End-of-term exhaustion setting in? Here’s how to make your life as a Teacher easier in the final run-up to the Christmas holidays. The epic term continues and the to-do list doesn’t seem to be getting any smaller. How can we survive the final stretch of this marathon?

Instead, lessons should radiate direction and simplicity: what exactly do we want young people to be thinking about and doing? What is the easiest route for them to arrive at the skills you want them to demonstrate by the end of the lesson?

Collaborate with colleagues

This is not the time to reinvent the wheel or invest too much time in planning. Instead, pull out the lessons that you know work and can sustain a peaceful and focused atmosphere. Even better, join forces with colleagues so the whole department shares its best resources. Why drive yourself into the ground when so much expertise – and the perfect festive lesson – exists in the classroom next door?

Simplify your language

When we become tired, we often communicate less efficiently. It is a good time to experiment with being sparse and direct in verbal instructions, which conserves energy and avoids repetition. Slow down the instructions you give in the classroom to ensure the students understand your expectations.

We conventionally deliver 130-170 words a minute at a natural conversational speed. When we want to introduce ideas or explain concepts that are vital to students’ understanding, we need to adopt a more measured pace. One good technique is to pick out key words to say more slowly. Asking students to repeat the key points will help ensure they understand and save us precious energy. Slow your breathing and embrace the power of pausing.

Be patient in your behaviour management

The chaotic behaviour always begins as soon as December starts, with numerous requests every lesson to watch a film. Embracing the principles of patience can be helpful. It’s just a matter of finding ways to manage our emotions in the face of adversity and provocation. While we can’t control the fact that young people become particularly hyperactive at this time of year, we can offer them stability, calm and routine when they enter our lessons.

The alternative – irritability and erratic behaviour from us – will only add fuel to the fire. Instead, take deep breaths, slow down your reactions and try to maintain perspective. It may even leave you with enough energy to enjoy a Christmas feast at the end of term.

Lastly, we hope that you have the best Christmas break and take time for yourself ahead of the 2024 new term start.

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