How to Keep Holiday Season Lessons Neutral in the Classroom

Hey, Teachers!

The holidays are in FULL FORCE! 🎁 ☃️

Need an easy December activity for your regular classes or advisory group?

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If you're wondering how to keep a little "holiday spirit" in your classroom this season while staying neutral about politics and avoiding any religious undertones, check out this brief article!

3 Essentials for Keeping Holiday Season Lessons Neutral This School Year

LET'S GO...

1. FOCUS ON TOPICS OR CONCEPTS EVERYBODY AGREES ARE FUN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

What are some topics or concepts that are neutral at your school site, but lend themselves to a December seasonal activity? 

Some ideas: 

• Thematic concepts such as peace, uniqueness, and beauty of the winter season
• Physical landscape (actual seasons, weather patterns, Earth science)
• Being unique like the winter snowflake
• Ways we can appreciate beauty and uniqueness in others
• Importance of relationships and social-emotional health (family, friends, coaches) 

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2. EMPHASIZE ACTIVITIES THAT ARE CRAFTY, IN THE SEASON OF "PEACE", AND ALIGN WITH CHARITABLE THEMES TO INCREASE SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING

What are some ways that students will understand and/or recognize being peaceful in their everyday environments? How can students magnify being peacemakers in class, in the hallways, and as a personal value?

Some ideas:

• Star chart for every time a student acts calmly and generously toward another classmate
• Drop box for quiet recognitions of peacemaking efforts that are shared aloud the same day each week
• Writing a friendly letter to a peer, staff member, family member, or other important person thanking that person for an act of generosity
• Graphic organizer identifying ways historical figures or fictional characters have been peacemakers in the content you are studying
• Anti-bullying activities that emphasize peacemaking instead of anger, judgement, or ridicule

Snag your FREE QUICK HOLIDAY SEASON PRINTABLES FOR THE CLASSROOM (PreK/K, elementary, secondary) HERE!

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3. CONNECT TOPICS OR CONCEPTS IN YOUR CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES TO CURRENT SCHOOL PROJECTS, EVENTS, OR PRE-APPROVED CURRICULUM 

What are current school assemblies, drives, events, fundraisers, or sponsorships you could talk about in class and encourage students to participate in for more broad-based school reasons and support? 

Some ideas:

• Mini lesson on the importance of the school activity and why your school is doing this, such as a classroom connections activity linking ideas and concepts to the value of the school event
• Student think-pair-share on participation in one of these events
• Showcasing your personal involvement such as bringing items to the classroom donation box
• Class contest for prizes, extra credit, or school-wide recognition with awards
• Narratives, problem-solving activities, or presentations on "real-world" applications and/or impact this school event will have in the community

Snag your FREE QUICK HOLIDAY SEASON PRINTABLES FOR THE CLASSROOM (PreK/K, elementary, secondary) HERE!

Stressed out and need to chat? BOOK YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL WITH DR. SHEA

Teaching in public school these days can feel like a minefield. We're watching our backs, careful about what we say, and cautious about activities that aren't in the lesson plans stemming from pre-approved curriculum. But there is creativity in positivity. Being positive about topics and concepts surrounding this holiday season can simply mean acknowledging your students' interest in holiday events and experiences, and showing how you as the teacher are a peacemaker. 

Leading by example is imperative to cultivating classroom tone. When students see you in the act of peacemaking, caring, and friendship, we all know that speaks louder than any instructional activity. How are you magnifying the "safe" concepts you want students to ponder? Students love our true life stories, and guest speakers (remember to stay cognizant of neutrality while sharing these stories too).

Navigating what is "politically correct" doesn't mean being 100% silent. Part of helping students with social-emotional learning in this difficult educational landscape rife with increases in self-harm, suicidal ideation, and violence means talking about our connectivity as human beings. If you focus on the strands that bind and unify us instead of the political or religious terminology, ideologies, and views that divide us or could cause outbursts in class or the community, arguments between students, or write-ups from admin, you're probably on the right track in your holiday season classroom activities. 

Can we still share openly about specific holidays this time of year? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this because there are many interpretations of what is acceptable or not at your school, based on the culture and community you serve. Always follow the policies and protocols at your school site, and conscientiously adhere to your state mandates and professional code of ethics. My rule of thumb has always been if I'm questioning whether it's okay, it's probably not.

Staying neutral during the holiday season in today's educational climate means being more thoughtful and aware of our students. Focusing on school culture and being a team player are essential to success on the job at any time of year. Ask your colleagues how they approach holiday season activities, consider your community and organizational values at large, and bring up concerns collectively as a grade level or department if you and your colleagues have questions about holiday activities or what your school's philosophy is related to themes of moral education.

The holidays should be a time of peace and sharing. Find ways to connect with kids as that one caring teacher you treasured as a child, and have always hoped to be. 🎁 Teachers share a priceless gift: influence.

Snag your FREE QUICK HOLIDAY SEASON PRINTABLES FOR THE CLASSROOM (PreK/K, elementary, secondary) HERE!

Stressed out and need to chat? BOOK YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL WITH DR. SHEA