How To Help Students Stay Focused During The Holidays

It can be hard for parents and teachers to find ways to keep students focused on the upcoming holidays. The days before Thanksgiving and the last day of school before Christmas are some of the most challenging days for many educators. While it may be tempting to let students lay low before the holidays, it is crucial to maintain a learning environment. This will help ensure that they can remember important lessons before the holidays and can build on that learning upon returning to school. Below are some great tips to help keep students focused before the holiday season.

Keep A Classroom Structure

Don't let your discipline and rules get out of the way. Students thrive when stability is maintained. It is tempting to break away from the routine during the holiday season, but it is important for students to know what to expect.

Maintain A Good Schedule

It can be hard to keep track of all the details of your instructional plan due to the holiday season. Before the break begins, make sure that you have all of the necessary materials ready to go. Doing so will allow you to quickly re-learn the material and start a new unit when the school year returns.

Continue Teaching

It's tempting to start celebrating early and back off during the last few days before the holiday break. However, parents don't want their kids to spend the last few days of the season watching movies and eating sweets. Instead, focus on learning. Even if you're not feeling well, don't let your enthusiasm show.

Introduce New, Exciting Lessons

To keep students engaged, introduce newness by focusing on the task at hand and not on the distractions around them. This can be a game or a competition. It can also include a variety of activities, such as music or a familiar favorite. It's important to recognize their success and reward them with new challenges.

Incorporate Holidays Into Your Lessons

The holiday season is a great time to introduce new units and activities in your curriculum, as students are eager to get in the holiday spirit. There are a variety of seasonal and themed activities that can keep them engaged.