As we approach December, Christmas trees are going up, presents are being wrapped, the smell of chestnuts fills the air, and we can almost hear the jingle bells ringing in the distance. Whilst filling our classrooms with good will and cheer we also need a little spark. We can’t just roll out the same Christmas lessons, year after year. Thankfully, here at Pearson we’ve got your back. Start the festive season with 24 fresh ideas for teacher’s little helpers from our digital advent calendar.
There are 24 ideas to keep your classroom merry and bright all season long. Each activity is designed to encourage creativity, foster meaningful connections. They also promote sustainable habits that students can carry into the new year. These activities are just a taste of what awaits in our digital advent calendar
We’ll have a look at three of them in today’s post, but for the other 21 you’ll have to head over here.
1. Handmade Gifts: Create a Memory Box
We all know that Christmas is about giving but it shouldn’t be about the most expensive thing you can find in the shops. It should be a time to focus on thoughtfulness and what better way than making handmade gifts?
In this first activity, students can create a personalised memory box to gift someone special.
This activity encourages creativity, reflection, and the joy of giving something unique.
Encourage students to think carefully about the recipient. What memories do they share? What little trinkets or notes would mean something special? They could include things like small mementos, photos, handwritten notes, or tokens from shared outings. For example, a ticket stub from a movie they watched together, a dried flower, or even a small object like a keychain can become a sentimental addition. This activity encourages creativity, reflection, and the joy of giving something truly unique.
Not only does this exercise help students focus on the thoughtfulness of gift-giving, but it also develops their storytelling and fine motor skills as they decide how to decorate and arrange the items.
Watch this video tutorial for inspiration and tips on guiding students through the process.
2. Sustainable Christmas Checklist
With environmental sustainability in mind, this activity introduces students to eco-friendly practices they can follow during the holiday season. Using the Sustainable Christmas Checklist, students can explore simple actions like using recycled wrapping paper, making their own decorations, and conserving energy by turning off holiday lights when they’re not in use.
This activity not only makes the holidays greener but also teaches lifelong habits of environmental responsibility.
3. Make Pop-Up Christmas Cards
Finally, our last activity is all about bringing a touch of 3D magic to the holiday season with pop-up Christmas cards. These cards are a fun, hands-on craft that students can personalize and share with family and friends. By following this video guide, they’ll learn to make simple, festive designs that pop out when the card is opened. This is a great way to practice fine motor skills, encourage creativity, and add a personal touch to holiday greetings.
If you look closely, you’ll also find a smart way to upcycle some materials and make the perfect card for your students’ friends and families, hidden away inside the calendar.
Remind your students to think about the message they want to include inside the card. This is a great opportunity for them to reflect on what they’re grateful for this season or to share a holiday wish. These pop-up cards are a heartfelt way for students to connect with loved ones, adding a personal touch that can’t be bought in stores.
What Else?
As you bring these ideas into your classroom, we hope they’ll spark joy and create lasting memories for both you and your students. Happy holidays, and here’s to a festive season filled with warmth, creativity, and a little extra magic!
Which door do you think these activities will be hiding behind and what else is in store?
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