It seems like just yesterday that school started. We worked so hard to build relationships in the classroom and classroom routines. The Mind Trek SEL Program was implemented. Now suddenly the students are losing their minds! How do we proactively begin managing student behavior during the holidays?
Halloween ushered in days of sugar rushes and candy. Students were excited to share their Halloween plans while others didn’t want to tell anyone that they had no costume. Once the sugar rush wore off it was only a few short weeks until Thanksgiving break. This was a wonderful time to talk about gratitude with our students.
Now come the final weeks before Christmas. It is amazing to see all of the varied emotions in the classroom. Some students are nearly giddy over the excitement of Christmas. Other students are missing loved ones that are not around. Still, other students know that their bellies will be hungry while they are away from school for two weeks.
Managing Student Emotions During the Holidays
With all of this varied experience, it is important to remember that not all students are excited about the coming break. Students have been working on managing their emotions during your SEL lessons. This is an excellent time to review some of those techniques.
Spend a few minutes each morning going over a relaxation technique. Try Box Breathing, Slow Deep Breaths, Wall Pushes, or Belly Breathing.
Allow students to work through their emotions. Institute a time for journaling. Consider giving students thought-provoking prompts. In your morning meetings get the conversation going. Ask students to share a way they handle stress. Discuss ways to handle changes in routine.
Managing Student Behavior During the Holidays
Student behavior can be out of control during the holidays. Schedules are changed, routines are off, and emotions are high. Keep this in mind before you start yelling at your class. When students were asked what the biggest thing that they dislike about classroom management is when the teacher begins to yell.
You don’t like it when someone yells at you. Students are no different. It just gets everyone more upset. Try taking a deep breath and using a calm voice. Go for de-escalating techniques before you reach out for punishment.
Allow students to serve others. When you are serving others you are less focused on yourself. This helps improve anxiety, depression, complaints, and disruption.
Learn about other cultures. Cultures around the world celebrate the holidays differently. Ask students if they want to share their holiday traditions. Look into other holiday traditions. This is an excellent learning opportunity, and it helps students respect others that are different than them.
Managing Your Stress During the Holidays
Remember that your students feed off of you. If you are stressed your students will be stressed. They can sense your emotions even if you don’t share them. With that, when you are agitated, you are quicker to snap at students instead of patiently working through their issues. Discipline, office referrals, and counseling referrals all soar the closer it gets to break. This is a key reminder in managing student behavior during the holidays.
Changes in routine can be challenging. For the sake of your mental health and your students stick to your normal routine as much as possible. It is nice to do something fun and special but don’t forgo your entire routine.
When you decide to do something new give plenty of notice. Tell the students what to expect and how long it will take. While this might seem like it is only for the students, it is for you as well. Remember we are all creatures of habit and resist change.
Remind yourself that you are only human. Figure out your priorities and stick to them. What are the must-do’s during this holiday season? Maybe you need to forgo the extra decorations or one of the holiday parties.
The Reason for the Season
Why do you celebrate Christmas? Don’t lose sight of your perspective is it to celebrate the birth of Christ? Do you celebrate because that is what people do? When you remember the reason for the season you can more easily set your priorities for this month.
Give to others. We see the hustle and bustle at the stores. This can be incredibly overwhelming! Giving to others is not always about gifts. Look around your school, community, or church. What are the needs? Do you see a family that needs some extra groceries? Perhaps a student that needs a little TLC or a teacher that could use a hand grading? Giving is rewarding to both you and the person you are a blessing. It doesn’t always have to be a beautifully wrapped present.
Looking for more opportunities to teach students SEL? Try The Mind Trek SEL Program for free!
