As the days grow shorter and the holidays draw near, classrooms across Maine (and beyond) buzz with a new sort of energy: part excitement, part restlessness. Students begin to feel the pull of winter break as teachers juggle report cards, concerts, and family commitments. The rhythm of school life can start to feel a little… off-balance.
It’s in these moments, when time feels scarce and emotions run high, that balance becomes both hardest and most important to find.
Tending to Our Own Energy
Educators are givers by nature. We pour into our students, our schools, and our communities with little thought for how much we have left in our own wells. But like any season, teaching has cycles of growth and rest. The weeks leading up to the holidays often call for gentler expectations of ourselves and others.
As poet Mary Oliver once wrote, “To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.” Small moments of mindfulness can make a meaningful difference. A few deep breaths before class begins. A quiet walk to your car after school, noticing the crisp air or the glow of early dusk. A simple check-in with a colleague who might be feeling the same strain. These small acts of awareness can help us anchor ourselves when things feel too busy to stop.
Mindful Transitions for Busy Seasons
Students, too, feel the shift this time of year. The excitement of upcoming holidays, the uncertainty of changes in routine, and even the emotional weight that the season can bring, especially for those with complicated home lives, can all affect their behavior and focus at school.
Creating mindful transitions can help bring calm to the classroom. A few ideas:
- Begin the day or class with a one-minute breathing exercise or a short gratitude reflection.
- Add gentle structure with predictable routines. This helps students feel grounded when everything else is changing.
- Try a “soft start” morning where students can choose a quiet activity (drawing, journaling, reading, etc.) before diving into lessons.
As Mary Oliver reminds us, “The patterns of our lives reveal us. Our habits measure us.” These small, intentional routines (both for teachers and students) shape the tone of our classrooms and remind us that consistency and care can be powerful anchors.
Helping Students Navigate Holiday Emotions
The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be complicated. Some students may feel the strain of hardship, family separation, or uncertainty. Others may be bubbling over with excitement and struggling to contain it. Holding space for both experiences, joy and stress, is one of the most compassionate things educators can do.
A simple acknowledgment can go a long way: “This time of year can bring up lots of feelings, and that’s okay.”
Building emotional literacy helps students identify what they’re feeling and learn that all emotions are valid and manageable.
Giving Yourself Permission to Rest
Perhaps the most powerful thing teachers can model during this season is self-compassion. Your energy matters. Your peace matters. Taking care of yourself (stepping away from work emails, saying no to extra commitments, taking time to truly rest) doesn’t take away from your students, it sustains your ability to keep showing up for them.
As winter break approaches, take a moment to set a gentle intention for yourself: What will help me feel grounded and at ease this season? Maybe it’s reconnecting with loved ones, spending time outdoors, or simply allowing yourself to slow down. Whatever brings you peace, let that guide you.
Because when educators find balance, everyone in the classroom feels it.
Continuing the Practice
At the New England Institute for Teacher Education, we understand how crucial it is for educators to care for both their professional growth and personal well-being. Our online, self-paced courses are designed to support that balance, offering meaningful professional learning that fits into the rhythm of your life. Whether you’re seeking renewal, inspiration, or new tools for the classroom, our courses give you space to learn, reflect, and recharge, no matter the season.