How To Help Manage Behavior in The Classroom During the Holidays

Upcoming holidays can be exciting and overwhelming for many students, leading to changes in classroom behavior. Holiday anticipation and excitement can make it difficult for students to continue to learn.

At Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS), we support teachers and administrators by working with school-based providers with the training to help students stay on track, get the most from their education, and manage their feelings around the holidays.

Set Clear Expectations and Continue to Encourage Learning

Students excited for the holidays may occasionally forget classroom rules. When holiday time approaches, it can help to establish expectations with your students. Let them know that the classroom will still be a space for learning as the holidays approach. Consider taking some time to have students help you put together the classroom rules and expectations you will all follow.

Encouraging learning is integral to ensuring kids get the most out of their education. Incorporating festive details into the lessons may help hold students’ attention and motivate them to get more involved. Reinforce good behavior and opportunities for learning as you see them happen.

Take More Breaks

While consistency is important in the classroom, more frequent brain breaks around the holidays can help students re-center and burn off excess energy. You can split these breaks into two categories: mental and physical breaks. Breaks don’t have to be long, just enough to help students reset.

During mental breaks, give students time to decompress the most recent lesson or share their thoughts or feelings about a particular lesson that day. Some students may want some quiet time to read or say hello to a friend from the other side of the classroom.

Physical breaks and sensory rooms are a great opportunity to encourage students to get up and get rid of some of their spare energy. Stretching, small yoga lessons, or even a quick dance session can let students have a little fun before settling back down to focus.

Supports for Partnered Schools

Schools partnered with PTS will have access to our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. This approach provides support to students in three tiers:

• Supports available to all students
• Targeted Supports, such as small groups or classroom-based strategies
• More intensive-individualized support for individual students

As a behavioral health provider, working alongside PTS, you can help teachers put together classroom strategies with providers who can help support effective learning and monitor smaller groups of students depending on their needs. Individual students may also need specific support during the holidays.

Support Students During the Holidays at School Alongside PTS

As a school-based provider working alongside PTS, you can help students enjoy the holidays while still making the most of their education. PTS is dedicated to helping teachers and administrators in our partnering districts create an excellent learning environment for all children.

If you’re interested in becoming a school-based provider, explore our openings today.