What Your Students Need Most Right Now: Consistency
Keeping Your Classroom Grounded When the Calendar Gets Chaotic
You can feel it in the air—the excitement, the energy, and the countdowns. November and December bring all the things: Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, winter concerts, spirit days, and the slow drift toward winter break. The calendar is packed, routines get disrupted, and let’s be honest—students aren’t the only ones feeling distracted.
For new teachers, this time of year can be especially tough. You want to make things fun, celebrate with your students, and soak up the joy of the season. But when the schedule keeps changing and routines fall apart, behavior tends to follow. The result? A lot of energy, a little chaos, and some frayed nerves for everyone.
So how do you keep your classroom calm and consistent when the world outside (and inside) your classroom feels anything but?
Why Consistency Is the Real Holiday Magic
All students benefit from steady routines—especially this time of year when life outside of school tends to get busier and less predictable. Late nights, family gatherings, travel, and extra activities can throw off everyone’s rhythm. Keeping your classroom routines consistent helps students feel grounded and provides a sense of calm and normalcy when everything else feels a little out of sync.
Consistency isn’t about being rigid—it’s about creating safety and stability. When students know what to expect and what’s expected of them, they can relax, focus, and enjoy learning. It’s a small thing that makes a huge difference.
Keep Routines Firm (Even When Everything Else Isn’t)
Stick to your tried-and-true routines as much as possible. Start and end class the same way, use your regular transition cues, and keep your daily structures in place. These predictable moments act as anchors for students.
When something about the day will be different—like an assembly or early release—preview it first thing in the morning and post it on the board. A quick “Here’s what today will look like” helps everyone feel prepared and in control.
Keep It Inclusive
As the holidays approach, it’s easy to fall into familiar traditions, but not all students celebrate the same way—or at all. Instead of centering holidays, try focusing on broader themes like gratitude, kindness, or community. If students want to share their own traditions, that’s wonderful, but make sure participation is optional. You’ll create a space where everyone feels included and respected, no matter what they celebrate.
Stay Focused on Learning (and Let That Be the Celebration)
It’s tempting to let things slow down in December, but keeping lessons meaningful and engaging actually helps maintain calm. Students pick up on your energy—if you show that learning still matters, they’ll follow your lead. Ending the semester with strong, purposeful lessons sends everyone into break feeling proud and accomplished.
You Set the Tone
When the days feel long and the schedule feels short, your steadiness matters more than ever. Greet your students with the same warmth, use the same cues and routines, and respond with the same calm. Your consistency tells them, we’ve got this—together.
Here’s the bottom line: The holidays will always bring excitement, but they don’t have to bring chaos. By sticking to your routines, keeping expectations clear, and staying centered yourself, you’re giving your students the best gift of all—a classroom that feels steady, safe, and full of belonging, no matter what’s happening outside.