101 Creative Elf on the Shelf Classroom Ideas
Are you looking for some new elf on the shelf classroom ideas for this holiday season? If so, this post is for you. It’s packed with everything you need to know including how to start, benefits of a classroom elf, learning activities, classroom management ideas and tips to make it easy for your elf.
Plus, there’s tons of examples of class pranks, and funny ideas that elves have done in other classrooms.
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Benefits of a Classroom Elf
- Brings joy and excitement to students
- Increases engagement in classroom activities
- Can help with classroom management strategies
- Motivates students to be on their best behavior
How Do You Start Elf on the Shelf in the Classroom?
First, you need to contact Santa and let him know you’re interested in a classroom elf or two. Next, you’ll need a clever way to introduce your elf to the classroom. Then you and your students need to come up with a name for your elf.
Prepare Your Classroom for an Elf on the Shelf
Here are some things to get your class ready for a classroom elf that you can find on Amazon including a mini door to help him travel back to the north pole every night and school supplies that’ll make your new elf feel welcome in the classroom.
1 | Elf on the Shelf with Book
This is what the elf on the shelf and the book looks like that Santa sends from the North Pole!
2 | Elf School Supplies
To make your elf feel extra welcome in the classroom you may want to get them some school supplies that you can find here!
3 | Elf North Pole Door
If you want to make it a little easier for your classroom elf to get to and from the North Pole you can get a door for her here!
4 | Elf Pets
Sometimes Santa will send a magical elf pet to accompany your classroom elf! You can learn more about it here!
Introducing Your Elf to the Classroom
Here are a few fun ideas for your classroom elf's arrival:
- 5 | Santa will often wrap a new classroom elf in a box and ship it to your class.
- 6 | Usually, Santa will include a letter to introduce the classroom elf.
- 7 | Make sure to go over elf rules with the classroom.
- 8 | Make a fun activity out of choosing a name.
- 9 | Read an Elf book with the class.
- 10 | Add some elf themed class décor to increase the excitement even more.
Check out these ideas and more below.
11 | A Present from Santa
Here's a great way for an elf introduction. In this first-grade class Santa special delivered this Elf on the Shelf book with an introduction letter. The students were very excited for the arrival of their classroom elf.
12 | Introduction Letter from Santa
This class elf came with an official letter from Santa that explains why the elf came and rules. The class elf also brought a book, How to Catch and Elf, for the class to read.
Introduction Letter from Santa Free Template
I created this free template for you with Canva. Click here if you would like to download the template. You can edit it to add your name and make any other changes that you would like.
Classroom Elf on the Shelf Packaging
Check out some printable from Etsy as well as some fun packaging.
13 | Elf Special Delivery Envelope
This elf special delivery envelope is hand made at Santa’s Workshop! You can check it out here!
14 | Elf Postage & Introduction Letter From Santa
Santa often uses Elf mail postage to send his elf from North Pole to classrooms! Check out this Elf mail postage and editable Santa Letter here!
Elf Rules
When you introduce your class elf be sure to go over the elf rules. You could download a printable all about elf rules or Santa can include the rules in a letter.
15 | Printable Classroom Elf Rules
With this printable you have a choice of 2 different Elf Classroom rule templates that you can edit in Canva.
How Can an Elf Be Used in the Classroom?
Here are some things a classroom elf can do:
- Hide in different spots everyday
- Encourage positive behavior with rewards and notes
- Bring classroom gifts like candy, books or school supplies
- Tell Elf Jokes
- Introduce a new classroom management idea
- Play elf games like pin the nose on the reindeer
- Get into a little bit of elf mischief like playing pranks
- Introduce the class to fun learning activities
- Remind students to be on their best behavior
Read on to find examples of all of these ideas and more.
Naming The Classroom Elf
One of the first classroom activities is naming your new elf. This could be a fun brainstorming session for the class followed by a class vote.
Classroom Elf Name Ideas
- Blinky
- Blizzard
- Buddy (from Elf)
- Chip
- Dash
- Dobby (from Harry Potter)
- Elfie
- Glitter
- Jingles
- Lucky
- Peppermint
- Smarty
- Snowflake
- Sparkles
- Twinkle
- Winky (from Harry Potter)
16 | Graph Your Elf Names
After a class name vote you can graph the names with different graph types. That is what this teacher from Florida did to introduce her math graph and data unit.
