Picture this: You're a teacher who barely made it to the holiday break. Revitalized, you dive into the holiday festivities, savoring family time, relaxation, sleep-ins, and the simple joys of life. But just as you're soaking in the holiday spirit, reality hits – you have absolutely no plans for your return to school. The usual "Sunday scaries" have evolved into the epic saga of "holiday interruptus," as you scramble to figure out your post-break agenda.
Imagine instead leaving for the
break with everything planned and copied for your return. Your sole mission on
the break is to relish it with the peace of mind that a well-thought-out plan
awaits your comeback. Can't commit to the entire week? Aim for at least the
first day or two. If you are barely surviving these final days leading up to
break, no worries! I've got you covered!
Explore these 3 effortless,
low-prep, and FREE activities to ease your mind, allowing you to fully embrace
the break!
1. Choose a TED Talk and pair it with this free organizer
You can choose a TED talk that pairs with a topic you’ve already taught or one you have coming up. Alternately, I’ve curated 3 TED Talks that are perfect for this time of year.
a. Less stuff, more happiness: In his TED Talk, Graham Hill addresses the question: Can having less stuff, in less room, lead to more happiness? It prompts reflection on consumerism, environmental impact, and the true sources of happiness, encouraging them to think critically about their own values and the societal messages they encounter, especially during the holiday season.
b.
The greatest TED Talk ever sold --- In Morgan
Spurlock's TED Talk, he explores the world of advertising and sponsorship,
encouraging students to think critically about the messages they encounter and
the influence of commercial interests, making it relevant for discussions on
media literacy and consumer awareness.
With target ads being especially prevalent at this time of year, it’s
perfect for the holiday season!
c.
How to buy happiness - Michael Norton's TED Talk is delves into
the relationship between money and happiness, prompting students to consider
the ways in which spending aligns with well-being. This talk provides
insightful perspectives on the choices individuals make and encourages
discussions on the true sources of fulfillment, making it relevant for lessons
on personal finance and well-being during the holidays.
Use any (or ALL three) of these TED Talks. Students could complete the organizer on all
3 and then bring their own questions and comments to a Socratic
Seminar, Fish
bowl strategy or even just a very informal small group discussion.
2. Research a holiday-based topic. This could be a partner or small group
activity. You could even turn some of
these topics into questions that students could debate. Create a simple assignment such as requiring
a Google Slides presentation or creating an Infographic on the topic using Piktochart or Canva.
You might even consider allowing students to present their
findings. Depending on your number of
students, it may even take care of your whole week! Here are some potential topics:
a.
Impact of Technology: Explore how technology has
influenced the way people celebrate holidays. Has the digital age changed
traditional customs?
b.
Environmental Impact: Examine the environmental
effects of holiday-related activities, such as gift-giving, travel, and
decorations. Are there sustainable alternatives?
c.
Economic Impact: Research the economic impact of
holiday spending on businesses and industries. How do holidays contribute to
the economy?
d.
Holiday Foods: Investigate the history and
cultural significance of traditional holiday foods. How have recipes and
culinary traditions changed?
e.
Holiday Music: Examine the evolution of holiday
music. How have musical styles and themes changed over the years?
f.
Impact on Mental Health: Investigate the
psychological effects of holiday stress and expectations on individuals. How
can people manage mental health during the holiday season?
g.
Holiday Films: Analyze the portrayal of holidays
in popular films. How do movies shape our perceptions and expectations of the
holiday season?
3. Transform a Holiday Song: Have students to select a well-known holiday tune and modify the lyrics to express their sentiments about returning to school, recap a recent lesson, or recount the details of their holiday experiences. Even better – ask students to perform their tunes!
Some songs you might use:
-“Jingle
Bells”
-“Here
Comes Santa Claus”
-“Walking
in a Winter Wonderland”
-“Rudolph
the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
-“Deck
the Halls”
- "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"
Want to add in some challenge and skills review with the songs? Require that they incorporate some topics you’ve covered this year. Here are some ideas for you:
-Have them add figurative language
– you can even specify the devices you want them to add.
-Have them incorporate grammar and
mechanics such as verbal phrases or punctuation (semi-colons, colons, dashes, etc.)
-Have them create an allusion to a
work you’ve read
-Have them write the song from the
point of view of a character in a literary work you’ve studied
I hope these ideas will help you in quickly and effortlessly preparing your lessons for your return after the break and give you the gift you deserve – a restful holiday break! If you
decide to use any of these activities, I’d love to hear about them. Send me an email at makingelamatter@gmail.com or drop a
comment below.
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