Tips to Beat the November Slump
CategoriesSomewhere between the last of the Halloween candy and the first whisper of winter break, it happens. The sun sets before you leave the building, the coffee isn't hitting like it used to, and your students have collectively decided that sitting still is optional.
Welcome to the November slump. It's real, and you're not imagining it.
The good news? You don't need a total overhaul to get through it. A few small shifts can bring the energy back to your classroom, and to you.
1. Change the scenery
Sometimes a room just needs a refresh. Rearrange desks for a week, teach a lesson from the back of the room, or take a quick learning walk outside if the weather cooperates. A new view does wonders for tired brains, yours included. Need inspiration? Check out these 11 smart desk layouts from Edutopia, these creative seating arrangements from the TPT Blog, or this guide to setting up flexible classroom zones.
2. Build in movement on purpose
Restless students aren't always being defiant. Often they just need to move. A one- to three-minute brain break between activities can reset the whole room. These 60 brain breaks from Peabody Teach come with free cards and a timer; Chalkbox's quick brain breaks are sorted by grade (including low-embarrassment options for middle schoolers!), and ClassPoint's list of 80 brain breaks covers K–12 with a free PDF. Movement isn't a break from learning. It helps learning stick.
3. Bring back something fun
Remember that review game your class loved in September? Dust it off. A little novelty (or nostalgia) goes a long way when routines start to feel stale. Bonus points if it takes zero prep.
4. Celebrate the small wins
In November, progress can feel invisible. Make it visible. Point out growth, share a student's "aha" moment, or keep a running list of class accomplishments on the board. Edutopia's 13 ways to celebrate small wins has ideas for every grade, from "making gains" certificates for high schoolers to a schoolwide success chest. Want something even simpler? Scholastic's tips from classroom teachers include sticky-note shout-outs and a class "walkout song" playlist 🎶. For quick prompts you can use tomorrow, try these share-session ideas from Lesley University. And for older students, a Friday "Tiny Triumph" reflection helps them notice their own growth. Noticing what's going right changes the mood of the whole room.
5. Lower the bar (on purpose) for yourself
Not every lesson needs to be perfect. Not every paper needs detailed feedback. Pick one or two things to do really well this month and let the rest be good enough. Protecting your energy now means you'll have more of it when it counts.
6. Give yourself something to look forward to
Plan one thing that's just for you: a dinner out, a new book, or a quiet weekend morning with nowhere to be. Thanksgiving break is coming, but you don't have to wait until then to recharge. And while you're dreaming about what's next…
Your Spring Is Looking Bright 🌷
Our Spring 2027 schedule is here, and it includes 10 brand-new courses! Whether you're working toward a salary advancement, renewing your certificate, or just want to try something fresh in your classroom, there's something new waiting for you. [View the Spring schedule]
The November slump doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. It just means you've been working hard since August. Be gentle with yourself, shake things up a little, and remember that the light at the end of the tunnel is a four-day weekend. 🦃
Here are a few classes related to this topic:
Social and Emotional Learning: Promoting Positive Mental Health Across the Curriculum
Trauma, Stress, and Anxiety in Schools: Finding Hope and Building Resilience
Refocusing Attention: Tackling Student Distractions by Gaining Their Attention