This post may contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Introduction:
Building classroom community before holiday breaks can feel challenging with all the seasonal excitement, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections and help students feel valued. Before the winter break, taking time to foster relationships and encourage kindness can make a lasting impact—and it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Celebrate Acts of Kindness
Encourage students to think about ways they can spread kindness in the classroom and school. Even small gestures—sharing supplies, helping a classmate, or writing a note of encouragement can go a long way. A fun way to incorporate this is by using a Random Acts of Kindness for Christmas Calendar. Each day, students complete a small, thoughtful act, which not only fosters a positive environment but also gives them a sense of accomplishment and joy.
Collaborative Holiday Activities
Group activities are perfect for building teamwork and creating shared memories. Try a collaborative coloring project or group worksheet where students work together to complete a festive design. Christmas Mosaic Coloring Collaborative Worksheets allow students to contribute a piece of a larger art project, creating a visually stunning display while promoting cooperation, patience, and pride in their work.
Family Engagement at Home
Incorporating families into classroom community activities can extend the sense of connection beyond the school day. A FREE Christmas and Holiday Family Advent Calendar is a simple tool to encourage family involvement. Students can take it home and complete small holiday activities with their families, strengthening bonds, and building excitement for the season while reinforcing the skills and values you’ve been teaching in class.
Keep It Simple and Stress-Free
The key to holiday community-building activities is simplicity. Short, meaningful exercises that focus on kindness, teamwork, and connection are better than complicated projects that add stress. By planning just a few impactful activities, you can wrap up the semester positively and set a warm tone for the new year.
Display and Celebrate
Don’t forget to celebrate students’ efforts! Hang up collaborative artwork, share acts of kindness stories, or spotlight families who participate in the advent activities. Recognition not only reinforces the positive behavior but also strengthens the classroom culture.
Conclusion
Building classroom community before the holiday break is about more than just festive activities. It’s about creating lasting connections, encouraging kindness, and making students feel valued. By incorporating simple, meaningful activities like kindness calendars, collaborative coloring, and family advent projects, you’ll end the semester on a joyful note while fostering a supportive classroom culture.
Download:
Want to get started right away and download our Random Acts of Kindness for Christmas Calendar? Click on the blue button below to be redirected to our TPT Store!
Happy Teaching!
I would love it if you left a comment with your plans for any of these resources & if you use anything I’ve created. Tag me on Instagram!
