[teacher1001]

I know its a little early, but I have been thinking about an activity that my kids could do to go in the hall outside the classroom for Christmas. In our district, they stress that all activities must meet a GPS (Georgia Performance Standard). I came up with the following activity and would like feedback. Each student will be given a Christmas tree pattern, a star, and several ornaments (made from construction paper). I am going to ask the art teacher to make the patterns for me. On the star the student will write a number I give them from 8 to 25. Higher ability students will get higher numbers, lower ability students will get lower numbers. Students will have to compose/decompose number sentences for that specific numbers and write them on the ornaments. Students will have to write the number sentences on paper for me to check before putting them on the ornaments. Students can then decorate their tree with the star and ornaments. This activity will meet our math GPS of composing & decomposing numbers.

[mhugs]

I have had the children write their spelling words on paper strips and then loop them together to make paper chains.

[dream]

Every year I do "Santa's got a Brand New Look". The kids love it. I tell them that Santa is tired of dressing the same way and using his reindeer each Christmas so he wants ideas for a brand new look. I give them the template on thick oaktag and.... they come up with the most awesome Santas. Then they have to write about their Santa (what he wears, how he delivers his presents....... It's a great project. Kind of like "Naked Turkey".

[ladybug_88]

Do you have a template for this project? It shoulds so cute! My kids really loved the naked turkey so I am sure they will love this. Thanks for sharing!

[Mrschalker]

ladybug, i just downloaded some wonderful material for a santa family project posted on the primary k-3 board listed under "family santa project" by a very generous teacher. she reads the story "santa's new suit" to launch this project. there is a link for the family letter and the template for the 'naked' santa.

hope this helps.

[relax]

I've had good luck having students write about whether they would rather be the star on the top of the tree or a present beneath - and why. I've had such cute responses like, "I want to be the present so the tree branches will tickle me."

[dream]

http://www.proteacher.net/discussion...d.php?t=212069

This is the thread Mrschalker was talking about and it''s great!
Good luck