The Elf on the Shelf

So, I know I have been talking a lot about teaching lately, but that is my "Life Lately" and I am so excited to finally be working again. I suddenly remembered today about The Elf on the Shelf. I heard about this a couple of years ago and decided it would be so great to use in my classroom. I am sure my kids will love this and it is something to keep them on their best behavior the month of December. This will be really good especially with Christmas approaching and all the excitement of getting out for Christmas break. You can even register your Elf after you choose a name for him and receive a special letter from Santa.

If you haven't heard about The Elf on the Shelf, here is the story:
(all that it says happens at home will happen in the classroom)


The Elf on the Shelf Tradition
Have you ever wondered how Santa knows who is naughty and who is nice? The Elf on the Shelf – A Christmas Tradition is the very special tool that helps Santa knows who to put on the Naughty and Nice list. This interactive holiday hide-and-seek tradition is perfect for children and families of all ages

The tradition begins when Santa sends his scout elves out to Elf Adoption Centers. Waiting for their families to bring them home, these patient elves hibernate until their family reads The Elf on the Shelf, gives their elf a very special name, and registers their adoption online. Once named, each scout elf will receive its Christmas magic and become a part of the family’s Christmas each and every year. 

Excellent listeners and even better observers, these scout elves are the eyes and ears of Santa Claus. Although they cannot be touched, or else they may lose their magic, the elf will always listen and relay messages back to Santa. Taking in all the day-to-day activities around the house, no good deed goes unnoticed; these scout elves take their job seriously.

Each night, after the family goes to bed, the scout elf uses his magical Christmas powers to fly back to the North Pole. Once there, the elf will make his or her daily report to Santa and visit with elf friends where they will tell stories about their beloved families, play with the reindeer, and of course, sneak some of Mrs. Claus’ cookies!

Before the family awakes each morning, their special scout elf will fly back to their home from the North Pole. However, since these elves like to play games, don’t expect to find them in the same spot!  While some like to hide in the freezer (probably because it reminds them of the North Pole) and others prefer to sit on the fireplace mantle or hang from the chandelier, these elves love to play hide-and-seek with their families.

On Christmas Eve, the scout elf will listen for Santa’s bell and then fly back to the North Pole until the next season, wishing every girl and each boy a Christmas of peace and a year full of joy. 

I can't wait to read the story and see what names the kids come up with to name the elf. I am sure they will look forward to coming in and seeing where the elf is hidden. I think I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I am planning on making this elf do some pretty crazy things!

Enjoy the holiday!

K