As the holiday season approaches, many teachers will start to consider incorporating Elf on the Shelf into their classroom traditions. However, before you dust off your elf-themed decorations and get ready to create a festive atmosphere, it’s essential to take a step back and think critically about the potential implications of Elf on the Shelf in the classroom.
The Origins of Elf on the Shelf
Elf on the Shelf, a popular holiday toy, was created in 2005 by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. The idea behind the toy is that the elf, sent by Santa Claus, is tasked with watching over children and reporting back to the North Pole on their behavior. The twist is that the elf moves around the house or classroom each night, often getting into mischief, and the children wake up to find it in a new location, sparking imagination and excitement.
The Problem with Elf on the Shelf in the Classroom
While Elf on the Shelf may seem like a harmless way to add some holiday cheer to your classroom, there are several reasons why teachers should reconsider incorporating it into their teaching practices.
Teacher Burnout
One of the main issues with Elf on the Shelf is the added workload it creates for teachers. Between lesson planning, grading, and managing classroom behavior, teachers already have a lot on their plates. Having to move an elf around the classroom each night, come up with creative scenarios, and keep track of who has been naughty or nice can be overwhelming and stressful. This can lead to teacher burnout, which can negatively impact the overall learning environment.
A 2018 survey by the National Education Association found that 55% of teachers reported feeling stressed, and 45% reported feeling burned out.
Distractions and Disruptions
Elf on the Shelf can also be a significant distraction for students, especially in a classroom setting where focus and attention are essential for learning. When students are busy looking for the elf or discussing its latest antics, they are not focused on the lesson at hand. This can lead to disruptions and a loss of instructional time, ultimately affecting student achievement.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that students who are distracted or disengaged from learning are more likely to experience lower academic achievement.
Inequity and Exclusion
Elf on the Shelf can also create inequity and exclusion in the classroom. Not all students may celebrate Christmas or participate in the Elf on the Shelf tradition, which can lead to feelings of isolation or left-out. Additionally, students from low-income families may not have the means to participate in the tradition, creating an uneven playing field.
A 2019 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 70% of Americans celebrate Christmas, leaving 30% who do not participate in the holiday.
Focus on Commercialism
Elf on the Shelf promotes commercialism and materialism, which can be detrimental to the values and principles that educators aim to instill in their students. By focusing on the elf’s antics and the latest elf-themed merchandise, students may lose sight of the true meaning of the holiday season.
A 2018 study by the University of California, Los Angeles found that exposure to consumer advertising can lead to increased materialism and decreased empathy in children.
Teacher-Student Boundaries
Elf on the Shelf can also blur the lines between teacher-student boundaries. When teachers create elaborate elf scenarios or engage in playful banter with students about the elf’s antics, it can create an environment that is too casual or familiar. This can lead to a loss of authority and respect in the classroom.
A 2019 survey by the National Education Association found that 71% of teachers reported feeling that they had inadequate training on establishing and maintaining professional boundaries with students.
Alternative Holiday Traditions for the Classroom
While Elf on the Shelf may not be the best fit for every classroom, there are alternative holiday traditions that can promote a sense of community, inclusivity, and joy.
Classroom Giving Tree
One alternative is to create a classroom giving tree, where students can contribute to a local charity or organization. This promotes a sense of social responsibility and empathy, while also teaching valuable lessons about the importance of giving and kindness.
Holiday-Themed Learning Activities
Another option is to incorporate holiday-themed learning activities that focus on cultural diversity, literature, and critical thinking. This can include reading holiday-themed books, exploring holiday traditions from around the world, or creating holiday-themed math or science activities.
Conclusion
While Elf on the Shelf may seem like a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season in the classroom, it’s essential for teachers to consider the potential drawbacks. By opting out of Elf on the Shelf, teachers can avoid adding to their workload, minimize distractions and disruptions, promote inclusivity and equity, focus on meaningful learning activities, and maintain professional boundaries.
Teachers have the power to create a positive and engaging learning environment that promotes academic achievement, social responsibility, and joy. By choosing alternative holiday traditions that align with their values and teaching practices, teachers can create a holiday season that is truly special and memorable for all students.
What is Elf on the Shelf and why is it a problem in the classroom?
