The creativity of Coshocton Elementary School teacher Tim Ward is evident in this winter door display depicting the Elf on the Shelf. The educator is even passing out cookies! Tim teaches sixth grade. Photo credit: Coshocton Beacon Today

This is the time of year when innovative teachers everywhere are displaying creative winter season displays on their classroom doors.

For example, the creativity of educator Tim Ward is evident in this winter door display depicting the Elf on the Shelf. The fun-loving educator  even passed out cookies! Tim teaches sixth grade at Coshocton Elementary School in Coshocton, Ohio.

“Building a positive culture and a positive climate was our main focus,” remarked Assistant Principal Tony Meiser. “Once someone saw what one teacher did, the next would step it up to try to out-do them. But it was all about the common theme of positivity and the spirit of Christmas,” he continued.

Megan Crook, the campus Literacy Coach, explained that the school-wide door decorating contest came from some of the school’s teachers who participated in a book club. The group they talked about encouraging an activity that would build a positive school culture.

Some teachers worked books their students have been reading into their door decorating themes, and others developed displays that reflected the subjects they teach. Others tried to play on specific themes they thought the judges would like. For the sixth graders, it certainly looked like the effort panned out!