For new and vintage teachers
It's that time of year we look forward to and dread.
Christmas in Kindergarten!
I've done this for a few years and I've survived to tell about it. Here are some tips to make the next few weeks manageable and, hopefully, just a little bit fun!
Try to maintain your regular schedule.
As hard as it may be, try to stick to your regular daily schedule. Kindergartners thrive on consistency and a clear knowledge of "what's going to happen next." All during December I maintain our classroom schedule as best I can. We start with morning work and then go on to Daily Literacy, Math, Groups, etc. If we have a special craft or activity, I build it into the schedule. For example, making an ornament craft to hang in the room was a math station because it focused on making a pattern.
Let it go.
There are always things that will happen during this month that you can't prevent and, even some you don't expect. Just like the Christmas Concert. Our school still does this. I used to worry about how the kids would act, about if they knew their songs, etc. Now, I don't let it stress me. No matter what words they sing, along with their impromptu choreography, and how much they show off during the concert, it doesn't matter. Their families think it's the cutest thing ever! Go with it! Smile lovingly at your kids, and if the parents look at you, just shrug your shoulders. Oh, those silly kids! Chuckle, chuckle.
Give yourself a break.
Hey, you're excited, too! I mean you have a looong vacation coming up soon. You can sleep. You can go to the bathroom when ever you want!!!! I'm not saying completely let things go, but if a set of papers doesn't get graded that day, or a planned activity doesn't go exactly as planned, give yourself a pat on the back anyway! Your kids aren't going to go home talking about the super duper worksheet on beginning sounds they did, but they might go home singing that silly song you made up on the spot to get their attention.
Share the joy.
It's always a good idea to reward positive behavior twice as often as to point out poor behavior. (I am preaching to myself!!! I don't do this as often as I wish I did. True confession!) During this crazy month, I challenge you and MYSELF to reward 3 times as many positive behaviors as point out poor behaviors. All Ks want attention, and they don't care how they get it! Let's show our kids the best way to get attention. Lots of my kids have an Elf on the Shelf at home. I don't want to detract from that, so the last 10 days before vacation, Noel comes.
She arrives in a box straight from the North Pole with special pencils for us to use. She challenges us to make them last until vacation. Noel works like Elf on the Shelf. I try to do some of the same things every year, just because it makes me happy. One day we'll walk in to a trail of cookie crumbs to the snack box. One day she will be teaching the other stuffed animals in our room. Noel is a big part of showing my Ks what is acceptable and what isn't.
Use the power of the Claus!
Okay, I admit it! I use the power of Santa Claus to keep things from completely going off the Polar Express rails! Don't judge! Yes, I do tell my kids I have a direct line to Santa. Just a few weeks ago, I got a message from a parent from a few years ago who told me their child wanted to call Santa. When the parent said she didn't have the number, Little Miss said to call me! Mrs. Sweany has Santa's number!
One of my favorite things to do every year is to have Santa call my class. I change my husband's photo and name on my phone to Santa. He calls at a prearranged time from the floor at the factory where he works so it will sound like Santa's shop. I write down a few names, so he can "call out" certain kids to ask if they've been good at school. You should see their eyes when they hear Santa! They just know they can hear the elves working on their toys! Love it!!!!
Here's to you, K teachers! Have a wonderful couple of weeks! Enjoy your kids. Christmas really is more special through the eyes of a child.
Bless you, every one!
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