It's that time of year again! The days are shorter, the air is colder, and the stress levels of teachers everywhere are soaring. The last couple of weeks before your holiday break are challenging, there's no doubt about that. But I'm here to help you keep it stress-free, easy, and still productive and educational. Here are 5 teacher survival tips to help you make it through December in one piece.
TIP # 1 – Don't Over Plan
We all do it. There are so many fun things you want to squeeze into the few short weeks leading up to your winter break. But you can't do it all. And trying to do everything, leads to one thing. Frustration.
Next thing you know, you find yourself yelling at your class (or your own kids at home 😳) – trying to get your students to speed up and get it done – so that you can move on to the next fun activity.
But here's the thing – when you try to plan too much, nobody's enjoying anything and everybody is feeling overwhelmed. One of the best tips for teacher survival in December is to remember not to over plan.
TIP # 2 – Slow Down
One key to teacher survival in December is slowing down, which will lead to more enjoyment for everyone. Let your students take their time. If they're really enjoying making their holiday ornament or Christmas card, give them time.
Oftentimes, we plan a fun lesson that includes making gifts with messy stuff like painting or glitter around the holidays – yes I said it – GLITTER! Kids love that stuff. Let them take the time to enjoy it.
Give them the extra 10 minutes to finish that project, instead of rushing them through. It's ok if you run over into your math lesson because math will still be here in January. Holiday memories in your classroom won't. Slow down and enjoy those special projects. Your teacher survival may depend on it!
TIP # 3 Make A Memory
I get it – you have to teach your kids to read at a certain level by the end of the year. They have to pass that end-of-the-year math test.
But, they should be enjoying the journey along the way.
It's ok to take a break from the hardcore math and literacy standards for a couple of days and make a school memory with your class. Make those Christmas ornaments or holiday cards. Do something fun that they will always remember.
Some of our favorite activities in my class are when we adopt our gingerbread babies or when we spend a day in the life of a North Pole elf. These activities are engaging, magical, and still educational.
And the best part – the kids never forget them! Think about when you were a kid and what made it magical for you. Do that for your class too!
TIP #4 – Make It Easy On Yourself
By this last week before break, we're all exhausted. You're dealing with overly excited kids all day and then you go home to more holiday preparations.
You're probably trying to fit in gift shopping, wrapping, baking, and decorating. The list is endless. So make it easy on yourself at school for your own sanity and teacher survival in December.
Keep your lessons simple and easy to plan.
I like to do some simple writing activities with my students like How To Decorate A Christmas Tree or How To Make Hot Chocolate.
I've done all the prep work for you with lesson plans, printable writing templates, simple craft patterns, and book suggestions. All you have to do is print it out and it's ready to go.
TIP #5 – Play Games
When all else fails, play some games with your kids. My students love to play the old favorite – 4 Corners. But in December, I give it a twist and call it North Pole Corners. We name the corners – Elves, Reindeer, Snowmen, and Toys.
The person who is the caller is Santa! All the kids scatter to a corner of the room while “Santa” goes out into the hall. When Santa comes in (eyes closed or blindfolded) he calls out one corner. Whichever students are in that corner must sit down. Play continues until only one person is left and they become the new Santa!
Maybe YOU just need a break. Maybe you're just ready to take a minute at your desk (with your secret stash of chocolate) while your students entertain themselves. I have you covered there too! I pull out these no prep Math and Literacy games whenever I need to take a minute to myself.
Simply print them out, slip them into a plastic sleeve protector, and they're ready to play. Simple 2-4 player games that the kids can play by themselves, with no adult help needed. We ALL need something like this to occupy the kids once in a while!
TIP # 6 – Pamper Yourself
At the end of the day, December can simply be an exhausting month for teachers. Teacher survival kits are a must. That includes things like a long hot bubble bath, a glass of wine, and your favorite Hallmark movie! Give yourself a break when you get home in the evening and on the weekends if you can. You deserve it!
I hope these simple tips will guide you through the busy month of December with a smile on your face. The holidays are just around the corner and you can make it to Christmas break!
Check out these other fun ideas for December:
SAVE THESE IDEAS
Take a minute to save these tips to your favorite classroom management Pinterest board so you can remember them later!
