December 2023 at the SECD Lab
As the year comes to a close, we wanted to give you all a few final highlights on our lab before wrapping up the Fall Semester and taking a pause for the holidays.
Inclusivity During the Holidays
When considering your students during the holiday season, it's important to recognize that what may be a joyous time for some could be just another month for others. With diverse religious affiliations and beliefs among students, including those who don't adhere to any faith, it's essential to approach holiday celebrations in the classroom with sensitivity. Statistics from the Pew Research Center highlight the religious diversity in the United States, emphasizing the need for educators to foster inclusivity. Acknowledging the holiday season with respect various beliefs is key to creating a welcoming and representative classroom environment, especially during the festive month of December.
Here are a few tips and reminders for creating an inclusive holiday celebration in the classroom:
Emphasize children learning about the holidays of most importance in different religions, rather than celebrating them
Focus on traditions and allow students to share how they observe different holidays in their own way
Pay attention to the language used in holiday activities
Use the season to promote giving to the community and the less fortunate
Do your research to avoid stereotypes
Check out these articles and blogs for more tips:
Anti-Bias Education and Holidays: Making Thoughtful Decisions | NAEYC
How to Create Inclusive Classroom Holiday Celebrations: 7 Teacher Tips | Teach Starter
Creating an Inclusive Holiday Celebration in Your Classroom | Study.com
How to Keep Your Classroom Inclusive During December | Edpuzzle Blog
Finals
Final exams serve as a crucial assessment of semester-long learning, often inducing stress even in typically composed students. However, by adopting effective strategies, exams can transition from overwhelming burdens to tools that measure one's achievement against the course objectives. The key to minimizing stress lies in avoiding unproductive habits and unnecessary pressure. It can be hard to balance a heavy academic workload while also prioritizing well-being, especially during exam season. Remember that students should feel comfortable seeking advice and support from parents and instructors who offer comfort and a listening ear.
Here are a few tips for students to help them get through finals season:
Plan ahead and prioritize tasks…avoid procrastinating!!
Get rid of distractions and distracting devices
Find a space conducive to studying
Maintain healthy habits and remember to eat, sleep, and stay hydrated
Take brain breaks — whether it’s listening to music, cooking, baking, going for a walk, stretching, meditating, or doing mindfulness exercises, give yourself healthy breaks to avoid burnout
For more information, see the resources below:
Tips for Supporting Your Student During Finals | Parents and Families (umich.edu)
10 Tips for Self Care During Finals Week (nyu.edu)
10 Study Tips For Surviving Finals Week | PLNU (pointloma.edu)
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We are sure everyone is excited to spend the holidays with their family and loved ones, and we hope you all have a wonderful break! Happy holidays from the SECD Lab family and hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!
Stay Connected with Us!
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