Are you looking for some ideas to engage your students after winter break? Getting back into a routine can be hard, but here are a few tips and tricks for getting your students back into school mode after the Holidays!
1. Re-arrange Classroom Seating and or Groups
Working with the same people all the time can get stale and boring. Try changing up the seating arrangement to get students interacting with new people.
You might also want to change the way you have students grouped. Maybe they have all been in rows, and now is the time to move into groups. Or, maybe you want to give flexible seating a try. Now is a great time of year to make those changes!
2. Coloring Can Be Calming
One problem with a return from the holidays is that students are pumped up with excitement! I love to use color by number worksheets to review skills and get my students back into the groove of school work. The added bonus is that coloring is calming!
This time of year is perfect for either these New Year's Color by Number worksheets! They are available in addition, multiplication, and number recognition (subitizing).
You might also like these seasonal Winter Color by Number Worksheets.
Bonus Tip: Play soothing music in the background as your students color in their pictures.
3. Introduce Whole Class Rewards
Have students earn points by doing the things that you would like to see reinforced in your classroom. Some ideas could include:
* Participating in classroom discussions
* Being on task
* Being ready for the next activity in a certain amount of time.
4. Inspire Your Students
My students always love watching Kid President videos.
This is the perfect time to share his pep talk.
If your students fall in love with Kid President too, check out this writing lesson I did with my students.
Jessica's Daily Affirmations is also a great video to share. Have your students write their own affirmations.
5. Reinforce Routines and Classroom Expectations
The return to the classroom after winter break is a great time to reinstate your classroom routines and remind students of the classroom expectations, norms, and routines.
You might want to try this After the Holiday Behavior Expectations Review Freebie to go over some of your expectations.
6. Review Math Concepts With Winter Themed Math Centers
Harness your students' excitement about the winter season with fun winter themed math centers!
These winter themed math centers for third graders can be used after winter break for math centers, independent work, small group activities, or as a free choice activity.
The Winter Math Centers include 5 standards aligned activities and include the following math skills:
* Telling time
* Elapsed Time
* Addition and Subtraction With Regrouping
* Multiplication Facts
* Word Problems Involving Multiplication and Division
7. Honor Martin Luther King Jr.
Since Martin Luther King Jr. day is celebrated each year in the United States on the third Monday of January, it is a great unit to introduce when you return to school.
Have students research his accomplishments and messages of justice, peace, freedom, and equality.
Check out this Pinterest board full of activities, resources and ideas for learning more about Martin Luther King Jr.
I also have Martin Luther King Jr. color by number resources.
8. Make Time for Fun
When you're focused on getting back into school gear and the new semester learning objectives, it is easy to forget to spend a little time having fun.
Returning to school can be easier when you remind your students how fun learning can be!
Do you have any tried-and-true tips for engaging your students after Winter Break?
Share with us in the comments below!
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