Happy Teacher Life

 The holidays can be a super fun time in the classroom! I love the parties, events, assemblies, everything! BUT, HOW oh HOW do you save your sanity during this crazy time of year?!? Excitement is in the air in an elementary classroom, especially around Christmas time!   Curb that excitement! Because, hey, there is still stuff to teach! Still assessments to take, still work to be done.  One of my favorite ways to keep students on task and focused around the holidays is to keep them guessing. They never know what type of intrinsic or extrinsic reward they will get. They never know when a brain break will be.  Here are a few tips and tricks that help my students stay on task, work quietly and stay focused in the month of December: Frequent brain breaks New class reward system Positive reinforcement Stay consistent in your routine Reinforce relationships Breathing exercises (curb the crazy!) Frequent brain breaks are a fun, simple way to help students get their wig...

December Morning Work Ideas  December is such a fun time in the classroom. 🎄🎅🤶 Parties, assemblies, holiday projects and so much more!  At this point in the school year, students are in the swing of things, and you may be looking to spice up your morning routine. Keep those students ENGAGED with these fun December morning work ideas!  Writing Prompts - Writing prompts are such a fun way to help students stay on task in the morning.  "If you were a reindeer, what would your day be like?"  "What is a fun fact about you and your family during the holiday season?"  If you are looking for a PREP FREE writing morning work activity with sentence starters, check out this awesome resource!  Morning Tubs - Morning tubs can be such a fun way to help students get some WIGGLES out in the morning.  HANDS ON activities like morning tubs are so much fun!  Keep it simple. Run to your dollar store and get a few holiday craft supplies and small items and en...