The holiday season is not just about decorations and gifts; it’s also the perfect time to teach children about kindness, empathy, and the joy of giving. One delightful way to instill these values is by incorporating your Elf on the Shelf into acts of kindness. We’ve compiled seven tips to help you encourage kindness with your elf, along with a fantastic resource titled Winter Holiday Writing Prompts Countdown to Winter Break with Acts of Kindness available on Teachers Pay Teachers. This resource is designed to complement your efforts by integrating writing prompts that promote reflection and suggest acts of kindness.
This holiday season, let your Elf on the Shelf become a messenger of kindness, spreading joy and goodwill.
Tip 1: Start with an Introduction Letter from the North Pole
Kick off the kindness journey by having your Elf on the Shelf arrive with an introduction letter from the North Pole. This letter can set the tone for the season, emphasizing the importance of spreading kindness and making a positive impact.
Tip 2: Utilize Reading Passages and Comprehension Questions
Integrate reading passages that not only provide examples of letters to the North Pole but also offer valuable content to spark discussions on kindness. Comprehension questions ensure that children not only read but also understand the significance of their actions.
Tip 3: Emphasize the Art of Letter Writing
Take advantage of the provided tips for writing a letter. Encourage students to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through the written word. Letter writing is a powerful tool that allows children to reflect on their actions and share their stories with the North Pole.
Tip 4: Engage with 20 Thoughtful Writing Prompts
The “Winter Holiday Writing Prompts Countdown to Winter Break with Acts of Kindness” resource on Teachers Pay Teachers offers 20 writing prompts inspired by North Pole ideas. These prompts provide a daily focus on different aspects of kindness, making it a fun and engaging way for students to reflect on and implement acts of goodwill.
Tip 5: Integrate Acts of Kindness Activities
Incorporate activities suggested by the North Pole to bring the concept of kindness to life. Whether it’s creating handmade cards for a local nursing home or organizing a small kindness club within your classroom, these activities enhance the learning experience.

Tip 6: Encourage Daily Letter Writing to the North Pole
Provide time for students to write daily letters to the North Pole, sharing their acts of kindness and how it made them feel. This not only reinforces the habit of expressing gratitude but also provides a tangible record of their journey towards kindness.

Tip 7: Flexible Use in Various Settings
The Winter Holiday Writing Prompts Countdown to Winter Break with Acts of Kindness resource is versatile. Whether used as morning/bell work, in small group sessions for Social Emotional Learning, or as part of behavior interventions and kindness clubs, it seamlessly fits into different aspects of your classroom routine.
This holiday season, let your Elf on the Shelf become a messenger of kindness, spreading joy and goodwill. Combine these tips with the insightful resource from Teachers Pay Teachers to create a memorable and impactful experience for your students. Together, let’s make this season not only festive but also filled with the warmth of kindness and compassion.
