How Are You Taming the Spring Break Frenzy?

The weeks leading up to spring break can be soooooo long. You know there is a break in sight, but it’s coming at a snail’s pace. It’s the time when students (and staff) are mentally checked out, student energy levels are sky-high, and classroom chaos is just one off-task comment away at any given moment. If you find yourself battling distraction, restlessness, and an endless stream of “What are we doing today? And can we go home?” questions, here are some strategies to keep learning on track while embracing the inevitable pre-break energy.

Kinesthetic Learning For the Win

This is not the season for long lectures or silent independent work. Instead, get students moving! Whole class games, like Treasure Traps, are a great way to review content with an added element of friendly competition and lots of movement around the room. Question trails and scavenger hunts are another way to get students up and moving beyond the standard multiple choice worksheet. The more students can interact with content, the less likely they are to disengage completely.

Engagement Unlocked: Choice Boards

In an effort to increase student independence and ownership, we at Surviving in Secondary love a good student choice activity. When students are buzzing with pre-break energy, giving them structured choices can be a game-changer. Choice boards allow students to take ownership of their learning while keeping them engaged in a way that feels personalized and interactive. Instead of a one-size-fits-all assignment, a well-designed choice board gives students a variety of ways to demonstrate understanding—whether through writing a report, recording a podcast, or completing a hands-on activity, choice boards not only keep students focused but also reduce classroom disruptions by promoting productive autonomy. When students feel like they have control over how they learn, they’re more likely to stay motivated—especially in those final days before break! Check out this FREE early finishers choice board activity here!

Embrace the Excitement

I know, this might be the hardest to want to do, but let’s be real—they’re excited, and resisting it completely only makes things harder. Taking a few minutes to do a “Spring Break Bucket List” journal or structured brain breaks can help reset their focus for the rest of class.

The week before break doesn’t have to be a struggle. By meeting students where they are—energetic, distracted, and excited—you can create a classroom environment that balances fun with meaningful learning. And remember, you’re almost there!

What’s your go-to strategy for keeping students engaged before spring break? Let us know at hello@survivinginsecondary.com. We’d love to hear from you!