December 5, 2024 • 21 mins
Ever wonder how teachers and parents can navigate the festive frenzy of December without losing their minds? Join me and my husband, Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., as we unlock the secrets to maintaining sanity and maximizing learning during one of the busiest times of the year. We promise you'll walk away with practical strategies like planning detailed calendars to juggle school events and holiday activities seamlessly. Discover how aligning lesson plans with holiday themes can transform classroom experiences into memorable family keepsakes, all while keeping the joy of the season alive.
From managing sugar overloads at holiday parties to preserving precious memories like first graders as concert angels, we cover it all. We'll share tips on sticking to schedules, knowing your limits with holiday activities, and even ditching the Elf on the Shelf. Plus, we invite you to contribute your own success stories, helping to shine a light on what's working well in education. Let's connect, share, and celebrate the core values of family, love, and peace during this special season.
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Trusted dental care for healthy smiles and stronger communities—building brighter futures daily.
If you have a story about what's working in your schools that you'd like to share, email me at lisa@drlisahassler.com or visit www.drlisahassler.com. Subscribe, tell a friend, and consider becoming a supporter by clicking the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2048018/support.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (00:09):
Welcome to the brighter side of education,
research, innovation andresources.
I'm your host, dr Lisa Hassler,here to enlighten and brighten
the classrooms in Americathrough focused conversation on
important topics in education.
In each episode, I discussproblems we as teachers and
parents are facing and whatpeople are doing in their
communities to fix it.
(00:29):
What are the variables and howcan we duplicate it to maximize
student outcomes.
Today's episode is reallyspecial because my husband,
Gregg, is joining me today todiscuss how we can maximize
learning during December whilestill keeping our sanity both as
teachers and as parents.
So, having been on both sidesof this equation, we thought
(00:52):
we'd share some practical tipsto get through December.
What do you think, Gregg?
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (00:57):
I think it's going to be a good episode.
Let's go through some of thethings that people should focus
on to enjoy the season and getthrough.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (01:05):
Get through.
Yes, Every time I think ofDecember, I start hearing this
music and it's like Halloweenhasn't even happened.
It already gets me nervousabout things to come.
So there's a lot that goes onin December and I know from a
teacher's perspective it can beoverwhelming.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (01:21):
Yeah, as a parent as well.
I mean, the list is endless ofthings that we have to do.
You know there's a lot ofstress.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (01:27):
you know the holiday activities I look at wow
, okay, I've got three weeksbetween coming back from
Thanksgiving and putting on thatholiday play or concert and
getting them through the door toholiday break, and that's all
people are thinking about isholiday break.
Honestly, it's like how manyweeks until Christmas break,
right?
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (01:47):
Yeah, with the parents.
I mean there's added holidayactivities.
You know the kids end ofsemester or quarter is coming,
they have exams and theextracurricular activities are
still there.
So you know, add on all theextra afterschool stuff with
concerts and performances andparties in this time of year can
really be tough.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (02:06):
Yeah, I think it can, and I think we forget
sometimes about the kids and theanxiety that they may be having
, or the overwhelming feeling ofthis is all on them as well,
and so we have to start thinkingabout what are the big
stressors and figuring out howdo we balance that so that we
can all really enjoy the seasonfor what it's supposed to be,
(02:28):
and that is, you know, love andcheer and giving and this moment
of enjoying each other, and notso much about the stuff yet A
lot of it is added stuff.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (02:41):
So, from a teacher's perspective, what do
you think are the big thingsthat teachers have to deal with
right now, like, specifically,so for me I'm coming back from
Thanksgiving, I have three weeksuntil Christmas break I would
think about.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (02:55):
I have to balance learning with their
excitement.
So you're going to do a lot oftheme based things, but then
also the stressors ofafterschool concerts that are
going to be in my schedule Ihave to plan for.
I've got to plan for missedlessons and how to balance their
learning because you're goingto be practicing for these
things.
There's the fun days, and soremembering to keep track of all
(03:17):
those fun days and making sureI've got the supplies.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (03:20):
I mean, there's always parties, I'm sure
so many parties.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (03:22):
It's like hey, today is Polar Express Day,
today is the Grinch Day, we'rewearing pajamas, we're red and
green, we have to think aboutcandy canes and Santa's coming
to visit the school, and there'soh, my goodness, don't even get
me started, I'm off the shelf.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (03:40):
Yeah, I'm sure that the list is endless.
So, from a teacher, do you haveany tips that would help a
teacher plan ahead and get readyfor this time of year?
Dr. Lisa Hassler (03:49):
Yeah.
So I just had to look at ithead on and say how am I going
to plan and over prepare forthis season?
I know I've got this amount ofdays and so I would pull out
that school calendar and I wouldwrite down on a piece of paper
in the month of December everysingle thing that I had to do,
whether that was concerts goingto be this time, practice is
(04:11):
going to be at this time, and ofcourse those things add and
change.
But getting it all down infront of me felt doable and then
it was like all right, I knowwhen the red and green day is
going to be and I would makesure that then my plans, as I
did, a scope and sequence fellinto place with those things.
