Finals and winter break are right around the corner. After assessments, but before leaving for the holidays, what should teachers be doing to help transition into the new year?
Clean Up Spaces
Before they leave, students can help with cleanup and other organization tasks by making it a game. This helps clean all learning spaces and empty students’ desks while taking inventory of what materials are still left over and what needs to be stocked for next semester.
Prepare for After Winter Break
Once the last child filters out of the classroom, take some quiet time to remove holiday decorations and pack away any items to use again next year. This will help teachers have a fresh start and not have to worry about it the first morning back to school in the new year. Utilizing the week before winter break to put together a ‘first day back’ folder or box will also help save some time during the break for lesson planning and relieve a bit of school stress.
Plan for Light Activities
The students know the break is almost here, so keep expectations reasonable. The last week before break is not the best time for an elaborate craft, intricate game, or any activity that requires better than normal attentiveness. Pre-planning easy activities will help teachers be able to prioritize other tasks while students are rushing to get things done after finals.
Here are some easy and quick crafts for the holidays from our partnered edtech leaders for pre-made fun lesson plans with items you would have in a hands-on STEAM classroom.
Make the season with Cricut cutting machines and personalized crafts
Tis’ the season for holiday doodles with 3Doodler
Make the holidays fun with Makey Makey
Make a cardboard Christmas tree with Makedo
What is your go to lesson for the last week before winter break? Let us know in the comments!
Resources:
https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/6-strategies-help-survive-last-week-winter-break
https://www.teachingchannel.com/k12-hub/blog/5-day-countdown-to-prepare-for-winter-break/
