LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE DAY

LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE DAY is tomorrow, but keeping optimistic is something that teachers struggle with every day – especially this time of year!

Many of you might have students who are a little like Eeyore. “Woe is me…nobody likes me…it’s going to be a bad day…” Unfortunately, some of these children get a lot of attention from their parents for their negative attitudes.

But, rather than focusing on a pessimistic outlook, I’m going to focus on being optimistic today. This Winnie the Pooh cartoon is one of my favorites because for some children, being with YOU every day is the best thing that can happen to them.



How can you help your students LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE in 2025?

First, have a class discussion about what it means to look on the bright side. Accept their responses without judging. Ask them for examples of what it means to be optimistic. What does it mean to be pessimistic? What kind of friends do you like to be around?
*Make a T-chart of optimistic and pessimistic behaviors.

Here are three simple behaviors that will encourage children to look on the bright side.

I CAN
Change I CAN’T to I CAN! We are AmeriCANS and so we always need to say I CAN! Teach children this little chant to say to themselves when they have a difficult task or are trying something new.

I Think I Can
(Tune: "If You're Happy and You Know It")
I think I can are words I like to say.
I think I can are words I like to say.
If I try with all my might, in time I'll get it right.
I think I can are words I like to say.


BE THANKFUL
Look around at all the things you have to be grateful for each day. Pencils, books, friends, trees, food, families... If you focus on what you do have then you won’t have time to worry about what you don’t have. Start each day by passing around a smiley face puppet and asking each child to name something that they are thankful for or happy about.

MISTAKES ARE O.K.
Making mistakes is an important part of the “hidden curriculum” that is not in your state standards. If children learn to experience failure in the classroom, they will be much better equipped to handle it in real life and the work force. Losing a game, missing a word when you read, or running down the hall are all opportunities where children can learn and be challenged to try something different the next time.

I make mistakes, you make mistakes, everybody makes mistakes, and that’s O.K.

*As a teacher, model making mistakes and then saying, “I’m sorry.” Model how to clean up your mistakes. Model how to say, “Next time I will….”

*Let children role play making mistakes.

*Read THE BEAUTIFUL OOPS! by Barney Saltzberg.


*Make a class booked called “Mistakes Are O.K.” where children write, draw, or dictate mistakes they make and how they can do better the next time.

CHEERS FOR WINTER HOLIDAYS

2 BITS, 4 BITS, 6 BITS A DOLLAR.

ALL FOR WINTER BREAK

STAND UP AND HOLLAR!

I bet most of y'all don't even remember that cheer. It was a big one when I was a cheerleader back in the 60's. Cheers may change, but some things never change, just like your excitement about your upcoming vacation.

I looked through past blogs and found a few cheers for you to do today. Let out some energy and keep on the sunny side!

Popcorn Cheer (Kristen Reed)
The popcorn cheer is the perfect way to release wiggles before they explode. The teacher says, “Assume the position,” as all the children squat down on the floor. The teacher points quickly to each student and she/he jumps up and yells “POP” and then squats back down. After pointing to every child the teacher says, “EVERYBODY!” and they all jump up and say, “POP!”




Mitten Cheer

This is a quiet way to teach the children to cheer. Thumbs up and palms open facing each other. Pretend to clap stopping about 2" from each palm as if wearing mittens.

Cheer! (Debbi Smith)
Pat yourself on the back.
Shake your own hand.
Point to yourself and say, “Very good job!”

Three Cheers
Give me cheer number one! (Children yell and cheer in a regular voice.)
Give me cheer number two! (Children cheer a little softer.)
Give me cheer number three! (Children wave their arms and do the silent cheer with their mouth wide open but not making a sound.)

Super Star (Teresa Palmer)
Reach for the stars. (Reach up in the air.)
Catch it! Grab it! (Pretend to grab something.)
Stick it! (Pretend to lick and stick to forehead.)
Super star!

Animal Cheers
Seal of Approval – Extend arms in front of you and cross them over each other. Clap as you make a barking noise.

Elephant Cheer - Stick one arm out straight from under your chin. Put top lips over bottom lip as you blow and make a trumpeting sound.

