How to Stay Sane Between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

How to stay sane in the classroom between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

1. Keep the behavior expectations high: Don't back down from your usual rules and procedures. Let students have fun, but keep the rules in place.
2. Add in some simple holiday fun: This allows you to celebrate as a class, but keep the energy under control. Add in stories or small activities that fit into what you are already teaching. Do not plan an elaborate party or crafts that are going to stress you out. Ask a parent to plan one thing that you do with the students right before you send them off for the vacation.
3. Stick to your routines: This will set the expectations that nothing is different and there is still learning to be done. Students thrive on routines so this will keep them focused and calm.
4. It's ok to say, “NO”: When all the other teachers are planning ALL the things, you might feel like you need to keep up with them but you don't. Do what works for you and say no to the rest.
5. Take care of yourself: With all that is going on, it's so important that you get sleep and enjoy the season with your own family! Give yourself permission to take a day off for wrapping gifts or just laying around to watch a holiday movie!