Free Printables

Santa Lucia Day Activities for Elementary Learners with Free Printables

Santa Lucia Day activities for elementary learners with free printables are the perfect way to celebrate the special holiday in the Montessori classroom at home or at school.

Santa Lucia Day is popular in Scandinavian countries but can be celebrated anywhere.

The special day is perfect to add to your holidays around the world studies, or can be introduced on its own.

Children are sure to love the activities and printables with true-to-life images below.

Santa Lucia Day is my girls' favorite day in our holidays around the world celebration.

They love these activities.


Santa Lucia Day Activities for Elementary Learners with Free Printables

Santa Lucia Day Activities for Elementary Learners with Free Printables


Santa Lucia Day Picture and Description Cards


Santa Lucia Day Picture and Description Cards

Children can learn all about Santa Lucia's Day with these nomenclature and descriptions cards. 

They can be used as traditional nomenclature cards or as a matching game.

Multiple options of the cards are available to fit the needs of all classrooms.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Santa Lucia's Day Printable Pack

Santa Lucia Day Writing Strips


Santa Lucia Day Writing Strips


Some children love nomenclature style activities while other children love writing. 


This activity is designed with the needs of all children in mind no matter their skills or abilities.


Children can practice writing the vocabulary words on the blank cards provided, using the control provided.


Those that struggle writing can trace the words to practice and promote correct letter formation.


Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Santa Lucia's Day Printable Pack


Santa Lucia Day Grammar Activity


Santa Lucia Day Grammar Activity

Grammar activities are quite popular with our children. 

In this activity children select a group of cards and grammar symbols.

They arrange the picture cards in order to create a sentence, using the control provided when necessary.

Children then arrange grammar symbols over or under pictures with words to label each part of the sentence. 

Controls for using grammar symbols are provided.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Santa Lucia's Day Printable Pack

FREE Santa Lucia Day Montessori Grammar Adjectives Activities


Santa Lucia Day Activities For Kids with Free Printables


To encourage more grammar practice, we have created FREE Santa Lucia Day Montessori Grammar and Adjective Activities.


Children have the choice of matching up pictures with words, or using clip cards provided, selecting which adjective goes with each noun related to Santa Lucia Day.


Source: We created the Santa Lucia Day Adjectives Printable Pack. It is a subscriber freebie. For your free copy follow the directions at the bottom of this post.


Santa Lucia Day Sentence Challenges


Santa Lucia Day Sentence Challenges


These sentence challenges are the perfect way to encourage spelling, grammar, and punctuation practice during the holiday season. 


Each sentence includes information about Santa Lucia's Day for children to enjoy.


Children can write the sentence correctly on the lined paper provided, using the control when necessary.


Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Santa Lucia's Day Printable Pack


Santa Lucia Day Multiplication Clip Cards


Santa Lucia Day Multiplication Clip Cards


Santa Lucia Day includes the enjoyment of saffron rolls and pepparkakor, Swedish gingerbread cookies. 

In this activity children multiply pepparkakor using the mini gingerbread cookies provided. 

Children then mark answers using the red beads provided. 

When using food in an activity I remind children that food is part of the activity and not for eating. 

Once the activity is complete I provide pepparkakor for the children to enjoy.

Some children cannot wait until the end of the activity.

In those cases, I provide pepparkakor to eat right away, then the child completes the activity.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Santa Lucia's Day Printable Pack

Santa Lucia Piano Piece


Santa Lucia Day Piano Activity


The last Santa Lucia activity I love introducing to elementary aged children is the Santa Lucia song. 


Children can label notes and practice playing the piece on the piano.


If students aren't familiar with reading music yet, you may consider introducing music notes using our Music Notes Printable Pack.


Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Santa Lucia's Day Printable Pack


Santa Lucia Day Activities for Tots and Preschoolers with Free Printables


Santa Lucia Day Activities for Tots and Preschoolers with Free Printables


If you're looking for more Montessori Santa Lucia Day Activities, be sure to check out our Santa Lucia Day Activities for Tots and Preschoolers with Free Printables!


Combining Santa Lucia Day Activities for elementary learners, preschoolers, and tots provides learning for every child in the classroom no matter their abilities.


Don't forget to follow the directions below to receive your free printables!


Directions on How to Obtain Subscriber Only Freebies

1. Click on the Subscriber's link at the bottom of this post.

2. Subscribe to our free newsletter.

3. Open the thank you message you receive in your e-mail, after subscribing. (Be sure to check your spam folder, as sometimes it ends up there.)

