8 Unique Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Classroom
The infamous Elf on the Shelf can also be Santa’s watchful eye in the classroom. Teachers, it’s time to get creative this festive season as you welcome a new student to your classroom, the Christmas Elf. But fear not; they’ll only be around for a short time! To lighten the load of your Christmas planning, we’ve rounded up our top 8 Elf-on-the-Shelf ideas for the classroom. So, buckle up as we dive into the magical world of Elf on the Shelf!
8 of the Best Elf on the Shelf Classroom Ideas
Teachers, we hear you! Coming up with new Elf on the Shelf classroom ideas can be a challenge, whether you’re welcoming the cheeky Elf to your classroom for the first time or trying to top last year's set-up. These festive additions are a great way to manage behaviour at various primary school ages. But to keep the magic alive, we’d recommend following the same Elf on the Shelf rules as if it were at home – especially the important rule of not touching the Scout Elf. Check our Elf on the Shelf guide for more rules and guidance.
1) The Toilet Roll Takeover
Add a dash of mischief to your classroom with the Toilet Roll Takeover scene! Use a roll of toilet paper to set the scene, with the Elf playfully holding the end of the roll as if caught in the act of creating a toilet paper trail. You can drape the toilet paper around the room or create fun shapes and patterns with it. The Quantum Simply Toilet Roll would work perfectly for this at just £1 for a pack of 4. This light-hearted setup is sure to bring laughter and surprise to your students, making the Elf’s antics a memorable part of their day!
2) Elf’s Crafty Corner
Turn a corner of the classroom into a crafty corner with your elf. Set up a small table with various craft supplies like paper, glue, scissors, and possibly some festive decorations and position the elf as if it’s working on a craft project. This scene can be used to introduce a holiday craft activity and encourage students to get creative with their own projects.
3) The Puzzle Solver
Set up a small puzzle on a table and position the elf as if it’s working on it. Scatter a few puzzle pieces of the Christmas Elves Jigsaw around to show the elf’s progress whilst the children are at home. This scene can encourage students to work together to complete the puzzle and develop problem-solving skills, whilst the captivating images and colours help their observation, logical and manual skills.
4) Elf on the Shelves Whiteboard Masterpiece
Bring some artistic fun to your classroom with an Elf on the Shelf whiteboard scene. Position your elf holding a whiteboard marker, sitting in front of the classroom whiteboard. Draw a festive picture or write a cheerful message on the board, as if the elf has been busy creating a masterpiece overnight. You can draw a Christmas scene or even a fun math problem or riddle for the students to solve. To add to the festive fun, why not dress up the Elf in a blue, red or green crayon outfit?
5) The Elf’s Sticker Pack Raid
Give the classroom a sticker makeover with an Elf on the Shelf sticker pack raid scene. Position your elf in the middle of a pile of opened sticker packs, with stickers scattered all around. Have the elf holding a few stickers as if it has been caught in the act of decorating the classroom with its favourite designs. You can place some stickers on the elf itself, on nearby surfaces, or even on student desks for a playful surprise. It’ll be sure to get the whole classroom talking.
6) The Melted Snowman from the North Pole
Bring a touch of North Pole magic to your classroom with a melted snowman scene featuring your Elf on the Shelf. Position your elf next to a small puddle of “melted snow” made from white felt or cotton balls, with a few drops of water for added effect. Scatter the snowman’s accessories, like a piece of carrot and buttons, around the puddle as if the snowman has melted away. You can even add a small sign that says, “Oops! Too warm in here!” to explain the scene. This whimsical setup will captivate your students’ imaginations and add a playful twist to their day, reminding them of the magical world of the North Pole and that Santa is always watching!
7) Elf’s Kindness Mission
Show your elf on a mission to spread kindness. Position the elf with a tiny basket of “kindness notes” or small treats. Leave a note from the elf encouraging students to perform random acts of kindness throughout the day to promote a positive and caring classroom environment.
8) It’s Toasty in Here
One of the simplest elf-on-the-shelf classroom ideas: It’s toasty in here! Simply grab a slice of toast from the staff room or before you leave the house in the morning. Sit your Elf upright and balance the piece of toast on its lap with a note saying, “I’ve heard it’s cold outside, but it’s toasty in here”.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas as a Teacher
So, there you have it, eight easy Elf on the Shelf classroom ideas to bring a touch of magic and excitement to the end of the school year. Not only do these creative setups foster a fun learning environment, but they also encourage positive behaviour. Helping you to make the magic go further with Poundland’s Christmas range.