So then I had a doable,feasible plan of how I was going
(04:31):
to make it through.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (04:33):
Yeah, I'm sure it's got to be a lot for
you.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (04:35):
It really was.
What I would end up doing thenis, once I'd get that scope and
sequence all done and I knewwhat I was going to do, I could
start planning for it.
Now I knew, okay, I'm going togo to the grocery store, I need
to make sure I've got 35 candycanes, right?
Oh, candy canes are there,great, throw them in the cart.
So I've got my list and I'mjust going to work off of that.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (04:54):
And parents love those projects.
I mean you got to have a goodproject that lasts forever.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (05:01):
Yes, yes, you really do.
You've got to make sure thatyou are planning with the parent
in mind as well.
You know, are these projectsgoing to be something that's
going to be an added bonus tothe family, or an added stressor
?
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (05:13):
I mean, the kids still have those
ornaments with their pictures onthem and they still put them up
on the tree every year, andit's a wonderful part of the
year that I love to look forwardto.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (05:22):
Yeah, so you can't skip the parent ornament
gifts.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (05:28):
That seems to be a fan favorite as a
teacher.
Make sure, make sure, make surethey're worthwhile, Make sure
they're really good.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (05:31):
That's right.
Don't skip those ones.
So when you're planning, getthose ones in.
I always did it with themedbooks.
So I would look at my standardsand pick holiday themed books
and I would wrap them into myplans and then make sure that I
had a good like art project togo along with it.
That many times was a Christmasornament for the parents.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (05:52):
Yeah, because if you can integrate the
educational aspect in the theme, I mean, you can really get a
lot done and still have a lot offun for this time of year.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (06:00):
Yeah, engaging those kids can be tough, so you
got to go with it, just embracethe holiday spirit, because you
know that's all they'rethinking about.
So it's like, all right, you'regoing to want to do holiday
read aloud, group projects,holiday thematic units for cross
curricular integration, andmaking sure then that you're
double dipping as much aspossible.
Like I said, grab out thoseholiday books and and make an
(06:23):
ornament out of it.
My absolute favorites were JanBrett and Tommy DePaola, only
because there were so manyholiday books that they had that
you could like tie intodifferent standards.
I mean you're talking likescience and math and Right, yes,
and you could also get a lot ofvaluable projects out of it,
like Tommy DePaola had a greatone about the history of trees,
and so you could tie in.
(06:45):
How did we start this tradition?
When did ornaments come alongin lights?
So we would do like a treeornament project.
Then Jan Brett did a great onewith reindeers and polar bears
and wonderful countdowns forChristmas and different cultural
things that you could tie inwith that as well, so you can
get a social studies perspective.
So I think that those alwaysbrought the kids a lot of joy.
(07:09):
And then turning special daysinto valuable lessons.
So you know, we were inCatholic school, so it was
something like a Santa Lucia day.
Well, now I can learn aboutSwedish Christmas traditions.
Now you're bringing in acultural tie so it could be
something that we can learnabout other cultures with.
And, of course, christmasaround the world was always a
fun one.
So having that equity,diversity yes, those were always
(07:33):
really valuable and the kidsremember those days because it's
something different and theylike learning about each other.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (07:39):
And I'm sure you have to get the parents
involved, because we needsomething to do so.
As a parent, you know we haveto help set up parties and and
help make sure that we're takingsome of the load off of the
teachers, because there's a lotgoing on that we don't think
about.
You know.
Yes, we have our own things todeal with, like Christmas
shopping and getting the houseready for the holidays, but we
(08:01):
want to make sure that the kidsare on track.
We're keeping good eyes on them.
Are they staying healthy?
Are we keeping to a goodschedule?
I mean, maintaining a homeroutine has got to be super
important this time of yearbecause it gets away so fast and
the kids are so excited.
I don't remember sleeping halfof the month of December when I
was a kid, because you're alwaysworried.
(08:22):
Okay, am I doing enough goodthings to be on Santa's good
list or am I on the naughty list?
And I'm sure the things that wethink about as parents are not
the same things that the kidsare thinking of, so we really
need to keep track of you knowhow are they doing?
Do they look good?
Are they in a bad mood?
What else can we do to keepthem on track?
Dr. Lisa Hassler (08:41):
Definitely, and there are so many things
that you said there that I'dlike to come back and visit.
Like when you're talking aboutparents being involved.
I think that teachers reallyneed to not be afraid to ask
parents for help, just for extrahands in the classroom, even
sending home materials for themto prep, because they're not
able to take off of work butthey would love to do something,
maybe at home.
(09:01):
So thinking about like, hey,can you make goodie bags or ways
that they can just be involvedin the classroom, and so don't
be afraid to ask.
I think that's really valuable.
I learned that they reallyenjoy that.
I think it's harder to ask thanit is to receive when it comes
to that, because you're going tofind out that you're going to
have a lot of people excitedabout it.
Also, with donations, withproject items, as long as it's
(09:23):
reasonable and timely, you don'twant to dump something onto
parents the night before andthen, if we had something
special, I would send thosereminders home to the parents
there and then, if we hadsomething special, I would send
those reminders home to theparents.
