A Calm Presence

Dec 8, 2024

As all educators know, the weeks leading up to the mid-year break bring out the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good is evidenced in the overall holiday mood, spirit of generosity, and festive programs. However, these same factors can also contribute to escalating the bad and the ugly when it comes to student behaviors.

We all thrive on routine; herein lies the problem. During holiday seasons, there are numerous interruptions to daily rituals, which makes adhering to a consistent schedule difficult. And continuous change often brings out students’ erratic behaviors. Accordingly, we need to find ways to balance the behavioral scales and usher in calm.

When we feel an internal loss of control, we look for an external source of comfort. Teachers, you are that source. Your words, emotional state, and attitude have a big impact on how students handle the changes and novelty prevalent at this time of year. So, practice being the calm eye in the hurricane of your classroom.

In celebration of Christmas, many people carry on the tradition of giving presents. Teachers, my suggestion is that you forgo tangible presents, and instead give your students your calm and focused presence. I feel certain this gift will positively impact their behaviors making the weeks leading up to this next holiday break exponentially more pleasant for all involved.

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