Snake Cheer – Palms folded together next to your chest. Keeping them together wiggle them out as you make a “Ssssss” sound. Stick your tongue quickly in and out of your mouth.

Tiger Cheer – You’re GGGRRREEEAAATTT! (Stick fist in the air.)


Rocket Cheer (Aurora Sta Ana)
Clap up. (Clap up.)
Clap down. (Clap down.)
Clap left. (Clap to your left.)
Clap right. (Clap to your right.)
Up. (Thumb up make a hissing sound.)
Down. (Thumb down make a hissing sound.)
Left. (Thumb left make a hissing sound.)
Right. (Thumb right make a hissing sound.)
BOOM!!! (Both hands in the air as you shout boom!)

BAKE COOKIES DAY

Yes, it really is Bake Cookies Day, but its fun to bake cookies any day of the year. Here’s what holidayinsights.com says about today:

'Ya gotta just love Bake Cookies Day......... 


..... Christmas is for Christians 


..... Hanukkah is just for Jews 
.

.... Ramadan is for those of Islamic descent 


..... Kwanzaa is for those of African origin 


..... Native American Day is for American Indians


But, Bake Cookies Day is for EVERYONE! 


Play Dough
Put cookie cutters and play dough on a cookie sheet. Add a rolling pin (cylinder block), scissors, and plastic utensils.

Paper Ornaments
Put some cookie cutters, scissors, glue, and the scrap box out on a table. Let children trace around the cookie cutters, cut out their paper cookies, and then decorate with stickers or glitter pens. Punch a hole, tie on a string, and decorate the tree. 



Graph
What’s your favorite kind of cookie? Do a bar graph and tally the results. 



Recipes
Let children write their own “how to make cookies” recipes. 



Descriptions
Give each child a cookie and ask them to draw what it looks like. Next, ask them to write 2-5 sentences describing their cookie. Finally, they get to eat the cookie! 



What else? Read books or sing songs about cookies…or, just wait until a boring January day to do these things!! 


MAKING A LIST....

Santa’s not the only one making lists this time of year. I’ve been making lists of things to do (gifts to buy, cards to send, goodies to make) all night long! There’s something about making a list that makes me feel better – maybe a little more “in control.” Not that I’m going to check everything off the list; it just feels good to write things down.

Making a list is something children will enjoy doing, and it is a perfect way to motivate children to write. Younger children could make lists of 3-5 things, while older children could do lists of 10 or more. In addition to writing a list, children could draw pictures or dictate items.

So, what can they make a list of other than who’s been naughty and nice or what they want for Christmas? Check out my "list" of ways you can use lists all year long.




List of people they love and what they would like to give them.

List of favorite songs.

List of signs of winter.

List of their favorite books.

List of their favorite subjects at school.

List of their favorite animals/pets.

List of their favorite sports or games.

List of what they can do if they finish their work early.

List of the things that make them happy.

List of how to be a buddy/friend.

List of nouns, verbs, things that start with a sound, shapes…children could make a list of almost any skill you are working on.

Lists could also be included in units of study by having children keep a list of things they learned, facts, etc.

Can you a make a “list” of things to add to this list?

I’ll be checking my list twice,
So better not be naughty –
Just be NICE!

By the way, I found two adorable websites with lots of activities and ideas:

northpoletimes.com

northpole.com

HERE COMES WINTER!

December 21st is known as the winter solstice or the first day of winter. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Although your students will probably have sugar plums dancing in their heads this week, you might want to add a touch of science to your lesson plans with these ideas.

Science 

Ask your students what causes winter. (Accept their answers without judging.) Have one child pretend to be the sun and stand in the middle of the circle. Use a globe to demonstrate how the earth rotates around the sun. It takes 365 days or one year for the earth to go all around the sun. Demonstrate how the earth tilts on its axis away from the sun to cause winter. Why? What happens when the earth tilts toward the sun?



Signs of Winter 

Brainstorm signs of winter. What happens to the temperature in winter? What happens to the plants? What happens to animals?

Vocabulary 

Make an attribute web of winter words. Include winter clothing, sports, holidays, etc.

