Elves in the Classroom- Week 4

The last three days of school were pretty tame for my Elf Family. They didn't do much. 

Day 15- 12/21/15

The elves hung out by some of the books, that aren't checked out all that often.

Day 16- 12/22/15

Then they went to the top of the book shelf. They really love to read.

Day 17- 12/23/15 

As we all know, Elves love candy canes. They had to sit with my leftover candy canes on our last day before break. 

Elves in the Classroom-Week 3

The elves have all come and gone, but I realized I hadn't posted about their adventures over the last 7 days in the classroom.

Day 10- 12/14/15
The elves brought us MORE Christmas stories. We used one (not pictured) to start another writing assignment.

Day 11- 12/15/15
The elves hung out by my desk. Jingle Jangles wore an ugly sweater.

Day 12- 12/16/15
Elves decided to visit my Jesse Tree.

Day 13- 12/17/15
MY FAVORITE DAY! The Jangles Family brought the fourth and fifth graders their consumable science books that they had been waiting on since the summer. It was a Christmas miracle!! They even ripped a book, and started eating it.

Day 14- 12/18/15
The elves hung out in the "jungle" (aka where all my plants are housed).

Lesson Plan Hack

Recently, I realized how tiresome my lesson planning was becoming. Planning still takes forever, but copying it from my typed format to the paper book is insane. My mom suggested something, and I am so glad I took her advice. (Thanks Mom!)

I used to print my plans, then hand cut each box and tape them into the book. It took FOREVER. Now I....

USE STICKER LABEL SHEETS! This saves SO much time! 

It just takes 6 simple steps.

Step 1: Print plans onto sticker label sheets.

Step 2: Trim page.

Step 3: Peal off back.

Step 4: Place onto page.

Step 5: Press down to secure.

Step 6: Enjoy neatly written plans. =)

Hopefully this can help you save some time!

Elves in the Classroom-Week 2

This is a little late, but December is crazy for everyone!! My elves are still getting into mischief. This time, they came bundled up and prepared for the cold weather. 

On Day 6, they hung out by the TV. They didn't do much, but it was fun to see them somewhere new.

On Day 7, the elves brought us new books to read aloud. We love being in New Jersey!

On Day 8, they felt like being a little religious. They went and sat in the middle of the Advent wreath!

Finally, on Day 9, they sat by the Three Kings. 

The Jangles Family is already getting into trouble this week. I'll update you all over the weekend on their progress.

Holiday Traditions

Hey everyone! I'm doing my first linky party! I'm so excited to link up with Ashley from Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd and Angie from Lucky Little Learners to share my FAVORITE holiday traditions for my classroom. I'm new to the #2getherwearebetter party, but I'm excited to keep joining them month to month! 

Since I work at a Catholic School, most of our students celebrate Christmas. There are several traditions that we partake in as a school, such as Advent Prayer Services and attending Reconciliation. Every classroom puts up an Advent wreath and the Religion classes put up a Jesse Tree. I place a wreath in my room. It always brightens my day. I also put up a small manager scene. I make sure the Three Kings are far away. They travel a little at a time. The students love trying to see if the kings moved at all.

My most FAVORITE tradition is my Elf on the Shelf. I have gone crazy and even picked up more elves. All of my classes love seeing what the Elves have gotten into each day.

I also give my students a small gift at the end of the year. This is usually just a holiday pencil. My kids lose pencils and pens like they are going out of style!

What are your favorite holiday traditions for the classroom?

Elves in the Classroom-Week 1

Our Elves have had a crazy week!! Here is just a brief overview of what they did:

Day 1: 11/30/15
Our elves joined us by sitting on top of a bookshelf by our spider plant. It was simple, but the kids were happy to name our new friends.

Day 2: 12/1/15
Our elves sat on our wire bookshelf by our Christmas Tree. They brought a suitcase full of clothes with them.

Day 3: 12/2/15
On Wednesday, our school had the Christmas Bazaar. The elves left messages for our kids to behave.

Day 4: 12/3/15
The elves brought in some magic powder, in case a mischievous child touches them!

Day 5: 12/4/15
The elves were upset with the plain red Starbucks cups, so they decided to decorate one.

Blogger Business Cards

I was so excited with the way my blog design turned out. I had asked Lindsey to create a matching business card design as well. Well, I ordered them from Vistaprint and they arrived yesterday!!! I am so happy with how they turned out! I can't wait to distribute them at networking events. Do you have business cards for your blog? How do you use them?

Scout Elves Return!

Introducing the Jangles Family of Scout Elves for Room 5-21:

Meet Fizzy von Jangles, our female elf, who is married to Jingle Jangles, our returning male scout elf from last year. They also invested in a reindeer pet named Lt. Buddy Jangles. The Jangles family is happy to work in 5-21 this year. Reindeer pets are allowed to be touched, but the elves are not. My students made promises to themselves to continue spreading the Christmas spirit during this time of year, to help fill Lt. Buddy Jangles up with love so he can carry Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve.