Holiday Lesson Ideas

Like the game "Shipwreck", students listen to the verbal cue and perform the tasks accordingly. Prior to the start of the game, students will be shown how to perform each task. The commands "North Pole" and "South Pole" are used often, with the remaining commands interspersed between. All of the following commands/words/phrases are matched with a particular movement to be performed on cue. The teacher will start the game by calling out "North Pole" so students can run towards the wall, then "South Pole" so they run back again. To keep the game active, use the North Pole or South Pole commands after each sitting or lying task.

Verbal commands:
North Pole - Run towards the north wall.
South Pole - Run towards the south wall.
NE, SE, NW, SW, E, and W – Turn and stand facing any of these positions.
Christmas tree – Stand with feet straddled and hands overhead, meeting together to make the top of a Christmas tree.
Carolers – Three to four people join hands facing inwards, holding hands and singing, "tra-la-la, tra-la-la ..".
Sledding – Three to four people sit behind each other facing forward as if riding a sled. Legs in a straddle position.
Christmas Eve – Lie down and pretend to sleep.
Ice Skating – With hands behind your back, glide forward and diagonally, simulating ice skating.
Ornament – Sit in a tight ball on the floor and extend arms up to look like a hook.
Elves – Sit criss-crossed and pretend to hammer and assemble toys.
Wreath – Two people hold hands and make a circle, two arms overhead to form the top of the wreath, and two arms downward to form the bottom of the wreath.
Snowing – Use hands starting above your head and flutter your fingers down like falling snow.
Drummer Boy – Sit and pretend to drum on knees.
Snow Angel – Lie on your back and pretend to make snow angels.
Santa – Put your hands out in front of you and shake your round belly, saying "Ho, ho, ho".
Running Reindeer - Hands on the floor and perform mountain climbers.