I'm bracing myself for a challenging week. It's a busy time of year.
There are very few hours of sunlight per day. That really affects the spirit of many. Kids are overstimulated, sleep deprived, and downright cranky.
Here are Six Ways to Survive the Last Week Before Christmas:
1. Bribery Works! Yes, I've been known to resort to bribery. I would hope that children want to be good just for that personal pride, but that's not realistic. They need to earn something.
This week, we're working toward a Christmas party on Thursday afternoon. I've already planned the party. We'll have entertainment and gifts to open, and food and fun stuff. But I tell them those plans can be canceled if they don't earn the party. I've come close to canceling the party in the past, but we've always had the party. One thing to remember about bribery... the "bait" needs to be WORTH IT, or it won't work next time! (I'll be sure the Christmas party is awesome!)
2. Keep Them Active! I've got some games that keep the kids out of their seats. These two games are both Dollar Deals!
Try Golfing for Tens
The key is to get the kids having so much fun, they don't realize they're practicing their adding skills!
3. Try a Little Yoga!
Kids really adapt well to Yoga, and it really calms them down and helps them focus! Honestly, it helps me, too!
4. Add some music to your day!
I use this one in my classroom all the time!
Any baroque music makes a great calming background for the classroom!
Of course, my acupuncturist uses this background music, and I know it relaxes me!
Or, if you're looking for holiday music, this one is my personal favorite in the classroom:
And who doesn't love this one?
5. Let them paint!
I am always amazed at how quiet the children become when I pull out the watercolors! Of course, one needs to have an educational purpose for painting, but I really don't think creative teachers like us would have a problem thinking of something, do you?
6. Have a Game Day!
There are plenty of board games out there that are perfect for strengthening the children's reading and math skills, and some great strategy building, but be sure to keep the "learning" part a secret... they'll think they're getting away with something! Here are a few of my favorites:
Apples to Apples is my favorite! It always makes the kids giggle, and (shhhh...) works some valuable thinking skills!
Scrabble works reading, writing, and even math, as well as strategic thinking!
Uno is a classic!
Plus, Yahtzee is a great game for strengthening math skills!
Then, of course, regular playing cards will always entertain, and make mathematical paths in the brain. (Seriously!)
Well, there are six ideas to help you through this week. I hope this helps!
But, as all teachers know, when all else fails, be sure to keep a stash of chocolate in your desk for those particularly stressful days!
Well, there are six ideas to help you through this week. I hope this helps!
But, as all teachers know, when all else fails, be sure to keep a stash of chocolate in your desk for those particularly stressful days!
Great ideas! I am sure I will be using all of them this week.
ReplyDeleteGlad to help you out!
DeleteSally
Nice read! I like the suggestions.
ReplyDelete