Keeping Calm in the Classroom Chaos: Behaviour Strategies for December

December in a primary classroom can feel like controlled chaos. Excited pupils, glitter everywhere, and the countdown to the holidays means routines often go out the window. While this season can be magical, it can also leave teachers feeling frazzled and pupils bouncing off the walls. The good news? With the right strategies, you can keep things calm, positive, and productive right up until the last bell.

1. Stick to Routines (Even When It’s Tempting to Abandon Them)

Consistency is your friend in December. While nativity rehearsals and Christmas crafts are wonderful, try to keep your core routines the same—morning starters, lining up, transitions. Pupils thrive on structure, and sticking to familiar patterns helps balance the festive excitement with a sense of security.

2. Use Visual Prompts and Simple Rewards

With attention spans shorter than ever this month, visual tools can be a lifesaver. A clear behaviour chart, a simple checklist on the board, or even a class-wide countdown can make expectations easy to follow. Quick wins like stickers, table points, or certificates provide instant recognition, which can be far more effective than lengthy reminders when energy levels are high. The key is to keep it simple and consistent.

3. Channel Energy into Positive Outlets

Instead of battling the festive buzz, harness it. Short bursts of movement breaks, festive brain teasers, or a class advent calendar of mini challenges can redirect excitement into positive behaviour. Giving pupils something to look forward to each day helps reduce off-task chatter and keeps motivation high.

4. Keep Praise Flowing

It’s easy to focus on the chaos, but recognition is powerful—especially for pupils who may struggle more at this time of year. Simple phrases like “I love how you’re sitting ready” or handing out stickers for teamwork can shift the class atmosphere. Remember: what you praise, you get more of.

5. Prepare for Transitions

December brings lots of changes—different classrooms for rehearsals, visitors in school, and disrupted timetables. Take a few minutes to pre-warn pupils and set expectations. A quick visual reminder or a calm countdown can work wonders for keeping transitions smooth.

Final Thought: December doesn’t have to feel like survival mode. By keeping routines consistent, using visual rewards, and leaning into positive recognition, you can keep calm at the heart of the Christmas classroom chaos. You’re already doing a great job—these little tweaks just make life that bit easier.