Bring on the cheer – our winter vacation is almost here! How are these first couple of weeks between that Thanksgiving and Winter Vacation going for you? Are you swimming upstream or going with the flow?
Choose to have fun & stay calm. Decide to not let the little things upset you, because if you do you could be upset for a month!
Meet the students where they are…and meet yourself where YOU are.
It’s important to recognize that there are many different emotions that go along with this time of year, and they all play out in different ways.
In my classroom this week I talked about that with my 8th graders. I took the chance to check in with them and remind them to practice empathy.
Here are some simple ways that you can sprinkle some cheer & special caring in your classroom by adding small things into your days that acknowledge what’s tough & keep it light all at the same time:
- Create your own version of a countdown calendar! I leave a laughter break in my classes each day in December where I tell a riddle. The person who gets it receives a small prize. I loop that empathy in here by asking the kids who win to not answer again for a few days to give others an opportunity.
- Use “attendance questions” to let kids share what’s exciting them or not and /or do a thoughts & feelings check in. You’ll be surprised what they’ll share! And it’s helpful to know to give us perspective.
- Listen to your favorite “anchor songs” that hold you steady! Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder is one of my favorites to keep me going strong, not being thrown off by special activities, altered schedules, etc.
What other ideas do you have? Leave a comment below and share with me!