Animals Adapt

How do animals adapt in the winter? What animals hibernate? What animals migrate?



Habitats

Some habitats are very cold in the winter with ice and snow. Other habitats are warmer in the winter. Use a map of the United States and have children identify their state. Do they have ice and snow in the winter? Can they find a state where it’s warm and sunny in the winter? What do they think causes the difference?

Internet Search 

Visit a weather site, such as weather.gov, to compare regional weather.

Nature Walk

Go on a nature walk and look for signs of winter. Let each child take a digital photograph of a sign of winter. Put these together to make a class collage.

Trees

Explain that evergreen trees stay green all winter. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter. Can they find evergreen and deciduous trees on the playground? Can they find them in their yard at home?

Make a Book

Staple two sheets of paper and let children use descriptive writing to make a book called “Winter Is…”

Creative Writing

Invite children to write a story about “Old Man Winter.” I found this great writing paper free at www.teach-nology.com.



Read a Book – What’s your favorite winter book to read to your class?

Wishing you happy winter days!!!

HOW MANY DAYS?

It’s getting close to winter break! I wonder if the children know that you are even more excited than they are! Here are some math activities to keep them engaged over the next few days.

Magic Number
Children stand in a circle and begin counting off. When you get to 25 (Christmas Day) that child must sit down. Continue counting until one child is left.

Mingle Jingle
Children tiptoe quietly around the room as they whisper, "Jingle, jingle." When the teacher calls out a number, they must form groups with that amount. Those students who are leftover can do a jumping jack or other silly movement. Continue having the children mingle and jingle and form different sets.

Shopping


Materials: advertisements from toy stores, grocery stores, or discount stores, paper, pencils, scissors, glue

Write questions similar to those below on a chart. Children fold a sheet of paper into fourths and then write a number in each section. Then they look through the advertisements and cut out an object that answers each question.
1. What costs less than $10.00?
2. What costs more than $100.00?

3. If you had $20 what would you buy for your family?

4. What would you like to buy for yourself? How much does it cost?


5. Draw a T-chart on the back. On one side write "wants" and on the other side write "needs." Children cut out pictures (or write words) for things they actually need and things they'd like to have.

Seasonal Shapes
Take a walk around the school and look for different shapes in seasonal objects. Can they find a circle? Triangle? Rectangle? Square? Cube? Cone? Sphere?
*Let them make a shape collage by cutting objects out of advertisements and catalogs.

NOT "BORED" WITH BOARD GAMES

All I want for Christmas is for parents to give their children board games! I wonder if parents realize all the benefits of playing games WITH their children.

Hint! Put this information in a newsletter, blog, tweet, etc.

Why?
The most important reason to play games with children is because it’s enjoyable and fun for everyone in the family. Research studies also suggest that when children play games they develop academic as well as social and emotional skills, such as:

*number concepts, counting, shapes
*colors, letters, words
*eye-hand coordination and small motor skills
*visual memory
*following rules
*taking turns
*self-regulation - controlling impulses
*improved attention span
*planning ahead and problem solving
*persistence – never give up

Winners and Losers
One additional reason I like games is because it teaches the children how to lose gracefully. Yes, learning to lose is something all children need to learn how to do. Model appropriate behavior and how to lose. Demonstrate how to open your palms and say, “Oh, well!” when something doesn’t go your way.

Helpful Hints!
Follow the child’s lead. Never force children to complete a game or play a game. Remember, it’s suppose to be FUN! It’s perfectly fine to adapt games and rules for younger children to keep their interest. As they get older they will be ready to “play fair” and follow the rules.

Choosing Games
How do you choose games just right for a child's age and stage? Games that are too difficult will frustrate children, and games that are too easy will lose their interest. Most games have a suggested age range on the box. The internet is full of suggestions, but talking to other parents with children your child's age might be the best resource.

Game Day Is Coming
January and February can always be challenging times for teachers. Why not plan a “game day” every Friday afternoon? Invite children to bring games from home. Divide children into groups of 4 and rotate them through 10-15 minutes of each game. Have parent volunteers or upper grade students help monitor the games.

It’s only a game, but it’s a WIN-WIN at home or at school! 

