This time of the year, Christmas lights are going up, people are decorating everywhere and wearing their Christmas wear, and joyful songs are playing loud for all to hear. Sometimes though, this time of year in the classroom it feels like the Grinch has come and taken our fun engaging lessons out and has put a spell over our students. Not this year! I am here to help you put a little extra spirit in your classroom to help you through the holiday dumps.
 | For starters, turn off the lights. Yes! Turn them off. Let students work in the dark with flashlights, glow in the dark sticks, head lights, etc. I honestly thought they would kind of go crazy but they have never worked more quietly, harder, and together. They had a blast (even on a hard concept) and wanted to keep working in the dark! |
| Have you ever heard of Egg Russian Roulette? This simple game can turn any lesson into an engaging one. We were learning about sequencing in my classroom when we played this. Students had to read a story and put it in the correct order. This was kind of like their egg ticket. They then had to explain the story in order with their egg in hand and smack it on their head after their explanation. My students gave more details in this lesson than ever before! |  |
 | What about a little “pie in the face”? Ms. Gardner played this with my students and they learned all about author’s purpose. Students had to answer task cards about author’s purpose while getting a chance to play the game Pie in the Face in front of the class. Just a simple little whip cream can change up a regular lesson. |
Are these things you can do in your class? YES! Are they for any grade level? YES! Are they messy and take a little time to create? YES! BUT guess what?? The reward you are going to get after your lesson will be priceless!! Don’t let the Grinch take over your class this time of the year! Remember your WHY and go for it!
 | This blog post was written by Commerce Elementary School 2nd Grade teacher and iCoach, Lauren McPherson. |
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