I am very excited to participate in this fun linky hosted by Mrs. Labrasciano so I can share how I celebrate the season in my middle school ELA class!
Of course I decorate my room - with lights around the front whiteboard and then there's my tree:
( Yes, it's a Charlie Brown tree!)
In the 7th grade ELA classes at my school, it is tradition to teach the play version of "A Christmas Carol".
I have always loved reading and discussing the great story and then comparing and contrasting it to the Muppets' video version.
First, we start with a little video background:
 |
Then we read a scene, diagram the plot, discuss, take Cornell notes and then watch the Muppet version of the same scene with a Venn Diagram.
One of my favorite activities that we do during this time, is a point of view exercise. I ask all the students to make a Christmas card from Scrooge's point of view before he changes. Here's one exceptional one:
I love the attempt to re-write "The 12 days of Christmas" on the inside! I think he really understood where Scrooge was coming from, don't you? :)
After we have completely finished the play, on the last day (usually also the last day before the break) I like to play "Jeopardy" using the facts from the play version. I always give the winning team a special holiday treat like cupcakes, but the "losing" teams always get a candy cane for each member of the team. :)
Now that I teach 8th grade, I equally love teaching "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. But that's another post for next week. :)
Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out the linky and giveaway below so you can stop by some more blogs for some more holiday fun!
