If you are looking for ways to bring a little Christmas magic and excitement into the classroom, think about adding a classroom elf! Here are 50 easy Elf ideas for a preschool classroom, plus a super fun SECRET decoder message for students to get a message from their elf.
Christmas is getting closer and that means little boys and girls will be waiting on the edge of their seats for the return of their favorite classroom elf! If you don’t have an elf in your preschool classroom, you might want to consider getting one.
They bring with them lots of fun and positive reinforcement for good behavior for the kiddos. I’ve never liked using our Elf to show negative behavior or even threaten with, but always as a reward for kindness and having the Christmas spirit. And I always use easy Elf ideas to keep the stress level down!
That’s why I think they are fantastic to include in classrooms, especially preschool classrooms!
Preschool age children still have so much delight with the magic of the Elf and you can really get SO creative in things your elf does every day! In fact, I have over 50 easy Elf ideas for a preschool classroom to share with you in this post.
While it’s fun to do super creative displays, bringing the fun and magic of an Elf into a preschool classroom can be kept pretty simple. I’ve included a lot of great FREE printable activities in the list below.
I’ve also included some setup ideas, but you can even keep it super simple like this… having your Elf hanging out on a globe [like above] or in the craft supply box!
There are literally endless ways that you can incorporate your class elf into the fun of everyday. I love the idea of having the Elf bring a “Naughty and Nice” list with them one day and the teacher and principal name being on the naughty list! The kids would get a kick out of that, I’m sure.
The more the kids get involved with the elf, the more fun you’ll have. I know a lot of teachers let the kids name their classroom Elf and it’s a great way for kids to learn voting and even a counting activity.
Before we get to the HUGE list of even more ideas and activities, I have to share with you this super fun Elf Secret Message Decoder Printable that I’ve created for you and the best part – it’s FREE to Print!
Your students will love finding a secret message from their classroom elf and figuring out what it means with this printable decoder puzzle!
You’ll find even more preschool games and puzzles like this, and even ways to creatively hide your elf in your preschool classroom below. Good luck and Happy Elfing!
50 EASY Elf Ideas for a Preschool Classroom
Elf on the Shelf Preschool Crafts
This Elf on the Shelf craft is perfect for the whole class to make at the same time. It's relatively easy, with just a few craft supplies needed.
This adorable set up features your Elf that wants to build a snowman in your preschool classroom.
Seriously how cute is this Silly Elf Photo Booth? Just print and fold together for an adorable elf scene for your kids to find as they come into the classroom.
These adorable Elf on the Shelf puppets are made from paper bags! This is another activity that the whole class will enjoy with limited supplies needed.
This is a scavenger hunt activity that my house elf does every year, but it would be great as an Elf on the Shelf ideas for preschool classrooms too! There's a FREE printable that explains candy canes are hidden - can the kids find them all?
How about turning each of the kids into an elf?! This adorable craft would be one that kids and their parents will treasure for years!
Even reading can be more fun when it's done with your classroom elf! Check out these ideas and games for incorporating reading with your classroom elf.
We can't have elf reading without elf math! Here are some great educational activities and worksheets your kids will love.
Another print and set it up - this one pairs with marshmallows for a hilarious scene for your classroom Elf on the Shelf!
Speaking of games, it doesn't get any better than BINGO! Except when it's Christmas BINGO! This FREE printable BINGO game is even more fun when it's delivered by your Elf.
Good deeds are one thing that all of us want our children to do and the elf can bring about that too! These are free to print and then have your elf bring so the kids can work on doing nice things for others - even random acts of kindness too!
How about a game of charades, but elf style?! This is a super fun way to get the sillies out of preschool children as the holiday season approaches.
I love the idea of a classroom elf bringing games and activities and this free printable Christmas Wishlist is a great way to have kids practice writing.
Get the kids' minds working hard when they work together to make an Elf Trap in the classroom!
This cute idea for a fun and festive snack is perfect for a classroom elf! The Elf Hat Rice Krispies Treats are easy to make and even easier to eat!
Remember that Christmas BINGO game? This one is the perfect size for your little elf! The kiddos would have so much fun seeing their elf with a teeny tiny BINGO card!
Here's another freebie to print! This one is sure to get some giggles out of your students as they put together silly elf sentences with adjectives.
Here's another take on a Christmas List printable that your elf can deliver to the classroom.
These elf coloring pages are free to print and a great way to keep kids busy while other kids are finishing assignments. They would be great delivered by your elf from the north pole, or just to have out in a coloring center.
Do some of the kids in your classroom think they have what it takes to be Santa's helper? They can apply to be an elf themselves! This is a super extra fun activity for the class and can help them share confidence about themselves.
If you're still looking for fun ways for an elf on the shelf arrival idea, or extra fun places for your elf to appear, check out this Youtube video.
If you have a funny elf, he or she might just love these Elf on the Shelf Joke cards! They are a free pdf file to print and put around your classroom during the holidays.
Here's another writing idea with Elf Adjectives! I love how teachers can incorporate their classroom elf into all styles of learning.
Kids from all grades love to look at hallway displays and these elves are displayed proudly!
This elf thinks he is the star student of the week. A very easy setup but one the kids will love!
This elf on the shelf arrival idea actually comes in 3 - different ways for your elf to make an appearance in your classroom!
I cannot stand how CUTE this is! This teacher actually made the classroom elf's picture the background on her classes' computers! Talk about a mischevious elf!
One great way to get kids tinkering is to talk about how the elves make the toys at the North Pole. With a random assortment of craft supplies, kids are encouraged to make their own inventions!
Going along with good deeds, this elf encourages students to write messages to kids to "fill their buckets". Such a cool idea, be sure to take the time to check it out!
This blog is all about showing how easy it really is to incorporate an elf on the shelf into a classroom. While elaborate setups can be fun, they aren't necessary!
How cute is this setup?! An elf that can mountain, or book climb!
Another print and go - this time you can print the Twister board and set your elf up to do a split! This is a free printable from the Teachers Pay Teachers website.
So easy, but so special! This elf brought a book for the classroom to read together.
Have kiddos that like to play with tape? I bet they won't when they say where this elf ends up!
Apparently this scout elf thought it was a good idea to hang around the classroom and got caught upside down! See - there are lots of easy ways to pose your elf in a preschool classroom!
Learning is fun when there are scout elves involved! These easy to print worksheets will make the kiddos excited to count.
Such a cute idea of an art project and a writing assignment together. These would be fun keepsakes for the kids to take home, or display in the hallways.
How cute is this Elf on the Shelf Journal. Kids can color and write where they find their elf each day. Plus, it's got even more activities too!
Speaking of hiding your elf, this pin on Pinterest has a MONTH full of ideas of where your elf can turn up each day.
This list has you COVERED with Elf on the Shelf ideas, but if you're still looking for more... you'll find another 15 here!
Still can't get enough of Elf on the Shelf Ideas for a Preschool Classroom? This blog post from Sweet for Kindergarten has 15 MORE ideas, including pictures of some adorable elf setups.