Free Elf Shenanigans Ideas and Free Printable

11/27/2023

Does the Elf on the shelf visit your program? It's that time of year when many early childhood educators receive visits from their Elf on the shelf. Let me help you stay organized while you start planning your elf shenanigans.

Get a free set of printable count and clip cards (including a mini set for your elf) in my shop to complement your activities.

Your students will have fun practicing their counting skills right alongside their elf-with these count and clip cards.

Do you need some elf ideas?

Below you can also find Elf on the shelf tips from early childhood educators (including 30+ examples of the precarious positions their elves have been found in), as well as other free Elf and the Shelf printables from other bloggers! Happy Planning!

If you are new to the Elf on the shelf-the concept is that a special "scout elf" has been sent to keep an eye on the children and report any bad/good behavior back to the North Pole. The scout can only move/talk when the children are asleep and can be found when they wake in some precarious situations.

One of the main rules is that the elf can't be touched or it becomes ill. The original story asks that if the elf is accidentally touched the child should write a letter to Santa and sprinkle Cinnamon near him (which has healing properties). To avoid having the elf touched in a childcare setting most of the displays are created in areas that cannot be touched by the Children, or are generally more secluded (Such as Kitchen Counters, separate family rooms, etc.).

In the event the elf needs to be moved or is accidentally touched educators offer these tips:

"Occasionally he's been in their space (like the fishing in the glass pan of water on our learning table) but the whole scene can be moved if I need to without touching him." - Terria A. of Bella's Playhouse

"Teacher puts on "special gloves" to move him depending if it's in the children's area like a center where he can be touched. If he's touched then he is sick! We leave a note by him and put a bandaid on him! He arrives after nap time everyday as long as he isn't sick!" -Ashley C. of Oh2BKids Learning Center

" I try to keep him out of reach so that hasn't happened, but if he happens to fall over, which has happened, I use tongs and an oven mitt to pick him up. They think that's hilarious." -Erica P. of Erica's Educare Learning Center

Many educators have adapted the tradition of having the elf bring notes to suggesting random acts of kindness. The elf can leave special notes for parents/children about the nice things he sees them doing for others.

Thank you to the following fabulous members and subscribers who have contributed to this collection of mischief: Terria A. of Bella's Playhouse, Cathleen S., Erica P. of Erica's Educare Learning Center, Jennifer R. of Jennifer's Little Wonders Home Daycare , Ashley C. of Oh2BKids Learning Center, and Dianna B.