Hey teachers! As I’m writing this post, Halloween is just a few days away and it got me thinking about how exciting holiday celebrations in the classroom can be. But it also brought up memories of wild student behavior and kids bouncing off the walls. So I’m here today to share some of the strategies I’ve learned for managing student behavior during the holidays!
The holiday season is a time of joy, festivities, and, let’s face it, a bit of chaos. As a teacher, you know that managing student behavior during this time can be quite the juggling act. With all the excitement in the air, it’s easy for students to get a bit restless and distracted. But fear not, I’ve got your back with some practical strategies to help you keep the classroom ship sailing smoothly through the holiday season.
Set the Ground Rules: Clear Expectations
Before the holiday whirlwind begins, it’s crucial to lay down the law—figuratively, of course. Remind your students about the classroom rules and behavioral expectations. Let them know that even though the holidays are approaching, we still expect respect for one another and a commitment to learning. It’s like having a code of conduct for the festive season!
Embrace the Holiday Spirit in Your Teaching
One way to keep your students engaged during the holiday season is to embrace the festivity in your teaching. Inject a bit of holiday cheer into your lessons, whether it’s math, science, or any subject. For example, you can create holiday-themed math problems or challenge your budding writers to craft holiday stories or poems. By connecting your curriculum to the holiday season, you’ll keep your students focused and excited. I also love using kindness challenges during the holidays!
Keep Behavior Goals Realistic
We all know the holiday season brings a certain level of “hyperactivity” to the classroom. So, let’s set some realistic behavior goals. Expecting your students to be as focused as they are during non-holiday times might be a bit ambitious. Instead, establish achievable behavior goals and reward your students for meeting them. Positive reinforcement works wonders in maintaining a happy classroom.
Offer Choices
Holidays make students eager to have some control over what they do. So, give them choices! Allow them to have a say in their holiday-themed projects or activities. When they have a say, they’ll feel more in control, which can help curb restlessness.
Quick Energy Breaks or Brain Breaks
A classroom can turn into a mini circus during the holiday season. To help your students release some of that pent-up energy, introduce short, active breaks. These could be as simple as stretching exercises, a quick yoga session, or even a little dance party. These brain breaks are like power-ups that can help your students re-energize and refocus.
Keep Things Consistent (As much as you can!)
Consistency is key during the holidays. Even though there’s a festive vibe in the air, the same classroom rules apply. Students should know that you’re not loosening the reins just because it’s the holiday season. By maintaining consistency, you ensure that the classroom atmosphere stays positive.
Connect with Parents
Parents can be your allies during the holiday season. Reach out to them and let them in on your classroom plans. Share your expectations and activities, and ask for their support in reinforcing positive behavior at home. When teachers and parents team up, it’s a win-win for everyone.
Acknowledge the Excitement
The holiday season is a magical time for kids. Recognize and embrace their excitement. Encourage your students to share their holiday traditions and stories. When you show interest in their enthusiasm, it fosters a positive classroom atmosphere.
Celebrate Together
Plan a mini holiday celebration in your classroom. Whether it’s a holiday-themed art project, a special storytime, or a fun game, celebrating together is a fantastic way for students to channel their excitement. It also helps create a sense of togetherness. Use a kindness challenge like the one above to build up to the holiday and cultivate classroom community!
Flexibility is Key
Above all, stay flexible. Understand that students might have holiday-related distractions on their minds. Be ready to listen and be empathetic if they want to share their holiday stories or concerns.
In a nutshell, managing student behavior during the holidays is like maintaining a delicate balance between holiday joy and effective learning. By setting clear expectations, embracing the holiday spirit in your teaching, and keeping behavior goals realistic, you can navigate the festive season with ease. Remember to celebrate the joy of the holidays while providing your students with a structured and supportive environment.
2 Comments
This post definitely resonated with me as the holidays are quickly approaching. Behaviors start to escalate, and it makes it hard to still get things done, while also trying to have some holiday spirit. All of your ideas are great reminders, and I especially love your Kindness Challenge. I think I’d love to try that with my class. Thank you!
I’m so glad you found some helpful reminders in this post! I love kindness challenges around the holidays! Thanks for commenting 🙂