Elf Dramatic Play Station with Math and Writing Centers
I'm all about dramatic play, and the elf station around the holidays is always one of my students favorite centers to play in! The best part is that it easily engages the students in writing through play, which is the best way to learn!
This packet is great for preschool teachers who want to teach through play BUT it is also great for Kindergarten teachers who want to add a little dramatic play to their academic based centers. Read on for ideas on setting up an Elf Station that fits your classroom set up and student needs.
There are a lot of station ideas in this packet. I usually set up about three stations in the elf dramatic play center and use the other materials in small groups.
Dramatic Play and Sensory Stations
Elf Call Center
Each station idea includes a printable sign to make setting up your dramatic play station easier!
This is always the "main" event in my elf station. Elf hats are a must for getting students in the imaginative mood! Bonus* They're cheap and easy to find! Ask you IT department for old phones or keyboards, you can also ask parents to donate old cell phones (just make sure to remove the batteries). Also, a strand of Christmas lights and a strand of sparkly garland go a long way in getting students engaged and making your station look more realistic.
Students can practice writing their name and taking messages with the call station notes printable. Provide blank paper as well for students to write freely.
Incorporate geography by hanging up a map (a printable one is included if you don't have one) add post-it flags for students to mark where children are calling from.
Wrapping Station
Add cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, bags, gift tags, tape, etc. to this station.
OR put wrapping paper in a sensory table for students to practice cutting or tearing.
Hot Chocolate Station
A great sensory station for a sensory bin or a sensory table. Add hot chocolate (brown pom poms, sand, uncooked brown beans, or brown rice), white pom poms for marshmallows, mugs, ladles, and spoons.
Elf Laundry
Let students hang elf clothes (print and laminate) on a clothes line using clothespins. This is great fine motor practice!
Elf Workshop
Set up a work bench with an assortment of small toys and play tools for students to "fix".
Math and Writing Centers
Elf Math
Use in math centers or small groups.
Adding to 6
Students follow the instructions on the cards and place cookies on the cookie sheet. This is a great visual for students who are learning addition! Picture cards and numeral cards are included so you can differentiate based on your individual student needs. Make it more fun by using a read cookie sheet and adding magnets to the back of the cookies! Laminate the cards and let students use a dry erase marker to write in their answers.
Matching Numerals to Quantity
Cards are for numbers 1-10. Students match the numeral to the corresponding quantity card. Can also be used to play memory or go fish.
Writing Station
Word Wall
Includes lined or unlined stationary option. Choose the one best for your students. A pre-writing activity sheet can be laminated and students can use dry-erase markers to trace the shapes.
Other Fun Activities
Pick up an Elf Station for you classroom here.
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I realize it's October 5. But as teachers we must plan ahead. So enjoy sitting outside in the wonderful fall weather with your favorite pumpkin spice treat, while planning for the holidays!
