The other day I was casually scanning through some Facebook posts, when I came across a comment my friend made about her winter break countdown. It gave me goosebumps to think that a much needed break would soon be here. However, my goosebumps left after I read another friend's reply that her classroom would be "controlled chaos" until break.
Hmmph, "controlled chaos". If that is what a teacher of 20+ years thinks of this time of year, I can imagine what a new teacher is going through. I promise you, survival is possible. It doesn't need to be "controlled chaos".
The biggest problem with this time of year is that even though the kids are excited for break and the upcoming holiday, we are even more excited! Here are a few ways to try to relieve some of the stress and chaos:
1. Plan students' presents ahead of time - I find the best presents are the free kind. Yes that's right, FREE. Each month I send home Scholastic book order forms. The parents may buy books by sending money directly to me or by purchasing online. I may only get one or two parents to purchase in a given month, but I try to sell it the best I can. I send home lots of reminders, including emails and text messages (through Remind101). In late November, I am able to use my banked points to receive free books. This year I was able to get over 80 books for my students and I still have points left! The students love getting books for presents and I love the fact that I am giving them quality material to read at home.
2. Keep the students busy - I find that if I keep them busy, they don't have time to get chaotic. I try not to change the routine too much. The key to keeping them busy is to include activities for fast finishers and constant brain breaks. I find most of mine on Pinterest (my not-so-secret obsession). This is an awesome board to try out.
3. Don't let behavior expectations slide - Let your students know that even though it is the giving season, you are not about to just give them good behavior grades without earning them. Your behavior management needs to be stronger than ever right now. Starting off strong each morning and keeping it that way throughout the day will show your students that they need to continue to follow the same rules as they always have.
4. Show them love - Many students need a little extra love during this time of year. Whether you work in an inner city school or a school in a wealthy area, you are always going to run into students who are struggling this time of year. I have had homeless students who cannot afford presents, students who had sick parents who didn't have the strength to put a celebration together, and students who have lost parents or family members and the holidays just reminded them that they weren't around. These students simply need to feel loved. Give them a few extra hugs. Simply let them know that they are special to you and that you care about them.
5. Remember what it was like - I remember not being able to sleep the night before Christmas. I remember driving my parents crazy asking for a new Nintendo (yes, the original one). When things get a little crazy just remember that you were once in their shoes. These are exciting times for everyone. We push our students so hard throughout the year, sometimes it's nice just to step back and watch them be happy.
I wish everyone the merriest of holiday seasons! Remember to relax and reenergize. Don't spend the entire break doing schoolwork - remember teachers need a break too.