There's a lot of different waysthat we communicate nowadays,
but one of my favorite was ateacher that I had worked with.
She used to just type it out onpaper, print it, then cut
strips and make bracelets onchildren's wrists.
(09:45):
And when I started doing that Isaw that the kids thought it
was really great because theyhad a little bracelet to go home
with, with a little reminder,and they showed the parents as
soon as they got in the car, andso that one worked really well.
Like hey, picture day istomorrow.
So if you just say tomorrow ispajama day, now you've got it on
your bracelet.
They're not going to let theirparents forget.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (10:06):
Yeah, and the parents, as soon as they see
their kid they're going to belike what is that bracelet?
What?
Dr. Lisa Hassler (10:09):
They're going to be like.
What is that bracelet?
What is that all about?
That was one of my favorite.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (10:12):
And going back a second.
You know you talked about thecommunication.
I think the parent-teachercommunication has to be above
and beyond this time of year.
You know, I'm sure withtechnology now there's calendars
out.
You know, as a parent we needto make sure that we're going
through those calendars to makesure that we have things on our
schedule that meet what theteacher needs.
(10:33):
And there's a lot of timeswhere we kind of say, oh, we'll
just look at it the next day.
I don't think that's a goodidea this time of year and you
can kind of go over why.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (10:43):
Yeah, well, I also think a lot of kids have
phones these days, and so it'ssomething that you can add to
like a family calendar.
So if you're going to addsomething on there whether it's
a special day or there'sprojects that are due, there's
major tests that are going tohappen add those to the
calendars, because they're notonly going to remind you as a
parent, but then the kids too.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (11:01):
Yeah, last thing you need is the day
before little Johnny coming upto you and saying oh mom, don't
forget, I have this project duetomorrow.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (11:08):
Yeah Right, you don't need any more stress.
So I think you know utilizingthose family calendars for those
just throw it all on there atthis time of year really is
helpful for everybody.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (11:17):
And a lot of kids have finals exams.
You know a little bit as anolder age and the end of
semester is an important timefor the kids to do well and
still have fun that with makingsure that you are giving them
that normal routine you weretalking about.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (11:33):
But that is also said for the classroom.
You know, with all of thosespecial days and changes in
schedules, that can really bedisruptive to children and so we
need to be mindful of makingsure that as much as possible
staying to that normal routine.
I found that really helpful.
You know, the kids would comein and I would have calm music
playing and make the writingabout the things that you were
(11:55):
learning about when it comes tothose thematic holiday
traditions and celebrations, andso that was a good way to tie
it in.
But then making sure also thatif we spent every, let's say,
Tuesday and Thursday I didcenters with the kids, language
arts centers while I'm stilldoing it for that hour at those
times, just making itholiday-themed, If I'm doing
math and the math is always from10 to 11, I'm going to continue
(12:20):
to do that, because then it'sthis feeling of comfort to them
to know I'm still going to havemath every day at this time.
I'm still going to have deertime when I come back in for 20
minutes to have routines thatthey find comfort in.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (12:33):
And I'm sure that's just as important.
At home, you know, making surethey're eating a healthy meal.
I mean, who knows what candyand cookies and desserts they've
been having so much.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (12:44):
Yes, we're just stuffing them full Right.
Parties can be crazy with thatRight.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (12:49):
I mean you guys must get a ton of
different desserts so much.
The kids must be probablypretty difficult to handle on
the sugar and then sending themhome like that as well.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (13:01):
So they're like sick to their stomach.
So whenever those special dayswould happen I would have a lot
of donations coming in of sweetsand one thing that I always did
was I just kind of brought itdown to a reasonable amount for
children their age to consumeand anything more than that.
I just kind of took a bunch ofthe extras and if it was able to
(13:23):
just be closed up or not evenopened, put into the cabinet and
then the next day we could pullthat out for a special snack
where they could have like onecookie, and the next day we
could pull that out for aspecial snack where they could
have like one cookie.
So you really don't need forthem to like load up on all of
that hot chocolate and cookiesand candy canes and chocolate
sweets, Because not only arethey going to get sick and
(13:43):
they're going to leave, but thenalso they're going home and
that's not helpful to anybody.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (13:45):
Yeah, we as parents appreciate that.
We don't want to have the kidcome out of school and just
crash for three hours and thenbe up all night.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (13:53):
Definitely so.
I always did a nice healthybalance and anything that I felt
as though was just a little bittoo much for a little belly to
handle, as long as it could bekept later.
You know, I just didn't open upthat package of Christmas Oreos
, I just put them in the cabinetand the next day or a couple
days later, we could have alittle afternoon treat with one
cookie, and later we could havea little afternoon treat with
one cookie, and they're superexcited to see it, and so that
(14:15):
was always one of my big partytip keep those extras.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (14:18):
So, as parents, going back to what we
were saying before, stick toyour schedule.
Make sure you have their bagspacked, make sure you're staying
ahead of their homeworkschedule you know, plan ahead.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (14:34):
I mean, that's the key with the calendars and
using your devices to youradvantage.
