Navigating the Challenges of Teaching in December:
An Ontario Music Teacher’s Perspective
Introduction
December is a month like no other in the school year. Between the whirlwind of holiday concerts, report card preparations, and restless students counting down the days until winter break, teaching in December can feel like a marathon you’re running at full sprint. As someone who still teaches full-time in the classroom and specializes in instrumental music in Ontario, I know these struggles firsthand. This time of year not only tests my organizational and time-management skills but also provides valuable insights that I apply directly to my entrepreneurial endeavors.
The December Frenzy in the Classroom
1. Holiday Concerts and Performances
If you’re an instrumental music teacher like me, December is prime performance season. From school concerts to community events, rehearsals ramp up and your schedule becomes overloaded. Balancing these rehearsals with regular lessons and curriculum goals can be a real juggling act.
2. Students’ Waning Attention Spans
As the holiday break approaches, students tend to have shorter attention spans and are more easily distracted by upcoming festivities. It’s challenging to maintain their focus, especially when teaching complex musical passages or introducing new concepts. Creativity and flexibility become your best friends.
3. Assessment and Administrative Load
December often coincides with end-of-term assessments, grade submissions, and administrative tasks. Trying to accurately evaluate your students’ progress amid constant interruptions can feel overwhelming. Add on the pressure to finalize report cards, and you find yourself stretched thin.
Finding Balance: Lessons for My Business
While these December classroom struggles can be exhausting, they’ve taught me invaluable lessons that I carry over into my business at MargaretSlater.co, where I support teacher entrepreneurs through consulting, resources, and personalized services.
1. Efficient Workflow and Time Management
The chaos of December demands efficient workflows. I’ve learned to batch tasks, delegate when possible, and set clear priorities—strategies I also use when helping clients streamline their content creation or implement new online teaching tools.
2. Clear Communication and Expectations
In the classroom, making instructions concise and engaging helps keep students on track. In my business, the same principle applies. Whether it’s explaining new digital resources to clients or outlining a marketing plan, clarity prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone is aligned.
3. Embrace Flexibility and Creativity
When you’re teaching instrumental music amid pre-holiday excitement, you often need a backup plan (or three). The flexibility I practice at school—like adjusting lesson plans or modifying performance expectations—translates directly into my entrepreneurial work. I’ve learned to pivot quickly, think outside the box, and adapt to changing market trends or client needs.
Practical Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) in December
- Plan Ahead: Start organizing concert materials, rehearsal schedules, and assessments early so last-minute stress is minimized.
- Simplify Your Lessons: Break down complex tasks into small, manageable steps. This keeps students engaged and reduces frustration.
- Leverage Technology: Use scheduling tools, practice apps for students, and collaborative online documents to streamline communication and reduce paper overload.
- Set Boundaries and Self-Care: Don’t forget to look after yourself. Teaching in December is hectic, so make time to recharge, even if it’s just a quick coffee break or a brief meditation session during your prep period.
How My Experience Benefits You
As I continue to teach full-time, I remain deeply connected to the reality of the classroom. This firsthand perspective enables me to provide solutions that aren’t just theoretical—they’re practical and tested in the trenches of real, busy classrooms. At MargaretSlater.co, I offer tailored resources and insights to help other teacher entrepreneurs navigate their own challenges, whether it’s building a more efficient workflow, leveraging tech tools, or simply finding the inspiration to keep going when energy levels are low.
Looking Ahead to the New Year
The struggles of December are temporary, but the lessons learned will carry you through the rest of the school year and beyond. By embracing the chaos and learning to thrive in it, you set the stage for smoother days and stronger strategies—both in your classroom and your business endeavors.
So, as you power through the final weeks of December, remember: you’re not alone, and the resilience you build now will pay off in the new year.
Ready to streamline your workflow and apply these lessons to your own business?
Check out my tips on optimizing your website for teacher entrepreneurs here!