4. Click the confirmation link in the thank you message.

5. Once the confirmation is complete, you will receive another e-mail message with the Subscriber Only Freebies.

6. Click on link.

7. Select the Minimalism, Montessori, or Mental Health Printables Library.

8. Find the printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it, and voila!

We hope you enjoy your free printable.

Note: If you are already a newsletter subscriber, open your most recent newsletter. At the bottom you will find a link to the Subscriber Only Freebies page, along with the password in case you forgot it.




If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy the resources below.

Santa Lucia Day Crafts for Kids Santa Lucia Letter Sound Clip Cards Santa Lucia Day Activities, Free Printables and More Santa Lucia Day: How We Celebrate Scandinavian Christmas Printable Pack Tomte and Nisse Printable Pack Yule Goat Printable Pack

Santa Lucia Day Activities for Elementary Learners with Free Printables


A Caregiver's Fears When Raising a Child with RAD

In four days, we have another Residential Treatment Team Meeting for our youngest adopted daughter with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), PTSD, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, and a mood disorder.

I dread this meeting every month.

Her treatment team shares behavior counts for the last 30 days, which are always incredibly high.

The numbers themselves aren't shocking or surprising. 

It's the anxiety, fear, and instant trauma response that take over every time I hear them read that cripples me.

A caregiver's fears when raising a child with RAD are real!


A Caregiver's Fears When Raising a Child with RAD

 

Last month's residential behavior counts were so high.

What is a mother to think about these numbers?

How does a mother respond?

Any and every response is usually going to be based on fear.

Warning: This post is about behaviors related to Reactive Attachment Disorder and may be triggering to some. 

Important: Children with RAD are victims. It is our goal to support healthy and loving families where children with RAD can heal, if possible.


Worst Cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder

The Worst Cases of Reactive Attachment Disorder


That fear is so very real!


Fears of a Caregiver of a Child with Reactive Attachment Disorder


1. I fear that I won't ever be enough for my child with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD).


A caregiver of a child with RAD may never feel like she is good enough. 

No matter what she does as a caregiver, it will feel wrong and likely won't be accepted by the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

RAD: Behavior and Consequences


In these scenarios, a caregiver may resort to trying anything and everything, including unhealthy and inappropriate parenting techniques, resulting in horrible consequences.

Another caregiver may give up and give in to the keep the peace, allowing the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder to run the show at home, putting everyone in the home at risk.

What Not to Do with a Child with Reactive Attachment Disorder


Many caregivers struggle with depression, because of the verbal, physical, and emotional abuse received by the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Remember this is not the child's fault. This is how the RAD brain works.

When caregivers seek professional help, they are often blamed for their child's behaviors and made to feel that they are the problem.

The Realities of Reactive Attachment Disorder and Mental Health Therapy


This just causes caregivers to feel more hopeless.

An experienced and educated caregiver of a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder knows that typical parenting techniques don't work. 

A caregiver of a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder receives so much judgement from others as she becomes the parent her child needs.

At every turn a caregiver of a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder receives the message that she is not good enough.

To Be a Mother of a Young Child with RAD


The hardest reality is accepting that you may never be enough for your child with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

No matter how hard you try and how perfect of a parent you become, you cannot change the child's behaviors.

Only the child can do that, when she's ready.

You can only love them unconditionally no matter what.

2. I fear that others aren't taking care of my child with Reactive Attachment Disorder appropriately.


Whether a child with RAD attends day care, school, a day program, or residential, there's always a fear that others won't respond to behaviors appropriately, resulting in consequences for you as the caregiver.

A caregiver knows the negative working model that is always present in the brain of a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder and what that means for those who care for the child.

  • The caregiver extends unconditional love.
  • The child can't trust caregiver and pushes back hard, sometimes in dangerous ways, other times provoking caregivers.
  • The caregiver responds to behaviors in a negative way, at times similar to the child's original abuser.
  • The child with RAD's brain confirms that she cannot trust others.

It takes every fiber of a caregiver's being to NOT respond negatively to behaviors from a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

How to Stay Calm During a Reactive Attachment Disorder Fit


A lack of negative response may cause the child with RAD to push back and provoke in even more dangerous ways.

In situations where a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder is pushing back and provoking outside of the home, it is hard to trust that others will respond appropriately.

Everyone has a breaking point. 

A RAD child will test that breaking point.

How Do You Work with a Broken Mental Health System?


Very few have the training and experience a full time caregiver of a child with RAD has.

The fear of someone else harming your child with Reactive Attachment Disorder is real.

3. I fear my child will be kicked out of a program and I will be left to deal with behaviors, putting my family and myself at risk.


When a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder isn't displaying artificial charm, she may be testing every limit because she doesn't feel safe.

