Designing Holiday-Based Activities with a Social Studies twist.

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and the desire to blend a bit of festivity into our classroom, and every school year, around any of the holidays, I find myself torn between wanting to engage in holiday-related lessons, and also ensuring students are on pace. When my students come in and ask what we are doing to celebrate whatever holiday is close by, I have to say "Nothing because we have a pacing guide to adhere to," and it makes me frown inside because I want to indulge in the festivities too!

As a high school educator, I feel that our administration pushes us away from celebrating the holidays in our classroom, unlike our elementary counterparts. The task of including holiday themes in the classroom isn't simple, because most history teachers, like myself, may have an End of Course exam to prepare our students for and feel crunched on time without any gaps to provide holiday-based activities. End-of-course exams demand rigorous preparation and coverage of specific content, often leaving little room for indulging in holiday-themed diversions. The pressure to meet curriculum goals and prepare students for assessments can make it feel like there's no space for the joyful exploration of historical holiday traditions.

The balancing act between holiday-themed activities and exam preparation becomes a tightrope walk, leaving teachers torn between fostering a festive atmosphere and ensuring their students are adequately prepared for the assessments that await them. I believe that teaching history extends beyond taking tests, and memorizing events; it's about fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a love for learning. By weaving history into holiday activities, we not only make the subject more engaging but also enable students to draw connections between the past and present, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world around them.

Navigating the balance between holiday festivities and end-of-course exam pressures is undeniably challenging. However, with thoughtful planning, creative solutions, and a willingness to explore innovative teaching methods, educators can infuse the holiday spirit into their history classes without sacrificing academic rigor. If you agree, please check out my holiday-themed resources for your students to enjoy.

May your classrooms be filled with both academic achievement and the warmth of holiday cheer. Happy teaching!