Fun Classroom Ideas Before the Holidays Begin!

By. Meredith Biesinger 

Hello November! The chaos of October has settled a bit, and now we get to enjoy a peaceful (well, a little more peaceful) moment before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins. 

Here are some tips and tricks to use before it’s time for turkey and putting up the tree (maybe you’ve already done that, and that’s okay, too). 

For the Classroom 

Invite a Special Guest 

If you have a friend or family member who is a veteran, consider inviting them to speak to your class. Have your students brainstorm a list of questions in advance to help keep the conversation on track. This will also allow you time to ensure all questions are appropriate, and the guest speaker will feel more comfortable with what will be expected of him or her.

Write a Letter

Gather names of local veterans or send a message to parents for the name of a veteran in their family or circle of friends. Have your students write letters or even draw pictures to send to veterans in your community.

World Kindness Day 

There can never be too much kindness, can there? World Kindness Day is November 13, dedicated to promoting good deeds and acts of kindness. 

This is an excellent opportunity to teach your students the importance of being kind to others and thinking of others before themselves.

You can incorporate World Kindness Day into your lesson plans in many ways!

*Create a Kindness List! Have students brainstorm a list of simple things they can do for others. This could be as simple as holding the door open for someone, picking up trash, or helping a parent, teacher, or friend.

*Make a Kindness Chain! Students are asked to observe their classmates being kind to others and then write a quick note about it on a strip of paper. The papers can then be hooked together to create a kindness chain in the classroom. A visual reminder of good deeds will help foster a positive environment in the classroom, too! 

Other FUN Ideas 

Turkey Time: If you teach K-2, having your student make a handprint with paint that looks like a turkey is a parent favorite, speaking from personal experience! 

Gratitude Journal: November is a time to express gratitude. Have your students write something that they are grateful for in a journal every day from now until the end of November.

Happy Teacher 

Your students are so thankful for you. We are, too. Teaching is more than just a job; you are a key player in the lives of many children. Remember to take care of yourself, and perhaps start a gratitude journal, too.