Environments, actions, words, and items that help other children feel safe, do not work with children who have Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Testing limits has no boundaries.

Until a child with RAD is capable and decides to heal from RAD, behaviors just become more severe over time.

Severe behaviors leave professionals at a loss.

The System Failed Us Horribly


There's only so much professionals can take, especially when behaviors are directed at them.

A day care center, after school program, classroom, day program, respite home, and residential facility can become unsafe because of the child with RAD.

Again, this is not the child's fault. This is the RAD brain.

It's in those moments that the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder is kicked out and the caregiver is left to pick up the pieces.

Behaviors are too severe in other settings, yet caregivers are often expected to bring the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder home exposing other children, your spouse, and caregivers to dangerous behaviors.

4. I fear I will be charged with endangering the welfare of my other children, when caring for a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder due to the severe behaviors that go along with that.


No healthy and loving caregiver wishes to put her children in harm's way. EVER. 

Caregivers strive to protect their children from all harm in every circumstance they can.

But what happens when one of your children is harming your other children?

Again, this is not the child's fault, but the RAD brain.

From the Mother of a Bully


How do you ensure that ALL of your children are safe?

Your first instinct may be to obtain help from professionals.

Sometimes that's enough.

But what about the times when it's not enough?

What do caregivers do when those professionals quit or kick a child out of programs because her behaviors are too severe?

4 Steps to Managing Aggressive Behaviors in Children


Caregivers are left on their own with no help or support, yet are still responsible for the safety of their family, and can be charged with endangering your children, when the child with RAD harms them.

5. I fear I will be charged with abandonment or abuse when trying to protect myself, spouse, and other children from my child with Reactive Attachment Disorder. 


There are laws that protect children from abusive and neglectful caregivers.

In most areas there are NOT laws that protect caregivers and siblings from an abusive child.

Abusive behaviors are not the fault of the child with RAD. 

A child with Reactive Attachment Disorder has been previously abused and/or neglected for a specific amount of time that alters the brain and its ability to attach and feel safe.

When raising a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder there are times when a caregiver has to intervene in a physical way to protect others in the household.

In some cases, caregivers may be faced with the decision to surrender their child with Reactive Attachment over to the state in order to obtain help.

Yes. You read that correctly!

In some cases, the ONLY way to obtain help outside of the home is by surrendering parental rights.

This may occur after a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder has been kicked out of multiple programs and residential placements etc.

This scenario may also occur in situations where other children in the home have been severely harmed by the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder and there is no other place for the child to go.

We at Every Star Is Different do not support surrendering parental rights. It's our goal to encourage healing when it's safe and possible.

Fleeing for Safety


No caregiver ever wishes any of this to happen. 

Yet in all of these cases, the caregiver is held accountable for the actions of the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

The entire family can be destroyed in these scenarios.

6. I fear that my child with Reactive Attachment Disorder will lie about caregivers in the home, causing false accusations and charges against us.


One symptom of Reactive Attachment Disorder is pathological lying. 

This is not the fault of the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder. Lying is part of how the RAD brain has learned to work to survive.

Reactive Attachment Disorder and Lying


Lying can be a fantastic tool when pushing back against caregivers who are attempting to attach.

It is also very common for a child with RAD, to share stories from their past, regarding abuse they received before coming to the current caregiver's home, and confusing the caregiver and abuser.

The effects of trauma are real. 

Even when an individual is completely safe, the brain believes the person is not.

Lies told by a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder can lead to significant damage to the family unit. 

At times a caregiver who is falsely accused may end up in jail.

This scenario is the nightmare of nightmares for a family who was trying their hardest to love a child who could not accept love.

7. I fear that my child with Reactive Attachment Disorder will severely harm a person in the home to the point that the person is unable to recover.


It is a fact that a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder targets family members.

There is always the chance that someone in the home will be harmed by a child with RAD.

Must Have Safety Resources When Raising a Child with Reactive Attachment Disorder


Caregivers must be at their best when it come to keeping others in the home safe, utilizing resources, obtaining help, and setting up safety plans.

The goal is to keep everyone safe, including the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder who is suffering.

It is not uncommon to require assistance from law enforcement when protecting yourself and others in the home.

The goal is always safety and accepting that there are times as a caregiver that you cannot keep everyone safe and need help.

Always seek help.

Call the Police!


8. I fear that my child with Reactive Attachment Disorder will severely harm herself to the point that effects are permanent.


If a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder doesn't have homicidal tendencies, she most likely has suicidal tendencies.

This is not the child's fault, but how the RAD brain works due to abuse and/or neglect the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder has received.

