The week leading up to winter break is designed for chaos – with parties, assemblies, events and more it can be easy to let your class get carried away. You’ll have far fewer headaches if you tackle the week with some preplanned strategies and ideas designed to allow you to survive the week, stress free.
6 Ways Teachers can Work Through Pre-Winter Break Chaos
Keep stress levels low and use these tips to give your students opportunities to learn, but without the chaos.
Build in activity
Adding extra active time for kids in the form of recess, active classroom games and activities that allow for movement gives students a physical way to blow off steam and relax. Incorporating more kinesthetic learning activities could help “get the wiggles out” and keep students on an even keel. Limiting the amount of sugar sent in by well-meaning parents can help as well.
Let some events be a surprise
If your kids have been practicing for weeks, then the holiday music show won’t be a surprise, but other events could be. Unless they need to know, don’t mention presentations, assemblies and other events until right before they happen. If the whole room is buzzing about the assembly at noon it will be tough to get everyone to stay on task at 10 a.m.
Review your Expectations
You’ve all been together a few months now and the newness has worn off. Taking time Monday to review the rules and expectations of your classroom will help remind everyone what is acceptable and what is not. You can do this in a fun way, from offering a quiz, “test” or even an interview style presentation. Reminding kids what you expect helps keep everyone on track during this busy week. For you, resisting the idea of easing up “because it is the holiday season” will help keep things in order and prevent chaos from reigning in your classroom.
Keep your regular routines (as much as possible)
While you are likely integrating not only classroom activities but whole school activities as well, emphasizing that the final week before break is still full of normal school days with normal activities so kids don’t assume holiday fun = complete chaos. Add a festive or seasonal sheet to your morning work, read a holiday book, but do these things as part of your normal schedule; your kids will take a cue from you and act accordingly.
Plan for light activities and low key fun on the last day
The kids know the break is almost here, so keep expectations reasonable – the last day before the break is not the best time for an elaborate craft, intricate game or any activity that requires better than normal attentiveness. For many schools, this is a half day, further disrupting the “normal” routine and possibly plunging the class into chaos. Insist on maintaining your normal classroom rules – but don’t try to cram all holiday parties, crafts and fun into one single morning.
Prepare for the first days back – before you leave
Once the last child filters out of your classroom, take the time to remove your holiday decorations and pack away any items you’ll use again next year. You’ll be able to get a fresh start and not be faced with the depressing task of taking down ornaments, trees, menorahs and more your first morning back to school in 2016.
More on Teacher Life & Winter Break
If you’re looking forward to winter break, or just need some inspiration to make the most of your short time away from the classroom, be sure to stop by the Teacher Life category page. You’ll find tips for self-care over winter break and inspiration for starting the second semester with the best foot forward.
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