Four Tips For Surviving December

Teaching in December can be tricky and sometimes downright difficult. You may find yourself digging deeper and deeper into your bag of tricks. You may need something fresh to keep you and your students on track or you may simply need a break.

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But you can survive and even thrive in December! Here are four tips to get you through the holiday season.

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Keep Up Your Routines and Expectations

Part of you may be thinking “It’s the holiday season -- time to relax the rules a bit”. But, the best thing you can do to keep everyone calm and happy is to continue providing the same routines and expectations your students are accustomed to. Structure helps both adults and kids feel safe, and with excitement running high, now is not the time to forget about your systems. In fact, now may be a good time to check in on things. 

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And, if you think you might need a few new routines to keep things running smoothly, try incorporating one of these ideas:

• Watch this video to see how using a simple timer keeps everyone on task.
• Keep students accountable with a Participation Quiz.

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Be Flexible

While it’s certainly a good idea to stick to your classroom routines, you also need to be open to letting go if necessary. With all of the possible events and activities going on, your best plans may need to be adjusted. Plan for the week and put schedules on the board for students to see.Try not to get frustrated when you have to adjust you goals, and llet go of the fact that you may not get everything done this December. You have January to start fresh.

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Take Breaks

December can be a tiring month for everyone. Keep your students energized and focused by remembering to take breaks and add a little fun to regular routines. Stress can spread quickly in a workplace or classroom, so it’s important to carve out peaceful moments throughout the day.

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Start your days off strong by sitting up in bed and taking a few deep breaths. Place one hand on your heart; be aware and grateful for its beat. Put the other hand on your belly and take a full, deep breath in through your nose. Slowly exhale through your mouth. Notice the rise and fall of your body. Feel the warm air travel over your lips. Be aware of your body relaxing as you add a personal and positive mantra.

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During your lunchtime break, create a calming moment as you repeat this process. Close your door to avoid distractions. If possible, play some soft music, dim the lights, and focus on your inhale and exhale. Take some time to be mindful and grateful. While this pause can be just for you, if you have lunch with your students, share this experience with them.

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Breathe!

This is certainly the time of year we could all do with a little more deep breathing. If you’ve been wanting to incorporate mindfulness into your teaching, now might be a good time to try it. In Using Guided Relaxation in the Classroom, teacher Anne Mechler shows us how she uses a body scan to center and calm her students. Try using an emotional check-in with younger students.

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Practice your breathing again at the end of the day when your head finally hits the pillow. This time, imagine any negative thoughts, fear, or doubts being carried away as you exhale slowly. On the inhales, visualize a smile, a laugh, or a positive moment from your day. Show yourself understanding, patience, and compassion.

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Remember, a well-deserved break is in sight! You can do this.