There is always a chance that a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder may harm herself.

My Child Wants to Kill Herself! Now What?


It is crucial to set up the home in a way that keeps the child with Reactive Attachment Disorder safe.

Safety goes so far when trying to form loving attachments.

If there comes a time when it becomes too difficult to keep the child with RAD safe in the home, a caregiver needs to take the child to receive an emergency mental health screening or other treatment outside of the home.

The child with Reactive Attachment Disorder may need to be hospitalized to receive the help she needs.

9. I fear that my child with Reactive Attachment Disorder will destroy our home in significant ways.


A child with Reactive Attachment Disorder often destroys property. 

This is not the child's fault, but how the RAD brain works.

A Day in the Life Parenting a Child with Reactive Attachment Disorder


Destruction can increase with age and strength.

There are many forms of destruction.

All are possible.

Repairs cost money.

Permanent damage to a home or other building in the community are possible.

When destruction becomes severe, it's important to call for help and document everything.

Even with this documentation though, most likely you, the caregiver will still be responsible for paying the cost of repairs etc.

10. I fear that insurance won't pay for the help my child with Reactive Attachment Disorder desperately needs.


There are moments when everything seems right in the world. 

Your child's team members are all on the same page.

Both you and your spouse agree.

A plan is in place and all will be well.

And then...

Insurance refuses to cover the plan.

Or, your child with Reactive Attachment Disorder is in treatment and it's not working.

It's Time to Have a Serious Talk about Residential Treatment Centers


The child with RAD is too dangerous to return to the home.

This is not the child's fault, but the RAD brain.

Yet, the insurance company refuses to pay for more treatment and the caregiver is left in an unsafe situation.

Both scenarios are real and do happen to so many families raising children with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

How to Cope with Fear as a Caregiver of a Child with Reactive Attachment Disorder


It's important to remember that fears are completely normal when raising a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Fears are real and valid.

The goal is to use those fears and anxieties to motivate you to do the following.

  • Create a system of checks and balances for yourself as a caregiver.
  • Form back up plans for when everything goes wrong.
  • Seek help and support for yourself through mental health therapy.
  • Set boundaries for yourself regarding how you will advocate for your child.
  • Create a healthy support system for you and your child.
  • Prepare the home environment for safety, emergencies, and possible destruction of property.
  • Create safety plans and plan for next steps after they've been broken.
  • Set up a plan to save money for times when expenses are high.

As you plan and prepare for all that may come, your fears and anxiety will lessen and be replaced with confidence.

Confidence promotes love, attachment and healing for the RAD child, when possible.

Bad things ARE going to happen when you're raising a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder.

This is no one's fault, it just is.

Your role is to protect your family and yourself, and the child with RAD.

Be prepared.

It is possible to protect everyone, even in the worst of situations.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the resources below.

RAD Treatment for Children 8 Differences Between RAD Fits and Autism Meltdowns Reactive Attachment Disorder: How to Address Behaviors 6 Ways to Help a Family Going through a Mental Health Emergency  How to Discipline a Child with Reactive Attachment Disorder A Safety Plan for Mental Health

A Caregiver's Fears When Raising a Child with RAD



Happy New Year!

 Happy New Year from the Eddy Family!

Throughout 2023 we were all focused on living as a family of six with Sunshine, 12, home from three years of residential treatment (She returned home November 11, 2022.). 

Unfortunately, due to Sunshine’s unsafe behaviors and aggression towards family members, she was admitted to her fifth residential placement on October 31, 2023.

We are thrilled that her residential placement is in the state of VA, only 2 hours away from us, where we can visit easily. Sunshine can call us every day if she wants to. 


Happy New Year!


We have a Zoom session with her weekly.

Sunshine’s treatment plan states that the goal for discharge is October 31, 2024. 

All on her team understand she may be in residential care for much longer with an IEP placement. 

When she reaches a point where she is ready to discharge from residential, she will step down to a group home and practice living in a family type setting before her team entertains the idea of her returning to home, which we support.


Residential Visit with Sunshine

We are so thankful for this past year with Sunshine at home, despite how difficult it was. 

It helped us build bonds and lasting memories that will last a lifetime and beyond. 

Sunshine knows she has a family who loves her unconditionally, and that we will be there for her no matter what.

This year Sunshine has been very passionate about How to Train Your Dragon, Dog Man, and Jack Skellington

She loves crafting, playing with Barbies, animal figures and stuffed animals. 

Sunshine showed an intense interest in the constellations this year and loves finding them in the sky.


Jason and Renae

Jason was devoted to Sunshine’s care while she was at home. 

