How to Thrive & Not Just Survive from Now Until Christmas

Okay teacher friends, it's time for a pep talk...

You’re back from Thanksgiving break feeling blessed that it happened and sad that it’s over. The mixed feelings are probably true for your students too, for a variety of reasons.

The next few weeks can be a really fun and memorable time, or it can be 3 weeks of trying to control uncontrollable chaos. 

So let’s talk about how we, as teachers, can thrive and not just survive the next few weeks!

The Basics:

1. Take care of yourself. Eat well, stay hydrated, get good sleep, do all the healthy things.
2. Be Consistent. Keep your normal schedule, but sprinkle in some fun. There is something to be said for consistency in times that can become busy and chaotic. Consistency = Calm(ish).
   
3. Keep your students learning! You're going to lose control of your classroom if their brains are not engaged. Trust me. I've been there. Learned from it. And now I'm imploring you to learn from my mistake. Keep. Them. Engaged. In. Meaningful. Activities.
    

Now, I can't just leave you hanging without giving some specific ideas! Below is a list of ideas you can use to keep your students engaged, specifically when it comes to reading!

❄️ Read Winter/Christmas Picture Books

This sounds obvious, but you can make it fun by wrapping the book your going to read! You could even have a whole stack of books under a mini Christmas tree. Or, hide the special book somewhere and go on a scavenger hunt to find it. If you have a wiggly class, which who doesn't this time of year, going on a scavenger hunt is a great way to expend a little energy.

❄️ Guide Santa’s Sleigh the Flashlight Way

Super simple...let your students read with a flashlight. With a little planning they can bring their own, or you can buy a class set of finger flashlights in bulk which are relatively inexpensive. Even better, if the PTO or a parent asks what you want for Christmas, a class set of flashlights (and batteries) would be a great gift!

❄️ Buddy the (reading) Elf

Buddy up with another classroom and read books together! This is especially fun if an older grade can partner up with a younger grade.

❄️ Candy Cane Pointers

Give your students candy canes to use as pointers as they are reading. It's the simple things, right?!

❄️ “The Elf on the Shelf”

Bring in an Elf to watch the class for a day and read the book Elf on a Shelf. I can practically guarantee better behavior on this day.

❄️ Mystery Reader

Invite someone to come in and read a winter/Christmas book to the class. You can give clues to who the mystery reader will be, or just let it be a surprise when they walk in.

❄️ Read Winter/Christmas Decodable Readers

If you're working with young ones, or readers who struggle, winter/Christmas themed decodable readers can add a ✨special✨ touch to practicing. Click on the image below to check out a fiction & nonfiction bundle of 8 winter/Christmas themed decodable readers.

❄️ Cozy Up!

Allow your students to bring in a blanket or small stuffed animal to get cozy with while they read in class. You'll get bonus points if you put a crackling fire on your whiteboard!

❄️ The Magic of Music

Listen to quiet instrumental Christmas music while your kids are reading. Even better, put a video of snow falling on your interactive whiteboard. So relaxing!

❄️ Hot Chocolate Treat

Let your students sip hot chocolate while you read them a story. If you have parents who are always asking to help, this would be a great activity for them to assist you.

❄️ Christmas Around the World

This may have been my favorite winter time "unit". Learning about other countries and their December traditions was fascinating to me! There are TONS of resources out there for Christmas around the world. If you have a team of teachers willing to coordinate, you could each take a country and have your students rotate through the different "countries" for a day.

❄️ PJ Day

I'll admit that PJ day is not my favorite (Kally here, Erin loves it!) BUT the kids love it and it can create an extra cozy and relaxed environment, perfect for reading!

❄️ Nonfiction Fun

Learn something new about winter, Christmas, Arctic animals, or other nonfiction topics related to the season. This could even turn into "teach the teacher" presentations, which I love!

❄️ Book & a Movie

Even though the book will always be better, movies are an extra special treat! Read a wintry book that was turned into a movie and then watch the movie too. Popcorn is always a bonus!

❄️ Merry Morphology Activities

If your students are working on morphology, the "Merry Morphology" bundle is exactly what you need to keep your students engaged while sprinkling in a bit of fun! If you don't want the whole bundle, each activity is sold separately in our TPT store. Click the image below to learn more.

❄️ The Gift of Reading

Have students bring a book they no longer read from home and do a book exchange!

Erin and I have put together a ✨SUPER✨ cute editable slideshow called The 12 Days of Christmas Reading Countdown. Each day, a new reading activity is revealed when students click on the Christmas character in each scene. You can customize all 12 activities by typing directly into the slides. We also provide TONS of fun ideas for you as well! Check it out by clicking on the image below.

Alright teacher friends, that is quite the list. You've got this!