The closer it gets to holiday breaks, a lot of teachers lean into a little holiday fun, relaxing, extra crafts, movies, and parties, (don’t come for me, I know learning is still going on!!!), music teachers are often rushing to get MORE done because concerts. And even if you are a teacher that keeps things status quo (no matter what you teach), or if you don’t have performances lined up, student behavior is definitely a little more keyed up. Here are some things you can do in December to keep it together. And for the record, these are notes for me too!
Don’t let behavior norms slip
Sometimes we give in. But giving in and letting students get away with more will backfire on us. As the month goes on, when they come back in January. Hold students accountable.
If you let it slip, get control back the next time you see them. Remind them of the rules before class starts, remind them the last class wan’t their best day or yours and you are all going to work together to have a better class this time.
Lists – ALL the lists
We have so much on our plates that it is really important to make sure you write it all down. No one can remember everything. I am truly mind boggled by people who can remember things when I need to write down to stop at the post office to drop off Etsy orders that are in my bag.
A few years ago I gave up on planners and keep a notebook. Every few days I turn to a new page, write the date at the top and list out everything that needs to be done. If it’s a BIG task like shopping lists, prep for a presentation, or things like OAKE and MMC task lists, I have a separate page for those.
Leave work at work
At your busy times of year, it’s really hard to maintain work/life balance. If you have extra things you need to do, this is the time I’d advocate for staying late. Set an alarm that is your MUST leave. Give yourself an hour and make that your “deadline”. When we were students, we had deadlines and we stuck to them. As adults, we don’t abide by these because we aren’t turning them in to a teacher. Check your perfectionism (raises hand), and just get it done.
Then LEAVE your stuff at work. Lock it up, put it away, and go home, be present, and take care of all the things at home. It shouldn’t be, but it’s really hard to do.
Bonus: Treat yourself
- Outsource something. Ask a parent to cut out manipulatives, make a decoration, or read a musical book to your class and run a listening activity while you get a few things done. Do it for a few grade levels with guest parents in each class and you’ll have a bunch of time!
- Extra tired? It’s ok to buy a cup of coffee. Or bring a pick me up of left over Halloween candy in your lunchbox.
- Need help in the house? Get your kids to pick up all their things and find spaces for them off the floor. Pay neighborhood pre-teens to come dust, or vacuum. Or get a one time cleaning in your home for floors, windows, and bathrooms (dream). Just those big things.
- Meals are a thing? Meal prep. I’m TERRRRRIBLE at this and it’s one of the current things I’m working on. Take a little extra time and plan out what you are eating, or prep a few things so you aren’t tempted to do take out. Even talking through it with yourself or other people in your house can help you make a plan.
- Desperate for lesson plans? Grab something on TpT that works for multiple levels and can give you a one day break. Show the Nutcracker. Have story book day and let students take turns reading musical story books to the class.
- Still tired? Go to bed early. One night early in bed will be better for your health than trying to power through to get one more thing done haphazardly.
I know these sound sort of silly and we have responsibilities, but I’m NOT advocating for life altering monetary decisions, or changes to every day schedules. Definitely stay in your budget.
I hope this has given you a few ideas to help you get through the hectic!