He was her one-to-one at home for more than half the day, homeschooling her, taking her to swimming (which she loved), playing for hours on end, and doing her bedtime routine while Renae attended to the other kids, their homeschooling and work tasks. 


Sunshine Swimming


When Jason wasn’t caring for Sunshine, he was preparing delicious and diet-friendly meals for all in our family. 

Now that Sunshine is no longer home, Jason is diving back into working with Renae full time.


Renae and Jason


Renae continues to be Sunshine’s person. 

When Sunshine wasn’t with Jason, she was with Renae doing anything and everything together and did not like to share mom with siblings.

Renae had a challenging year with her health. 

A severe infection was found in Renae’s vocal cords. 

Once treated, it was discovered that Renae’s vocal cords no longer vibrate or close together. 

Surgery came next to try to fix vocal cords, but was unsuccessful. 

Renae has been taken off all allergy medications and asthma inhalers, in hopes that might help. Severe reflux may also be a reason for the vocal cord damage. 

More procedures are in Renae’s future. 

An autoimmune disease has not been ruled out.

Dinomite, 16, has also been struggling lately. 

Both of his shoulders, especially the right one, keep partially dislocating while doing daily activities and exercise. 

He is participating in physical therapy and been encouraged to spend more time at the gym lifting weights and in the pool swimming to help increase strength and muscle. 


Dinomite at PT


Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome has not been ruled out, especially as Dinomite is on the autism spectrum.

Renae and the kids try to go to the gym 4 days a week and love working out together. 

We are hopeful our efforts will help all in the family with health struggles.

Dinomite continues to work with the local college football team helping with spring ball, filming, and editing during fall practices. 


Dinomite during Football Season


He plays the role of manager and water boy at home games.

Dinomite is working hard to complete his lifeguard certification, so that he can next obtain his scuba diving license. 

His plan is to go into filming and photography and be able to do those things in the water. (Think Shark Week!)

When he’s resting, Dinomite loves reading the Dune series, watching sports games, organizing his football card collection, and hanging out with friends.

Bulldozer, 15, joined his older brother attending early morning seminary class this year. 

Seminary is a religious class for teens held at 6:45 AM, 5 days a week during the school year taught by instructors from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Like Dinomite, Bulldozer looks forward to seminary every morning and loves being with his friends as often as he can.

Dinomite and Bulldozer attended a week of For the Strength of Youth Camp put on by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at our local college campus during the summer. 

This was their first time ever being away from home longer than a day. 

They said it was the best experience of their lives. 

So many friendships were formed.


Boys Return from FSY

It was at FSY that Bulldozer fell in love with a beautiful girl from Brazil (and also a friend of Dinomite’s) who lives in the area. 

She felt the same way about him and the rest is history! 

Though she moved to Utah in July, the two have kept up a long-distance relationship expressing their love for each other daily.

When not texting his girlfriend, Bulldozer loves watching his favorite youtubers, playing video games and building LEGO figures. 

He also enjoys watching sports games and collecting football cards like his brother

Bulldozer has not been without his physical challenges as well. 

He is constantly struggling to maintain his weight and gain. 

Part of this has to do with his food allergies and sensory struggles related to autism. 

Working out at the gym and eating countless protein bars seems to be helping. 

He’s finally at a safe weight for his height. 


Dinomite and Bulldozer at Steak House


Now we just have to work on him eating more dairy to help his bones.

Princess, 14, has blossomed into an amazing young woman, who is developing beautiful friendships. 

It has been incredible to watch her brain heal from Reactive Attachment Disorder. 

Neuroplasticity is real!

Princess participates in activities with friends almost as often as her brothers. 


Princess at Stake Dance


She can’t wait to join them in seminary next year. 

A cell phone has done wonders for her ability to communicate effectively with others.

Princess has not gone unscathed with health issues this year. 

Constant ear infections, illness, eczema, and panic attacks have prevented her from participating in as many activities with friends as she’d like. (FSY, Youth Conference, etc).  

Thankfully after many doctors and specialist appointments she seems to be doing better.

The highlight of Princess’ year was a night out with Mom and friends to go see the Taylor Swift Eras Tour Concert at the local movie theater on opening night. 


Taylor Swift Concert


She is a huge Taylor Swift fan. Princess continues to love music, art, writing, and reading. 

When she’s not doing those things, she’s baking or watching Marvel movies. 

She is constantly singing and dancing around the house.

If we’ve learned nothing else from 2023, it’s that the body really does keep the score

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2024!

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like the resources below.


Happy Holidays from the Eddy Family! Happy Holidays from the Eddy Family! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year!