Easy Classroom Elf on the Shelf: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas

The holiday season brings a sense of joy and wonder to classrooms around the world, and what better way to infuse a bit of magic into the learning environment than with the help of a classroom Elf on the Shelf?

While traditionally a home-based tradition, educators are now discovering the powerful impact the Elf on the Shelf can have on creating a positive and engaging classroom environment.

In this blog post, we’ll explore three key aspects of using the Elf on the Shelf in the classroom: ways to introduce the elf, how to leverage it as a positive behavior strategy, and various classroom elf on the shelf ideas.

A Quick Background of the Elf on the Shelf:

If you haven’t heard of the Elf on the Shelf before or you don’t really know what the whole hulabloo is all about; here’s a quick breakdown:

The Elf on the Shelf is a holiday tradition where a mischievous little elf acts as Santa’s scout and is sent to observe children’s behavior and report back to the North Pole each night. He returns in the morning, often appearing in a different location each time. Sometimes he is doing silly things, writes notes, or even brings treats and goodies.

However, there’s one condition to the elf- the child/children can NOT touch the elf, or else he loses his magic.

When the Elf first appears, he/she is given a name (chosen by the child- or in this case- students). There is a special book that you can read out loud that explains how he reports back to the North Pole each night and how he can’t be touched or he will lose his magic.

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of the elf, let’s move into how you can use him/her in the classroom.

How to Introduce the Elf

Capturing the attention and imagination of students is crucial (and the best part!) when introducing the Elf on the Shelf. Consider a creative and memorable kickoff to set the tone for the season:

The Magical Arrival:

Arrange for the elf’s grand entrance by “magically” appearing in the classroom overnight. You can use a holiday-themed story or a letter from the North Pole to explain the elf’s mission. Add some extra excitement by placing the elf in a festive and unexpected location, such as sitting on the whiteboard or perched atop the classroom Christmas tree.

You could even have students practice their writing skills by writing letters to Santa asking for an Elf on the Shelf!

Fun Trick; I also LOVE to place the elf on the shelf box inside the freezer so when the box appears in the classroom, it’s cold because it came straight from the North Pole!

Interactive Introduction:

Once the elf has appeared, ask students to brainstorm names for the elf. Write down all the names on the whiteboard or on an anchor chart. Then do a class vote, having student raise their hands for the name they like best.

You’ll more than likely have students raise their hands for multiple names, so simply erase/cross out the names that get the least amount of votes. Continue doing this process of elimination until you finally land on two names and have students vote between the two.

This is one of my favorite parts of the classroom Elf on the Shelf. Kinder kiddos can come up with some hilarious names!

Side note* You may have some students disappointed that the name they liked wasn’t chosen. Be sure to have a conversation BEFORE naming the elf, about how the elf may not get the name they want, and that’s ok to feel disappointed, but ultimately it’s a class elf and the class majority gets to choose the name.

Disappointed kiddos usually get over it pretty quickly, and happily call the elf by the newly chosen name.

Classroom Elf Ceremony:

You could also hold a special ceremony to officially welcome the elf to the class. This could involve singing a holiday song, creating festive decorations, or even designing a small elf-sized certificate to commemorate the occasion. By turning the introduction into a memorable event, you set the stage for a season of positive behavior and excitement.

The Elf as a Behavior Management Strategy:

The Elf on the Shelf can serve as a whimsical and positive reinforcement tool in the classroom, encouraging students to exhibit positive behavior and stay on task. Here are a few strategies to make the most of the elf’s magic:

1. Elf Rewards System:

Introduce a reward system tied to the elf’s observations. For every day (or every few days) that students demonstrate positive behavior, kindness, or exceptional effort, the elf can leave small rewards or notes of encouragement. This not only motivates individual students but also fosters a sense of camaraderie as the class works together to earn rewards.

Remember, rewards don’t just have to be candy or toys! It can be any sort of incentive that encourages positive behavior.

2. Behavior Challenges:

Set up daily or weekly behavior challenges for the entire class. If the students collectively meet the challenge, the elf can reward them with a special surprise, such as an extra recess, a holiday-themed activity, or even a class party. This turns the elf into a fun and engaging way to promote teamwork and positive behavior.

3. Personalized Elf Notes:

Have the elf leave personalized notes commending individual students for their positive actions or improvement. This personal touch reinforces the connection between good behavior and positive recognition, making the elf a source of encouragement for each student.

Classroom Elf on the Shelf Ideas:

It can feel overwhelming trying to come up with creative ideas and new places for your elf to appear. But don’t stress, because I’m sharing all the fun elf ideas I’ve used over the years, pictures included, so you don’t need to worry about a thing! Simply borrow and use as your own!

Here are my top 4 tips for the Classroom Elf on the Shelf

Tip #1:

Pick all of your elf ideas and activities for the entire month of Dec (or however long your classroom elf will be around). That way you don’t have to scramble at the end of each day trying to decide what the elf will be doing next.

I have it mapped out what the elf will be doing each day, but you don’t have to be that planned if that’s not your jam. Just have a general idea of activities/ideas.

Tip #2:

Prepare all of the elf props once the elf is introduced. I like to just get it all over with in a day or two. That way you don’t have to be spending all your time at the end of each day getting props together. Everything is prepped and ready to go!

Tip #3:

Move the Elf as soon as students leave for the day, it should be the very first thing you do (before cleaning up or anything!) That way you never forget to move him/her.*

Tip #4:

Take pictures of all of your elf’s antics and activities. Save all of the props and store them with the elf. That way you have everything ready to go for the next year!

Final Thoughts on the Classroom Elf the Shelf:

The Elf on the Shelf, originally a charming family tradition, has seamlessly found its way into classrooms as a valuable tool for encouraging positive behavior. By introducing the elf in a magical way, using the elf as a positive behavior strategy, and incorporating creative ideas for its antics, educators can create a memorable and enchanting experience for students during the holiday season and beyond.