PARTY GAMES

Need some ideas for your holiday party? These games are easy to adapt for any event. For example, instead of playing pin the red nose on Rudolph you could play pin the carrot on Frosty's nose. Rather than using sweet treats you could use pencils, stickers, or other prizes.

Hint! Parents who are in charge of your party might appreciate these suggestions.

Pass the Parcel
This is actually a game a student from England taught me. Thus, “parcel” instead of “present.” My students LOVED this! Fill a box with sugarless bubblegum, pencils, small toys, or stickers. There should be enough for everyone in the group. Next, wrap the present over and over again with wrapping paper, tissue paper, or funny pages from the newspaper. Children sit in a circle and begin passing the “parcel” around as music is played. When the music stops that child gets to open one layer on the package. (If the package lands on someone who has already had a turn they pass it on to the person sitting next to them.) Continue the game until the gift is reached. That child then passes out the goodies to the rest of the group.

Hide and Hunt
Children love to hunt for things, so if the weather is nice you can hide jingle bells, snowballs (cotton balls), chocolate gold coins, small toys, etc. on the playground for the children to find. (If the weather is lousy, move it indoors. The kids won't care!)

*Divide the class in half. Let one group hide the objects for the others to find and then reverse roles.

Crackers
These won’t really crack, but they are lots of fun to make or give to friends. They can also add a special touch to a special holiday table.

You will need: cardboard rollers, wrapping paper, candy, small toys, curling ribbon
Cut the cardboard rollers into 5” sections. Fill with candy and little toys. Roll in wrapping paper, twist the ends, and tie with curling ribbon.
*This would be a nice gift to make for a nursing home or shelter. 

Magic Number
Fill a clear jar or container with candy, cotton balls, or jingle bells. The person who guesses the closest amount is the winner.


Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Draw a reindeer on a poster or chalk board. Cut out red circles and have each child write her name on a circle. Put tape on the back of each circle. One at a time, blindfold each child and spin them around gently three times. Face them towards the reindeer and challenge them to put the nose on Rudolph. Who can get the closest?

Puzzle Pairs
Take old greeting cards and cut them in half like a puzzle. Give each child one half. Have them close their eyes while the other half is hidden in the room. Children tiptoe around the room until they find their matching puzzle piece and sit down.

Pantomime and Name That Tune
Children love to perform, so they always enjoy playing “Guess who I am?” with seasonal objects or toys. They can also take turns humming seasonal songs for their friends to identify.

Word Games
Write a seasonal word on the board. How many words can they create using the letters in the seasonal word?
Hint! Pair children for this activity to enable all children to feel successful.

Holiday Four Corners
You will need four seasonal pictures to tape in each corner of the classroom. For example, a snowman, bell, candy cane, and candle. One child is “it.” “It” hides her eyes and counts to ten as the rest of the class tiptoes to a corner. “It” then calls out one of the objects. The students in that corner are out and must sit in the “stew pot” (center of the room). “It” counts to ten again as the students tiptoe to a new corner. The game continues until one child is left. That child becomes the new “it.”

LET'S ALL DO A LITTLE SINGING

People sing because they are happy and they are happy because they sing! Let's do a little clapping and singing with these songs.

Hint! You can find these books and free downloads on drjean.org.

Holiday Cheer (Tune: "We Wish You a Merry Christmas")
Let's all do a little clapping,
let's all do a little clapping.
Let's all do a little clapping
to spread holiday cheer.

Let's all do a little jumping...snapping...blinking...laughing (Let the children suggest different movements. Tie in with the concept of VERBS.)

End by singing:
Let's all do a little smiling,
let's all do a little smiling.
Let's all do a little smiling,
and be kinder this year.

Jingle Bells
Chorus:
Jingle bells, jingle bells, (Pretend to hold bells and shake.)
Jingle all the way.
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one horse open sleigh. Hey! (Fist in the air.)
Jingle bells, jingle bells, (Pretend to jingle bells.)
Jingle all the way.
What fun it is to ride and sing
In a one horse open sleigh.

