Do you think it’s possible to enjoy Christmas in the classroom? Many teachers dread this time of the year because kids’ behavior tends to be a little crazier. Home and school schedules are out of whack and everyone is just busy, Busy, BUSY! Here’s one way I’ve gone from just surviving to actually enjoy Christmas in the classroom!
Want to know my secret?
Embrace the CRAZY!! You know the saying, “if you can’t beat them, join them!” Well, that’s exactly what I do with my Countdown to Christmas Break! I have done this for many years now and it’s one of my favorite things. The best part is you can make it as simple as or as complex as you want! Stick around until the end for a FREEBIE!
Take a look at your calendar
The first thing I do is look at my December calendar. We all know December has a full schedule with concerts, parties, events, etc. So I always plan the easier activities on the busier days. I make it work for our classroom and most importantly my sanity.
Create the Countdown
Once I figured out what days I am doing what I activities,
I print out the cards and numbers.
There are multiple ways to display the countdown…
Display on a Bulletin Board
Use a muffin tin and cover with tissue paper to punch out activities each day
Use poster board to display
After assembling, I post in the classroom and I’m ready to go. Each morning, we turn over a card and usually do the activity that afternoon. Sometimes the activity lends itself to be done during our math or reading block, but that’s the beauty of this countdown…it’s flexible to fit your classroom needs! Here are just a few simple things I do each year for our countdown…
Decorate the classroom Christmas tree
Make snowflakes out of coffee filters
Math activities with a Christmas theme
Partner read Christmas books
I’m telling you…it’s a simple activity each day that gives the students something to look forward too, that just makes those days leading up to Christmas break fun and enjoyable!! I share more ideas Christmas in the Classroom in these blog posts.
And to make your December even easier…
I have the countdown for FREE in my TPT Store!!
I have a Winter version, for the non-Christmas classrooms as well!
