Elves Featuring The Elves and The Shoemaker
One of my favorite tales to teach young children is the story of the Elves and the Shoemaker. It is a great way to sprinkle a little dust into the season if you are unable to talk about Christmas in your school, or as a juncture from storybook elves to North Pole elves if you are. There are many versions to purchase of this title, Here are a few of my favorites (with my Amazon affiliate link).
I like to get at least 3 versions of any book that we will be studying so that we are able to do a compare and contrast activity as we read. I also love to bring in the non-fiction aspect into all themes. Here are a few videos that show the work of a cobbler.
Kids love the nonfiction connections. Especially when the connection brings in science or social studies.
The next thing I think about when teaching a theme is gathering some great songs! This song, which is included in our Elf unit, is one of my student's favorites! It is simple, yet so much fun to sing! Our unit contains a 5-day lesson plan to incorporate this song into your classroom.
The song Cobbler Cobbler Mend My Shoe is also a lot of fun. My students love this version that uses the song Johnny's Hammer for the melody. It is fun to act out using our hands, feet, and even head as a hammer. You can listen to that version here.
Kids also love the kinesthetic link of singing and dancing to this traditional Danish Dance called The Shoemaker's Dance.
Another fun tune simple to sing at transitions, is called "We are Elves." It is a great sing/song tune that can easily have more verses added by yourself and/or the students.
Our games and activities provide opportunity to excite students to learn academic skills with some elf-style flair.
The playhouse is a great and easy place to set up learning experiences. I purchased a cheap, small tree and a few non breakable ornaments to allow for decorating and un-decorating, then I made a few felt hats and aprons, found an old Santa costume, and added some kitchen tools, some play cakes, candies, cupcakes, and other play sweets. The kids LOVE this kitchen, and I LOVE to listen to the language that is developed as the students bake the elfish goodies.
The supportive material to use with all of our thematic units is organized on planner sheets to assure the theme covers all aspects of the curriculum.
I make, laminate, and file each activity so that any prep is a one-time prep. After use, all items are carefully filed, ready to go year after year.
All of the activities are standards-based and have been used successfully with thousands of kindergartner, preschool, and homeschool students.
Here are a few examples of the many games and activities that are included in the unit.
Literacy
The Elves and The Shoemaker Storytelling Activity.
The Little Elves Poetry Activity: 5 Day Plan
A sample of the literacy lessons and worksheets that are included.
Math
A sample of the included math lessons and worksheets.
Writing
Materials included to get kids writing.
Guided Reading - Social Studies - Art
Guided Readers that kids love, easy to make art portfolio sample, songs to sing, and a visit to your classroom from the kindness elves.
This project is included in our North Pole Theme. Kids love becoming elves. Template and instructions are included.
This reader's theater is a highlight to top off this fun unit.
This unit is stuffed with academic learning, and always leaves the students begging for more! As with all of our products, they are available at Teachers Pay Teachers or here at our Squarespace Store.
