Leading Up to Winter Break
We are so close to having a break! Also, I always find that once we make it to winter break, the rest of the school year flies by somehow. This first chunk of the year is often the hardest in so many ways. Once the routines are established and community is built, the rest of the school year can feel more manageable. But every year and every class is different.
The lead up to winter break can be so exciting and often coincides with snow days, winter concert or assembly practices, lots of illnesses/sharing germs, and other disruptions, so your students will definitely react to everything that is going on. Keep in mind that some kids do not like breaks as they miss school and really thrive on routine, or might not have secure access to food at home or a stable environment for so many reasons. I always openly acknowledge to my students that I have mixed feelings about whatever my plans will be, letting them know I’ll miss our wonderful daily routine together, I might be nervous about traveling (especially during the pandemic) or my baby not sleeping in a new place, but I’m also looking forward to seeing family. Modeling processing and acknowledging mixed feelings can be very helpful if any of your students are anxious or similarly conflicted.
I’m sure this goes without saying, but remember that not everyone celebrates holidays, be it Christmas or any holiday. I’ve always provided family surveys at the beginning of the year so families can share any traditions that are important to them, and I will ask my students about family traditions, but try not to assume that they are centered around Christmas or winter. Snowflakes or festivity around snow (this is the season of hoping for snow days after all) is a great way to bring some seasonal festivity into your class without using religious symbols. Holidays can be hard for some families, especially anyone who has recently suffered a loss or a big change. And again, some families don’t celebrate, so assuming that everyone does might make students feel left out or alienated.
Some festive activities that I’ve used in the past to get through December and channel some of my students’ excitement/restlessness/general energy are below.
Making snowflakes to decorate the classroom. You can make this as academic or artistic as you like - we’ve written adjectives on snowflakes, used them for a Math lesson, written poems on them, or used art supplies to embellish them!
Coming up with “gifts” for people in the building. While cards are great, what else can we do for others? Students are very creative and will think of acts of kindness and appreciation that will surprise and amuse you.
Share family winter traditions! If possible, invite family members to join. I’ve done this in person or over Zoom and both ways were lovely.
Have a hot cocoa and reading party! We’ve let students bring in stuffed animals or pillows and spent the morning before the school winter concert reading. It’s such a nice calm way to head into the break and gives you an opportunity to catch your breath and make sure every student has something to read at home over the break.
Read Elijah’s Angel: a Story for Chanukah and Christmas by Michael J. Rosen (again, you know your students, so if you do have students who don’t celebrate who might feel alienated by this book, find something else to read!). I love that this book models sharing what feels comfortable for you and your family and navigating this while caring for friends.
Clean and organize to get ready for the break/new year! I’ve found that students LOVE cleaning up the classroom especially if you allow them to use cleaning supplies. They can work in teams and each be responsible for one part of the room, or have the reward of using a duster somewhere in the classroom once their desk or personal area is clean and organized.
Learn about Winter Solstice Traditions around the world.
Learn about Human Rights Day. This is also a nice counterbalance to a focus on presents or possessions.
Do some prep work to make coming back in January easier for all of you. This might include laying the groundwork for some good activities by talking through some ideas with your students and physically getting some things ready to make it easier on yourself.
I often have students write New Year’s Resolutions in January and I always make those copies in December so I have at least one activity ready to go when I come back.
Another fun activity for coming back to school after a break is writing book reviews or book recommendations. I tell students we will do this when we return and then they have an extra incentive to read over the break!
Happy December and almost winter break to all the teachers (and students)! Hope you have some time to rest and take a deep breath as well as moments with loved ones and delicious food. 2022 has been quite the year.
