The Unteachables Podcast #152: So it's December, and your students won't stop talking... Now what?
Dec 8, 2025
Tackling the excitement that erupts in classrooms as the holidays approach is no small feat. Discover the brain science behind why student energy spikes in December and how to channel that into fun, structured activities. The host shares effective classroom games that maintain focus while allowing for bursts of energy. With clear routines and mindfulness practices, teachers can create a calm environment, ensuring students stay engaged even when they're bouncing off the walls. Normalize the chaos and keep your space predictable!
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Arousal Spectrum Shapes Classroom Energy
- Student arousal exists on a spectrum from lethargy to hyperactivity and both ends impair learning.
- The goal is to bring students into an optimal arousal state where they can focus and learn.
Anticipation Fuels Holiday Hyperactivity
- End-of-year excitement raises student energy because anticipation itself spikes happy hormones.
- This biological anticipation often makes high arousal normal rather than purposeful misbehavior.
Consistency Protects Regulation
- Slipping expectations and inconsistent routines at the end of term increase dysregulation.
- Students who rely on predictability will become more off-task when routines change.
