❄️ 12 Fun Ways to Encourage Your Students Before Winter Break
A FREE Resource for Educators from Jobs in Education
The final stretch before Winter Break is one of the most magical - and most chaotic - times of the school year. Students are buzzing with excitement, routines shift, and learning energy can dip as December approaches. But with the right tools, you can turn this period into a meaningful, positive, and motivating experience for your students.
At Jobs in Education, we know educators want strategies that are simple, low-prep, and instantly effective. That’s why we created a FREE Idea Resource filled with 12 fun, classroom-ready ways to encourage your students, build community, and keep engagement strong - all while keeping things festive and purposeful.
Below is a sample of what your resource will include!
🎁 12 Classroom Encouragement Ideas for the Week Before Winter Break
1. “Warm Wishes Wall”
Invite students to write anonymous positive notes to classmates. Post them on a bulletin board so students can pick one up anytime they need a smile.
2. “Daily Countdown Kindness Challenge”
Each day has a fun kindness task—hold the door, give someone a compliment, help clean the room. Keep it short and joyful.
3. “Cozy Read-Aloud Corner”
Transform a corner with lights, pillows, and blankets (real or paper cutouts!). Rotate student leaders to read short seasonal stories.
4. “The Gratitude Snowball Toss”
Students write something they’re grateful for on a paper “snowball,” toss it in the air, and pick someone else’s to read aloud.
5. “Secret Classroom Cheerleader”
Assign students a secret buddy they encourage all week with small notes, drawings, or compliments.
6. “Holiday High-Five Hallway”
Spend a few minutes each morning greeting students with a high-five, goofy wave, or personalized cheer.
7. “Winter Break Goal Postcards”
Have students write one personal goal for January on a postcard. You mail them or hand them back when school resumes—instant motivation.
8. “Student Shoutout Countdown”
Create a daily spotlight where you highlight 3–5 students for effort, progress, kindness, or participation.
9. “Classroom Winter Tunes Request Box”
Let students request appropriate seasonal songs for work periods. One student DJ per day!
10. “Festive Brain Breaks”
Try quick, fun pauses—snowball stretches, winter dance freeze, or “act like a penguin for 10 seconds.”
11. “Mystery Treat Ticket”
Hand out tickets all week for positive behaviour. On Friday, draw winners for tiny prizes: homework pass, extra recess minute, or classroom privilege.
12. “December Memory Carousel”
Students rotate in groups and write their favourite moments from the term on chart paper. End with a class celebration of learning.
❄️ Why These Ideas Work
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Quick to implement — perfect for busy teacher candidates
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Low-cost or no-cost
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Boost morale and build community
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Keep students focused through positive energy
Your FREE downloadable resource also includes step-by-step instructions to help you easily bring each idea to life in your classroom.
🎄 Ready to Spread Some Extra Cheer?
Download the complete activity pack using the link below and bring more encouragement, reflection, and fun into your classroom before winter break.
Don’t forget to follow Jobs in Education for more helpful tools and upcoming teacher resources.