Yeah, definitely, and knowingyour limit, I felt like you know
there were a lot of contests.
There's the holiday decoratingdoor contest.
You know there's the elf on theshelf.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (14:45):
Is the elf still a hot item or still a
thing in schools?
You know he was.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (14:49):
He was, and the last year I wanted to give
him up.
So bad I got to tell you.
It took a lot for me to evenget him in my classroom, because
when I first started teachinghe didn't exist and then I heard
about him and then it was areal pain to have to deal with,
because if that elf didn't movethen everyone was upset about it
.
You know who touched him, andso it's just another added thing
(15:11):
.
So I find that if you can avoidthe elf on the shelf, do it at
all costs.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (15:16):
Or that had to be number one on your
list of things to do everymorning.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (15:19):
Get out, yes, get it out.
So if you could take awaylittle things, I would suggest
doing what you can handlereasonably yeah, knowing your
limits.
So don't go crazy with the doorcontest if you don't need to,
if that's not within your realm.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (15:33):
Okay, so one question I have.
We've talked about all theseschedules and preparations, but
you know, I always like to lookback and say what was one of
your favorite memories, whatpart of this season is your
favorite as a teacher and aparent?
I never see you anymore.
Come out the door.
Aw, she has tears in her eyes.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (15:55):
I got her.
We think one of my favorite isit was always a crazy night and
we would have the kids for waytoo long and it would be like
those Christmas concerts.
But I had 30 first graders andmy partner also 30 first graders
and every year we made theminto angels and we would make
(16:19):
these white satin little robesfor them and little garland
halos.
They look like angels.
They were your angels, I meanyou spend every day with them,
and so, even though it was likeI mean you, spend every day with
them and so, even though it waslike nuts and you know all the
practice and everything, and youknow, by the way, make packets
(16:39):
for those and have lots of graband go things in your folder,
because those are unexpectedtimes and you need to keep them
busy during those practices.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (16:46):
But boy, when you see it actually play
out and you hear those littleangelic voices, it just makes
you really appreciate it andthat's always one of my favorite
times during this time of yearis those Christmas concerts
where the kids each have theiropportunity to get up and sing
and perform.
And you know I laugh now.
(17:06):
But record them all, parents,because if you don't record them
, then later on you can't popthem up and show them off right
before your kids get married orbefore special events, when they
forget how wonderful this timeof year is.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (17:23):
Yeah, it really is wonderful.
So, amongst all of those things, people always have the best
interest in mind.
You know I want another party,or let's do this.
Have the best interest in mind.
You know I want another party,or let's do this.
I think knowing your limits andbeing able to have a good
balance makes this time of yeara little bit better.
It makes it what it's supposedto be Family and different
(17:43):
religions, love and peace andthe gift of giving.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (17:47):
This time of year is super overwhelming.
So, parents, keep to yourschedule, keep up with your
children's learning, use thetime in the car you know to make
sure that they're practicingtheir math facts and doing a
little bit of reading at maybesome quiet time at home and, and
like Lisa was just saying, havefun.
These times are very memorable.
(18:07):
Enjoy every second and yourkids will remember them too.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (18:11):
They definitely will.
And so just to review some tipsthose are kind of like my
little hacks is definitely planand over-prepare as much as
possible.
You know, get that calendargoing, fill it all up, hang it
up.
Make sure that you've got thosegrab and go folders with extra
skills and review sheets readyto go for those moments that are
(18:33):
going to pop up you just don'tknow when.
Embrace the holiday spirit.
You just got to lean into it,you know, and this helps the
kids engage by just making thoselessons as project-oriented,
thematic, cross-curricular aspossible that align with the
standards, thematic,cross-curricular as possible
(18:54):
that align with the standards.
Those have always helped meusing holiday books to bridge a
lot of different subjects andprojects for art, like Jan
Bratton, tommy DePaula, andmaking sure those special days
turn into lessons.
Don't go crazy with that wholeelf on the shelf.
Don't bring him into yourclassroom.
If you have a choice, this ismy big advice Ditch that dude.
And then there's parentsinvolved.
You know.
Ask for help.
(19:16):
They are so willing to give it.
Be as normal with your routinesas possible, because if it's
not for their sanity, it's foryours.
Save those extra goodies andafter the party's over, clean up
and prepare your bulletin boardfor January.
I know you're going to hate me,but you're going to be thankful
when you don't have to comeback over your Christmas break.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (19:35):
Yeah, I think this was a great episode.
I want to thank you again forhaving me on as a surprise guest
.
It's always an honor.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (19:41):
It's always nice, it's an honor to be on
your podcast.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (19:47):
I mean, it helps so many people episodes
with their friends as much aspossible, because I hear every
day the influence that it hasand helping other people get
through their educationaljourney, and you're doing an
excellent job.
So thank you for sharing alittle bit of time with me on
the mic.
It's always nerve-wracking, butI love it and thanks again.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (20:09):
Well, I think you're biased, but I appreciate
it.
Thank you, and everyone elseenjoy this time.
It'll be January before youknow it.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (20:17):
Enjoy the rest of the year.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (20:18):
Happy holidays .
