elf on the shelf Archives

Getting Ready for the Creative Elf on the Shelf STEM Activity

Before your children can start the activity, you will need to download a copy of the Elf on the Shelf Zip Line STEM Challenge. It includes a copy of the elf and the planning document. You can be printed out on a black and white printer.

Then you will need to gather the materials your children can be used to make the zip line. Here is what you are going to need:

String or Twine

Washers

Bendy Straws

Elf Cut Out

Paper Clips

Tree Branch (Real or Fake)

Tape

Empty Juice Boxes

Scissors

Crayons

Creating Creative Elf on the Shelf Zip Line

Elf on the Shelf Zip Line STEM Challenge - Sending the Elf down the zip line.

Before your children get started they will need to ask the following questions:

Will the elf travel sit, stand or lay down?

How can you keep the elf on the zip line?

What can you attach to the top of the zip line car that will create the least amount of friction?

How can you make the branch the zip line is attached to stable?

What can you attach the end of the zip line to?

Next, you will need to decide if you want your children to create a plan for the zip line before they create it or after they have completed it. Remember even if they create a plan they may need to revise it as they build their zip lines.

Elf on the Shelf Zip Line STEM Challenge - The Elf on the Shelf in his zip line carriage.

Then it is time to create the zip line. Your children will need to come up with a branch to attach the zip line to, a zip line car, and ways to attach the zip line at the top and bottom.

If you like this STEM experiment, then here are some more you will love.

Today is the second day of Christmas Themed Printable Week. Yesterday I shared with you a set of math printables that explore number recognition. Today’s set of printables explores long and short vowel sounds. It was designed with kindergartners and first graders in mind. I am calling today’s set Elf on the Shelf Long and Short Vowel Sorts.

Getting Started with the Elf on the Shelf Word Sorts

Before your children can explore either of the sorts, you will need to download the set. The Elf on the Shelf Long and Short Vowel Word Sorts set was designed to be printed out in black and white. After completing each of the sorts, your children could be invited to color in each of the elves.

Using the Elf on the Shelf Word Sorts

There are several ways that you can use these sorts with your children. Let me share the ways I have thought of with you.

Whole Group

You can give each of your children a copy of one or both of the word sorts.
Then you can have them take turns reading the words in the word bank.
Next, you will invite your children to place each of the words under the elf on the shelf whose present displays a gift tag with that vowel sound. They could write the words down on their own or they would take turns sharing where they think each word needs to go.

Small Group or With a Partner

Children can be placed in pairs or in a small group.
Next, they will each take turns reading the words in the word bank or read them together.
Then they can then work together to decide where to place each word.
Children will need to be reminded that they need to agree completely on where a word goes before they write it down.

Center or Individual Work

Children can be given one or both of the word sorts to do on their own in a center or at their desks.
They will read over each of the words and decide on their own where to place the words.
Later you can go over their answers with them.

If you like these activities, here are a few more you will want to explore with your children.

Hands-on Vowel Team Ladders

Hot Chocolate Short Vowels

Pirate Themed R- Controlled Vowel Activities