Welcome back to school from winter break! It’s been a couple of weeks without the routine. No bedtimes to consider. No alarms to set. No school clothes to choose. Forget about what to pack in the lunchbox or how to fit in bathroom breaks. The biggest decisions over the break may have included which shows to stream and whether to wear gray or black sweatpants.
Refocusing after winter break and energizing the classroom
Winter break gave a chance to reset physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s time to return to the classroom, and you’re ready for a smooth start! Now that you’re back from break, let’s set up the rest of the school year. Refocusing after a holiday break means planning for success by working smarter, not harder.
An easy guide for a smooth back-to-school transition
Are you wondering how to get back into school? Here are a few ideas to help you come back from winter break a little easier.
- Routines and expectations- On the first day of school after winter break, review your routines and expectations. Were they working? Do they need adjustments, or should certain ones be trashed altogether? Don’t stop with a discussion about class expectations. For a smooth transition, take the time to practice them.
- Patience- Everyone needs to practice patience and understanding during the initial days back in the classroom. That includes students and teachers! Be there for one another.
- Classroom community- Rebuilding the community is absolutely vital to setting the stage for the second half of the school year. Activities from the “beginning of the school” can be reused as “after winter break” activities.
- Goals- The new year is the perfect time to unlock potential with personal and academic goal setting. Ask students to set individual goals and set goals as a class.
- Favorite activities- At this point in the year, you know the types of activities your students love. Remind them about the joy of learning by revisiting favorites.
- Communication- Touch base with parents and families. Remind them of school routines and expectations. It’s also important to ask about any changes or information that you need to know about your students.
- Empathy- For some of your students, winter break may have been stressful or even traumatic. Listening to others talk about presents, vacations, or fun times with family could touch some nerves. Pay attention to those verbal and non-verbal clues and behaviors. Empathy from you will help them ease back into school.
Embrace the new beginnings of going back to school after winter break
Winter break was necessary to refresh. With the new year comes new beginnings for you and your students. Practice kindness. Praise good effort and behaviors. Prompt students as needed. Provide socialization time. And pause to reflect on the positive impacts you’re making in the lives of your students.
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