questions during dinner each night. I have no idea how he managed to come up with new ones, but he did! This globe would have done the job for him had it been around at the time. It asks over 10,000 trivia questions about countries and geography. How 'bout a little family geography show-down this weekend between your 5th grader and dad, huh? ;)

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7. Venus Fly Trap Greenhouse- Perfect for boys or girls, this is a garden like no other! Grow your own mini fly-catching plants and learn a few science lessons along the way.

8. Time Capsule- How much fun wold it be to create a time capsule about your family? You could bury it and dig it up when they graduate high school or just every 5 years to update or add to it.

9. Window Nest Box- As soon as my little ones are old enough to know not to knock on the window and scare the living daylights out of those poor birds, we are so putting one of these at our house! :)

10. Children's Microscope- Attention parents: I am about to throw down some purty nifty info. Ready?....The smallest things can now entertain your children for hours! (ooooh, ahhhh) How, you ask? Well, just have them stick it under the lens of this here microscope and find out what that rubberband from the celery stalks or that piece of grass from the yard look like close up. Take this one step further and purchase a journal that your child can draw their observations in. Way to go, Super Mom! :)

Check out the rest of this series for more great toy and gift ideas that are teacher recommended:

Toys That Get Kids Outside!
Toys That Get Kids Moving!
Toys That Get Kids Thinking!
Toys That Get Kids Creating!
Toys That Get Kids Reading!
Toys That Get Kids Imagining!
Toys That Get Kids Exploring!

Many of you are teachers or parents...do you have a toy you'd recommend that encourages reading?