'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Break)

Yo Yo Yo, it’s Sarah Claus, rappin’ and wrappin’ my way through December….

The art room has been busier than Santa’s Workshop this month. Paint flowed. Thousands of tiny pieces of paper swirled through the air in a faux snowstorm. There was the unfortunate pink glitter incident, which adorned not only ornaments but the table and floor, as well. (The glitter incident was my own fault, since I gave it to a student who asked, instead of feigning ignorance). Yes, it’s been a colorful month…. 

We’ve had a festive time, so without further ado, here is what my elves created:

Kindergarten made Rudolph tree ornaments, complete with real bells.

My first-grade artists made snow people ornaments, and they have such personality!

Second grade created Christmas trees out of paper plates, decorated with colorful paper ornaments.

My third-grade artists curled paper to create three-dimensional branches on their Christmas trees. I encouraged the kids to go wild with color for a playful feel. Some students added strips of

origami paper.

Fourth grade colored wooden tree ornaments. Didn’t the kids do a good job? 

My fifth-grade students made some amazing three-dimensional Christmas trees from pipe cleaners and beads. Some of the beads are pearlescent and the effect is a beautiful, shiny glow.

Sixth grade colored and folded three-dimensional manger scenes from cardstock. I love how the kids added visual texture to the wooden manger and the straw. 

Seventh grade made tree ornaments, too. We used paint (mistake number one on my part! Super messy….). Details were added with sharpie and marker. These wooden ornaments are from the Dollar Tree, and at six for $1.25, they are a great deal. How cute are these Santas and snow people?

Finally, my eighth-grade artists made Christmas trees from cardstock. Each side of our trees has a different pattern and color scheme so there is plenty of variety and pattern.

Keeping with our holiday theme, I asked the kids which Christmas movies they like. As always, there were strong opinions. Favorites included Elf, Home Alone, Home Alone 2, Rudolph, Frostie the Snowman and Christmas Chronicles. There was some spirited debate about whether Die Hard qualified as a Christmas film. It takes place in December, but is it truly a Christmas movie? It was an art room divided.

On that note, I’ll excuse myself to go check on our Elf (not) on the shelf. Our elf is hanging upside down and has amazing strength. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or Hannukah or the winter solstice, have a safe and cozy season. If you need this Sarah Claus, she will be juggling madly until Christmas day, and then collapsing somewhere for a long winter’s nap…