A lot of us can remember how school used to feel when approaching Christmas. Things were certainly different, and there was often an exciting buzz in the classroom. It was also a time when not a great deal of other learning got done.
Fortunately, primary school Christmas activities can incorporate learning and teachers can combine the fun and festivity with some important lessons.
In this guide, we’re discussing some popular (and inventive) Christmas activities for the classroom to keep everyone engaged and build the Christmas spirit.
Of course, it is really important to remember that not everybody celebrates Christmas, but that does not mean they can’t learn about the customs and take part in some of the activities. There’s no need for Christmas to become a sticking point in the classroom.
Decorating the Classroom for Christmas
Transforming the classroom into a winter wonderland is an exciting way to kick off the Christmas season. Creating a festive environment can boost students’ enthusiasm and set the tone for holiday-themed lessons. Here are some ideas for classroom decorations that students can help create.
Christmas Tree and Wall Decorations
Setting up a classroom Christmas tree offers students a way to get hands-on with decorating, and it can be as simple or elaborate as the class wants. Teachers can start by crafting paper ornaments with students or letting each child create their own unique decoration to hang on the tree. They could even be encouraged to bring in things from home.
Baubles are a traditional decoration and these can be made out of paper. There’s no need for things to be too complicated or need a lot of supplies – this is something that can be made with a few basic art supplies.
Of course, if you want to go more extravagant, you can! Papier-mâché can be used along with glitter, and a whole lot of other craft materials.
The following tutorial can help a lot with creating some baubles for the tree. Not got a tree? No problem! They can also be hung in a variety of areas or students can take them home for their own tree or as a gift. This is a super simple craft option.
For wall decorations, consider making a Christmas Countdown calendar or an Advent calendar where each day reveals a small treat or holiday trivia. This is another really simple activity for people and a chance to include a bit of craft in the class.
Festive Bulletin Boards
Bulletin boards can serve as a canvas for Christmas-themed learning projects. For instance, a “Holiday Traditions Around the World” board allows students to research how different countries celebrate the season.
Letters to Father Christmas are another option and students can potentially write their own letters with their wishes for the Christmas period.
Cosy Reading Corner
Set up a cosy reading nook with fairy lights, blankets, and a small tree, or stockings to add a comfortable vibe. There can also be some Christmas-themed snacks and treats. Filling this area with holiday-themed books can also help to add to the festive feeling.
A lot of Christmas-themed books are those that have been turned into movies or shows and kids may be familiar with the characters already.
The Polar Express is a classic and can be perfect for primary school ages. You can either allow students to read in the corner on their own or you could potentially do it as an activity at the end of class, reading to everybody or taking it in turns to read a paragraph.
Christmas Crafts
Let’s explore some of the craft activities that can be an ideal way to spend a few hours on a Christmas activity in class. Crafts tend to be enjoyable for a lot of students and allows them to get hands-on. Be warned that things can get messy but this is a way to ensure that students have something to show for their work. Some crafts can even help them to create thoughtful gifts for others.
A Christmas Wreath
Decorating the door has long been a tradition of Christmas and is a way to get people in the spirit as soon as they arrive!
Christmas door decorating ideas classrooms incorporate normally start with a wreath for the door! This is one of many Christmas door classroom ideas as it is also possible to put calendars and other decorations there, but a wreath is traditional and it is fortunately very fun and straightforward to make. It can be easiest to make one out of paper or ribbon, though some are made out of leaves and flowers.
Christmas Cards
Making holiday cards is a staple craft activity, easy to customise for any age level. Younger students can focus on basic designs with markers and stickers, while older students might enjoy experimenting with pop-up elements, paper folding techniques, or even collaging with recycled materials. Cards also provide an excellent opportunity to practise writing by composing short, festive messages.
Cards are not just about craft and they can be a way to incorporate spelling and art into the lessons, too. Students tend to enjoy the art and fun of making cards.
Classroom Games and Puzzles
Most of us play some sort of games at Christmas and it can be a great activity for the classroom, too. When you get to those last few days before Christmas, there is often not a lot of learning going on, but some puzzles and games can include learning. Here are some Christmas-themed game ideas that are easy to set up and fun for students of all ages.
Christmas Bingo
Teachers can create bingo cards featuring holiday-themed pictures like reindeer, snowmen, or Father Christmas. The sort of imagery you might see at a Christmas market! As students play, they can mark off the items as they’re called out.
This game works well for large groups and can be easily adapted to different age groups (it is better for younger students).
For older students, you could also incorporate some other elements or make it so that the Christmas games are more complex. Why not make the bingo more tough and incorporate a film or a song? Students can mark off the items when they appear.
“Pin the Nose on Rudolph”
Inspired by the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” this Christmas version uses a large Rudolph poster with students trying to stick a red nose in the right place while blindfolded. It’s a simple game that guarantees plenty of laughs and adds a bit of excitement to the classroom. Just use velcro rather than a pin to avoid any potential trips to the first aid room.
Holiday-Themed Word Searches and Crossword Puzzles
Holiday word searches and crossword puzzles can be fun while keeping students in learning mode. Teachers can customise the puzzles with words related to Christmas, winter, and family Christmas traditions. It’s a quiet activity that students can complete individually or in pairs, making it a great option for winding down or for a little bit of quiet time.
You can find a lot of printable classroom resources for this time of year, including some printable word searches.
Christmas Films
We all do it at Christmas! Films have become a big part of the Christmas tradition and there is constant debate about the best Christmas movies.
Of course, for a teacher, it can be tough to choose something that everybody is happy with and that is age appropriate. Fortunately, there are loads of top films that are fine for all ages. As well as some of these classics, YouTube is awash with lots of modern Christmas movies including animated options.
Stories (and Creating Your Own Story)
Stories are part of the magic and fun of Christmas and many teachers already read stories out in their classes. It can even be a springboard for some more creative activities and students may wish to write their own stories.
Christmas-themed books are a great way to encourage reading. Teachers can hold storytime sessions with classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas! or a Christmas Carol. The Dickens work is critically acclaimed and even in the GCSE syllabus.
Students can write their own reflections on the book or even take inspiration.
Feeling inspired by other Christmas books and stories, it is possible that the class will be in the mood to create their own. This can be done individually (perfect for older students) but it can also be an activity that people can do together led by the teacher.
Writing prompts can stimulate creativity: “If I Were One of Santa’s Elves…” or “The Day My Family Saved Christmas” are open-ended prompts that allow students to use their imagination while practising writing skills.
Carol Singing and Music Lessons
Christmas carol singing can be a fun group activity, bringing students together in song and introducing lots of different traditional music.
Teachers can introduce classic carols and, if possible, include songs from different cultures to broaden students' understanding of global holiday traditions. For a fun twist, students can create their own holiday jingles, incorporating different instruments or clapping rhythms.
Teachers with a musical background might be at an advantage here and can potentially play an instrument while the students sing. It can be like a scene from an old Christmas movie!
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As a teacher, it is a good idea to be on the lookout for new ideas at Christmas as well as throughout the rest of the year.
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