7. A Time to be Thankful: It isn't that easy for some kids

7. The Impact of Holidays

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

* Leaders are committed to and knowledgeable about this age group, educational research, and best practices. Committed Leaders

            I was teaching in another state. A young man had moved from outside the state to our school. He often seemed angry and acted out in disruptive ways. In December, he received a new coat from the principal. He was overwhelmed and so appreciative. Our schools do so much more than prepare students for a test.

Thanksgiving break is next week. We are a full-service school; this means all students receive free breakfast and free lunch. I worry about them. Holidays are stressful on people for many different reasons (Wescott, 1989). And while the cited article suggests young adolescents have more stress in the first few months of a year, there is the sense of uncertainty that can taint students’ spirits during the holiday season.  Howes (2012) suggests that the stress of holidays can create anxiety and that children often act out their own stress based on the stress of events and expectations. In her article she suggests a focus on sleep, eating well, and exercise for everyone. I am going to have a conversation with my students about this. As middle school teachers, we need to be aware that not all of our students will have a restful, joyful holiday. As a school, we must work with community agencies to support the needs of our students.

Advice

1)   Know your students. The guidance counselors asked us if we had any insights into the needs of our students. Each team is asked to share the needs so that agencies can support our children. Our school community provided support for over forty families. 

2)   Consider having students set goals as part of their holiday homework. I have my students set a physical goal, an intellectual goal, and a service goal. Every day they are to reflect on what they have done for themselves and others. I use it as a test grade. Students have to analyze their data when they return to school.

3)   We are making an area of the classroom “Things we are Thankful for.” We started by having students identify their heroes. The names were placed in two areas: those living and those who have died. Next we put the names of servicemen and servicewomen we know as part of the Veterans Day celebration. Now we will add people for whom we are thankful.

4)   Consider service projects during this time of year. Our students are collecting canned goods. We will be writing letters to whom we are thankful. In addition, we will create pop-up cards to give away.

5) Know the signs of stress and keep the communication open with your students and your team mates.

Howes, C. (2012, Dec 21). Strategies for managing family stress during holidays. The Brattleboro Reformer Retrieved from http://wncln.wncln.org/docview/1242022377?accountid=8388

John Westcott: The Register. (1989, Jan 05). Post-holidays a time for teens to seek help. Orange County Register Retrieved from http://wncln.wncln.org/docview/272291432?accountid=8388