🎶”It’s the most wonderful time, of the yearrr!”🎶 …until it’s not.
Feeling the Sunday Scaries as you prepare to return to the classroom after the holiday break? Not ready to turn your alarm back on and turn Netflix off? You’re not alone! But don’t worry—we’re here to help you prepare your brain and set the tone for a smooth, peaceful, and productive first day back. Here are some tips to make the transition as seamless as possible:
1. Review Classroom Expectations
After time away from the classroom, students often come back operating under their “home rules,” which can be very different from classroom norms. Take time to gently review your expectations with the class. Framing these expectations as a conversation, rather than a lecture, can help students feel included and set a tone of “we are all in this together.”
Discussions can include:
- “What norms were helpful for us last year?”
- “Any new norms we should set going into this year?”
- “What are the most important expectations we have of each other?”
Proactively addressing expectations will help prevent disruptions and create a shared understanding of how things work in your space together.
2. Start with a Low-Lift Activity
Diving straight into rigorous lessons can feel overwhelming for both you and your students. Just like you wouldn’t run a sprint without warming up, easing into the first day back with a low-stakes activity can help set a positive tone, and prepare your students for more serious content-related lessons.
Example Activity:
Use a quick survey or conversation tool to facilitate reflection and address lingering emotions:
- “What was the best thing you did over the break?”
- “What excites you (or makes you nervous) about coming back to school?”
Grab a copy of our ‘Welcome Back to a New Year’ activity sheet that includes a great list of questions to get you started.
Having students start off the year with a win can really set the tone not just for the day, but for the class in general. For some kids who face challenges over the holidays, school feels like a refuge, and an ease back into your welcoming environment can mean the world to them.
3. Remind Students They Haven’t Forgotten Everything
The first day back often comes with cries of, “I don’t remember anything!” Help students rebuild confidence with a collaborative brain dump.
Example Activity:
Choose a recent topic you studied before the break. Ask students to write down everything they remember about it individually, then let them collaborate in small groups to combine their ideas.
This reinforces prior learning and reminds them they know more than they think! Allowing students time to discuss with their peers quells any fears of “what if I’m the only one who forgot!” while simultaneously jogging memories.
4. Set Goals for the New Year
A new year is a perfect opportunity to reset and refocus. Guide students in a goal-setting activity to create New Year’s resolutions for themselves, both academic and personal.
Example Activity:
Have students write their resolutions on index cards or colorful paper, sign them, and display them in the classroom.
Students are much more likely to commit and stick to goals that they set for themselves. This visual reminder can keep students motivated and encourage accountability throughout the year. Remind students that their goals do not need to be huge, but can be as simple as “I will ask one question a week.”
Check out other Teaching Channel resources on Setting Micro-goals or completing Habit Trackers!
Breathe a sigh of relief! By starting the day with warmth, collaboration, and structure, you can help your students (and yourself!) ease back into the classroom with confidence and calm. By prioritizing reconnecting and rebuilding your classroom community, you’ll be well on your way to a successful new year.
About the Author
Amy Szczepanski (she/her) is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.S. in both Biology and Environmental Science, a Master’s in Teaching, and has been teaching since 2014. Amy uses her experience to create highly engaging and effective content for both teachers and students. She loves all things STEM and is passionate about teacher advocacy.
Fun fact: Amy’s favorite hobby is taking long walks through New York City searching for delicious treats.
