I am very excited to participate in this fun linky hosted by Mrs. Labrasciano so I can share how I celebrate the season in my middle school ELA class!
Of course I decorate my room - with lights around the front whiteboard and then there's my tree:
( Yes, it's a Charlie Brown tree!)
In the 7th grade ELA classes at my school, it is tradition to teach the play version of "A Christmas Carol".
I have always loved reading and discussing the great story and then comparing and contrasting it to the Muppets' video version.
First, we start with a little video background:
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Then we read a scene, diagram the plot, discuss, take Cornell notes and then watch the Muppet version of the same scene with a Venn Diagram.
One of my favorite activities that we do during this time, is a point of view exercise. I ask all the students to make a Christmas card from Scrooge's point of view before he changes. Here's one exceptional one:
I love the attempt to re-write "The 12 days of Christmas" on the inside! I think he really understood where Scrooge was coming from, don't you? :)
After we have completely finished the play, on the last day (usually also the last day before the break) I like to play "Jeopardy" using the facts from the play version. I always give the winning team a special holiday treat like cupcakes, but the "losing" teams always get a candy cane for each member of the team. :)
Now that I teach 8th grade, I equally love teaching "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. But that's another post for next week. :)
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out the linky and giveaway below so you can stop by some more blogs for some more holiday fun!
How do you recognize winter holidays or themes in your classroom? Link up and let us know.
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