Elf on the Shelf is a popular holiday tradition where a small elf doll is placed in various locations around the house, supposedly watching over the children and reporting back to Santa Claus. While it may seem harmless, Elf on the Shelf can create unnecessary stress and distractions in the classroom, taking away from valuable learning time. As teachers, we should prioritize creating a focused and calm learning environment, and Elf on the Shelf can hinder that.
Instead of incorporating Elf on the Shelf into the classroom, teachers can focus on more educational and engaging activities that promote creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. By opting out of Elf on the Shelf, teachers can create a more productive and respectful learning environment that benefits all students.
Isn’t Elf on the Shelf just a fun holiday tradition?
While Elf on the Shelf may be a beloved holiday tradition for some families, it is not necessarily a good fit for the classroom. The daily expectation of moving the elf and coming up with creative scenarios can be overwhelming and time-consuming, taking away from more important tasks and responsibilities. Additionally, not all students may celebrate Christmas or participate in the Elf on the Shelf tradition, which can create feelings of exclusion and discomfort.
By opting out of Elf on the Shelf, teachers can create a more inclusive and respectful classroom environment that celebrates diversity and promotes a sense of community. Instead of focusing on a specific holiday tradition, teachers can incorporate more inclusive and educational holiday activities that engage all students.
What about the students who love Elf on the Shelf?
It’s understandable that some students may be excited about Elf on the Shelf, but it’s essential to consider the needs and feelings of all students, not just those who participate in the tradition. By opting out of Elf on the Shelf, teachers can create a more equitable and respectful classroom environment that considers the diverse needs and backgrounds of all students. Additionally, teachers can find alternative ways to engage students and create a festive atmosphere without the distraction of Elf on the Shelf.
Teachers can still celebrate the holiday season and engage students in fun and educational activities that promote creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. By focusing on more inclusive and educational activities, teachers can create a positive and respectful learning environment that benefits all students.
Can’t teachers just use Elf on the Shelf as a teaching tool?
While some teachers may try to use Elf on the Shelf as a teaching tool, it can be challenging to integrate it meaningfully into the curriculum. Elf on the Shelf is primarily a holiday tradition, and it may not align with the educational goals and objectives of the classroom. Additionally, the daily expectation of moving the elf and creating scenarios can be a distraction from more important teaching tasks and responsibilities.
Teachers should focus on using evidence-based and research-backed teaching strategies that promote student learning and achievement, rather than relying on a holiday tradition. By prioritizing more effective and engaging teaching methods, teachers can create a more productive and respectful learning environment that benefits all students.
What about parents who want to bring Elf on the Shelf into the classroom?
While parents may be enthusiastic about bringing Elf on the Shelf into the classroom, it’s essential for teachers to set boundaries and prioritize the educational needs of all students. Teachers should communicate with parents and explain their reasons for opting out of Elf on the Shelf, emphasizing the importance of creating a focused and respectful learning environment.
By setting clear expectations and boundaries, teachers can work with parents to find alternative ways to celebrate the holiday season that are more educational and inclusive. Teachers can also provide parents with ideas and resources for incorporating Elf on the Shelf into their child’s home life, if they wish to continue the tradition.
Can’t teachers just have fun with it and not take it too seriously?
While it’s essential for teachers to have fun and be enthusiastic about their work, Elf on the Shelf can create unnecessary stress and distractions in the classroom. Teachers should prioritize creating a respectful and focused learning environment that promotes student learning and achievement, rather than getting bogged down in a holiday tradition.
By opting out of Elf on the Shelf, teachers can focus on more important tasks and responsibilities, such as lesson planning, grading, and providing individualized support to students. By maintaining a professional and focused approach, teachers can create a more productive and respectful learning environment that benefits all students.
Is it really worth making a fuss about Elf on the Shelf?
Yes, it is worth making a fuss about Elf on the Shelf in the context of the classroom. As teachers, we have a responsibility to create a learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and focused on student learning and achievement. By opting out of Elf on the Shelf, teachers can prioritize more important tasks and responsibilities, and create a more productive and respectful classroom environment.
By taking a stand against Elf on the Shelf, teachers can also promote a more critical and nuanced understanding of holiday traditions and cultural practices, encouraging students to think more deeply about the implications and impact of these traditions on others. By doing so, teachers can create a more informed and empathetic student body that is better equipped to navigate the complexities of the world around them.