*Have children sit on the floor facing the same directions. Demonstrate how to hold the person’s waist in front of you. As you sing the song sway forwards and backwards to the beat as if riding a sleigh.

S A N T A (Tune: “BINGO”)
There is a jolly bearded man (Put arms out in front of you
And Santa is his name-o. like Santa’s tummy.)
S – A – N – T – A,
S – A – N – T – A,
S – A – N – T – A,
And Santa is his name-o.

He lives at the North Pole… (Clap instead of saying “S.”)
His wears a suit all red and white… (Clap for “S” and “A.”)
He makes toys for girls and boys… (Clap for “S,” “A,” “N.”)
He drives a sleigh with 8 reindeer… (Clap for “S,” “A,” “N,” “T.”)
He’ll visit you on Christmas Eve… (Clap for all letters.)


*Write the letters S A N T A on paper as shown. On the back of each sheet draw a hand. Turn over the hands as you sing.

My Dreidel
I have a little dreidel, (Pretend to hold out palm with a dreidel.)
I made it out of clay;
And when it’s dry and ready,
Then dreidel I shall play.
Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, (Clap as you dance in a circle like a top.)
I made it out of clay.
Oh, dreidel, dreidel, dreidel,
Now dreidel we shall play.

Holiday Alphabet
Deck the room with letters and sounds,
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la.
Read and use them all year round,
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la.
Listen up and then you’ll know,
How the letters and sounds do go.
Start with A and end with Z.
Happy holidays for you and me!
A for angels, /a/ /a/ /a/,
B for bells, /b/ /b/ /b/ /b/ /b/ /b/
C for candles /c/ /c/ /c/ ...

Kwanzaa – December 26-January 1
Chorus: Kwanzaa is coming
We’ll celebrate with gifts and lights.
Kwanzaa is coming
For seven days and nights.
We’ll unite and come together
With people everywhere.
We’ll work and help each other
To show how much we care. (Chorus)

WANT TO GO ON A SANTA HUNT?

I had a great time making this video a few years ago.  I hope they make your children smile!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXheMF7XAzs

Sara Lensing adapted these words for the "Santa Hunt" from “The Cool Bear Hunt.” 

Santa Hunt 
Get out your backpacks.
Open ‘em up.
Let’s put in some cookies for Santa and his reindeer.
And, let’s put in a thermos of milk in case he gets thirsty.
Oh. and don’t forget your Christmas lights in case it gets dark.
Zip ‘em up and repeat after me.
(Children repeat each line.)
We’re gonna find Santa (March and slap thighs.)
Before Christmas day.
He has a big, round belly (Extend arms.)
And a long, white beard. (Pull down from chin.)
Look over there! (Point.)
It’s a Candy Cane Forest!
Can’t go over it. (Arms over head.)
Can’t go under. (Arms down low.)
Can’t go around it. (Circle arms.)
I guess we’ll go through it. (Open palms and shrug shoulders.)
Slurp, slurp, slurp! (Pretend to suck on candy cane.)
                                                           
We’re gonna find Santa
Before Christmas day.
He has a big, round belly
And a long, white beard.
Look over there!
It’s a hot chocolate river.
Can’t go over it.
Can’t go under.
Can’t go around it.
I guess we’ll swim across it. (Stroke arms as if swimming.)     
                                 
We’re gonna find Santa
Before Christmas day.
He has a big, round belly
And a long, white beard.
Look over there!
It’s a gingerbread house!
Can’t go over it.
Can’t go under.
Can’t go around it.
I guess we’ll go through it.
Yum, yum, yum! (Pretend to eat gingerbread.)
                                                        
We’re gonna find Santa
Before Christmas day.
He has a big, round belly
And a long, white beard.
Look over there!
It’s Santa’s workshop.
Can’t go over it.
Can’t go under.
Can’t go around it.
I guess we’ll go through it.
Shhh! (Finger over lips.)
Get out your Christmas lights. (Pretend to get out lights.)
Turn them on – click.
Let’s set out the cookies and milk.
I see a big, round belly.
And a long, white beard!
It’s Santa!
He-he-he! We can’t let him see us!
Tip toe! (Tiptoe.)
Quick! Go through the gingerbread house! Yum, yum, yum,!
Swim across the hot chocolate river!
Go through the Candy Cane Forest! Slurp, slurp, slurp!
Go home.
Open the door.
Shut the door.
Phew!
We found Santa.
                                      
Merry Christmas to all!