If you have a story aboutwhat's working in your schools
that you'd like to share, youcan email me at lisa at
drlisahasslercom, or visit mywebsite at wwwdrlisahasslercom
and send me a message.
If you like this podcast,subscribe and tell a friend.
The more people that know, thebigger impact it will have.
(20:38):
And if you find value to thecontent in this podcast,
consider becoming a supporter byclicking on the supporter link
in the show notes.
It is the mission of thispodcast to shine light on the
good in education so that itspreads, affecting positive
change.
So let's keep working togetherto find solutions that focus on
our children's success.
Welcome to the brighter side of education,
research, innovation andresources.
I'm your host, dr Lisa Hassler,here to enlighten and brighten
the classrooms in Americathrough focused conversation on
important topics in education.
In each episode, I discussproblems we as teachers and
parents are facing and whatpeople are doing in their
communities to fix it.
(00:29):
What are the variables and howcan we duplicate it to maximize
student outcomes.
Today's episode is reallyspecial because my husband,
Gregg, is joining me today todiscuss how we can maximize
learning during December whilestill keeping our sanity both as
teachers and as parents.
So, having been on both sidesof this equation, we thought
(00:52):
we'd share some practical tipsto get through December.
What do you think, Gregg?
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (00:57):
I think it's going to be a good episode.
Let's go through some of thethings that people should focus
on to enjoy the season and getthrough.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (01:05):
Get through.
Yes, Every time I think ofDecember, I start hearing this
music and it's like Halloweenhasn't even happened.
It already gets me nervousabout things to come.
So there's a lot that goes onin December and I know from a
teacher's perspective it can beoverwhelming.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (01:21):
Yeah, as a parent as well.
I mean, the list is endless ofthings that we have to do.
You know there's a lot ofstress.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (01:27):
you know the holiday activities I look at wow
, okay, I've got three weeksbetween coming back from
Thanksgiving and putting on thatholiday play or concert and
getting them through the door toholiday break, and that's all
people are thinking about isholiday break.
Honestly, it's like how manyweeks until Christmas break,
right?
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (01:47):
Yeah, with the parents.
I mean there's added holidayactivities.
You know the kids end ofsemester or quarter is coming,
they have exams and theextracurricular activities are
still there.
So you know, add on all theextra afterschool stuff with
concerts and performances andparties in this time of year can
really be tough.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (02:06):
Yeah, I think it can, and I think we forget
sometimes about the kids and theanxiety that they may be having
, or the overwhelming feeling ofthis is all on them as well,
and so we have to start thinkingabout what are the big
stressors and figuring out howdo we balance that so that we
can all really enjoy the seasonfor what it's supposed to be,
(02:28):
and that is, you know, love andcheer and giving and this moment
of enjoying each other, and notso much about the stuff yet A
lot of it is added stuff.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (02:41):
So, from a teacher's perspective, what do
you think are the big thingsthat teachers have to deal with
right now, like, specifically,so for me I'm coming back from
Thanksgiving, I have three weeksuntil Christmas break I would
think about.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (02:55):
I have to balance learning with their
excitement.
So you're going to do a lot oftheme based things, but then
also the stressors ofafterschool concerts that are
going to be in my schedule Ihave to plan for.
I've got to plan for missedlessons and how to balance their
learning because you're goingto be practicing for these
things.
There's the fun days, and soremembering to keep track of all
(03:17):
those fun days and making sureI've got the supplies.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (03:20):
I mean, there's always parties, I'm sure
so many parties.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (03:22):
It's like hey, today is Polar Express Day,
today is the Grinch Day, we'rewearing pajamas, we're red and
green, we have to think aboutcandy canes and Santa's coming
to visit the school, and there'soh, my goodness, don't even get
me started, I'm off the shelf.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (03:40):
Yeah, I'm sure that the list is endless.
So, from a teacher, do you haveany tips that would help a
teacher plan ahead and get readyfor this time of year?
Dr. Lisa Hassler (03:49):
Yeah.
So I just had to look at ithead on and say how am I going
to plan and over prepare forthis season?
I know I've got this amount ofdays and so I would pull out
that school calendar and I wouldwrite down on a piece of paper
in the month of December everysingle thing that I had to do,
whether that was concerts goingto be this time, practice is
(04:11):
going to be at this time, and ofcourse those things add and
change.
But getting it all down infront of me felt doable and then
it was like all right, I knowwhen the red and green day is
going to be and I would makesure that then my plans, as I
did, a scope and sequence fellinto place with those things.
So then I had a doable,feasible plan of how I was going
(04:31):
to make it through.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (04:33):
Yeah, I'm sure it's got to be a lot for
you.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (04:35):
It really was.
What I would end up doing thenis, once I'd get that scope and
sequence all done and I knewwhat I was going to do, I could
start planning for it.
Now I knew, okay, I'm going togo to the grocery store, I need
to make sure I've got 35 candycanes, right?
Oh, candy canes are there,great, throw them in the cart.
So I've got my list and I'mjust going to work off of that.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (04:54):
And parents love those projects.
I mean you got to have a goodproject that lasts forever.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (05:01):
Yes, yes, you really do.
