Impacting Instruction: Twas the week before Christmas break, and all through the school.....

There are certain times of the year when keeping students focused is more challenging than usual. Long stretches in the calendar without a break, full moon, Halloween. But probably the most challenging is the week prior to Christmas or winter break. Why is this true? And, more importantly, what can we do to address the challenge?

http://www.ahaprocess.com/blog/why-can-the-holidays-be-so-stressful-and-dreaded-by-students/?utm_source=infusionsoft&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_term=article&utm_content=2

Elementary Supervisor, Cindy Compton (@ccompton4), recently tweeted out a link to a blog entry that explains some of the potential cause of student stress in Why Can the Holidays Be So Stressful and Dreaded by Students. The article details the reality waiting for many of the students over the holidays. Visitation time, unfamiliar family/friends, change in routine are all contributors. Additional stress comes from economic disparity. With emphasis on being watched for good behavior in order receive presents (Santa, Elf on the Shelf, etc), there is a divide between the haves and have nots like no other time. Children who have never received a gift are in classes with children indulged beyond most imaginations. With school as the safest, most stable part of many children's lives, acting out will occur.

As educators what can we do to both manage our classrooms well and provide some tools for students during this time? Annie Condron's 10 Tips to Stay Focused Before the Holiday Break article reminds us that routine is important, but flexibility can be key. Have a firm game plan! Treating instructional time as if the students are already on break is not beneficial for long-term outcomes or for classroom management. Dismiss the ideas that involve passive activity, such as "fun" movie days (yes, even those you've linked to curriculum ideas) and make this meaningful time. I especially like Annie's focus on "spicing up your instructional game" and "short, fun activities".

Here are some other ideas for engagement. Add your ideas to the conversation by commenting at the end of this blog post.

This is a season of celebration, so celebrate the work happening in the classroom. Have students review prior work, especially writing samples (in all content areas). Peer editing, revision and critically thinking about work being reviewed engage students socially and with higher level thinking. Provide a way to share out and "celebrate" work.

This is a great time to help students connect PBIS strategies used at school to situations outside of the classroom and building. Acknowledging the difficulties faced by many students as they navigate social situations is a way to continue to build meaningful relationships. I used to teach students how to play a dice game the last day before break. While learning the game, good conversations about the holidays flowed. We discussed how something as simple as a dice game can bridge generation gaps and provide an activity when family gatherings become stagnant or troublesome.

When students return it will be a new year. This week is a great opportunity for reflective evaluation and future plan. Goal setting opportunities based upon more than test score data can be introduced.

Conversations about the difference between a resolution and a goal, with students creating both for the new year. Make the resolutions not only about academics, but behaviors, athletics, topics or activities that reveal their passion.

Consider what, if any, assignments will be given over the holidays. Some claim it should be a holiday from all work, while others recognize that for many students the lack of structure routine add to the stress of the season for students. This is another area where students can be given a voice. What do they NEED to practice? What do they WANT to do? The act of planning, writing and sharing provide relevant activities that honor instructional time.

As this is a time of giving, many charitable acts occur during the season. Engaging students in discussion of charity in the new year, instead of only at the holidays, gives a focus for the future.

Most importantly, make time for yourself over break to truly have a vacation from the daily responsibilities. Come back renewed and refocused. Your students need you!