Tips for Managing Excitement during the HolidaysThe holiday season has arrived, and with it comes a burst of twinkling lights, festive music, and, of course, the contagious excitement of our young learners. As preschool educators, we understand that managing this heightened energy during the holidays can be both joyful and challenging. Fear not! Here are some tried-and-true tips to navigate the jingle bells and keep the holiday spirit alive while maintaining a calm and structured preschool environment. The holidays are exciting and filled with busy activities inside and outside of the preschool classroom. But with these activities and tips we hope that you find not only joy but join along the excitement with your little learners! Embrace the ExcitementEmbracing the excitement in your preschool classroom is a great way to work with it instead of against it. You can build the excitement through meaningful activities and play.
Channeling that energy into positive and engaging experiences allows children to express their excitement in a structured and constructive manner. Reading holiday themed books is a great way to set-the stage. Take a look at this list of our favorite holiday preschool books to read with your preschoolers. Establish Clear RoutinesPreschoolers are often out of their normal routine during the holiday season between fun events, and evening activities. But, in the classroom maintaining a structured routine and schedule can ensure preschoolers stay regulated and on-task.
Lean on First Then PromptsAlong with consistent daily schedules, lean on the phrase "first we will ____ then we ____" as a way to provide preschoolers a sense of what will happen next. Encourage Expressive OutletsBetween holiday songs, dances, and crafts there are so many different ways to let preschoolers turn holiday excitement into holiday creativity. Create a Holiday Performance Harness the holiday excitement by organizing a classroom performance. Whether it's a winter play, a festive dance, or a sing-along, providing a structured outlet for expression allows children to channel their enthusiasm into a collaborative and creative project.
Get CreativeThe holidays are a great time to pull out more hands-on activities whether it's STEM building or holiday arts and crafts. Creative outlets such as art are great for helping preschoolers channel their excitement. Check out this blog post with preschool Christmas activities and crafts for extra ideas. Foster a Sense of GivingThe holidays are a season for giving but this can be a hard concept for preschoolers to understand but through meaningful activities and books we can help preschoolers understand the importance and joy behind giving.
Provide Calm Down CornersHoliday excitement can be overwhelming for preschoolers and providing them a space to calm down is extremely beneficial.
Communicate with ParentsCommunication with parents is essential and even more important during the holiday season when preschoolers are off their routine. Maintain Open Communication Keep parents in the loop about classroom activities and any changes to routines during the holiday season. Share strategies that can be implemented at home to manage excitement, fostering consistency between school and home environments. Invite Parents into the ClassroomThe holiday season is a magical time for our preschoolers, and with a bit of planning and creativity, we can navigate the excitement together. By embracing the festive atmosphere, maintaining routines, and providing purposeful activities, we can create a joyful and enriching holiday experience for our little learners. What are your favorite strategies for managing holiday excitement in the preschool classroom? Share your tips and experiences with fellow educators in the comments below. Wishing you and your preschoolers a season filled with joy, laughter, and successful management of the holiday buzz! You May Also Like:
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