You've got to make sure thatyou are planning with the parent
in mind as well.
You know, are these projectsgoing to be something that's
going to be an added bonus tothe family, or an added stressor
?
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (05:13):
I mean, the kids still have those
ornaments with their pictures onthem and they still put them up
on the tree every year, andit's a wonderful part of the
year that I love to look forwardto.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (05:22):
Yeah, so you can't skip the parent ornament
gifts.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (05:28):
That seems to be a fan favorite as a
teacher.
Make sure, make sure, make surethey're worthwhile, Make sure
they're really good.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (05:31):
That's right.
Don't skip those ones.
So when you're planning, getthose ones in.
I always did it with themedbooks.
So I would look at my standardsand pick holiday themed books
and I would wrap them into myplans and then make sure that I
had a good like art project togo along with it.
That many times was a Christmasornament for the parents.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (05:52):
Yeah, because if you can integrate the
educational aspect in the theme, I mean, you can really get a
lot done and still have a lot offun for this time of year.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (06:00):
Yeah, engaging those kids can be tough, so you
got to go with it, just embracethe holiday spirit, because you
know that's all they'rethinking about.
So it's like, all right, you'regoing to want to do holiday
read aloud, group projects,holiday thematic units for cross
curricular integration, andmaking sure then that you're
double dipping as much aspossible.
Like I said, grab out thoseholiday books and and make an
(06:23):
ornament out of it.
My absolute favorites were JanBrett and Tommy DePaola, only
because there were so manyholiday books that they had that
you could like tie intodifferent standards.
I mean you're talking likescience and math and Right, yes,
and you could also get a lot ofvaluable projects out of it,
like Tommy DePaola had a greatone about the history of trees,
and so you could tie in.
(06:45):
How did we start this tradition?
When did ornaments come alongin lights?
So we would do like a treeornament project.
Then Jan Brett did a great onewith reindeers and polar bears
and wonderful countdowns forChristmas and different cultural
things that you could tie inwith that as well, so you can
get a social studies perspective.
So I think that those alwaysbrought the kids a lot of joy.
(07:09):
And then turning special daysinto valuable lessons.
So you know, we were inCatholic school, so it was
something like a Santa Lucia day.
Well, now I can learn aboutSwedish Christmas traditions.
Now you're bringing in acultural tie so it could be
something that we can learnabout other cultures with.
And, of course, christmasaround the world was always a
fun one.
So having that equity,diversity yes, those were always
(07:33):
really valuable and the kidsremember those days because it's
something different and theylike learning about each other.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (07:39):
And I'm sure you have to get the parents
involved, because we needsomething to do so.
As a parent, you know we haveto help set up parties and and
help make sure that we're takingsome of the load off of the
teachers, because there's a lotgoing on that we don't think
about.
You know.
Yes, we have our own things todeal with, like Christmas
shopping and getting the houseready for the holidays, but we
(08:01):
want to make sure that the kidsare on track.
We're keeping good eyes on them.
Are they staying healthy?
Are we keeping to a goodschedule?
I mean, maintaining a homeroutine has got to be super
important this time of yearbecause it gets away so fast and
the kids are so excited.
I don't remember sleeping halfof the month of December when I
was a kid, because you're alwaysworried.
(08:22):
Okay, am I doing enough goodthings to be on Santa's good
list or am I on the naughty list?
And I'm sure the things that wethink about as parents are not
the same things that the kidsare thinking of, so we really
need to keep track of you knowhow are they doing?
Do they look good?
Are they in a bad mood?
What else can we do to keepthem on track?
Dr. Lisa Hassler (08:41):
Definitely, and there are so many things
that you said there that I'dlike to come back and visit.
Like when you're talking aboutparents being involved.
I think that teachers reallyneed to not be afraid to ask
parents for help, just for extrahands in the classroom, even
sending home materials for themto prep, because they're not
able to take off of work butthey would love to do something,
maybe at home.
(09:01):
So thinking about like, hey,can you make goodie bags or ways
that they can just be involvedin the classroom, and so don't
be afraid to ask.
I think that's really valuable.
I learned that they reallyenjoy that.
I think it's harder to ask thanit is to receive when it comes
to that, because you're going tofind out that you're going to
have a lot of people excitedabout it.
Also, with donations, withproject items, as long as it's
(09:23):
reasonable and timely, you don'twant to dump something onto
parents the night before andthen, if we had something
special, I would send thosereminders home to the parents
there and then, if we hadsomething special, I would send
those reminders home to theparents.
There's a lot of different waysthat we communicate nowadays,
but one of my favorite was ateacher that I had worked with.
She used to just type it out onpaper, print it, then cut
strips and make bracelets onchildren's wrists.
(09:45):
And when I started doing that Isaw that the kids thought it
was really great because theyhad a little bracelet to go home
with, with a little reminder,and they showed the parents as
soon as they got in the car, andso that one worked really well.
Like hey, picture day istomorrow.
So if you just say tomorrow ispajama day, now you've got it on
your bracelet.
