Holidays
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Teacher Christmas Must-Haves
We officially have one more week until Christmas! If your calendar looks anything like mine, then it’s probably packed with all of the festive events – and if you still need some last minute outfits or accessories for all of these, then I’ve got you covered. All of these picks are from Amazon, so they can save the day really quickly (and the links are affiliates, but I truly do love all of these products). Christmas-shaped stud earrings – I’m not a fan of wearing dangly earrings in the classroom, there’s far too much opportunity for them to get caught or grabbed by a little hand. Large, dangly earrings seem…
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Classroom Party Themes for the Holidays
Party themes seem to follow trends, but sometimes I like to do something a little different than everyone else is doing. If this is true for you too, then here are some fun holiday party ideas for the classroom that are a bit different! Get creative with your Christmas party themes this year! It’s fun to think up new ideas – what are some of the favorites that you’ve done over the years?
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Printable Classroom Decorations
I hope that Wednesday’s post on decorating the classroom for the holidays gave you some things to think over! I wanted to pop in and share a couple of printable decor sets that I have available to make life a little easier in case you’re ready to decorate and aren’t quite sure where to start. These are designed to be used for class parties, so they include items for stickers, cupcake picks, treat bag toppers, and a collaborative activity. The buntings and door decoration can be put up for a party day or for the whole season.
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Thoughts on Decorating the Classroom for the Holidays
You know that I’m big on celebrating holidays – personally, and in the classroom – so it should come as no surprise that I’m a fan of decorating the classroom to support this. At the same time, I know this can be a little tricky. We want to acknowledge the things that are happening in children’s lives, while also being culturally appropriate and making sure to respect all families’ traditions. I’ll be the first to say that I’m not an expert in this area, but I definitely try to do my best! Children are coming into contact with holiday decor and displays in the real world, so it’s important to…
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Finishing the Year Strong!
We’re so close to December! Can you believe that it’s nearly the end of another year already? This can be such a strange time when it comes to teaching – everything is a bit of a whirlwind because there’s so much going on, it’s the end of a calendar year, but not the end of the school year, and it many cases it feels like you’re surviving until a holiday break. Is it possible to be intentional as we head into December so that everyone enjoys this season, while feeling some closure to 2023 and prepared to start fresh in the new year? Of course it is! Here are my…
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Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Freebie
I can imagine that you’re feeling the Thanksgiving crunch, so I’m coming through with a quick and easy last-minute Thanksgiving activity – oh, and did I mention that it’s free?! This opinion survey set can be used in the classroom, but it would also be an excellent activity for any holiday get together. Print the pages and put them on a clipboard, then send your preschooler around to ask everyone for their opinions! These would be great conversation starters, and they’re sure to spark some strong opinions. You can download them HERE (or by clicking on the photo).
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Thanksgiving Pie Experiment
I know that there are very strong opinions about using food for preschool activities, and I understand both sides of the argument. Personally, I believe that food is something that brings us together. It is a powerful way to open children’s minds to new experiences, and to introduce them to cultural experiences. I am especially partial to taste-tests as science and social studies activities because it gives me the opportunity to expose children to something that they may not ever encounter at home. I’ve been known to taste test fruits and vegetables, in order to introduce new foods and encourage children to be open to trying new things. This particular…
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Best Gifts for Teachers 2023
I’ve got one more gift guide for you this week! When it comes to putting these together, the teacher gift guide is always the most challenging. What you choose to give your child’s teacher has a lot to do with your relationship with them – which can mean that there are a ton of different variables at play. I also find it really important to share ideas that don’t look like every other list on the internet (do you know how many teacher gift lists there are that list gift cards, scented candles, and hand soap???? – Too many). Here are the items that the teachers I know would absolutely…
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Christmas gifts for 3, 4 and 5 year olds 2023
Gift guide number 3 is here! Preschoolers really have opinions about what they like, and that makes a huge difference when it comes to shopping for holiday gifts. Even if you don’t know what the preschooler that you’re shopping for loves, there are still some gifts that will absolutely hit the mark. Here are my best recommendations for 2023. Just a reminder, all links are affiliates and I’ll receive a portion of the proceeds. Picasso Tiles Marble Run Set – This looks like so much fun! Magnet tiles are always a win, they keep preschoolers busy forever, so adding the marble run component is genius. I can definitely see the…
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Christmas gifts for 2 and 3 year olds 2023
Here’s another holiday gift guide! Toddlers are so fun to buy for because they’re finally understanding how to play with toys. There are so many things that you can introduce them to and they use toys in such creative ways. Here are my favorite recommendations for 2023. Just a reminder, all links are affiliates and I’ll receive a portion of the proceeds. Peanut Shaped Crayons – These are good for so many reasons! They’re designed to be easy for little hands to hold, and the lake of a paper wrapping means that children can use them any way they like. They’re also nice and thick, so they won’t break as…
