Elf on the Shelf - Fun ideas & Teaching Tools

In my family we love "Frank the Elf!"  He is always getting into something!  My kids love finding him every morning throughout December.  As I "try to keep up" and "be a good mom" preparing him for each morning - I have also have taken the time to think about what really matters?  During this time of year, we are busy.  We are awaiting the arrival of Jesus' birthday.  We are shopping for presents.  We are taking the kids to go see Santa.  And we are trying to Pinterest ways we can "set up" our Elf so it is fun for our kids.  

However, I am all about meaning, too.  As it just is important to make sure we continue this fun Elf tradition for/with our children - we must also stop and remind ourselves to take each moment, as a learning opportunity.  In our household, we must not forget what the true meaning of Christmas is really all about too!  Therefore, I created this Calendar!  It gives you daily ideas of how to "set up" your Elf on the Shelf, and then approach your kids finding Elf as a learning opportunity.  Every day gives you a "set up" and teaching tool.  Integrated within the monthly calendar, are Christian opportunities for you to also teach your child what the real meaning of Christmas is all about!

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Learning with Home-Made Tools

Teachers, parents, and nannies .... teaching your child is easy and interactive with this "outside of the box" thoughtful idea!  You can vary it in many different unique ways, for any age, to teach multiple concepts, anywhere at anytime!

Watch our Videos for an interactive experience of HOW-TO TEACH this Lesson Plan 

Video 1

Video 2

Lesson Plan:  Learning Literacy using Home-Made Tools

Age Range - 1 to 5 years old

Cognitive Learning Focus Areas:  Literacy, Math, Language development, Early reading readiness, Fine-motor skills, Hand-eye coordination

Author:  Kristin Miller, M. Ed. Founder www.eteachingme.com 

Materials needed:
Paper towel roll
Black magic marker
Long white art paper (or poster board) cut into strips (about 1 1/2 feet long and 1 inch wide)

What to do:
1. PARENTS ONLY - Pre-Create the "Language Tool" before teaching lesson to child.   Using a knife (to start the square holes) and then scissors, cut 4 squares out on one side of a paper towel roll.
2. Cut long strips of paper (about 1 1/2 feet in length and 1 inch wide) out.  Multiple strips desired for however many learning concepts you wish to teach.
2. Create "language strips" by writing different teaching concepts on each strip.  See ideas below for what to create and teach child.
3. Line up the strips of paper, following the same length apart as the 4 square holes on the paper towel roll, and write whatever concept you want your child to learn in that same spot.  Do so in a way that when the child pulls the paper through to "read" what's inside each hole, they can see what is written through the holes easily, so that it all measures up accurately.  See pictures as an example.
4. Sit with your child and learn together; using different "language strips" to teach specific concepts.
5. Let your child put the "language strips" in the paper towel roll, and "learn freely" to teach you what they may see in the holes, or you help guide child to teach the concepts.

Ideas for "Language Strips":
* Alphabet letters to build words
* Numbers
* Shapes
* Sentence - story telling pictures and/or words combine
* Sequence of event pictures
* Child's letters in their name
* Emotion pictures
* Colors
* Counting amounts (# of dots for children to count)

92 Ways: Living a Great Life, Learning How, & Paying it Forward

IN PROGRESS….My First Published Book

Almost one year ago, my grandmother passed away.  She was like my second mom.  She was, and still is, the glue to our entire family - rather large and loud family too may I add =)

She was 92 when she passed.  In memory of her life, and all she taught me, I wrote a “92 Ways Memoir List” in honor of her.  That list consisted of 92 daily ways she lived her life and devoted herself to it.  My girl cousins and I read the list at her funeral.  After speaking with family members, we decided it would be a blessing to share her wonderful life with others, and pay it forward.  Therefore, I am in the process of writing and publishing my very first book.

I cant wait to share the gift with the world.  My goal is not only to honor her and all she stood for, but to help others through their journey in life, learning what is important and ways we can always be our best.  

In today's world, some have seemed to be lost in life.  This book will be "food for thought" - getting back to basics with what should remain important, to living happily and full of yourself.

I miss you grandma, more than words, and think about you every single day.  I know you're there, and hear me, because I can hear you often.  

Thank you for giving me the strength to "keep going".  I hope to make you even more proud....  Love you!