Ready or not: it’s coming.
The week after Thanksgiving, then the whooooole month of December.
It’s that 3-4 weeks where all the fun things are happening, mostly outside of school—Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Yule, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years.
Somehow, you will keep it all together—for yourself, and for your students.
You can do this. We can help!
Here are 5 ways to thrive in school from Thanksgiving to winter break.
- (Slightly) lower your expectations. There are many amazing things you can do with your students at this time of year—your Pinterest boards are probably bursting! Do your best to keep your creativity manageable. Being present to teach and love on those kids is the most important thing – always!
- Be kind to yourself. If you don’t have time to do the cute snowman string cheese gifties, don’t fret. You are allocating your energy in ways that will benefit you and your students most!
- Give yourself time to laugh. Watch this list of funny teacher videos from the K12 Hub to give yourself a dose of endorphins.
- Practice mindfulness strategies. Focus on the little things and really notice: When was the last time you enjoyed (or tasted) your coffee? Admired your fantastic classroom? Or just closed your eyes for a box breath before jumping into the next thing?
- Delight in seeing the world through your students’ eyes. Watch their eyes light up when they are happy, savor the moment a child who is hard to reach returns your fist bump for the first time. You are making that happen, because you are an amazing educator.
When you make it to Winter Break: congratulate yourself. You did it! Enjoy the time you can spend with your own thoughts and your people, and truly do your best to avoid work if you can. This is your time—savor it!
For ideas for engaging students during this time, check out “10 Ways to Keep Students Focused Before a Holiday Break,” by Marcee Harris!
