It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Christmas is in the air and lights and decorations are springing up everywhere. The weather is getting brisk and snow is beginning to fall. The kids are getting excited and starting to talk about Santa and his reindeer. Elf on the shelf stories will soon start taking over sharing time, and school work will have a Christmas theme.

As we think about all of this hustle and bustle and we get caught up with the shopping and presents and parties, it is good to slow down for a moment and think about the giving and sharing and gratitude that are also a part of the season. Sometimes it is so easy to get focused on the commercialism of the season. Maybe we need to step back and think about why we are doing all of this.

Every year, I do something with my class to help them to focus on the random acts of kindness that they can do to make Christmas a more special time for others. I have noticed that many other teacher bloggers that I follow are doing the same thing. Maybe that is why these people are some of my favorites. We seem to have a similar philosophy for many things.
I want my students to understand that they can make a difference in other people's lives. It is so rewarding to hear the stories of some of the things they do with their families when they put the focus on giving and sharing instead of receiving.

I just created some writing papers to use for Christmas letters or other writing activities. I would like to share these with others. If you would like a copy, click here.

Happy December everyone! I hope you have many wonderful moments with your students.