With the Classroom Routines series complete, the next three weeks will focus on strategies to bring structure and calm to the often chaotic but exciting period between Thanksgiving and winter break. This season is filled with parties, crafts, and unexpected schedule changes, which can easily disrupt our classrooms and students. We’ll explore ways to help our students navigate this busy time effectively.

This week, we’ll explore strategies to support students through the inevitable schedule changes that come with the season. With some thoughtful planning, we can make this time smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Classroom parties, school-wide activities, and extra crafts make schedule changes unavoidable as winter break approaches. These disruptions can be particularly challenging for our students, adding to an already stressful time. However, with thoughtful preparation and the right tools, we can help them manage these changes more smoothly. Today, we’ll explore strategies for preparing students for schedule changes and introduce an amazing tool for managing change—Power Cards.

One of the simplest ways we can help students manage change is to prepare them in advance. For example, if your class will be having a party on December 17th, add it to your classroom calendar and mention it during the morning meeting each day leading up to the event. There’s no need to make a big fuss, but it’s important to let them know the change is coming and what activity it will replace. You can say, “On Tuesday, December 17th, we won’t have art class. Instead, we’ll have a class party!” Be sure to include a picture representing the class party to reinforce the change.

On December 17th, update their individual schedules. If you use a movable schedule, swap art with the class party visual. For static schedules, simply cross out “art” and either write "class party" or place a picture of the class party over it. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just clear enough to show the change. If you’re working on teaching students to tolerate schedule changes, consider adding the symbol you’ve been using for that as well.

Next week, we'll discuss strategies to help make your winter break class party a success!

For some students, proper preparation for a change is all they’ll need. However, others may benefit from additional support through coping strategies. Power cards are an excellent tool for teaching these strategies! A power card is a type of social narrative that incorporates a student’s special interest to help them:

• Understand expectations
• Clarify choices
• Recognize consequences

I love power cards because they’re simple to create, quick to implement, and highly engaging due to their focus on special interests—which helps ensure student buy-in.

Below is an example of a power card for a student who struggles with schedule changes and loves Bert & Ernie!

Step 1: Identify your student's special interest - for example, Bert & Ernie.

Step 2: Write a brief script about the situation being addressed, which includes the child’s special interest. You can use pictures along with text. Check out the tip below for a super easy way to do this!

Step 3: Develop the Power Card by using an index card (or similarly-sized paper) which includes a picture of the special interest and the steps the student should take to solve a problem or respond appropriately. This small card is created from the script and can be carried by the student or posted in the area it will be used. (See video below on how to print pocket-sized power cards.)

Step 4: If your student is a not reading yet or a beginning reader, increase the use of pictures to support the text. In some cases, you may only want to use the pictures. Examples of leveled power cards are provided below.

Watch the video below to see how to print a pocket-sized power card from Google Slides!

Step 1: Read the script. Readers can read the script independently, followed by additional teacher explanation to ensure comprehension. For students who are not yet reading, adults can read the script to them.

Step 2: Practice. Role play and model the steps outlined on the Power Card. The steps should be practiced when students are calm.

Step 3: Use it in the situation.Before a situation you anticipate will be challenging for the student, review the script and Power Card together. Model the strategies listed. During the situation, provide prompts to use the card and model the strategies as needed. Gradually fade prompting as the student begins to understand and use the strategies independently.

Step 4: Reinforce! Provide lots of positive feedback when the student uses the power card!

Teachers need coping strategies, too! To help you navigate this fun yet hectic time, I’ve created two Countdown to Winter Break Power Cards just for you. While we all have our unique ways to unwind, one thing we can all agree on is the excitement of relaxing during winter break! And what’s better for relaxation than watching Netflix or reading a good book? Choose the Power Card that speaks to you, share them with your team as gifts, or create your own using the editable template.

As we tackle the next three weeks, remember to breathe deeply, set small and achievable goals, find joy in the little moments, and keep your eyes on the prize—winter break is just around the corner!

Check out the I'm Going Places unit in Themes First!, which includes original songs, books, and activities that support students’ skill development and generalization with content that’s fun, accessible, and theme-based. These monthly units now include an expanded Social Studies suite, containing fun, theme-related activities that reinforce cultural engagement. Included in all Themes First! units are lessons, activities, and worksheets for group and independent work at a wide range of levels.

The next Themes First! release, Winter Sports, will be ready to prep soon!

Resources for the New Year Series

STAR Media Center Updates

Caregiver Survey

Home-School Communication

Reset Checklist Visuals

2023-2024 Tuesday Tips & Tricks Newsletters

Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns via email or phone. I'm also available to chat via Zoom Mondays from 7:30-8:00 AM and 3:00-3:30 PM. If these times do not work for your schedule, please email me and we will find a time that will work for both of us.

Use the link below to ask questions about this week's Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks and/or give suggestions on future topics.

Tuesday Tips 'N' Tricks is made possible by Minnesota Low Incidence Projects