I have the best job in the world.
Sometimes school gets just too stressful and jam packed with assessments, planning, and mangaging. I need to remember to step away and take a break from all of the stress and craziness of school and let my kids have some fun, fun, fun!
The other day, I told the kids that I came to school, and there was a pail filled to the top with kisses and that an elf wrote me a letter that said I am to give out Elf Kisses every time I see outstanding behavior and great work. They think it is the coolest thing EVER! I then went a little further and let them see the next letter from the elf (when the bucket was empty) that explained how he refilled the bucket because our class had been exceptional. They just about had heart attacks when I showed them the mini elf letter!
Well, today I took it even a step further. We did an activity that was the perfect mix between fun, creativity, and using our writing skills, and the kids loved it! I gave them all an Elf Application. We talked about what are some things that we can apply for and what an application is. I told them that we are going to fill out an application to be an elf helper. They all started going crazy. I told them that in an application, they need to write their very best, make themselves shine above the other candidates, and be honest. They need to answer simple questions such as, have you ever played with toys? What is your favorite toy? Are you naughty or nice? Are you a good helped? Do you like Christmas music? They had to draw a picture of what they would look like as an elf, and then write a statement as to why they would be a good elf. The best part, and most official part, of the application was that they had to submit their fingerprints. That's where they all "realized" it was the real deal! They thought it was so cool to put their thumb prints on their applications!
I had some who were so worried about the are you naughty or nice question. A few came up to me and said, "Can I put kinda both for this question? I mean, sometimes I am naughty at home, but for the most part, I try to be nice." I love that they are taking me seriously and trying their very best to be honest! I told them to write an explanation to Santa off to the side, because he really likes honest helpers.
Am I horrible for making them go through all of this?!?! I love seeing their excitement though! It's so fun seeing the innocence and youth of a second grader. They show me so much... and help me remember how important laughter, smiles, and the little things are in life.
This was JUST the activity that I needed to slow down and let them have some true fun to get into the Christmas spirit. We need to take time and realize what's important... not making sure every little assessment is done perfectly, or every plan is put in place... I want my kids to have fun memories of second grade; not having a stressed teacher that is hanging by a thread. They will remember applying for an elf position more than if they responded in their reading notebook every day.
Letting go is my lesson I am in the middle of learning! Kids can teach us so very much. I am grateful for the lessons I learn from them!
Here are some of my favorites responses to the application:
(note: I included their cute little mistakes :))
*I would be a good elf because I'm fantastic. I'm good at writing names and wrapping prestents and putting bows on stuff. I'm a good helper at home, school and public. If you would pick me then I will be truly thankful.
* I would be a good elf because I would be good at thinking of action figers and other toys. I would be good at makeing parent things to.
*I would be a wonderful elf because I'm honest, nice and I have a great hobby. I'm good at makeing stuff anmale's and I love to make toys for people how dont have toys.
*I would be a perfect elf because Im nice and Im a little good at makeing toys. I be nie to my friends. I am never late at school. I am nice to my mom and dad.
*I would be a delifhtful, fantastic, amusing elf because I am sart, fun, supper dooper, amasing, kind, and mostly fun.
*I wode mack wonderful toys. And I wode take care of the rainder. And I wont ess arond I will stay fockist. And I will do what you say.
*I make people happy and I share my toys and I help my friends and I clan the dishs and I clan up after myself.
*I will be a exlent elf. Because I'm responsobull. I love kids and I love work. I will be on task. I will help decerat.
