If you have ever walked the halls of an elementary school in the days leading up yo winter break, you know the vibe. Music is playing, kids are excited and structure has gone out the window. This time of year is fun for many kids-but what about those who crave structure?
Don’t worry, I have 4 different things you can do with your class that are fun and meaningful! Plus, there is an INCREDIBLE freebie with over 100 links at the end of this blog!
Idea 1: Watch a Movie (with an activity)
Movies can be fun, but difficult for students who struggle to stay focused for long stretches of time. If you want to show a movie. I recommend taking a break and doing an activity about every 10-15 minutes to help break up the movie. I have a pack that corresponds to The Polar Express that can be used for this purpose!
Idea 2: Do a Theme Takeover
Themes can help tie the day over and keep things predictable for your students. I have a long series of Thematic Packs that can help! For holiday-specific themes, try Christmas, Kwanza, and Hanukkah. If you need more general themes, try Winter Express or Holiday Toys!
Idea 3: Make Gifts for People At School
This is a great time to teach your students about sharing gifts. Have your class make small presents and share it with the people at your school. We used to give gifts to our related service providers, inclusion teachers, administrative and office teams as well as the janitorial staff. If you need visual directions, here is a free set that corresponds to the present below:
Tip 4: Have a Structured Party
When my parties were loosely thrown together, they were stressful on me and not fun for my class. When I started including visuals and having a structured plan, the parties were more successful for everyone. I have two different themes available that are perfect for this time of year: holiday treats and snow day.
If you need more help, I have you covered! Download my PDF with over 100 links to free resources that will help you plan your day. The links are all PERFECT for special education classrooms and are sorted by categories to make it easier to navigate. Enjoy!