Christmas Activities in the Classroom – Christmas Craft Ideas

It is finally the most magical time of the year! The entire season feels extra special between the shimmery lights, beautiful decorations, and waiting on Santa. However, this excitement also means students are extra excited and energetic! Teachers must work hard to keep students focused on learning as they eagerly await an extended break. Thankfully, there are plenty of creative ways to bring Christmas into the classroom throughout the month of December.

Christmas craft ideas for elementary students

Christmas Craft Ideas for the Holiday Season 

While teachers have so much content to get through, they also focus on preparing students for life outside of school. This often involves teaching social skills, cooperation, and showing gratitude. Luckily, the Christmas Craftivity Flap Book is the perfect way to do this while still focusing on academics. 


Christmas craft cover.

Christmas Tree Craftivity Flap Book – Bulletin Board Decor

$3.75

A fun Christmas Tree Craftivity Flap Book where students reflect on a gift they want, a gift they want to give, a favorite holiday memory, a favorite holiday tradition, and an act of kindness they want to do.

Buy on TpT

Students can write or draw about aspects that make December extra special. Specifically, this includes a favorite Christmas memory, Christmas tradition, and an act of kindness they want to do. Additionally, there are sections for a gift they want to give and a gift they wish to receive.

Since every student writes and draws differently, there are formats with thin lines, wide lines, and blank pages. Students can color their flap book to match it to the joyous season. This will be the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in the classroom while creating a keepsake for parents!

December Teaching Ideas 

While working on fun crafts throughout December would be nice, there are too many standards to teach. However, teachers can use fun lesson ideas to incorporate Christmas in the classroom. For instance, Reindeer & Caribou Information Writing is the perfect way to focus on academics and Christmas! This is an incredible way to infuse informational writing into your reading and writing curriculum. 

A FREE Caribou Informational Article with QR Codes and a Fact Sort that elementary students can use when learning about reindeer or caribou and writing informational text. Students learn about where caribou live, their attributes and how they survive in their environments. #reindeer #informationalwriting #caribou

Students will begin by learning about caribou or reindeer. They will do this by reading articles and books. Additionally, they can watch short videos. Students will sort facts based on attributes, actions, and environment to process the information.

They can then reflect on everything they have learned by writing a well-composed piece about caribou or reindeer. Students will be excited to share their writing while learning about such a fun topic! 

free caribou reading passage.

‘Tis the Season for Science Exploration – 30 Holiday Science Experiments

Students have endless energy in the weeks leading up to their holiday break. Honestly, it is crucial to understand this is part of the age. Luckily, there are 30 Holiday Elementary Science Activities to keep students fascinated with learning.

For instance, there is an experiment on keeping an egg safe to avoid breaking presents. Likewise, students will learn what water temperature melts snow the fastest. Students will love every minute of science exploration while celebrating Christmas in the classroom!

Let the holiday cheer begin in your elementary classroom! We’ve curated 30 holly, jolly Christmas and holiday science activities that are perfect for the weeks leading up to your holiday break! These physical science, earth science, and life science experiments will engage students and teach them a little bit about the world around them! #holidayscienceexperiments #christmasscience #candycanescience

Digital Christmas Activities in the Classroom

Are you teaching virtually or are you wanting to set up a few stations where students can engage in digital activities during the holiday season? Here are some winter activities for distance learning that include ideas for the Christmas holiday season.

Fun winter activities for distance learning include Christmas Around the World and science activities about snowflakes. Engage elementary students this holiday season with fun online activities that span all elementary content areas. Students learn about holidays around the world, snowflakes, stories, and more.

Additional Christmas Craft Ideas for Elementary Classrooms

Every classroom is different. This means some need more structured activities to keep students focused while others can be more independent. Additionally, every teacher has a different amount of time for activities outside the scripted curriculum. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to use in December.

Painting Craft Ideas for Christmas in the Classroom

While students have so much energy, they will also be tired and worn down some days. A simple yet powerful activity involves open paint.

Provide a nice sheet of paper or canvas. Then, allow students to create something of their own. If more guidance is needed, you can even have templates ready for a tree or wreath.

Need some more ideas? Click below for a few more painting crafts.

Paper Craft Ideas

While December is cold, it is magical. An extra-special Christmas activity involves snow globe writing. Students will construct a snow globe on a paper plate. If possible, print a picture of each student. Then, they can paste their picture inside the snow globe! To add in writing, students can write a few sentences or a short paragraph on what they look forward to doing over break. This is such a fun paper craft idea while incorporating writing skills. Students will love to share their responses with their classroom families! 

Christmas Gifts to Parents from Students

This is a special age for our students. It is one parents want to cherish every single day.

Handmade gifts are always the best! They will love all of the keepsakes you send home!

Students can paint a clear ornament. Or, they can have their name on it. Then, you can measure them with a ribbon. The measured ribbon will go inside the ornament. Parents will love knowing exactly how tall their child is at this age! 

Looking for a way to make Christmas gifts on a budget? Check out these easy and inexpensive ideas that students can make in the classroom! From ornaments to frames, there's something here for everyone. Plus, these projects are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit!

Christmas is a magical time of the year. Honestly, students will love knowing their teacher is just as excited for Christmas. Thankfully, the activities above ensure Christmas in the classroom is exciting and educational! All the activities above help ensure students know how caring and supportive their teacher is. 

More Christmas Activities for the Classroom

Are you looking for more Christmas ideas for your classroom? Check out this Pinterest

Jessica BOschen

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Jessica is a teacher, homeschool parent, and entrepreneur. She shares her passion for teaching and education on What I Have Learned. Jessica has 16 years of experience teaching elementary school and currently homeschools her two middle and high school boys. She enjoys scaffolding learning for students, focusing on helping our most challenging learners achieve success in all academic areas.

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