Ah, December. The month of candy canes, chaotic schedules, and classroom energy levels that rival a shaken soda bottle. If you’ve ever tried to teach potential energy while your students are buzzing about break, you know exactly what I mean. December in middle school science can feel like a wild sleigh ride… but with a few survival strategies, it doesn’t have to derail your sanity (or your standards).
Here’s how I get through December with my content (and composure) mostly intact:
1. Embrace the Chaos—Strategically
I’ve learned not to fight December energy, but to redirect it. Instead of pushing through with business-as-usual lessons, I swap in high-engagement activities that still hit the standards. Think:
- Holiday-themed Science Escape rooms
- Winter-themed Science color-by-number
- Christmas-themed Science Task Cards
2. Use Mini Projects as Pressure Valves
I love using low-stakes, creative projects in December. They give students a little autonomy (which they crave this time of year) and give me breathing room for grading, prep, or (let’s be honest) drinking hot coffee before it goes cold.
Some of my favorites:
- Design a science-themed ugly sweater
- Create a “Chemis-tree” and have students decorate science themed ornaments
3. Set the Vibe
My classroom in December is still a science lab… but with string lights and hot cocoa-scented diffuser sticks. I lean into the season just enough to make it feel cozy and safe without totally abandoning routines.
We play instrumental holiday music during independent work. I bust out the “ugly science sweater”. These little touches go a long way in creating calm in a season that’s anything but.
4. Keep Expectations Clear (Even When You’re Tired)
This one’s hard, especially when we’re running on caffeine and candy canes. But I’ve learned the hard way: when I loosen my expectations, behavior spirals. I do soften my tone and shorten my lessons, but I stay consistent with the systems we’ve built all year. It helps students feel secure and saves me from burnout.
5. Build in Down Time—For You and Them
Not every minute of December needs to be packed. You can give your students fun, science aligned activities that require no prep for you, and feels like zero work to your students. They think it’s fun. I think it’s blessedly quiet.
6. Let Some Things Go
December is not the time I overhaul my curriculum or start new behavior initiatives. I do what’s essential, and I’m okay with good-enough. My goal is to slide into break knowing I kept the spark alive…for science and for myself.
Final Thoughts
Surviving December in middle school science is all about knowing when to lean in, when to scale back, and when to just pause and laugh with your students. If you’re feeling stretched thin, you’re not alone. But with a little planning and a whole lot of flexibility, you can make it to break without losing your mind…or your love for teaching.
We got this.
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