As teachers, we know that returning from a break can feel a bit chaotic. However, it’s also an excellent opportunity to refresh everyone’s memory and set the tone for the rest of the academic year. By reconnecting and reviewing routines with your students, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page with classroom expectations after break.
Reconnect, Reflect, and Reset
Take a moment to reflect on the first part of the school year. What worked well, and what could be improved? Use this reflection to set new goals and expectations for the remainder of the year. Consider involving your students in this process by discussing their experiences and soliciting their input on classroom expectations.
Before you jump right into content, take time to reconnect and reflect! One way I like to do this is a game I call “Musical Shares”. I play some music and students walk around. When the music stops, they pair up with someone to share 1 thing about their winter break. We repeat this 3-4 times so they’ve had time to share with multiple classmates. Grab your free copy here.
Reinforce Routines
Returning to a structured routine helps students feel secure and promotes a positive learning environment. Review and remind students of the daily schedule, class rules, and procedures. Rehearse these routines together to ensure everyone is on the same page, and consider posting visual reminders in the classroom.
Set Goals and Expectations
Help your students set both academic and behavioral goals for the upcoming weeks. Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps, and encourage students to track their progress. Celebrate their successes and provide guidance and support when challenges arise.
Establish Clear Consequences
Equally important to positive reinforcement is a clear understanding of consequences for inappropriate behavior. Discuss consequences with your students and ensure they understand the link between actions and outcomes. Be fair, consistent, and compassionate in applying consequences when needed.
Join the Challenge
It’s like back to school all over again except better because you don’t have to start from scratch with your classroom routines and procedures. However, dedicating a small amount of time each day on those first days after winter break to “freshening” up will set the tone for the second half of the year.
It doesn’t have to be long. THREE minutes of consistent routine review will cut down on so much headache over the coming weeks.
- “I shouldn’t have to do this!”
- “Why can’t they just do what they are supposed to?”
- “I just want to teach content, I’m tired of classroom management!”
Those are some of the thoughts that ran through my mind as a first-year teacher. And so guess what? I didn’t take the time to review and practice routines. My teaching suffered and I barely survived the month of January that year.
Join my 5-Minute Routine Review Challenge. Start with your BIGGEST pain point and work from there. Practice one thing each day. It’s easy to fall into madness. It’s harder to address the source of the problem. But this freebie will help!
Getting back on track with classroom expectations after a break requires thoughtful planning, effective communication, and a positive mindset. By reinforcing routines, setting clear expectations, and fostering a positive classroom culture, you’ll create an environment where both you and your students can thrive. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling remainder of the school year!
After a well-deserved break, it’s time to get back into the swing of things and create a positive and productive learning environment for our young learners. Re-establishing classroom expectations is crucial for a smooth transition and setting the tone for the rest of the academic year. Let’s explore some practical tips to help you and your students get back on track after a break.
