Managing the Pre-Break Buzz: Practical Classroom Strategies for the Most Energetic Time of Year

There’s a certain energy in the air as the calendar flips to December…excitement, anticipation, and just a little bit of chaos. The days before a long break can bring out the best (and the most distracted) sides of our students. They’re buzzing with plans, sugar, and emotions and teachers are running on coffee and countdowns.

But while the pre-break buzz is inevitable, it doesn’t have to derail your classroom. With the right mix of structure, flexibility, and connection, you can finish the year feeling calm, not chaotic.

Here are practical classroom management strategies to help you make the most of the most energetic time of year.

1. Keep Routines Sacred (Even When It’s Hard)

It’s tempting to toss out your normal routine and fill the days with “fun stuff.” But routine is what keeps students feeling safe and grounded — especially during an unpredictable season.

Stick with your daily schedule as much as possible. Start with your regular morning meeting, reading block, or math warm-up, even if the rest of the day looks different. Those familiar structures send the message: “We’re still learning, and we’re still a team.”

•  Pro tip: Use consistent transition cues (like a bell, chime, or call-and-response) to help students reset between activities.

2. Channel the Energy — Don’t Fight It

Students are going to be full of energy, so meet them where they are! Instead of demanding stillness, find ways to move with their excitement. Some things to try are:

• Brain breaks that match the mood — snowball tosses (crumpled paper), “freeze like a snowman,” or GoNoodle dance-offs.

• Movement-based learning — scavenger hunts, gallery walks, or review games that get kids up and moving.

• Voice and choice — let students choose between two review activities or share ideas for how to “celebrate learning.”

Redirecting energy is easier than suppressing it — and it keeps the classroom joyful and productive.

3. Plan Engaging, Low-Stress Lessons

December isn’t the time for starting brand-new units or piling on complex projects. Instead, focus on review, creativity, and collaboration. Here are some tried-and-true favorites:

• “12 Days of Learning” — highlight one skill or topic each day leading up to break.

• “Winter STEM Challenges” — build a sled, design a snow shelter, or test paper snowflake symmetry.

• “Kindness Campaigns” — small daily acts of kindness with a classroom display to track progress.

Keep lessons meaningful, but design them so you’re not juggling extra prep or grading while wrapping up the semester.

If you are in need of ways to level up your instruction, dive into effective strategies surrounding topics like routines and procedures, student engagement, increasing student talk, and generating active response.

4. Make Space for Feelings (All of Them)

The holidays aren’t joyful for everyone. Some students feel anxious, sad, or uncertain about time away from school. Create room for emotions by checking in with your class daily. Try simple reflection prompts like:

• “How are you feeling about the upcoming break?”

• “What’s something you’re looking forward to — or something you’ll miss?”

• “What can we do to support each other this week?”

A few minutes of honest conversation can ease anxiety and remind students that they belong — even during big transitions.

5. Celebrate Progress, Not Just the Calendar

Instead of counting down days until break, count up to the growth your students have made.

Display “12 Days of Learning,” “10 Things We’ve Mastered,” or a “Gratitude Wall” where students share something they’re proud of. Shifting the focus from “almost done!” to “look how far we’ve come!” builds reflection and positivity.

6. Protect Your Own Energy

Let’s be honest — the pre-break buzz affects teachers, too. Between report cards, class parties, and personal holiday prep, it’s easy to run on fumes.

Give yourself permission to simplify. Use anchor activities, independent centers, or buddy reading when you need a breather. Keep a few “quiet moments” on the schedule — a read-aloud, mindfulness activity, or journaling time — to help everyone (including you) reset.

And remember: calm is contagious. When students see you staying grounded, they’ll follow your lead.

What’s the Lesson?

The days before break will never be perfectly calm — and that’s okay. They’re supposed to be full of energy, laughter, and a little extra sparkle. The key is to harness that energy instead of fighting it.

By holding onto structure, connection, and joy, you help your students end the year on a high note — not just ready for a break, but proud of what they’ve accomplished.

So take a deep breath, turn on the twinkle lights (metaphorically or literally), and enjoy the buzz. You’ve earned it!

Want more support? Browse our full collection of printable and digital tools. You can also read more helpful posts on the blog—and don’t miss my latest book: Always A Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success.

GO BE GREAT!