As the winter season approaches, students are eagerly anticipating a well-deserved winter break, and us teachers are thinking of how we can support students for winter break. For many, it’s a time to unwind, spend quality moments with loved ones, and recharge for the second half of the school year. However, as educators, we understand that this period can also be a source of stress for some students, whether it’s due to academic concerns, social pressures, or personal challenges. Here are three effective ways teachers can provide support to their students as they head into winter break!
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Before the winter break begins, it’s crucial to set clear and realistic expectations for your students. Discuss upcoming assignments, projects, or readings coming up after the break. By providing a transparent overview of what to expect, you help students manage their time effectively, pace their energy levels, and alleviate the anxiety that may come from uncertainty.
Using social scripts can be incredibly powerful for giving students an overview of those expectations. A social script can lay out timelines, ideas, suggestions for ways to handle big emotions, and more.
Encourage students to create a schedule for themselves during the break. This schedule can include relaxation periods and social activities. Emphasize the importance of balance, ensuring that they allocate enough time for both academics (if they have any!) and self-care. Remember, the goal should never be to burden kids with excessive work, but to maintain a healthy academic routine if needed.
2. Help Promote Self-Care and Well-Being
Winter break is the perfect time for students to focus on self-care and well-being. Encourage your students to prioritize their mental and physical health during this period. Share strategies for relaxation, stress reduction, and self-reflection. It’s not natural for a child to know how to take care of themselves, especially in a mental well-being way. We need to teach and reinforce these skills to help holistically support students for winter break.
Suggest engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading for pleasure, pursuing hobbies, or simply taking long walks in nature. Remind them that taking breaks and recharging is a fundamental part of maintaining productivity and academic success. It’s a way to help them have the best break possible, and feel ready to return to school when break ends.
You can work to create an open and supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing any emotional or personal challenges they may be facing. Share resources for counseling or mental health support, both within the school and in the local community. Assure students that seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness!
3. Foster a Sense of Connection
Many students cherish the sense of community and belonging they find in their school environment. During the winter break, this connection can be disrupted, leading to feelings of isolation. To support your students in maintaining these connections, there’s some simple steps you can take as a teacher.
Organize virtual social gatherings or activities where students can interact with their classmates and maintain a sense of community. This can include online game nights, book clubs, or casual video chats.
Encourage students to reach out to their peers during the break. Share contact information with guardians (as approved) and see if kids can video chat, or have a meet up in person if possible.
Stay connected with your students through email or a dedicated communication platform. Send them check-ins if you’re able and let them know that you are there for support if they need it. (See the italicized paragraph below for more context!)
We can Support Students for Winter Break
It’s no shock or surprise that our role extends beyond the classroom. We have a responsibility to support our students holistically, which can often very much extend past school hours and walls. By setting realistic expectations, promoting self-care and well-being, and fostering a sense of connection, we can help support students for winter break in tangible ways. These efforts not only benefit their academic success but also contribute to their overall personal growth and well-being. Remember, a little support can go a long way in ensuring that our students return from winter break ready to tackle the rest of the school year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
It’s also important to note that unless you have a special stipend or additional job title, we aren’t getting compensated for the ways we support students for winter break. Protect your peace! Creative ideas like scheduling emails to go out over winter break that allows students to know you’re thinking of them without actually doing school work during your break can be helpful. You can support students for winter break without sacrificing your own teacher-break!
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