The 2020 school year is a different year for teachers and students. Whether you are teaching in a distance learning or socially distancing classroom, traditional Christmas party activities won’t work. However, listed here are fun and engaging Christmas party activities for the distance learning classroom. These will also work in the socially distancing classroom.
Hopefully, you will find a few Christmas activities to use this unprecedented year.
Reindeer Games (games to play)
1. BINGO
A traditional favorite among teachers for their classroom parties. Fortunately, students can participate in BINGO over Zoom or at a safe distance from their classmates.
2. Plate on the Head
Students hold a plate on their head with one hand and hold a marker in their other hand. Then the teacher gives directions and students must draw what the teacher says without looking at the plate.
Example Directions:
- Draw a line for the floor
- Draw a Christmas tree on the floor
- Decorate the tree
- Draw a snowman to the left of the tree
- Draw a gift to the right of the tree
- Draw a tag attached to the gift and/or put your name on the tag
The room erupts into laughter when students take a look at their plate at the end of the game. If desired, points can be awarded based on if the directions were followed and prizes can be given out.
3. Christmas Trivia
Students working virtually and in person can participate in a variety of online Christmas trivia games. A few of my favorite are Kahoot and Quizz Students can race against time and each other.
4. Santa’s Surprise
Students put an object in “Santa’s Bag.” Next, the other students in their group or class try to figure out what is in “Santa’s Bag” by asking “yes” or “no” questions.
5. This or That
The teacher poses several holiday questions and students can select their favorite. They could stand, use a Zoom poll, raise their hands, or hold up a paper with their answer.
Holiday This or That Example:
- Gingerbread or Sugar Cookie
- Santa or Rudolph
- Colored Lights or White Lights
- Open Gifts on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve
- Snowy Day or Warm Weather
- Christmas Carols or Christmas Movies
- Milk or Cookies
- Stocking Stuffers or Big Gifts
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows
- Give or Get
Santa’s Workshop (crafts and activities)
6. Christmas Ornament
Virtual students could pick up materials or gather their own for a special Christmas ornament craft for their parent’s gift.
7. Christmas Cards
Students create Christmas cards for seniors living in an assisted living home or people living in a homeless shelter in your hometown. A sweet note will put a smile on someone’s face during the holiday season.
8. Christmas Challenge or Escape Room
A Christmas challenge could be worked on independently or in a small group (at a safe distance).
My favorite is this Revise and Edit Christmas Challenge. Students must solve 3 activities: Spelling, Transition Words, and Editing questions. Whoever gets through the activities accurately and quickly wins.
9. Fake Snow Experiment
Students can be given the materials or gather the materials ahead of time for this fun science experiment. The recipe is simple: baking soda and hair conditioner (must be white).
The students mix together 2 ½ cups of baking soda and ½ cup of conditioner. The result is a squishy mixture that is loads of fun to play with.
10. Build an Igloo
All students need are toothpicks and miniature marshmallows. Their imaginations can go wild as they design their own igloo. Then students will enjoy sharing their creations with their friends.
Frosty’s Fun Days (theme days)
11. PJ’s Day
Who doesn’t love to be comfy all day. Students can wear pajamas to school or while working from home virtually.
12. Virtual Background Day
If you’re anything like me virtual backgrounds are usually a big no, no during Zoom lessons. Therefore, letting students choose a virtual background (a winter theme, perhaps) for a day would be a big treat.
13. Talent Show
Pick a day or let a few students each day display a talent for their classmates. Some students may claim they don’t have a talent. Remind them to think outside the box. For instance, how about playing the spoons or reciting the alphabet backwards?
14. Holiday Dress Up Day
Students can dress like a Christmas character (Santa, Rudolph, etc). Or have an ugly sweater day. Students can show off their attire to their classmates. Then they can vote (Google form?) on their favorite outfit.
15. Christmas Sing Along
Blast Christmas carols with the lyrics on the screen and let students sing and dance along. It’s a great way to get the wiggles out and get into the holiday spirit.
As you can see, students can still enjoy holiday fun in their distance learning classroom with these engaging Christmas activities.
If you’re looking for more tips and tricks for teaching in the distance learning classroom, check out my other blog post on the topic: Distance Learning Tips for Teachers and How to Teach a Virtual Grammar Lesson