Elf Classroom Decor
To get your class extra excited about their new friend you can add a little elf themed décor like a classroom door or a bulletin board, or even an elf surveillance cam. Check out my top finds below.
17 | This Classroom is Under Elf Surveillance Sign
Often times the classroom elf will leave a special sign to remind students that the class is under surveillance. You can check out this elf surveillance sign here!
18 | Classroom Elf Cams
The elf will also leave some classroom elf cams around the class that both Santa Claus himself and the classroom elf will monitor! You can check these printable elf cams out here!
Where Do Elves Hide in the Classroom?
Here are some of the hilarious places that I’ve seen elves hide in the classroom:
- In the class library, reading a book upside down.
- In the class headphone storage area wearing headphones.
- On the dry erase board hanging upside down.
- Hiding in the alphabet letters and spelling funny things for the kids.
- Hanging on clothes pins with student work.
- Hiding in students’ pencil boxes or under desks.
- In the toy section, making new friends.
- Hiding in the class awards box.
- Ziplining on a candy cane above the classroom.
- Taking a nap on a box of Tissues.
- Trying to disguise themselves as Santa with a cotton ball beard.
Elf Hiding Spots
Classroom elves love to find a great place to hide in the classroom that the kids think are hilarious. Check out some of the best elf hiding spots that I’ve seen below.
19 | Headphone Storage Hiding Spot
Not only is this little guy hiding in the headphone storage area, but he brought his own mini headphones.
20 | Library Hiding Spot
This class elf, Tinsel was found reading a book upside down in the class library.
21 | Elf Nap Time
Sometimes classroom elves are tired and need a nap and a box of Kleenex with at tissue blanket is a great place in a classroom.
22 | Hide and Seek
Rudi, this clever fella, left the students a note on the dry erase board with magnetic letters which was a little clue to where he was hiding.
23 | Astronaut Elf Disguise
This funny guy thought he could disguise himself as an astronaut.
24| Just Hanging Around
This cheeky elf was caught hanging upside down next to student work.
Elf on the Shelf Learning Activities
Here are some easy learning activities that your students will be excited about because they involve the classroom elf.
- 25 | Elf Journal Writing Activity- Have students write about what the elf is doing every day. They could also include a drawing.
- 26 | Elf Adjectives-Work with the class on all the adjectives that you could use to describe the class elf.
- 27 | Elf Book- Read an elf themed book with the class.
- 28 | Letter to Santa- Students can write a letter to Santa that the elf will deliver.
- 29 | North Pole Word Hunt- They can work on a Christmas themed word hunt that the elf brings.
- 30 | Correct Grammar- Kids can fix Christmas poems for your class elf.
31 | Elf Journal
A great way to get students excited about writing is to introduce elf journals when your classroom elf comes. Have students write about what the classroom elf does every day. You can find a printable elf journal on Etsy here.
A fun twist is to have your classroom elf tell student that he is a brand new elf and Sant wants to make sure he is doing a good job. So Santa will be reading the elf journals to make sure that the elf is moving every day!
Elf Notes
Another fun thing that classroom elves are known to do is leave notes for the students in the classroom. They often write notes on the chalkboard, the dry erase board, on post it notes or on cute printables.
32 | Printable Elf Notes
This set comes with 36 printable classroom elf notes that look like tiny letterboards! It also includes editable options so you can add your own text!
What are the Best Elf on the Shelf Classroom Ideas?
Everyone knows that little classroom elves love to get into mischief! What type of mischief you wonder? Well, here are some sneaky things that I’ve seen classroom elves do:
- 33 | TP the Teacher’s chair or anywhere in the class.
- 34 | Steal treats, they especially like Christmas candies.
- 35 | Draw Rudolph noses on students’ pictures.
- 36 | Draw snowman on places they shouldn’t.
- 37 | Take photocopies of themselves and plaster them all over the class.
- 38 | Get into the class stickers and decorate themselves.
- 39 | Getting into the class paper supply to make paper snowflakes.
- 40 | Make snow angels with glitter in the class.
- 41 | Put sticky notes all over the class with notes on them.
- 42 | Take an elfie and put it on the teacher’s computer screen saver, or the class iPad.
- 43 | Plan silly pranks on the students or the teacher.
