REINDEER FUN!
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~Real Reindeer Facts~

Did you know that male and female (that's the boys and the girls) reindeer both have antlers? Even the calves (babies) produce antlers. Antlers are sometimes called "racks".

Caribou are the only other deer where males and females  have antlers. The antlers will fall off after several months, but don't worry- they grow back.

Reindeer calves weigh about 14 pounds when they are born. Adult females weigh about 162-187 pounds while the males 200-220 pounds on average. An adult reindeer stands about 3 1/2- 4 feet tall. That is the average size of a typical 7-8 year old child! How tall are you compared to a reindeer?

Calves are born between May and June and grow very quickly so they can keep up with the herd. They can stand and walk within minutes of their birth. Calves are born with teeth so they can start eating right away. They also drink milk from their mothers.

Reindeer live in cold. snowy places- like close to the North Pole. Who else do you know that lives at the North Pole?  Reindeer can be found in northern parts of North America, Asia, and Europe where it is colder.  How do they keep warm you ask? Well they have thick wooly fur. Their hair is hollow inside. This provides them with a form or insulation. It also allows them to lay in the snow without emitting heat and melting the snow. This way they can stay dry (and warmer). In the summer, their fur thins out to help them stay cool.

Reindeer have large hooves that spread apart as they walk on the snow. They act like snowshoes and prevent the reindeer from sinking in the snow! Have you ever tried walking with snowshoes?  These special hooves also help them look for food beneath the snow.  The tendons in their hooves create a clicking sound when they walk. 

Reindeer travel together to look for food. We say they travel in herds. These herds can range from 1,000-10, 000 reindeer!

Wild reindeer are herbivores. That means they eat plants. Reindeer enjoy eating high quality leaves, stems and buds. They really like edible mushrooms. Do you like mushrooms?  They also eat lichen which is a moss that grows on the ground. .  Reindeer can be selective in what they eat.

Reindeer are very strong and can carry a load that weighs as much as they do!

Deer at Deer Park, Pennsylvania
Picture sent in by Lori Collins,  3rd Grade Teacher

Thanks Lori!

~Reindeer Activities and Crafts~

~Pin The Nose On Rudolph~
Simple- pin a large red nose on a reindeer and step back and have fun!

~Puzzled Reindeer~
You will need 3 puzzle pieces (painted brown), wiggly eyes, a red pom-pom for a nose and maybe a tiny jingle bell or holly leave to spruce him up. Glue 2 pieces to resemble antlers. Let dry, add eyes, nose and accessories. Add a pin back, magnet, clip... and you are all set to decorate just about anything!

~Reindeer Food~
Don't forget to feed the reindeer on Christmas Eve! 
Rolled Oats and some red and green sugar sprinkles mixed together make a wonderful treat for the reindeer. Simply sprinkle it on your lawn on Christmas Eve.  The sprinkles will sparkle in the moonlight and attract Santa's team!

Tin Can Reindeers

Recycling has never been cuter!  Cover a clean tin can with brown paper and a picture of your child. Add a red pom-pom nose, festive holiday ribbon, a small jingle bell and some glittery antlers and you have a perfect gift for parents, relative, friends, or use a party favors.  We  wrote "Merry Christmas from your little DEAR!" on a red hear and attached it to the back side of the can (sorry no photo). Then we dipped pretzels in chocolate and red and green sprinkles to fill each deer can.  These were perfect Christmas gifts for the parents of my students.

Thumbprint Reindeers

Turn your thumbprints into a cute little reindeer to adorn greeting cards, gift tags, holiday pictures and more.

~Online Fun and Games~

~Reindeer Songs~

Santa's Reindeer

"Come Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen.
Come Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen."
Santa said, "My reindeer number eight.
We need to go. We can't be late!
It's dark this Christmas Eve night.
We need someone to carry a light.
Rudolph, of course you'll be fine.
Now my reindeer number nine."

Reindeer Pokey
(Tune: "The Hokey Pokey")

You put your antlers in. You put your antlers out.
You put you antlers in and you shake them all about.
You do the Reindeer Pokey and you turn yourself around.
That's what it's all about!
You put your hooves in....
You put your red nose in....
You put your fluffy tail in...
You put your reindeer body in...

Eight Little Reindeer
Eight little reindeer beside Santa's sleigh,
Getting hitched up- to be on their way.
The first one said, "We can't be late,"
The second one said, "Christmas won't wait."
The third one said, 'The sleigh's full of toys....."
The fourth one said, "For all the girls and boys."
The fifth one said, '"I'm ready to fly...."
The sixth one said, "Across the evening sky."
The seventh one said, "Look, it's starting to snow."
The eighth one said, "I think it's time to go."
Ready?" asked Santa. It's almost Christmas Day."
And off they all flew - - up, up, and away!
 

Reindeer Treats (for people!)