The Elf Exchange encouraged students in the Elon 1010 Honors course to use whatever they could find in the Maker Hub, and their creative powers, to share joy with one another.
‘Tis the season to take time to be in community and acknowledge those that have supported you throughout the year – and that is just what the Elon 1010 Elf Exchange was all about, an activity that encouraged creativity, collaboration and connection.
The jump from high school to college is a mix of nerves, excitement, and possibilities, and so Elon 1010 focuses on creating a space for community that supports students in navigating, together, all the transitions they experience during their first semester.
This fall, the honors section of the course experimented with an activity brainstormed during a class session at the Maker Hub. The goal was to expand the enjoyment students were having to something more, something that encouraged them to be creative throughout the semester, connect with classmates in ways that felt comfortable for them, explore what amazing resources that campus has to offer, and most importantly, show appreciation to those who have experienced their first semester at college together.
Each student makes a small, personalized gift for someone they randomly select in the class using whatever they can find at the Maker Hub and with their own creative powers. It encouraged students to think about who their classmates are and what they might appreciate. Throughout the semester, the course built in activities that focused on students building connections and getting to know each other. They completed the ropes course at Danieley, hung outside and talked about the importance of education, played Beyond the Books (a board game all about the first year) and centered on moments of getting to know each other.
Partnering with the Maker Hub made the whole thing work. By tying it into the curriculum, students were introduced to 3D printers, laser cutters, design software, embroidering, sewing and crafting supplies they could experiment with. They learned new skills while making something tangible for someone else and were encouraged to get to know their classmates in order to make something thoughtful for them. It showed how a class can reach beyond the syllabus through meaningful partnerships with campus resources and facilitate relationship-rich moments.
On the final day of class, the energy in the room was contagious. Students showed up excited to share their wrapped gifts with their peers. After decorating holiday cookies and enjoying in a bespoke hot chocolate bar, the students sat in a circle to share their creations. There was laughter, surprise and genuine pride in what they had made. Students told stories about how their gift was made with an appreciation of their peer, from special moments outside the class, inside jokes, to favourite sports teams, the gifts were a representation of the friendships formed over the semester.
More than anything, the Elf Exchange helped students feel connected, gave them a reason to be creative and thoughtful, and introduced them to resources and people that made campus feel less overwhelming and more like home.