They're not going to let theirparents forget.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (10:06):
Yeah, and the parents, as soon as they see
their kid they're going to belike what is that bracelet?
What?
Dr. Lisa Hassler (10:09):
They're going to be like.
What is that bracelet?
What is that all about?
That was one of my favorite.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (10:12):
And going back a second.
You know you talked about thecommunication.
I think the parent-teachercommunication has to be above
and beyond this time of year.
You know, I'm sure withtechnology now there's calendars
out.
You know, as a parent we needto make sure that we're going
through those calendars to makesure that we have things on our
schedule that meet what theteacher needs.
(10:33):
And there's a lot of timeswhere we kind of say, oh, we'll
just look at it the next day.
I don't think that's a goodidea this time of year and you
can kind of go over why.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (10:43):
Yeah, well, I also think a lot of kids have
phones these days, and so it'ssomething that you can add to
like a family calendar.
So if you're going to addsomething on there whether it's
a special day or there'sprojects that are due, there's
major tests that are going tohappen add those to the
calendars, because they're notonly going to remind you as a
parent, but then the kids too.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (11:01):
Yeah, last thing you need is the day
before little Johnny coming upto you and saying oh mom, don't
forget, I have this project duetomorrow.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (11:08):
Yeah Right, you don't need any more stress.
So I think you know utilizingthose family calendars for those
just throw it all on there atthis time of year really is
helpful for everybody.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (11:17):
And a lot of kids have finals exams.
You know a little bit as anolder age and the end of
semester is an important timefor the kids to do well and
still have fun that with makingsure that you are giving them
that normal routine you weretalking about.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (11:33):
But that is also said for the classroom.
You know, with all of thosespecial days and changes in
schedules, that can really bedisruptive to children and so we
need to be mindful of makingsure that as much as possible
staying to that normal routine.
I found that really helpful.
You know, the kids would comein and I would have calm music
playing and make the writingabout the things that you were
(11:55):
learning about when it comes tothose thematic holiday
traditions and celebrations, andso that was a good way to tie
it in.
But then making sure also thatif we spent every, let's say,
Tuesday and Thursday I didcenters with the kids, language
arts centers while I'm stilldoing it for that hour at those
times, just making itholiday-themed, If I'm doing
math and the math is always from10 to 11, I'm going to continue
(12:20):
to do that, because then it'sthis feeling of comfort to them
to know I'm still going to havemath every day at this time.
I'm still going to have deertime when I come back in for 20
minutes to have routines thatthey find comfort in.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (12:33):
And I'm sure that's just as important.
At home, you know, making surethey're eating a healthy meal.
I mean, who knows what candyand cookies and desserts they've
been having so much.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (12:44):
Yes, we're just stuffing them full Right.
Parties can be crazy with thatRight.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (12:49):
I mean you guys must get a ton of
different desserts so much.
The kids must be probablypretty difficult to handle on
the sugar and then sending themhome like that as well.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (13:01):
So they're like sick to their stomach.
So whenever those special dayswould happen I would have a lot
of donations coming in of sweetsand one thing that I always did
was I just kind of brought itdown to a reasonable amount for
children their age to consumeand anything more than that.
I just kind of took a bunch ofthe extras and if it was able to
(13:23):
just be closed up or not evenopened, put into the cabinet and
then the next day we could pullthat out for a special snack
where they could have like onecookie, and the next day we
could pull that out for aspecial snack where they could
have like one cookie.
So you really don't need forthem to like load up on all of
that hot chocolate and cookiesand candy canes and chocolate
sweets, Because not only arethey going to get sick and
(13:43):
they're going to leave, but thenalso they're going home and
that's not helpful to anybody.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (13:45):
Yeah, we as parents appreciate that.
We don't want to have the kidcome out of school and just
crash for three hours and thenbe up all night.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (13:53):
Definitely so.
I always did a nice healthybalance and anything that I felt
as though was just a little bittoo much for a little belly to
handle, as long as it could bekept later.
You know, I just didn't open upthat package of Christmas Oreos
, I just put them in the cabinetand the next day or a couple
days later, we could have alittle afternoon treat with one
cookie, and later we could havea little afternoon treat with
one cookie, and they're superexcited to see it, and so that
(14:15):
was always one of my big partytip keep those extras.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (14:18):
So, as parents, going back to what we
were saying before, stick toyour schedule.
Make sure you have their bagspacked, make sure you're staying
ahead of their homeworkschedule you know, plan ahead.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (14:34):
I mean, that's the key with the calendars and
using your devices to youradvantage.
Yeah, definitely, and knowingyour limit, I felt like you know
there were a lot of contests.
There's the holiday decoratingdoor contest.
You know there's the elf on theshelf.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (14:45):
Is the elf still a hot item or still a
thing in schools?
You know he was.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (14:49):
He was, and the last year I wanted to give
him up.
So bad I got to tell you.
It took a lot for me to evenget him in my classroom, because
when I first started teachinghe didn't exist and then I heard
about him and then it was areal pain to have to deal with,
because if that elf didn't movethen everyone was upset about it
.
You know who touched him, andso it's just another added thing
(15:11):
.
