View some of our guides available for different parts of the year!
Fall Lessons and Activities
Winter Lessons and Activities
Spring Lessons and Activities
Summer Lessons and Activities
How To Organize A Classroom Gift Exchange For The Holiday Season
Decide on the Type of Gift Exchange
There are various types of gift exchanges, including Secret Santa, White Elephant, or simply exchanging gifts with a random classmate. Choose the one that works best for your classroom and students.
Establish Guidelines
Once you've decided on the type of gift exchange, establish guidelines to ensure the process is fair and appropriate for all students. Consider setting a spending limit, requiring all gifts to be school appropriate, and setting a specific date and time for the exchange.
Determine Participation
Not all students may want to participate in a gift exchange, so make sure to offer an alternative activity for those who do not wish to participate. Additionally, consider whether participation will be mandatory or optional.
Assign Partners
For Secret Santa or random gift exchanges, use a random pairing system to assign partners. For White Elephant, determine the order of gift selection and opening.
Set the Date and Time
Choose a date and time that works best for your students and schedule the gift exchange during class time.
Decorate and Prepare
Decorate the classroom with holiday-themed decorations and prepare a designated area for the gift exchange. Consider providing wrapping paper, tape, and scissors for students who want to wrap their gifts.
Exchange Gifts
On the day of the gift exchange, remind students of the guidelines and have them exchange gifts. Encourage students to be gracious and appreciative of their gifts.
Celebrate
After the gift exchange, celebrate with a class party or holiday-themed activity to continue the festive atmosphere.
Looking for more? Check out other seasonal ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions about Holiday & Seasonal Activities
What kinds of activities can I do with my students during the fall season?
You can read and discuss classic short stories by Edgar Allan Poe, such as "The Black Cat," "The Cask of Amontillado," and "The Fall of the House of Usher." Additionally, you can create storyboards and graphic organizers to help students visualize the themes, characters, and plot elements of these stories. You can also read "Towers Falling" by Jewell Parker Rhodes, which explores the events of 9/11, and discuss the importance of elections.
What are some winter-themed lessons and activities I can use in my classroom?
You can teach your students about ancient China and Chinese New Year, as well as Valentine's Day activities. Additionally, you can explore the presidency of Abraham Lincoln and read "Mr. Popper's Penguins." You can also read "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry and participate in Black History Month activities, and many more!
What spring-themed lessons and activities can I incorporate into my curriculum?
You can read and discuss "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park and "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko. Additionally, you can teach your students about the Earth and Moon, participate in Earth Day activities, and read "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai and "The Last Cherry Blossom" by Kathleen Burkinshaw. You can also incorporate Mother's Day activities and read "Rules" by Cynthia Lord.
What are some summer-themed lessons and activities that my students will enjoy?
You can use an American Revolution teacher guide and read "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson, "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine, and "The Declaration of Independence: A Primary Source Analysis." You can also introduce your students to Storyboard That and participate in Father's Day activities. Additionally, you can read "Lily's Crossing" by Patricia Reilly Giff.
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