The countdown to winter break is on, and while students are buzzing with excitement, keeping them focused in the classroom can feel like herding reindeer! 🎄 Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with 5 simple and effective classroom management tips that will keep your students engaged while making the days leading up to break enjoyable for everyone. Bonus: One of these tips comes with a freebie! Let’s dive in.
1. Break Countdown Jar (Freebie!)
Sometimes all it takes to channel that pre-break excitement is a little structure mixed with a lot of fun! Enter the Break Countdown Jar. 🫙 This simple idea involves filling a jar with fun activities or challenges for your students. Each day, pull one out to kick off a quick activity that keeps students focused and in the holiday spirit.
Here are some examples of what to include in your jar:
"Draw a winter scene in 5 minutes."
"Take a 5-minute dance break to a holiday song."
"Write a silly holiday poem with your partner."
"Solve a winter-themed riddle as a class."
This not only keeps them engaged but also gives them something to look forward to each day!✨ Grab the free printable Break Countdown Jar resource here to get started.
2. Use Holiday-Themed Brain Breaks
Brain breaks are a lifesaver when students get restless. Take advantage of the season by incorporating holiday-themed ones!
Freeze Dance to Holiday Tunes: Play a festive song and pause it randomly. When the music stops, students freeze like snowmen!
Winter Stretch Breaks: Guide students through stretches like “reaching for the stars on top of the tree” or “melting like a snowman in the sun.”
These breaks are quick and effective for refocusing energy.
3. Plan a Countdown Chain
Create a countdown chain with your students! Have them make a paper chain with one link for each day until break. Every morning, take turns removing a link and reading a special activity or motivational quote written inside. This visual countdown helps them see how close they are to the break while fostering patience and excitement.
4. Offer a "Focus & Fun" Incentive System
Set clear goals each day for staying on task, and reward students with a few minutes of holiday fun at the end of the day. For example:
Earn 10 minutes of a holiday read-aloud.
Unlock time to decorate paper ornaments for the class tree.
Get a class-wide "snowball fight" using wadded-up paper balls!
This strategy ties focus and productivity to fun, keeping students motivated.
5. Create a "Winter Break Bucket List" Writing Activity
Help students channel their excitement by writing a bucket list of what they’re looking forward to during winter break. Prompt them with questions like:
"What is one thing you want to do with your family?"
"What’s a new holiday tradition you’d like to try?"
"What are three fun things you want to do over the break?"
Not only does this give students a creative outlet, but it also makes for a great hallway display to celebrate their writing!
Final Thoughts
The days leading up to winter break don’t have to be chaotic. By incorporating these simple tips, you can keep students engaged, excited, and focused while still leaning into the holiday cheer. Don’t forget to grab your FREE Break Countdown Jar resource here and start making your classroom a festive and fun space today!
🎄 What are your favorite ways to keep students focused before winter break? Drop your tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!
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