5 Tips: How Teachers Can Stay Motivated During the Holiday Season!

Hey, Teachers!

Need an easy Winter Poem Idea for your students? Or a sub plan while you're out? 

DOWNLOAD YOUR WINTER POEM IDEAS FOR ANY GRADE! ☃️

Bogged down already? BOOK YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL WITH DR. SHEA 

Are you feeling burnt-out on "creative content development "like I am? You likely have your "must-do" curriculum in tow, but throwing in some seasonal activities is always fun (and appreciated by students)!

I don't know about you, but I'm always looking ahead...especially at what I'm going to have "ready to go" when we get back from Winter Break (only a few weeks until we get some more time away!)~

But how are we getting through TODAY? 😬

Here are 5 TIPS FOR STAYING MOTIVATED DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON:

1. Focus on Your TOP THREE Priorities With Your Students

Identify your priorities. We tend to feel overwhelm when we're disorganized or in disarray. Whether you're making gingerbread houses in PreK, assisting high school juniors in SAT prep, or coaching a sports team, SIMPLIFY AND INTENSIFY what has to get done in the next three weeks. Make a list of of your TOP THREE.

These can be instructional goals, formative or summative assessments, IEP meetings, scope and sequence planning...Whatever it is, stick to your plan, and be hopeful about the rest (it'll all be there when you get back in January).

DOWNLOAD YOUR WINTER POEM IDEAS FOR ANY GRADE! ☃️

Bogged down already? BOOK YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL WITH DR. SHEA 

2. Put Something Fun in the Curriculum/Lesson Planning That You Enjoy Too

Identify the lesson you love the most (or think you will enjoy the most) and build upon that lesson in the next few weeks. Who said aspects of the learning objectives can't be strung along a little longer? Find those connections in the curriculum to create your thematic arcs.

The most memorable lessons for students tend to be the ones that evoke personal connection (something we should always strive for in the lesson planning). How can you amplify this in the next few weeks?

DOWNLOAD YOUR WINTER POEM IDEAS FOR ANY GRADE! ☃️

Bogged down already? BOOK YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL WITH DR. SHEA 

3. Initiate Social Connectivity Among Colleagues and the Community

Identify something wonderful that you and your colleagues could share during this holiday season. It might be a school, department, or grade level potluck. Maybe you organize a "night out" with teacher friends (cafe, movies, vintage book store, game). 

Building your relationships with colleagues is important. Ask yourself: What's the role I play with my colleagues? How do they see me? And how do I see them?

DOWNLOAD YOUR WINTER POEM IDEAS FOR ANY GRADE! ☃️

Bogged down already? BOOK YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL WITH DR. SHEA 

4. Create a Check-Off Calendar 

Identify the daily and weekly tasks over the next few weeks. It feels GREAT to mark things off the list! Create a digital calendar with notes OR a good old-fashioned paper/pen list for each week. Organize your must-do's into three categories: instruction, assessment, and paperwork (or other important duty).

Start crossing off the days!! ❌

Then trash the crossed-off list on your way out the door for Winter Break! 🗑

DOWNLOAD YOUR WINTER POEM IDEAS FOR ANY GRADE! ☃️

Bogged down already? BOOK YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL WITH DR. SHEA 

5. Celebrate Student Accomplishments

Identify the students you want to spotlight for five days in a row. You might select academic successes, positive role models, social-emotional learning positives like being kind or friendly in class, or "our most helpful students this week were"...

Students like to be acknowledged for doing good. Think of some creative rewards you can share with your deserving students this holiday season!

DOWNLOAD YOUR WINTER POEM IDEAS FOR ANY GRADE! ☃️

Bogged down already? BOOK YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL WITH DR. SHEA 

 We're going to make it through to Winter Break! We got this!