TIPS AND IDEAS FOR THE FINAL CHRISTMAS STRETCH

Alright my friends.  We are almost there.  Do you see the light at the end of the tunnel?  It's faint, but it's there . . . I can make out a little gleam :)  This is one of the toughest weeks of the whole year, but it always seems to be one of the most magical as well.  With this said, here are FIVE monster tips that I have picked up in the past nine years that have saved my bacon on more than one occasion.

ONE - Keepin' It Real

My biggest tip (which all of you seasoned teachers already know) is to KEEP IT REAL as long as possible.  In other words, keep the systems in place as much as possible this week . . . especially with the little guys.  If I have projects to finish up, I toss them into group time.  (And, let's face it . . . I always have last minute projects to finish up.)  Groups are a great time to sneak extra Christmas writing into the mix as well as a bit off math.  At this point, pick a standard and take off running!

You always seem to get better work in groups this week
(especially when a mommy helper is manning the station).

A Themed Math Worksheet in reading groups??
Um, they are happy and learning . . . works for me!!

TWO - Kindness Counts
Over the years I have noticed that a couple of the kiddies find a naughty streak during this final week.  It's all of that extra excitement . . . they just can't contain it.  I always do my best to slip in ways to show kindness to others during this week to help offset some of the less desirable behaviors that pop up. My favorite activity is a freebie from Susan Jones' Shop (TGIF) - Stocking Stuffers.  The kids write secret "feel good" notes to classmates throughout the week.  It's always oh so magical.  CLICK HERE to check out Suz's free pack.

They cannot wait to check their stockings!

I also love to have my kiddos write a holiday card to someone on our school staff.  We brainstorm people we could write to and get to gettin' - custodian, secretaries, lunch ladies, maintenance, principals, yard duty, etc.  We even take a moment to hand deliver them.  If you want to try this in your class, snag my quick and easy holiday card template - just click the picture.

THREE - Help From Your Friends

If you have a big buddy class, be sure you find a time for them to visit.  If you don't have an older class that you partner with, find a teacher in an upper grade to visit ya one afternoon this week.  I love to have our BIG BUDDIES come in during this final week.  The BIG kids read Christmas stories to the little guys and help them with a tricky christmas or winter craft.  It always calls for a great afternoon . . . and the extra hands are oh so lovely.

If you know anyone musical, call 'em in for a little Christmas Concert/Sing-A-Long!  It doesn't have to be anything major.  Anyone who can strum and sing works for me.  It just so happens that I am lucky enough to call Ron Brown (Intelli-Tunes) my daddy . . . so we always get the coolest holiday show.  The kids eat it up and it makes for a wonderful afternoon break.  He even rigs it so "Santa" calls the babes.  It's pretty special.  We are all set to go on Tuesday afternoon this year!

Swoon . . . Thanks Dad!
Who knew that jingle bells could fit on your noggin??!!

FOUR - Winter Art

I like to take everything down on Wednesday and send it home on Thursday. However, I cannot stand empty classroom walls (my house walls on the other hand . . . well, that is another story . . . for another time).  In my opinion, bare walls just makes the room look too sad. Therefore, we start on those non-Christmas crafts and writing activities on Thursday and Friday.  Here are a few winter faves that make it up on the wall before the break or in time to welcome them back after the New Year.

Q Tip Snowmen . . . they take FOREVER (it's perfect for that final Friday)!

Antonym Mittens - cute and easy
We come back and hit opposites for a week.

I always run with one of these writes . . . depending on how I feel.

They are both from Susan Jones - Writing Through Winter

(Boy . . . thanks for all of the help SUZ!!!)

FIVE - Candy Canes & Snowflakes

It seems like you run into holes this time of year . . . or you just need a moment or two of down time.  Well, when all else fails, or your babes need a little brain break, try this!!!  We always end up making paper candy canes. The kids think it's magic and they will make these for DAYS!  It's so silly, but it ALWAYS does the trick. Here are the quick and easy steps.  

Also, we tend to end up making snowflakes to decorate one of the empty bulletin boards.  It amazes me how many kiddos DO NOT know how to make these.  Once they make that first one . . . it's over.  They beg to make them during every free moment.  Um, sure!  #teacherwin

Alright, that's it from little old me today.  I hope you found something to help you out at least for a moment this week.  And just think, it only took me from 8 am until 3:30 pm to write this post. . . I think I kept getting a little distracted ;) Hugs y'all and good luck.