Everything is winding down in school at the moment – the Christmas shows and nativity plays are finished and the time when you can switch off your alarm is approaching. Energy is low – emotions are high.
If you have run out of steam but want to keep your students occupied right up until the end of term, we’ve found 12 marvellously festive resources covering a variety of subjects – from art and maths to PSHE and science – that will ensure a seasonal amount of frivolity with an educational twist.
All of the resources can be found on the Guardian Teacher Network and are accessible by clicking each title. Alternatively, you can access the resources from our ebook here.
Resources for primary and special educational needs students
24 sleeps until Christmas
The idea of this resource is that children count down the days to Christmas by doing an activity every day. There are three activities per day to choose from, such as making a penguin mask, singing a Christmas carol or hanging mistletoe. You can cut out the pictures and decide what order they should follow.
Celebrations and festivals
Explore various celebrations and festivals – Diwali, Hanukah, Eid, Chinese New Year, and of course Christmas – using this colourful (and sometimes noisy) whiteboard activity. Each festival contains video and sound to motivate learning.
Giant Christmas jigsaw puzzle
This colourful 30 piece jigsaw depicts a Christmas lunch scene. Use it as a daily activity (a bit like an advent calendar) or as a display activity for the last week of term.
Christmas card templates
If you’re looking for an independent writing activity these Christmas cards are perfect. As well as handy gifts to send home, you can also download the black and white version for motor control practice.
Christmas picture match
Cut out and match these Christmas themed pictures or laminate them and use them as an end of term game of bingo.
Resources for older students
Ice balloons
Ask students to explore how water changes when it freezes and how ices changes when it melts. What happens if you shine a torch through ice? Or if you pour salt over the ice? Here’s a guide to making ice balloons to test the science.
Ever wondered why?
Why can’t Cinderella play football? She had a pumpkin for a coach. This worksheet asks students to match the questions with the answers to reveal an “ever wondered why...” statement.
Experiment selection box
From festive candy canes and blizzard ice cream to a colourful torch light and snow made from nappies – these experiments will keep young minds busy.
Christmas themed quiz
Five rounds of 10 questions – mainly Christmas themed. Students should work together to find the answers. For a competitive spin, split the class in to groups. Includes a festive jumper picture round.
Resources suitable for all ages
Gingerbread tree recipe
Everyone likes a sweet treat and what better way to add a personal touch to your class Christmas tree than by making some gingerbread decorations. This recipe shows you how to make 12 biscuits. You can find a pine tree template here if you need it.
New year’s resolutions with a difference
Working collaboratively, ask your class to decide what changes they want to see in their personal, school, local and global environments in the New Year. Use photographs to help stimulate debate and give examples of world events to help them form opinions.
Singing festive pack
With songs, performance ideas and creative music activities, this pack provides you with everything you need to get to the end of term in a jovial way.
