How to Keep Students Engaged During the Pre-Holiday Energy Rush

As winter break gets closer, students start to buzz with energy. They talk more, focus less, and seem to have an invisible countdown running in their heads. For NY paraprofessionals, teacher assistants in NY and support staff, this period can be fun, but also challenging. Keeping students engaged doesn’t mean shutting down their excitement. It means channeling it in ways that keep learning going. In this blog we’re doing to deep dive into how to keep students engaged during the pre-holiday energy rush.

How to Keep Students Engaged During the Pre-Holiday Energy Rush

Embrace Movement and Shorter Activities

Sitting still for long stretches is hard on a normal day and during the pre-holiday weeks, it can feel almost impossible for some students. One powerful strategy is to build in more movement.

You can:

• Support the teacher by helping run quick stretch breaks

• Use “stand and share” or “walk and talk” activities

• Assist with learning stations that let students rotate around the room

Shorter, varied tasks help students reset and stay interested.

Tap into Seasonal Interest

You don’t have to ignore the season to maintain engagement. You can help incorporate winter or kindness themes into assignments in a way that feels inclusive.

For example, you might help:

• Students write about their favorite winter activity

• Classes brainstorm ways to show kindness before break

• Groups create “gratitude chains” or positive message walls

These activities tap into the excitement of the time of year without focusing on specific holidays or traditions.

Keep Routines as Steady as Possible

Even though assemblies, events, or special activities may pop up, maintaining core routines gives students a sense of stability. Paraprofessionals in NY can help by:

• Reminding students of the daily schedule

• Giving quick previews of what’s coming next

• Using consistent signals for transitions

When students know what to expect, they feel calmer and more in control, even when the atmosphere is more festive.

Use Positive Reinforcement

During high energy periods, catching and praising positive behavior is especially important. Recognizing when students follow directions, help a peer, or stay focused for a set amount of time motivates them to keep trying. Simple phrases like, “I noticed how you got started right away,” or “Thanks for being a leader in your group,” go a long way.

Build in Small Calm Moments

Not every part of the day needs to be high energy. Incorporating brief calm activities can help balance things out. This might include:

• A quiet read-aloud

• A short mindfulness or breathing exercise

• Independent drawing or journaling time

Paraprofessionals in NY can model how to calm themselves by using a steady tone and relaxed body language to help students settle.

Turning the Rush into a Positive Memory

The pre-holiday rush doesn’t have to be something to “survive.” With the right strategies, it can become a time students remember fondly. It’s a season when they still learned, still felt supported, and still had fun.

At Horizon Staffing Solutions, we know paraprofessionals in NY and support staff are key to making that happen. Your creativity, patience, and presence help turn high energy into meaningful engagement, right up until the last day before break.