Check out some of these ideas below.
44 | TP Snowman
This sneaky little elf had lots of fun in the classroom. He started off by throwing toilet paper all over the room and made a big mess. He then drew a snowman on the TP that was left over.
45 | Elves love Stickers
Peppermint the elf, apparently loves stickers and has gotten into the class sticker supply.
46 | Elfie Photocopies
Imagine the class's surprise when it appeared the classroom elf snuck into the photocopy room and plastered his work on the class bulletin board.
47 | Elf Photo Shoot
This teacher asked her class elf to help with making photocopies and he ended up creating his very own photo shoot.
48 | Giant Elfie
This classroom prankster has taken over the class screen with a message that says, help I’m trapped in here!
Elf Pranks
Many classroom elves love to play pranks on students and teachers. Check out below some funny pranks that elves have done in classrooms.
49 | Laminator Elf Prank
This elf prank works great if you have two classroom elves! One of the classroom elves laminated the other!
50 | Elf Baked Brown-Es
This sweet elf baked “brown Es” for the classroom!
51 | Elf Block Classroom Door Prank
This classroom elf block the classroom door and put a sign no children allowed so the student couldn’t get to class! Luckily the class outsmarted him and where able to find a solution and go under it!
52 | TP the Class Christmas Tree
This mischievous elf helped “decorate” the class Christmas tree with toilet paper while the students were out.
53 | Toothpaste Oreo Prank
These naughty elves were caught replacing the Oreo stuffing with toothpaste!
Funny Elf on the Shelf Classroom Ideas
Most Elves from the North Pole have a great sense of humor. I love to see the funny ideas that they come up with. Check out some of the best funny classroom elf ideas below.
54 | Tik Toking Elf
This funny classroom elf was trying to figure out what the excitement of Tik Tok was all about and taped himself to the clock on the class wall!
55 | Classroom Elves Watching U Tube
This silly classroom elves thought they figured out how to watch u tube, by writing the letter U on a toilet paper roll!
56 | Classroom Elf Caught up in Tape
This crazy little classroom elf found the masking tape but wasn’t sure how to use it and got himself stuck on the classroom window!
57 | I’ve Got My Eyes on You
This silly classroom elf got into the googly eyes and left the students a note “I’ve got my eyes on you!”
58 | Elf Ball Pit
The bowl of pom poms looked like the perfect ball pit for this silly boy.
59 | Huge Bubble
This cheeky elf is pretending to blow a huge bubble, but it’s actually a pink balloon.
60 | Melted Snowman
He tried to bring back a snowman from the North Pole, but it melted. It’s the thought that counts I guess.
61 | Stuck Elf
This classroom elf was trying to decorate the classroom and accidentally got stuck with some washi-tape!
Classroom Elf on the Shelf Games
Classroom elves love to play games. Some of their favorites are twister, pin the nose on the reindeer, tic tac toe and the floor is lava. Check out all these game ideas below.
62 | The Floor is Lava
The floor is lava is a favorite of many elves.
63 | Tic Tac Toe Elf Style
Who knew you could play tic tac toe with Christmas bows and tape?
64 | Elf Twister
It’s well known that elves love to play Twister, especially with friends!
Top Elf Picks for Games
If you want to encourage your elf to have a little fun in your class you can download and print off games for them to play. Check out the top picks from classroom elves below.
65 | Printable Elf Games
These printable elf games include North pole twister, Elf Pet Tic Tac Toe and Pin the now on Rudolph! You can find these classroom elf games here!
Elf on the Shelf Classroom Activities
Classroom elves help to encourage students to try new activities. Check out some ideas below.
66 | Elf Sticky Note Kindness Tree
This classroom elf created a kindness tree with sticky notes on the classroom door. Then he challenges students to do acts of kindness and then write them on the notes!
67 | Classroom Elf on the Shelf Craft Activity
With this classroom craft students turn themselves into little elf on the shelfs and then they write a poem to their families about being a little elf!
68 | Rainbow Magic
Your classroom elf may need to bring a little Christmas magic to pull this one off. This elf shows the kids how to make rainbow magic by adding hot water to the center of the Skittle rainbow.
69 | Turn Students into Christmas Elves
Here’s a fun classroom decor idea to go with the elf theme. Add student pictures to elf bodies so that they can elf themselves. You can then decorate your classroom door or a bulletin board. You can find this printable kit here!
