Merry Christmas!

I'm wishing a very, merry Christmas to all of you out in blogland.

Just a few, quick Christmas tips:

• If your teacher mug collection is already brimming, you might consider dropping hints as to what you really want (you know the stereotypical teacher gifts aren't on that list); but at the same time accept any gift gracefully.
• Don't give a huge assignment that is due as soon as they come back, that's just mean.
• Know that there will be Christmas assemblies and snow days, and plan for the missed time (without overworking the kids when they are there).
• Change your word problems to be Christmassy (ie: Sally has saved $12.50 for her brother's Christmas present which costs $11.00 plus tax (insert your local percentage). Does she have enough money for the gift?
• If you have students that celebrate Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, let them do similar art projects or stories about their holidays, share what these holidays are with the other students, but don't feel that you have to ignore Christmas; just add in Kwanzaa... Many children may feel awkward because they don't celebrate Christmas and are 'different', make everyone feel welcome.
• Remember that this is a time when many students are highly distracted and excited, so planning a 5 chapter algebra midterm is not the best thing right now.
• Build your repertoire of Christmas (and Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah) materials that fit with your curriculum, you can still teach and the holiday is still celebrated.
• If your school is not having a social for the older students, you may want to consider having a small one in your classroom. Maybe not a dance, as much as a party with games, music, and goodies.

What are your Christmas classroom traditions?


Please comment or send your questions to me at organizingteacher@hotmail.com

Have great day!

Valerie :)
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