Teaching the Chain of Infection in December can feel like an uphill battle. Students are tired, distracted, and already halfway into winter break mode.
That’s why I created a FREE holiday-themed “Stuff the Stocking” activity—a simple, hands-on way to reinforce infection control concepts while keeping engagement high during the most distracted month of the year.
This activity is cheerful, interactive, no-prep beyond printing, and perfect for any CNA, PCT, or Health Science classroom.
How to Use the “Stuff the Stocking” Activity (Teacher Directions)
Everything you need is inside the free download—here’s how to run it:
1. Print one stocking template and presents page for each student
2. Print a test-question packet for each student.
3. Cut the stocking and glue, tape, or staple the front to the back (students may color it if desired).
4. Have students answer each question in the packet.
5. For every question answered correctly, students cut out the matching present (color optional).
6. Students “stuff” each present into their stocking as they earn it.
7. Enjoy instant classroom holiday décor when they hang their finished stockings!
By the end, every student has created a personalized “Chain of Infection Stocking” filled with evidence of their knowledge—and your classroom looks festive without extra work from you.
How "Stuff the Stocking" Supports All Learning Styles (in one simple lesson)
This holiday activity naturally reaches visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners all at once.
Visual learners practice by reading the multiple choice questions.
Auditory learners benefit from discussing answers with partners or hearing you review the links as they work.
Kinesthetic learners stay engaged through cutting, sorting, moving, and physically stuffing the stocking—giving them a tactile way to process content.
In just one printable task, all three learning styles feel supported and active.
Fun Variations to Boost Engagement Even More
To fit your class size, energy level, or schedule, here are three classroom-friendly ways to use this activity:
1. Team Challenge Version
Divide students into teams of 3–4.
Students work together to answer the question packet.
Teams earn “presents” for each correct answer and collectively stuff one stocking.
Fastest accurate team earns a small prize or bragging rights.
Great for competitive classes or pre-break energy!
2. Relay Style
Place stockings at the front of the room.
Students start at their desks with the question packet.
When they think they have an answer correct, they walk (or lightly jog) to a verification table.
If correct, they earn a present to stuff.
First team or individual to fill the stocking wins.
Perfect for kinesthetic learners who need to move.
3. Stations Setup (Perfect for Larger Classes)
Create stations around the room:
Station 1: Present cutting station
Station 2: Answer questions
Station 3: Check answers
Station 4: ‘Stuff” stockings with presents earned
Students rotate every 5–7 minutes or however long you think they need.
Where to Download the FREE Stuff the Stocking Chain of Infection Game
If you’re already part of my Free Resource Library, you can download “Stuff the Stocking: Chain of Infection” anytime using your secret code here:
Not inside the library yet?
You can sign up in under a minute and unlock this freebie (plus dozens more) by clicking this picture:
Final Thoughts
December doesn’t have to be a throwaway month.
With simple, interactive activities like this one, students review essential skills, stay engaged, and enjoy a little holiday spirit—all while reinforcing one of the most important concepts in infection control.
I hope your students love this activity as much as mine do.
Feel free to share photos or let me know how it went—I love hearing from your classrooms!
Looking for more ready-to-print activities? Click the picture below to shop!
