⨠You're In! â¨
Returning after winter break can be challenging for both teachers and students (understatement of the year đ).Â
The key is to ease back into learning while maintaining structure and meeting those ever-important pacing guide requirements.Â
Thatâs where the 3 RsâReview, Reinforce, and Reigniteâcome in.Â
 Hereâs how you can make the most of your first week back while keeping things simple and productive.
When students return, theyâre likely feeling a little tired and out of routine. The first few days should focus on gently easing them back into the flow of learning without overwhelming them. Think of this as a "soft start" for their cognitive load.
Morning Work or Soft Start
As your first activity, have students complete a New Yearâs Resolution Activity. This can be on their desks for individual work or done as a whole group. Itâs a low-stress, reflective activity that gets students thinking about their personal and academic goals.
Note: If youâre concerned that the students might struggle with reading the resolution text right away, skip this as morning work and instead opt for something you know they can do independently, like a fun New Year-themed coloring page or simple review activity.
Ongoing Review
Keep independent work true reviewâthings theyâve already mastered.
Use simple review booklets or printable resources that reinforce core skills without introducing new content.
Avoid anything too challenging right now, as students are still warming up their brains.
After the long break, students will most likely need reminders of your classroom expectations and routines. The key here is to reteach quickly and simply, using clear, impactful language. Keep it positive and straightforward, so it doesnât overwhelm their cognitive load or cause shutdowns.Â
My Best Advice!
Stick to your established routines. Skip adding new ones this week to avoid overwhelming students. Instead, reset and reinforce whatâs already working throughout the day.
Uh-oh, What If Theyâre Still Struggling?
If students keep missing the mark with a routine, itâs time to dig in. Either tweak it or give them more support. Hold a quick class meeting to remind them why it matters, then reteach it step-by-step. The break doesnât change the rules, so make sure expectations are clear. If needed, adjust the routine, but model it thoroughly so everyoneâs on board.
What About "New Year, New Routines?"
I know I just said not to introduce new routines, but if youâve got one thatâll really help your students, nowâs a good time! Just remember, new routines need the same detailed modeling as at the start of the year. Break it down, explain thoroughly, and give them plenty of chances to practiceâit takes time for their brains to get back into work mode.
How Do You Reinforce It All (Without Changing Everything or Having Class Meetings All Day)?
Positive reinforcement is your secret weapon! As you move between activities, give quick, clear reminders like, âRemember, we walk quietly to lunch.â Acknowledge when students follow the routinesâitâs an easy way to reinforce good behavior and keep things running smoothly without overhauling your entire day.
So, What About Diving Back Into Centers and Group Work?
Donât be afraid to dive back into centers and group work!Â
No need to overhaul thingsâjust keep those routines going. Make sure any independent work is simple, review-focused, and something they can handle on their own. Letâs keep it easy for them (and you!) so everyone can ease back in without a hitch.
Once routines are re-established, it's time to reignite student engagement.Â
The goal is to re-energize your classroom, making learning fun and motivating without overwhelming students or disrupting your routines.
And the good news is that if you have been following the other tips, you have started the process already! But here are some of my favorite ways to reignite engagement after the holiday break (without causing disruption and chaos).
Ready to Reignite Learning with Some Fun and Easy Review?
NOTE: Just remember - keep the skills a review to avoid overwhelm!
- Collaborative Posters: Have students work in small groups to create posters on important review skills, then present them to the class. Itâs an engaging way to reinforce learning while promoting teamwork.
- SCOOT Review: An oldie but a goodieâstudents move around the room solving problems placed on desks, and you can assess while they scoot!
- Around the Room: Write tasks or problems on chart paper around the room, and have students rotate in groups to solve them. Itâs an easy, low-prep way to review multiple skills.
- Targeted Skills Centers: Set up centers focused on specific skills for review. Just choose centers that the students know how to complete or that are super easy for them to learn.
- Find Someone Who: BLURB NEEDED - grammar freebie somewhere
All-Access Reading Resources
- Check out the Bite Size collection for resources to reignite learning!
Ready to Reignite Their Motivation with Some New Year Goals?
Goal-setting might not get everyone hyped, but itâs a great way to refocus. Keep it short and sweet. Let students set simple, achievable personal and academic goals, and make it visual by posting them on the wall. Tip: Turn it into a quick reflection session with fun goal-tracking sheets or a class-wide âgoal meterâ to add some friendly competition.
Free Resources to Get You Started
Not a member of our All-Access Memberships? We have freebies to get you started this new year!
New Year Resolutions & Goal-Setting Activity
Help students set attainable, realistic goals for school, home, and friendships with this planning sheet and adorable celebration hat. Makes for a great bulletin board!
New Year Positive Reinforcement Cards
Ease back into classroom routines after winter break with these encouraging cards to give to students to build them up. Â
New Year Math Tasks
Make review relevant by having students use the current year to complete a variety of related math tasks.
New Year Resolutions Reading Comprehension
Have students read about all about new year resolutions and answer the corresponding comprehension questions with this themed comprehension set.
New Year Superstitions Reading Comprehension
Explore various new year superstitions from different cultures with your students and use the accompanying printables to check their comprehension and understanding of cause and effect.
Scrolling Through Mistakes Editing Task Cards
Use real-world contexts like social media posts, text messages, product reviews, and memes to make grammar and punctuation editing engaging and relatable for students.
Love these Resources and Ready for MORE?
Join All-Access Memberships for ALL of My Resources!
Not only do All-Access Reading and All-Access Math include more New Year-themed activities, but the memberships also include ALL of my reading and math resources. Click the link below to learn more about both memberships!
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Remember!
The first week back after winter break doesnât have to feel overwhelming.Â
By focusing on the 3 RsâReview, Reinforce, and Reignite, youâll ease your students back into learning while resetting the classroom in a way that supports both structure and engagement.Â
Keep routines familiar, review light, and independent work simple to give your students the smooth transition they need.Â
And most importantly, donât forget to revisit and celebrate their goals along the way!
