Did anyone else fall into the trap of putting an elf on the shelf in their classroom this year? This damn doll was not as cute as I had hoped. A kid bumps into the elf, and the class breaks out into chaos. The elf falls down because I didn't secure it to the wall properly, and the kids start crying, swearing that the elf died. I forget to move the elf overnight, and the class spends all day staring at the elf, wondering what's wrong. ETC. ETC. ETC.

No, thankfully my students are too old for that. Knowing them as teenagers, it's hard to imagine any of them would have been into that kind of thing when they were younger. I should ask about it and check out the eye rolls.

My coteacher and I did one this year! It’s definitely nice to have 2 people because she came up with a few ideas and so did I and we both set the dang guy up every morning 😂. Also it’s hard for both of us to forget about it! It was pretty fun! It’s really exciting for the kids in our class who don’t have an elf at home an we have them write about what he’s doing every morning.

I teach 5th and I do it. The kids are so sweet. Half of them believe and the other half play along. Today he got knocked over and a few girls made signs “murder mystery” “police line, do not cross” The even came back from art with an elf sleigh equipped with a seatbelt!

Best story ever about Elf on the Shelf: 2 3rd grade classrooms each had an elf. One December morning, a student was sent to the office to talk to the principal about a ‘bullying’ situation and the principal needed to go to 3rd grade. When the principal got to 3rd grade, the report had to do with o e elf bullying the other! Creative! Principal did not mind this bullying situation, as the students had solutions for it!

I did when I was in 1st grade. Then I had the Ring app and every time my phone would go off with a ding , I told the kids that the Elf going back to the N Pole and telling Santa what’s been going on through the day. Let me tell you, they were the quietist and nicest kids during that time.

I think you learned by experience why that fad has mostly died. I refused to do it for my own kids because I could tell it was going to be a nightmare.

What about the snoop on the stoop?

I am almost 50 years old. I grew up with the elf! My mother did too. This really was a tradition in some people’s families before the book and movie and all the commercialism. My family’s elf was tiny and kind of creepy looking. - as an elf doll from the 1940’s would be. My brother and I were afraid of it! Haha. When I continued the tradition with my own kids, I turned it into something to promote kindness and holiday spirit- not fear or naughtiness. Our elf left notes with daily tasks - like choose a toy to donate, buy some food for the food pantry, perform an act of kindness, etc. he also left little books or ornament crafts for my kids to make. My kids are adults now and still remember the elf stuff with positive memories.
I did not bring the elf into the classroom. I avoid specific holidays at school because our demographics are so diverse and holidays are not always positive for everyone. I stick to fun seasonal themes and it all
Works out fine.

Oh heck no! I have plenty of to do without taking on an elf with lots of rules! The kids have enjoyed sharing their elf hijinks each morning.

I would sooner install a telescreen.

I’ve never done it before and have never had a class ask about it, but this year the class did. Maybe next year?

That’s hilarious. Live and learn. I’ve heard colleagues, who are parents of young kids complain about elf on the shelve too. Too funny lol

It helps when you are up front and just tell them you do not celebrate religious holidays.

I work with 18 to 22 year olds in special ed. We have the same issue.
We determined that last year was the end of elf on a shelf due to heated debates over the functionality of the elf's magical powers.

Velcro

God bless middle schoolers and their non-belief in Santa. No need for that elf. I’m assuming the elf will not be making a reappearance next year?

No. I’m just not an “Elf on the Shelf” kind of person, plus I taught sixth grade; most know that mom and dad are Santa. Also, even though I can’t discuss religion in school, the “Elf” doesn’t jive with the real meaning of Christmas to me.

I leave no stone unturned when it comes to teaching my 1st graders that Santa Claus isn't real and that Christmas itself has become a shining example of everything that is wrong with America, Christianity and capitalism. It proves only how disgustingly fat and entitled we have become. Yuck.