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Introduction: Tackling the Holiday Challenges for Educators

December can be a tricky time for educators. For many, the end of November and all of December is considered to be the holiday season, which can bring celebration, joy, and anticipation. For most, the holiday season provides a welcome break from work and, perhaps, time to de-stress. However, the break actually comes at the end of December, and educators have to stay engaged and keep students involved and occupied as they forge on from Thanksgiving to winter break before they can indulge in relaxation. We know what that’s like, and we wanted to share some of our thoughts regarding one of the toughest teaching seasons of the year.

The Impact of Disruptions on Students

Whether they admit it or not, our students rely on routines to keep them organized and regulated. When breaks in the routine occur—such as special events, the end of the marking period, and vacations—students lose that sense of stability you’ve spent all year building. Students may lose motivation, feel overstimulated, or experience higher levels of stress, which can manifest as disengagement and misbehavior.

December doesn’t have to be nightmarish or traumatic. By thoughtfully planning your approach to these disruptions, you can minimize the psychological and behavioral effects students may experience during the holiday season.

How to Provide Structure During December

Maintaining structure helps students stay regulated during disruptions. Here’s how:

Reinforce Behavioral Expectations & Focus on Academic Rigor

• According to Elias (1997), “a caring, supportive, and challenging classroom and school climate is most conducive to effective teaching and learning”. One of the ways a caring, supportive, and challenging classroom can be built is by maintaining rigorous expectations for your students, especially during disruptions and transitions. This may mean continuing to focus on academics, even if other classes may be indulging in less academic activities.
• Remind students that, although the schedule may have changed, your expectations of them have not. Review the classroom rules and expectations with students, and stress that these expectations apply whether students are learning, going to assemblies, or going on field trips. Frequently discussing behavioral expectations in different contexts can help support positive behavior. Continue providing reinforcement for positive behavior and implementing consequences for rule breaking.

Maintaining Student Motivation

Motivating students during December requires creativity and flexibility. Consider the following:

• Instead of offering free time or less-structured activities, provide opportunities for students to do deep learning or creative projects. For example, consider using December as a time to offer choices in research topics, work on creating presentations, or have students engage in group work.
• Use a variety of metrics to assess student learning. Since students may be less focused, they may not perform as well on traditional tests but may be able to demonstrate their learning in other ways, such as participating in large- or small-group discussions, writing or blogging, or creating digital storytelling or infographics.

Supporting Students’ Emotional Needs

The holiday season can be stressful for students as well as educators. To support their emotional well-being:

• This season can be just as stressful for our students as it is for us. You can help by incorporating social and emotional skills into lessons or offering a refresh on skills you’ve discussed previously. You may want to focus on skills regarding emotion regulation.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore our learning modules on teaching SEL skills and managing student behaviors.

Final Thoughts: A Thoughtful Approach for a Calm December

December doesn’t have to be stressful. By maintaining structure, motivating students with creative activities, and addressing emotional needs, you can create a calm and supportive environment for your students during the holiday season.

Related Content

Looking for more strategies? Check out these resources:

• Implementing MTSS in Secondary Schools by Applying an Evidence-Informed Model for Managing Complex Change
• Learning Modules on SEL and Behavior Management