It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As excitement bubbles into your classroom this holiday season, why not sprinkle in some more fun? Today, we’re featuring a holiday activity idea that came to us from Western New York teacher, Allissa Wery. To help spread holiday cheer and change things up in her classroom before winter break, this year, Allissa introduced the 12 Days of Visitors.
What are the 12 Days of Visitors?
The 12 Days of Visitors is pretty straightforward. Teachers invite 12 visitors throughout the month of December to join their classroom. Visitors can participate in a teacher-determined activity or simply visit to teach students about their occupation or a topic they’re familiar with. This is a great way to encourage students to interact with other people outside of their classroom.
When asked about the benefits of this 12-day event, Allissa said, “Not only does this enhance holiday cheer outside of the classroom, but it also increases parent/guardian and administration involvement inside of the classroom. All of the activities planned coincide with other standards or skills we work on in our regular curriculum, so we get to turn it into ‘fun learning.’ This experience is something I hope my students look back on and cherish for years to come.”
Visitor Activity Ideas
Whether it’s parents, grandparents or guardians who join in on the fun, or members of the school and/or community, here are some activity ideas to get you started:
- Decorate sugar cookies
- Read a seasonal story
- Conduct a festive craft:
- Cut out paper snowflakes
- Build a snow globe
- Create a days until the New Year countdown chain
- Direct a winter scavenger hunt
- Throw a hot cocoa party
- Create holiday cards for local hospitals or nursing homes
- Host a game day
- Host a yoga/meditation session
- Lead classroom caroling with winter-related songs:
- “Let It Snow”
- “Frosty the Snowman”
- “Winter Wonderland”
- “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
From frosting sugar cookies to stirring hot chocolate, welcoming visitors into your classroom will help keep those few weeks before break engaging and enjoyable for students and adults alike. Let us know if you incorporated this fun idea into your classroom this holiday season or if you have any additional ideas to share!