December 26th...A teacher's Black Friday!

I was one of those people standing in lines and shopping all night on Black Friday; however, I almost get more excited for December 26th. On December 26th I plan for the next Christmas with my students. Most stores deeply discount their Christmas merchandise. My favorite things to buy for the next year:

1. Thank you cards: At Christmastime I receive gifts from my students and make it a goal to write a thank you card before the break. These thank you cards are so much cheaper the day after Christmas.
2. Ornaments/Crafts: Many teachers have their students make gifts for their parents at Christmastime. This is the perfect time to buy DIY crafts or ornaments that the students can make for their parents.
3. Gifts for students: When teaching 20 or more students, it is important to be thrifty with their Christmas presents. I usually look for gifts that can be used for the next year. I try to buy more than I think I will need (you can always have a stockpile).
4. Christmas Wrap/Bows/Tags: My students always wrap the presents they make for their parents. I always make sure to buy different bows, wrapping paper, and gift tags.

I teach at a Catholic School and am fortunate enough to celebrate Christmas with my students. Have a Merry Christmas and remember to plan ahead for next Christmas!

A Rudolph Christmas!

If you walk around my house at any point in the year, you will definitely find Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer somewhere! My dad and I have always loved watching Rudolph and collecting Rudolph items. This year I knew exactly what my door had to be since this is the 50th anniversary of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The door started with mountains of white paper in the shape of triangles layered on top of each other. I printed the characters from the internet and laminated them. The students created Christmas trees in the style of Rudolph with construction paper and glitter glue.Appropriately the door states "There are no Misfits in 4th Grade." Finish this door off with silver and gold tinsel! Merry Christmas!

Building to a great Halloween!

This post is so late but my phone crashed and I thought I had lost the picture. Each door I do, I try to cater to what the students will enjoy. I always start with the hit movie of the year. This year's hit was the Lego movie! Each student received a template and they were able to disguise the figurine in any "school-appropriate" costume. Here's the results!