Keep Structure (and relax) the Week Before Break

Navigating the week before a break can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield.  It’s tempting to let routines slip, embrace the chaos, and count down the minutes until that well-deserved respite.  Segurísimo, I’ve been there, too.  In my third year of teaching, I surrendered to the pre-break slump.  Movies, filler activities — lo que sea – just to get through the week.  And while it momentarily eased the fatigue, it left a residue of disarray that haunted our return.

Stepping back into the classroom after the break felt like a challenge, a puzzle missing its key pieces. The routines and habits that once formed the backbone of my class were a long-forgotten relic. Maintaining structure can be such a challenge in this last week, especially when the option to relax is calling our names.

However, here’s the problem: letting things go the last week before break can cause even more stress and overwhelm.  Jumping out of your routine gives students wiggle room to embrace chaos, making teaching even harder than normal.  No te preocupes, profe.  There’s a way to keep moving forward while still embracing the upcoming break. Let’s explore how you can not only survive but thrive in the week before the break.

Keep Your Routine as you Navigate the Pre-Break Week

Routines keep our classroom moving forward, they support us in building trust with students, and they help students know exactly what to expect as we move through the school year.  As tempting as it might be to let them take a holiday of their own in the week before a break, holding onto them becomes even more vital in this delicate dance of pre-holiday anticipation.

Why Routines Matter

Routines are the secret sauce of a well-functioning classroom. They provide predictability, a comforting rhythm that students unconsciously crave.  When the impending vacation lures them into a daydream, routines ground them in the reality of the classroom.  It’s a steadying force, and keeps the vacation excitement at bay.

Streamline vs. Sideline

Admittedly, you might be tempted to ease off the throttle during this period. Instead, consider streamlining your routines. Perhaps condense your usual activities into shorter, snappier versions. If morning routines involve a quick review, keep it concise but effective. A streamlined routine preserves the essence of your classroom habits without sacrificing precious time.

Consistency is Key

The start and end of each class act as crucial bookends to the learning experience. Even in the pre-break hustle, maintain consistency in how you commence and conclude lessons. It could be a brief mindfulness exercise, a quick recap of previous learnings, or a sneak peek into what lies ahead. Consistent beginnings and endings provide a sense of closure and continuity, a reassuring constant in the face of impending change.

Lighten the Load, Not the Learning

Yes, it’s okay to keep things light, but let’s not take the train off the rails.  Instead, consider a project that keeps students on task this week, but gives them the creative freedom to explore concepts in an unstructured way.

Choice Boards for the Win!

One approach is to introduce a project that combines freedom with structure—enter the mighty choice board. Give your students options within a structured framework. It’s like handing them the steering wheel but ensuring they stay on the designated course. Choice boards allow for flexibility while maintaining a semblance of order. Students can pick from a menu of activities, ensuring engagement and variety while sticking to the overarching lesson plan.

Consider a Capstone Project

Why not channel the pre-break energy into a creative capstone project? Let your students explore culture and language in their unique way. Whether it’s creating a multimedia presentation, crafting a short story, or even composing a song—give them the freedom to express themselves within the confines of cultural exploration. This capstone-style project not only keeps the structure intact but also nurtures creativity, making the week both enriching and enjoyable.

Remember, even in the midst of pre-holiday anticipation, your students crave consistency. While the break may be imminent, maintaining structure ensures a smoother return to the linguistic adventure awaiting you in the new year. So, embrace the week, let it be light, but let it be purposeful. Your structured ship will weather the break’s storm and emerge ready for new horizons. Break is coming soon—promise.

Reflect and Review

The week before a break is an ideal time for reflection and review. Encourage students to look back at what they’ve learned during the term. Perhaps they can create a reflective journal entry or engage in a group discussion about their language journey. It not only reinforces past lessons but sets the stage for what’s to come post-break. This structured reflection provides the scaffolding needed for a smooth transition back into the learning groove.

Communication is Key

Let your students in on the plan. Communicate the importance of maintaining routines during the week before break. Acknowledge the allure of daydreams filled with holiday adventures, but stress the value of these structured moments. Reinforce the idea that routines are the ship’s compass, steering them toward a successful return post-break.

In essence, maintaining routines isn’t about resisting the holiday cheer—it’s about embracing it within the framework of familiarity. A well-honed routine provides the stability needed to weather the storm of distractions, ensuring that your classroom sails smoothly into the well-deserved break and, crucially, sails back just as smoothly when the adventure resumes. So, in the face of holiday excitement, let routines be your guiding star. The ship will stay the course, and your students will thank you for the consistency amidst the festive fervor.