Ugly Christmas Sweater Activity: Teens & Tweens

Be honest—middle schoolers can be a tough crowd to please. But this Ugly Sweater Activity is sure to get them laughing and engaging while building speech and language skills. With some teen-friendly suggestions, this activity is perfect for your middle school or high school therapy room.

Keep reading below for a tutorial, and grab my FREE printable PDF Ugly Sweater to Sigma Sweater kit here!

Day 1: Get Artsy & Design an Ugly Sweater

Kick things off by introducing the idea of ugly Christmas sweaters. Use visuals or a quick, funny video (YouTube has some great short videos) to grab their attention.

Or read a quick explanation together, and check for comprehension to reinforce receptive language skills. If needed, add articulation practice while discussing wacky sweater details.

Next, channel your inner designers:

• Print a template: Give students a sweater outline to decorate.

• Supplies: If you’re working on paper, add stickers, mini pom-poms, or glitter glue to make designs stand out.

• Friendly Competition: Create categories like “Most Outrageous” or “Funniest Concept” and let students vote for their favorites.

Day 2: Sell It Like a Pro

Now it’s time to use those ugly sweaters to build media literacy and critical thinking.

Pragmatics: Use social situations that resonate with tweens and teens. For example:
“What would you say if your friend teased you about your sweater?”
“What if someone asked where you bought it?”

Challenge students to think of funny or unique responses, and encourage perspective taking in your neurodivergent students.

• Media Literacy: Middle schoolers are online consumers, so bring in real-life examples from TikTok, Instagram, or their favorite clothing brands.

  Discuss how influencers and advertisers grab attention and connect it to their sweaters.

  • Pro Tip: Show them an over-the-top holiday clothing ad for laughs (like a ridiculous holiday pajama commercial). What persuasive techniques are the advertisers using?

• Perspective Taking & Persuasive Writing: Have groups brainstorm ideas for ads to “sell” their sweaters.

  • What makes their sweater a must-have, or "sigma"?

  • What would a buyer care about?

  • Would their ad be funny, serious, or quirky?

More Tips for Teen-Friendly Activities:

1. Incorporate Music: Play holiday songs they actually like in the background—try upbeat or remixed versions.

2. Make It Interactive: Turn brainstorming into a “Shark Tank”-style pitch where they explain their sweater to “buyers” (you or their peers).

3. Follow Students' Lead: Although you as the SLP facilitate conversation, follow your students' lead on topic and area of interest. Some groups may be more interested in advertising while others find the YouTube videos hilarious. Be flexible with where you go, knowing you can target multiple language skills regardless!

This activity is the perfect mix of creativity, humor, and learning. Your middle schoolers will love the chance to express themselves, and you’ll love seeing them participate while they build those language and literacy skills.

Be sure to grab your FREE PDF printable with this Ugly Sweater to Sigma Sweater activity when you join my growing SLP community here.

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