December Planning Guide

December is a super fun month to plan!  The holidays are here!!!  As you plan, please keep in mind that we are serving a diverse population.  Not everyone celebrates the same holidays.

As a reminder, please keep holiday décor secular and not religious based.

In addition, try to have a variety of décor that represent popular holidays.

1. Tip 1: Before you begin planning for December, ask your children which holidays they celebrate.  Incorporate those holidays into your monthly planning.  If your children are too young to know what holidays they celebrate, send a note home and ask the parents!
2. Tip 2: Secular Décor Ideas: Dreidel, Gelt, Christmas Tree, Snowmen, decorate with the colors of the holiday for example, Kwanzaa: red, black, green & yellow, or red & green for Christmas.

The month of December tends to be very exciting for the children, they are often energetic and looking forward to all the celebrations and a break from school! To help with classroom management remember these important steps:

1. Step 1: Stay consistent- When things are busy and not the norm, children tend to misbehave the most.  Try as hard as possible to stay in your normal routine as often as possible.  Staying consistent in your routine, rules and expectations can help minimize behavior problems.
2. Step 2: Be patient- Remember, kids are kids, they are looking forward to the holiday break just as much as you are, but they are not able to control their excitement as well as you do.  Be patient if you encounter children misbehaving and realize they are getting excited for the holiday season.
3. Step 3: Have fun- Most importantly, have fun! Plan a fun party at the end of the month so you and your children have something to look forward to! If your group enjoys games more than art projects plan more games.  Get into the holiday spirit and dress up in the month of December, whatever it is that you do, make sure your kids and you are having fun while doing it!