Coaching Corner
Volume 1 / Issue 6: Tips, Tools and Resources
Surviving December: A few tips for the week before break.
As we approach the last few days before Winter break, we all know that the students become a bit more amped up than usual. They are super excited for the Holiday season, they probably have access to lots of sugar at home, there are lots of different activities planned at school and at home, and they are probably even wearing some sort of spirit wear. Here are a few things to help you through the week.
Positive, positive, positive. Now is the time to give out extra marbles, extra school-wide cards, extra table points, and extra love. We all know that mean just never works, and it leaves the student upset and you upset. Focus on the positive in your room. Remind yourself that the holiday season isn’t always great for everyone. Keep that in mind as you wonder why some kids are constantly acting out.
Be consistent. Stick with your normal day and routines as much as possible. Routines help us to have peace over the day because we know what to expect. Go over your day in the morning, so that the students know what will be a little different for them.
Review expectations. Remind students of all those expectations you spent so much time setting up at the beginning of the year. This week is no different. The expectations stay the same.
Use a timer. Keep things engaging and flowing. More downtime means more time for students to get off task. Set yourself a timer, so that when a student comes up to you to ask a question, you can still stay on track with your day.
Remind yourself daily that it is a special week and that’s why they are all a little wild.
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