It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Right? The time right after Thanksgiving break and right before Winter break. The anticipation for the upcoming break can be exciting for teachers and students. There are fun activities to do, movies to watch, and winter celebrations to be had. This is a time when teachers can become relaxed in their routines and procedures. Well, I believe that the opposite should occur. Those routines and procedures are even more important now. You can do those fun activities AND hold your students accountable. If you want to enjoy this time with your class (virtually or in-person), I suggest you follow the tips below.

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Be Positive

I am a firm believer that positive thoughts bring positive outcomes. The time before Winter break is a great time for you to build on relationships with your class. You can learn about their traditions and experiences during this time. There will always be that teacher that says “There must be a break coming because my class is bonkers”. Don’t be the teacher that blames student behavior on an approaching break. BE POSITIVE! Oh, and if you are that teacher, the tips below will help :-).

What Break?

This is one of my faves. The What Break? effect is real! If you don’t make a big deal about an upcoming break then neither will they. Yes, I know, students want to share Christmas lists and holiday plans but I don’t let them. It might seem harsh, BUT I completely ban the words Christmas, Holiday, Party, & Presents. There are a few reasons for this, one being that the holiday season can be hard for some students and those conversations can be uncomfortable. Instead, we learn about different holidays celebrated around the world and we learn that the joy of giving doesn’t have to be a physical gift. It can be time spent with a friend, or a chore done at home. It really helps set the tone for the weeks to come. Before you know it, the students are being extra nice to their friends and spreading the What Break? effect on students in other classes.

Business as Usual

Keep those routines and procedures alive! Don’t stray from your schedule until the final day before break. Like I mentioned above you can still teach about holidays and content pertaining to the time of year BUT the routines and procedures are necessary for that content to be delivered properly. I know you’re tired and they probably are too, BUT it’s important to set the tone for the day and weeks to come. I wouldn’t suggest giving your students too much “free time”. Stick to your routine. Do what you would normally do each day. This lets the class know that they are not on break yet!

Well, that’s all I have for ya! Are these 3 things you can apply right now? Are you doing them already? I would love to hear about it so drop me a comment below. 

Rebecca Jeanette