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It's December!

Updated: Jan 5

What Early Elementary School Parents Can Look Forward to During the Month of December


Welcome back! Lexi here, founder of ODL. Each month, I share a simple guide to help you know what to expect in school — so you can confidently support your child and stay ahead of celebrations, routine changes, and learning goals.


December is a month filled with joy, anticipation, shorter school weeks, lots of excitement…and plenty of opportunities to support your child’s learning in small, meaningful ways. Here’s what you can expect this month:



School Schedule Changes & Days Off


Most schools have adjusted schedules during December, including:

  • Early dismissals

  • Winter celebrations

  • Winter concerts

  • School spirit days

  • Winter break


With so many special events, this month can feel a bit unpredictable for kids. Younger children thrive on routine, so the changes may bring out extra excitement (or extra emotions).


How You Can Support Your Child at Home:

  • Review the weekly schedule together.

  • Mark special events on a kid-friendly calendar.

  • Build in extra calm morning or bedtime routines.


Previewing these changes helps kids feel prepared and reduces stress when a routine changes.



Winter & Holiday Celebrations


Every school handles December celebrations differently, but most classrooms find ways to honor:

  • Winter traditions and holidays from diverse cultures

  • Family holiday traditions

  • Acts of kindness and giving

  • Seasonal crafts, read-alouds, and community-building activities

  • Non-specific winter activities (snow, gingerbread man activities, etc.)


Feel free to ask your child's teacher what they are doing to celebrate during this month!


How You Can Support Your Child at Home:

  • Share a holiday or winter tradition from your family, big or small.

  • Read books about celebrations around the world.

  • Invite your child to help with simple acts of giving (donating a toy, writing a thank-you card, helping a neighbor).

  • Ask: “What winter traditions are your classmates sharing at school?”



Academic Learning in December


December is a great time for teachers to review and strengthen foundational skills before the long break. Common learning focuses include:


Reading

  • Decoding practice

  • High-frequency words

  • Retelling and basic comprehension

  • Building stamina


Writing

  • Multi-sentence stories

  • Stretching out sounds in spelling

  • Capitalization and punctuation


Math

  • Addition and subtraction

  • Tens and ones

  • Comparing numbers

  • Story problems


How You Can Support Your Child at Home:

The holidays bring A LOT of authentic learning opportunities. Here are some ideas:

  1. Create shopping/gift wish lists

  2. Read and help make recipes

  3. Count ingredients

  4. Write or address holiday cards

  5. Create name tags for holiday gatherings

  6. Make handmade gifts for family members or friends


These moments feel fun—and support literacy and math naturally.



Winter Break Learning Made Simple


Teachers don’t expect families to create elaborate learning plans over winter break.


What is helpful?

  • Reading together a few minutes a day

  • Playing board games that build counting or strategy

  • Talking about new vocabulary from books, movies, or outings

  • Helping your child journal or draw about family celebrations


Small moments add up, especially this time of year.


If you would like an at-home learning plan for winter break, please find more information here and schedule a free introductory call with me now!



December SEL Tip: Practicing Giving


December is the perfect month to help kids understand the joy of giving. Giving does not just mean giving gifts, but kindness, time, help, and appreciation.


What Giving Looks Like for Young Kids:

  • Helping a sibling or friend

  • Sharing materials at school

  • Making something for someone

  • Saying “thank you” or showing appreciation

  • Thinking of ways to brighten someone’s day


Try This at Home — “Kindness Countdown Chain”

Create a paper chain for the month of December. All you need is paper, scissors, and tape or glue. Cut the paper into thin strips. On each paper strip, write a simple act of giving you and your child can do this month.



Here are some ideas:

“Draw a thank-you picture for someone.”

“Hold the door for a friend.”

“Help set the table.”

“Give a compliment.”

“Share your toys.”


Each day, add one link and complete the act together until you have a long paper chain you can hang around your home.


This activity builds empathy, gratitude, and confidence, all through small, doable actions.



Need Support? I’m Here.


If you’re feeling unsure about your child’s progress or want to talk through a school question with a certified teacher, I’m here to help. Through 1:1 parent coaching and simple, custom at-home learning plans, I help busy families feel confident and connected to their child’s learning. Each plan includes easy, practical ways to support learning at home.



Here’s to a month filled with learning, celebration, and togetherness. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season! ❄️


Until next time,

Lexi :)

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