70 | Kindness Activity
This classroom elf, Merry, brings students a note every day with a kindness challenge for the whole class to complete. Merry helps the class focus on giving rather than receiving!
Elf on the Shelf Classroom Management Ideas
Classroom elves will often help teachers out when they see that the class may need behavior modifications. Elves may send a gentle reminder to the class if behavior is not up to par. Check out how elves have done that below.
71 | For the Noisy Class
Chippy the elf had to remind the students that they were a little too chatty by spelling out “please don’t hurt my ears” while wearing his earmuffs.
72 | Reminder for Behavior with Sub
This sweet classroom elf, Peppermint, left the students a reminder to be good to their sub.
73 | Kindness Reminder
Sometimes a classroom elf will need to remind the whole class to be kind with their words. This classroom elf asked students to leave a kind message for the class on the whiteboard.
Elf Reports
Sometimes classroom elves will leave a student an elf report to reward positive behavior that they see in the class. These may or may not come with an award or treat.
74 | Printable Elf Reports
This kit comes with 6 different options of editable elf reports and elf report cards! You can find these printable classroom elf reports here!
Fun Elf on the Shelf Classroom Ideas
Above all classroom elves just want to have fun! Check out some ideas below of how elves have fun at school.
75 | Santa’s Naughty List
Hopefully your students will all make the nice list.
76 | Marshmallow Bath
This playful elf found himself some mini marshmallows and created his own bubble bath. This is a creative way for an elf to relax on his downtime.
77 | Having Fun Around the School
This second-grade classroom elf had a blast playing around the school and hanging out with friends. He then took pictures to show the class how much fun he had.
78 | Window Scaling
Christmas bows have been found to be useful to help an elf scale a classroom window.
79 | Upside Down Elf
This class elf could use a little help.
80 | Elves Making Smores
Most classroom elves love a good smore! This class was excited to find their two elves roasting marshmallows by the fire.
81 | Artistic Elf
This classroom elf was so inspired by the students’ new classroom artwork that she decided to create her own mini masterpiece.
Accessories for Your Classroom Elf
If you want your elf to have even more fun you can get them some of these fun accessories that I found below.
82 | Christmas Hamock & Fun Accessories
Your classroom elf may really enjoy a festive hammock, a sleeping bag, a robe, glasses and more with this fun 9 piece accessory pack that you can find here!
83 | Elf Scooter
If your elf like to get around the classroom easily, he may love this adorable elf scooter!
84 | Elf Electronics and School Lunch
This fun accessory pack would allow your classroom elf to have a school lunch and do some schoolwork on their laptop, iPad and cell phone!
85 | Mini Beach Set
If your classroom elf would enjoy a little tropical get away, then this might be the perfect beach set for her!
86 | Inflatable, Scarf and Earmuffs
Here is a fun little set that includes a Christmas themed pool inflatable, scarf and adorable little earmuffs that you can find here.
Elf Gifts for the Classroom
When a class is being extra good the elf will sometimes bring gifts. Some of the most popular gift ideas are candy canes, books, school supplies, or special treats or awards that star students can earn. Check out some ideas below.
87 | Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt
Yes, he brought gifts. But the students need to find them first.
88 | Crayons for the Class
This thoughtful elf noticed that the class crayons were a little old, so he brought them new ones.
89 | Presents for Star Students
This classroom elf is a start student! He also was very thoughtful and brought some presents for other star students to keep the students motivated to show positive behavior in class.
90 | Books for Students
Your students might be more excited to read new books if they came directly from an elf!
91 | Top Elf Books on Amazon
If you’re looking for some fun books to read to the class as part of your elf theme then check out some elf approved titles below.
ELF BOOKS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | ELF ON THE SHELF SEARCH & FIND
TWO | THERE’S AN ELF IN YOUR BOOK
THREE | ELF
FOUR | HOW TO CATCH AN ELF
92 | Elf Book for Older Students
If you teach 3rd, 4th or 5th grade this might be a great book to have students read during the month of December. If you teach younger students it would be a fun book to read to the class. This is the story of Nicholas the noble, a magical fantasy Christmas tale about Santa’s heroic origins! You can find the book here!
