The Elf on the Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition in which an elf moves from place to place on a designated route while children are at home. Instead of a traditional toy, the Elf On The Shelf acts as a catalyst for creative storytelling and family fun, often involving games and activities that help children learn and grow.
There are several games and activities that can be played with the Elf on the Shelf to enhance the holiday experience. These games range from classic party games to more interactive activities that encourage reading and language development. Here is a list of the top seven games to play with the Elf on the Shelf:
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Scavenger Hunt: Secretely hide items or notes around the home for the Elf to find. Write high-frequency words, sight words, or holiday-themed words on the notes. Encourage the children to find as many as possible and read them aloud to win a small treat.
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High-Frequency Words: Write some sight words or high-frequency words on flour-dusted paper and encourage the Elf to make snow angels or other patterns using those words. This activity helps children expand their vocabulary.
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Special Deliveries: The Elf delivers books to the children. Encourage reading the new books aloud and use the special pen or decoration that comes with the book for extra practice.
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Word Hunt: Hide sticky note cards with high-frequency words, spelling words, or holiday words around the home. The children must find and read the words, then share them with the Elf.
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Letters to Santa: Help the Elf write letters to Santa with the help of the children. This activity teaches children to write holiday letters and use simple punctuation.
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Elf Scrabble: Use Scrabble tiles to write messages or words on the floor or other surfaces. Set up a holiday-themed board game with tiles and challenge the children to read the words or finish the game.
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Word of the Day: The Elf on the Shelf reads a holiday vocabulary word each morning. Use the Elf Word Advent Calendar to learn new words throughout the holiday season.
These games and activities complement the seasonal spirit of the holiday season and provide children with opportunities for hands-on learning, socialization, and emotional connection.
