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Read about some great tips on how to have teacher holiday happiness.

How to Create Teacher Holiday Happiness

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I don’t know about you-but if I leave a mess in my classroom in December–I start the new year off with a bad attitude. I know teachers who will leave school and return over their break to clean up and get things ready in January. That might work for you–me?  uh-uh! I like to leave everything ready for the first day back. It’s the way I create my own teacher holiday happiness.

TEACHER HOLIDAY HAPPINESS IDEA # 1 CLASSROOM CLEANED AND PREPPED

I usually travel to see family during the breaks, so I have to have things in order before I leave.

I may have to work on some of my power points and planning, but my room is pretty well tidied up and ready for that Monday morning class.

I use old sheets to cover up all of my instruments, keyboards and guitars.

I clean the board.

I put away all of the holiday decor.

I clean out old materials I didn’t use during the first semester.

I make sure I have sub plans in case I get sick over the holidays.

TEACHER HOLIDAY HAPPINESS IDEA # 2 LESSONS PLANNED

If possible, it’s a great stress reliever to have all of your lessons planned before you leave for holiday break.

But, if you don’t- you can still keep your stress levels down by doing activities that first week that are simple and help with classroom management.

For example:

Bean bag games

Stretchy Bands

Scarf Activities

Use these activities to review the classroom rules and connect with your students again.

They also help me teach my so mi la snowman songs to my K-2nd graders.

Try these blog posts for specific ideas:

FUN WAYS TO USE STRETCHY BANDS IN MUSIC CLASS

FIVE WAYS TO USE BEAN BAGS IN MUSIC CLASS

FREE SCARF ACTIVITIES WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE!

Get free music resource from Sing Play Create when you subscribe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KISS!

I’ve learned to keep that first week back to KEEP IT SIMPLE SAVVY.

Everyone’s going to need some adjustment time.

Next I’ll go deeper into the Winter themed lessons.

You may want to use a movement activity with your primary grades after discussing the rules.

  “Hey Mr. Snowman” Movement Activity Resource

Movement Activity: "Hey Mr. Snowman" Song, Activities, Video, Mp3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEACHER HOLIDAY HAPPINESS IDEA # 3 LEARN HOW TO LET IT GO!

 Some people have an easy time with this–I don’t. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about things I need-should-want-to do in regards to my classroom and lessons.

EVERYTHING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT!

For me, I love to watch old movies, and so I’ll be watching “It’s a Wonderful Life”, which is my favorite and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”…and of course I’ll watch some that my grandchildren will pick out for me.

I’ll also listen to some of my favorite Christmas songs and groups.

And I’ll try to catch some kind of a concert or at least a televised special.

SAY NO TO THINGS YOU DO NOT WANT TO DO

Here’s my list:

  • SAY NO TO COOKING EVERYONE’S FAVORITE FOOD

  • SAY NO TO CLEANING THE WHOLE HOUSE

  • SAY NO TO PUTTING ON MAKEUP

  • SAY  NO TO SHOPPING

What’s yours?

ASK FOR HELP

Just like you organize your classroom jobs- layout all the things that have to happen to make the holidays special for everyone.

It’s okay to get everyone involved in the planning and execution of the holiday festivities.

I let my older children cook their favorite meals.

My husband does the things I hate to do- wash dishes.

PROTECT YOUR TIME

IT’S OKAY TO SAY NO to things you DO NOT WANT TO DO

IT’S OKAY TO SAY YES to things you WANT TO DO

What’s Important to you?

EMBRACE YOUR PEACEFUL SELF

I really do love yoga, so I make sure I get in my morning stretch.

Then, I like to get outdoors. If the weather is bad, then I go to the gym, or take a drive.

I also like to spend some time alone.

If for some reason you or a loved one is experiencing higher levels of stress than normal, or, feel depressed, it’s important to get help from a professional.

I hope you’ll feel like you can reach out if needed.

GIVE YOURSELF A DAY ALONE

Treat yourself to something nice!

ECO-FRIENDLY TOTE BAGS

I just started making these tote bags using the Sing Play Create colors.

 

Watercolor Dream Tote Bag Eco Shopping
by Sing Play Create

Music and Movement Watercolor Print Tote Bag
by Sing Play Create

 Looking for some January Music Lessons?

 You may want to check out the January Monthly Bundle with tons of materials for your K-6 Music Classroom.

January Music LessonsJanuary Music Class Lesson Bundle: Songs, Games, Worksheets, Mp3 TracksLooking forward to a great Holiday Break!

January Music Class Lesson Bundle: Songs, Games, Worksheets, Mp3 Tracks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

Share these ideas with your teacher friends!

 

Tips from Sing play create to maximize teacher holiday happiness.Learn how to create holiday teacher happiness.

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One Response

Meet Sandra

Hi there!  I’m Sandra, one of the authors behind Sing Play Create.  My goal is to provide teachers with interactive resources and activities to improve the effectiveness of their teaching and enhance student learning.

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