If you're looking for ideas to engage students after winter break and beat the back-to-school “blahs,” you're in the right place. For the first week back from winter break, we have a great list of post-holiday activities, lessons, and routines to welcome your students back to the classroom. Some students (and teachers!) will be thrilled to be back at school, others…not so much. And that's OK! Let's swing into the new year with activities to engage all learners.
If you're reading this before winter break: It seems hard to imagine planning anything for the new year when many teachers are trying to make it to the finish line before winter break. BUT your future self will thank you if you prep some of these activities before leaving for winter break! Imagine walking back into your classroom after the break with a stack of engaging activities ready to go. That means no stress or planning over break so you can truly relax! Keep reading to find out how to manage these fun, engaging, low-to-no-prep activities to start the new year off right. Tip: If you live in a climate where winter = extreme weather, have some indoor recess activities planned before school is back in session. You'll thank yourself later!
Idea #1: Invite Calm with Color by Numbers
Color by number worksheets are an easy way to review skills and gently nudge students back into the morning work routine. Turn on some calm music and allow students to work through the color by number picture.
👉 Try color by number sheets free here.
Idea #2: Winter Themed Activities to get Math Minds Ready!
Students love math puzzles. Teachers love that they are easy to prep, and self-checking! January Math Puzzles are a great option for your early finishers, math centers, enrichment opportunities, morning work, or even intervention groups.
Idea #3: Honor MLK Jr. with memorable classroom activities
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is celebrated each year in the United States on the third Monday of January. Inform and inspire students with Dr. King's messages of justice, peace, freedom, and equality. Take a look at the collection of activities and videos we've assembled inspired by Dr. King, or engage students in the lapbook writing activity about Martin Luther King, Jr
Idea #4: Get back into the habit of writing every day with January Writing Pages
Forget that tired old writing prompt “What did you do over winter break?” The January writing prompts for 1st and 2nd grade are filled with 20 different writing prompts to get students back in the writing routine. Teachers love that the writing prompts are in print and digital versions.
Bonus idea: Print and bind several writing prompts to create a new student writing journal for the new year.
Idea #5: Start off on the right foot by weaving in SEL
Now more than ever, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential in daily classroom routines. Start the first day back by fostering a safe, respectful environment with these 5 easy SEL strategies to help students thrive.
Start the first day back from winter break with an emotional check-in. On a whiteboard or chart paper, write “Being at school today makes me feel…” and have students write a word or draw a picture that reflects that emotion.
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