So I find that if you can avoidthe elf on the shelf, do it at
all costs.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (15:16):
Or that had to be number one on your
list of things to do everymorning.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (15:19):
Get out, yes, get it out.
So if you could take awaylittle things, I would suggest
doing what you can handlereasonably yeah, knowing your
limits.
So don't go crazy with the doorcontest if you don't need to,
if that's not within your realm.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (15:33):
Okay, so one question I have.
We've talked about all theseschedules and preparations, but
you know, I always like to lookback and say what was one of
your favorite memories, whatpart of this season is your
favorite as a teacher and aparent?
I never see you anymore.
Come out the door.
Aw, she has tears in her eyes.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (15:55):
I got her.
We think one of my favorite isit was always a crazy night and
we would have the kids for waytoo long and it would be like
those Christmas concerts.
But I had 30 first graders andmy partner also 30 first graders
and every year we made theminto angels and we would make
(16:19):
these white satin little robesfor them and little garland
halos.
They look like angels.
They were your angels, I meanyou spend every day with them,
and so, even though it was likeI mean you, spend every day with
them and so, even though it waslike nuts and you know all the
practice and everything, and youknow, by the way, make packets
(16:39):
for those and have lots of graband go things in your folder,
because those are unexpectedtimes and you need to keep them
busy during those practices.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (16:46):
But boy, when you see it actually play
out and you hear those littleangelic voices, it just makes
you really appreciate it andthat's always one of my favorite
times during this time of yearis those Christmas concerts
where the kids each have theiropportunity to get up and sing
and perform.
And you know I laugh now.
(17:06):
But record them all, parents,because if you don't record them
, then later on you can't popthem up and show them off right
before your kids get married orbefore special events, when they
forget how wonderful this timeof year is.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (17:23):
Yeah, it really is wonderful.
So, amongst all of those things, people always have the best
interest in mind.
You know I want another party,or let's do this.
Have the best interest in mind.
You know I want another party,or let's do this.
I think knowing your limits andbeing able to have a good
balance makes this time of yeara little bit better.
It makes it what it's supposedto be Family and different
(17:43):
religions, love and peace andthe gift of giving.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (17:47):
This time of year is super overwhelming.
So, parents, keep to yourschedule, keep up with your
children's learning, use thetime in the car you know to make
sure that they're practicingtheir math facts and doing a
little bit of reading at maybesome quiet time at home and, and
like Lisa was just saying, havefun.
These times are very memorable.
(18:07):
Enjoy every second and yourkids will remember them too.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (18:11):
They definitely will.
And so just to review some tipsthose are kind of like my
little hacks is definitely planand over-prepare as much as
possible.
You know, get that calendargoing, fill it all up, hang it
up.
Make sure that you've got thosegrab and go folders with extra
skills and review sheets readyto go for those moments that are
(18:33):
going to pop up you just don'tknow when.
Embrace the holiday spirit.
You just got to lean into it,you know, and this helps the
kids engage by just making thoselessons as project-oriented,
thematic, cross-curricular aspossible that align with the
standards, thematic,cross-curricular as possible
(18:54):
that align with the standards.
Those have always helped meusing holiday books to bridge a
lot of different subjects andprojects for art, like Jan
Bratton, tommy DePaula, andmaking sure those special days
turn into lessons.
Don't go crazy with that wholeelf on the shelf.
Don't bring him into yourclassroom.
If you have a choice, this ismy big advice Ditch that dude.
And then there's parentsinvolved.
You know.
Ask for help.
(19:16):
They are so willing to give it.
Be as normal with your routinesas possible, because if it's
not for their sanity, it's foryours.
Save those extra goodies andafter the party's over, clean up
and prepare your bulletin boardfor January.
I know you're going to hate me,but you're going to be thankful
when you don't have to comeback over your Christmas break.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (19:35):
Yeah, I think this was a great episode.
I want to thank you again forhaving me on as a surprise guest
.
It's always an honor.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (19:41):
It's always nice, it's an honor to be on
your podcast.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (19:47):
I mean, it helps so many people episodes
with their friends as much aspossible, because I hear every
day the influence that it hasand helping other people get
through their educationaljourney, and you're doing an
excellent job.
So thank you for sharing alittle bit of time with me on
the mic.
It's always nerve-wracking, butI love it and thanks again.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (20:09):
Well, I think you're biased, but I appreciate
it.
Thank you, and everyone elseenjoy this time.
It'll be January before youknow it.
Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr (20:17):
Enjoy the rest of the year.
Dr. Lisa Hassler (20:18):
Happy holidays .
If you have a story aboutwhat's working in your schools
that you'd like to share, youcan email me at lisa at
drlisahasslercom, or visit mywebsite at wwwdrlisahasslercom
and send me a message.
If you like this podcast,subscribe and tell a friend.
The more people that know, thebigger impact it will have.
(20:38):
And if you find value to thecontent in this podcast,
consider becoming a supporter byclicking on the supporter link
in the show notes.
It is the mission of thispodcast to shine light on the
good in education so that itspreads, affecting positive
change.
So let's keep working togetherto find solutions that focus on
our children's success.
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