The Magic of the Holidays

All of the 3rd grade teachers have been adding to the allure of this time of year by doing lessons surrounding the popular Elf on the Shelf book.  I actually read Elf on the Shelf at my house for my children, but didn't have anything here at school.  I am excited to announce that the magic from all of the elves in 3rd grade has rubbed off onto 3 of my classroom penguins that were for decoration.  They are now named Coco, Fluffy, and Miss Muffs by the students.  They move mysteriously around my room from day to day and the students have been having a BLAST finding them each day.  It has truly brought lots of smiles and laughter to our classroom.  Be sure to ask your student where those pesky penguins were found each day! ;)

In that same spirit, use this time of year whatever, however, or if at all you celebrate a holiday to inspire at home activities of literacy and math in your children.  There are so many letter writing opportunities, new books out or at the library, and good deeds to add up!  Here's a fun activity that comes to mind.  Many students are hoping to receive gifts around this time of year.  Ask your student to take a survey of their friends or family (giving them three choices) of what they would most like to receive.  Then the student could make their own list, check it twice, and the graph it! :)  A list of any kind would do:  things they would like to do over the winter break is a great starting point as well!  Data and graphing is the next chapter for many of the 3rd grade math classes if they haven't started already.  Help your student get a jump start on the curriculum! :)