Teaching in December: A Bittersweet Time for Educators

December is a unique time in Australian classrooms. With the school year winding down, it’s a period of reflection, celebration, and often a touch of chaos. Primary and secondary school teachers face specific joys and challenges, all while keeping students engaged and motivated during the final stretch.

One of the highlights of teaching in December is the festive atmosphere. For primary teachers, this means a chance to create magical memories with younger students through creative and interactive activities. The end of term fosters a sense of community and gratitude, with students and staff reflecting on the year’s achievements.

For secondary teachers, December is often about helping students reflect on their academic progress and celebrate milestones like graduations or transitions to the next phase of education. The opportunity to strengthen relationships with students, as the pressure of assessments eases, is deeply rewarding. As the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) notes, “The end of the year is a perfect time for teachers to pause and celebrate their students’ progress while reflecting on their own professional growth.” The sense of accomplishment is palpable. Teachers have guided their students through another year of learning, growth, and challenges. This culmination of efforts often reignites the passion for teaching and a commitment to student success.

However, December isn’t without its challenges. Fatigue is a common theme among teachers and students alike. After months of intensive learning and activities, maintaining motivation and focus can be difficult. Behaviour management can also become more complex as students grow restless, looking forward to the summer break. Another challenge is balancing administrative responsibilities with teaching. Teachers often find themselves juggling end-of-year reporting, parent communications, and planning for the next academic year. According to the Australian Education Union, “The workload stress for teachers peaks in December, making it essential for schools to provide support and for educators to prioritise self-care.”

Fun Classroom Activities for December

Engaging students in fun and meaningful activities can make December memorable for both teachers and learners. Here are some ideas tailored for primary and secondary students:

For Primary Students:

1. Christmas Around the World: Introduce students to different cultural traditions by exploring how Christmas and other holidays are celebrated globally. Include crafts, songs, and stories from diverse cultures. You can ask students to share their Christmas traditions if they celebrate, and encourage them to show and tell. This gives them a chance to reflect on their traditions and be creative in the things that they share. It also is a great opportunity to explain that every household will have different traditions, and that some might not celebrate at all. By doing this, you ensure that no student feels left out.

2. STEM Challenges: Host a festive engineering challenge, such as building a gingerbread house with limited materials or designing a sleigh that can hold a certain weight. Students can design this digitally or on paper. If you have time, trying to build the designs is another fun activity!

3. Memory Books: Encourage students to create a small book reflecting on their favourite moments of the year, complete with drawings and captions. According to Teach Starter, “Memory books are a wonderful way for students to reflect on their achievements and cherish memories of the year.” They are also a thoughtful keepsake. If you have taken photos of your students throughout the year, this is a great opportunity to print them so students can use them, too.

For Secondary Students:

1. Themed Trivia Quiz: Create a trivia competition that covers topics from the year’s syllabus alongside fun holiday-themed questions.

2. End-of-Year Debates: Organise debates on light-hearted topics, such as “Is summer the best season?” or “Should Christmas decorations go up before December?”

3. Creative Showcases: Allow students to present a project of their choice, such as a short film, artwork, or performance, celebrating their skills and creativity.

Wrapping Up the Year

December is a time for celebrating achievements, reflecting on growth, and building excitement for the future. While challenges like fatigue and behaviour management exist, the rewards of ending the year on a positive note make it all worthwhile. By balancing festive fun with meaningful activities, teachers can create lasting memories for their students and themselves.

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