Note!  Each year I buy some inexpensive canvas and let me grandchildren paint a holiday picture.  We date these and they are my favorite decorations.  Some day when they get married I will pass the "gallery" on to them.

GUACAMOLE CHRISTMAS
Here's a silly holiday parody of my "Banana Dance" (aka Guacamole Song).  It might not "guac" your world, but I hope it will make you smile!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2-WXpB7Gm8

Form the avocado ...

Peel the avocado ...

Guacamole Christmas 

Form the tree 

Trim the tree

Lights to see pretty lights to see

Form the cookies 

Bake the cookies

Eat the cookies

Form the snowball

Roll the snowball 

Build the snowman

Form the house

Decorate the house

Rock the house

Form the stocking 

Hang the stocking 

See the goodies – candy and toy goodies 

Have a happy Christmas, happy happy Christmas

Feel the love

Share the love

FREE GIFT CARDS

I've got a great gift idea that you can give your students this year. Best of all, it's FREE!!

Look at the list below and choose five or ten that you think your students would enjoy. Run them off and make a "2025 Gift Card Book." Pass them out the last day before vacation and you'll have children smiling and "planning and plotting" how they are going to use their gift cards when they return to school in 2025.

*Adapt these to the age and interest of your students. A four year old might be thrilled to choose the book for story time, but a first grader might prefer being excused from a written assignment.

Chew sugar free gum.

Use the teacher’s stamps, pens, or markers.

15 minutes of free time.

Help the teacher do a special job.

Decorate the bulletin board or door.

Sit at the teacher’s desk.

Take off your shoes.

Listen to an IPod or headset while you work.

Take a class game or book home for the night.

Choose a song and lead the class.

Eat lunch with your teacher or a special friend.

Be excused from a homework assignment.

Choose an indoor game to play.

Select the book for story time.

Sit by a favorite person all day.

Choose a board game and play it with a friend.

Hand out supplies.

Be leader of a class game.

Be excused from a written assignment.

Play games on the computer for 10 minutes.

Visit another class in the school.

Work with a friend.

Be first in line for lunch

Be a helper in the office, lunchroom, or in another classroom.

Read a story to the principal or another class.

Have the teacher call your parents to tell them what a great kid you are!

Take a note to the principal about what a great kid you are.

Make something at the art center.

Have your work displayed in the hall or on the classroom door.

One special wish!

SEASONAL STANDARDS

Don't let standards be the Grinch and steal away your fun. Take a look a few more ideas I’ve got for you!

Sight Words

Each day let children write a high frequency word on a strip of paper and glue the ends to make a link in a chain. They can practice reading over previous words each day as they add a new word and link.

Snowman Math 

Give children the outline of a snowman similar to the one shown. They can take buttons or other manipulatives and place sets in the top two sections. Join them together in the bottom circle to make the sum. Ask students to write the equation.

*Give children a certain number of buttons. How many different combinations can the make on the snowman to come up with the same sum?


Descriptive Writing 

Fold 2 sheets of paper in half and staple to make a book for each child. Children think of a title for their books and add their name as author and illustrator. Have them write and complete the following statements on each page:
(My holiday) smells like…
(My holiday) looks like…
(My holiday) sounds like…
(My holiday) feels like…
(My holiday) tastes like…

*For younger children run off the sentences and let them dictate sentences.

Preposition Elf

Hide an elf or similar seasonal toy in a different place in the room every day. Encourage children to use complete sentences as they describe where the elf is.

*Let children take turns hiding the toy and calling on friends to describe its location.


Read, Read, Fast as You Can! You Can Do It! We Know You Can!
I saw this delightful bulletin board several years ago. What an engaging way to get children to read sight words!

Timeline – Give children long pieces of paper so they can make a time line of the “Gingerbread Man.” (I cut my strips from grocery sacks.)
*Read several versions of the “Gingerbread Man” and compare and contrast.