Everybody loves a holiday. But, the first day back after winter break can be tricky. Starting off the new year right is crucial for a successful second semester. Follow these tips and tricks to make the first day back a smooth transition to the rest of the year. With just a bit of pre-planning, you can have a warm start even if your temps are cold!
Reconnect Students
Your kids will come back in different moods. Some will be half asleep. Others will be excited. Some might be nervous or cranky because of the change in schedule. Make room in your plans for all of these. Let the kids check in with you and with each other. Plan a short welcoming activity.. You can find many free writing activities on TPT:
- sensory boxes and chat time
- my favorite time/activity from 1st semester – Think-Pair-Share
- what I did over the break share circle
- What’s New this year for me? (goals-happenings)
Revisit Rules
These should come from your students. They are in charge of their behavior, so you need to hear what rules stuck. Start with a blank anchor chart paper. Ask volunteers to tell you the rules of the room.. Let the class do that. Repeat the words, then ask, ” ____ ____ ____, does that sound right?” They will give thumbs up or down. Give pairs a sticky not to illustrate the more important rules to them. Attach to the chart. Display for all to see.
Revise Expectations
Remember, your students are 6 months older. They are ready to do more. They are ready to be more.
Kick everything up a notch. If you asked for 2 sentences, start asking for 3. Instead of 10 spelling words, give 12. Expect a little more and they will give you more.
Give them a choice and a voice. You taught them many math solving routines, let them choose the one that works best for them. Let them choose the kind of book report, not just the book.
Refocus Energy & Talent
This is the perfect time to regroup. Kids develop at different speeds. Some have moved on, while others struggle. If you make no changes in your procedures or schedule, they will yearn for a challenge, and that could result in bad behavior. Your job is to redistribute the load. You can do that by:
- the first day back after winter break is the perfect time to change your helpers/schedule. Let them choose or nominate each other.
- Adding a step or two to each routine. Most will be able to follow more steps in same time.
- Making sure they have a choice in writing projects. Explain they will now use a writing folder to keep unfinished work. They don’t have to take same exact steps as everyone else. Most will be able to choose procedure and then follow through.
- Let them choose the strategy to solve Math problems. You taught several ways to get to the same answer. Let them find and use what serves them best.
- not forgetting almost a third of your class will need the extra help and same procedures, so many changes will be choices, not “must do’s”
- let them help each other more. You are not the only teacher in the room, just the tallest one
Be Flexible
Don’t expect this day to follow the schedule exactly. Be prepared for check in to take much longer. If you are lucky enough to have a work day before the kids come, you can set up for success. Think back to the first day of school. This day might be more like that. Since you are meeting the kids where they need you, things will be a bit loose. Real teaching changes minute by minute. This day is about connections.
One more important thing you can do to bring success on your first day back after winter break is self-care. You are transitioning too! Don’t forget to do something nice for yourself. Stop for a donut or a special coffee on the way to school. Wear a favorite outfit that makes you feel good. Buy your lunch instead of packing it. Be happy with what gets done. Tomorrow has the same number of hours as today!
If you want to add a few Winter games to your Math Stations, click on the photos to check out my TPT store.