Elf on the Shelf Jokes
Elves love to crack a good Christmas Joke. Sometimes they’ll write their joke on a dry erase board, a letter board or even bring a stack of jokes to class with them. Check out some joke ideas from some funny classroom elves below.
93 | Elf Joke Cards
This hilarious elf came to class loaded with tons of his favorite jokes.
94 | Elfabet Joke
Here’s a silly elf joke that your students would love.
Printable Elf Jokes
If you want to get some joke cards that your class elf and your students would love then check them out below. You can order these from Etsy then download and print them yourself.
95 | Printable Elf Jokes
This printable pack comes with 20 silly classroom elf jokes that your students will love!
Clothes for the Fashionable Elf
If your classroom elf is stylish you may want to gift them with some fabulous elf clothing. Below check out some of my favorites from Amazon.
96 | Elf Skirts
If your classroom has a girl elf she might be excited to get some new festive skirts as a classroom gift. You can find them here!
97 | Donut Be Naughty Elf Pajamas
How adorable are these elf pajamas that read, "Donut be Naughty!"
98 | Elf Christmas Sweater Set
Everyone loves a festive Christmas sweater especially a Christmas elf!
Easy Elf on the Shelf Classroom Ideas
Are you looking for some easy ideas for your classroom elf? Elf kits are packs with fun accessories that your classroom elf would have tons of fun with. They may make it a little easier on your elf if they have a hard time coming up with new creative ideas every day. Check my favorites elf kits below.
99 | Classroom Elf Printable Bundle
Here’s what is included in this printable kit:
- Editable Elf Introduction Letter from Santa
- Elf Postage
- Editable Classroom Elf Rules
- Editable Classroom Elf Reports & Report Cards
- Elf Jokes
- Editable Elf Notes
- Printable Elf Games
- This Classroom is Under Elf Surveillance Sign
- Three Printable Elf Cams to put around your classroom!
100 | Printable Elf on the Shelf Kit
Here's another option if you don't mind some DIY. For this kit you download and print 24 fun accessories.
101 | Elf on the Shelf Idea Bundle
Here's a fun Christmas elf bundle that includes 24 ideas and over 80 accessories for your classroom elf!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fun activities for Elf on the Shelf in a classroom?
You can try incorporating educational games and activities such as elf-themed puzzles or scavenger hunts, letter writing to Santa, and interactive holiday story time sessions. Have the Elf leave a daily task or fun fact for the students to explore throughout the day.
How can I use Elf on the Shelf for high school and elementary students?
For younger students like for a preschool classroom or an elementary classroom, use Elf on the Shelf as a way to encourage good behavior, incorporating stories and activities to enhance their learning experience. With high school students, you can make your Elf a symbol of holiday spirit or help teach life skills by incorporating them into class projects or group discussions.
What are some creative hiding spots for Elf in the classroom?
Hide your Elf on the Shelf in various spots throughout the classroom, such as inside cubbies, on top of shelves, within books, or hanging from the ceiling. Challenge your students to find the Elf each day as they walk in or during a designated search time.
How can I make an engaging Elf on the Shelf scene?
Create scenes that relate to your lesson plans or current classroom topics. You can also use props that your students have created or bring in elements from their favorite holiday stories. Try to incorporate humor, a touch of mischief, or other elements that will entertain your students and keep them engaged.
How can parents and teachers collaborate using Elf on the Shelf?
You can send a letter home to parents, so they know about the classroom elf and the ways that you plan to use the elf in the classroom. Encourage parents to share their ideas with elf on the shelf and even help set up some elf scenes.
What are some Elf on the Shelf classroom ideas for back to school?
Have your Elf return to help students stay organized after the holiday break. Create scenes in which your Elf emphasizes the importance of keeping track of assignments, having a clean and organized workspace, and staying on task. Involve the Elf in goal-setting activities or sharing safety tips as the new year begins.
What are some ideas for a classroom elf departure?
Plan a creative and memorable Elf on the Shelf farewell for your students before they head home for the holiday break. You could have your Elf write a goodbye letter, leave a small present for each student, or plan a special activity for your class to enjoy on their last day together. Remember to encourage a sense of closure.
Now you have some new elf on the shelf classroom ideas so you can have fun with your students and your class elf this year. Feel free to save your favorite ideas to your Pinterest boards. If you loved this post share it on your favorite social media.
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