Ringing in the New Year
Mixed Emotions
Looking forward to going back to work in the new year? It’s okay if you are not! I, often, have a hard time adjusting to teaching after being in rest and relaxation mode for a little over a week. It’s so nice not hearing my name 50 times a day, being able to drink hot coffee, using the bathroom when I need to, wearing comfy clothes all day long, etc. The best piece of advice I can recommend for easing back into work is to have a routine. I set my work clothes out for the next day and pack my lunch the night before. This routine makes the weekdays go smoothly as I am prepped and ready. Another one of my routines is going to the gym right after school. This routine helps me unwind and ease the stress of the workday.
Tough Adjustment for All
Keep in mind, adults are not the only ones that can have a hard time being back at school. Some students are coming back to school after having little to no rules/expectations at home, staying up all night every night during break playing video games, watching Tik Tok videos, snap chatting, etc. Some students have not picked up a book to read or a pencil to write since leaving your classroom. Coming back from winter break can be an adjustment for all.
Jurassic Park Vibes
When I taught sixth grade, my team and I had a running joke that our sweet and innocent sixth graders changed over winter break. Students came back to school with serious attitudes, forgetting the rules/expectations, and acting a little crazier than usual. It’s like puberty hit over break and their raging hormones are all over the place. The first week back after break, I often found myself asking, “What happened to the sixth graders I knew and loved?” Okay, maybe I am being a little dramatic but some days it feels like a walk in the park; Jurassic Park to be exact.
New Year’s Activities
To help ease the transition back to school (or Jurassic Park), I’m sharing three activities for ringing in the new year:
Middle of the Year Refresher Post-It Note Activity
The Middle of the Year Refresher Post-It Note Activity (FREE) is a quick and fun way to get feedback from your classes while building a classroom community, and reviewing rules, procedures, expectations, etc.. Set the statements around the room and students move in groups to each statement station. Each student or each group can record their answers on post-its for the various statements, and then stick their post-it note right on the poster. I would recommend color-coding post-it notes by class if you have multiple classes. At the end of class, you can use student responses as a springboard for a review of the classroom community, policies, procedures, rules, etc.
Problem of the Year Challenge
The Problem of the Year Challenge (FREE) is designed to encourage students to problem-solve and think in creative ways. Students will use the digits of the year (each number can only be used once) to write an expression that equals the counting numbers 1-100. This activity can be done as a class, as a competition amongst students or classes, or even a school-wide competition. It can be done as a bell ringer, independent work, group work, or an anchor activity for early finishers.
Inferencing and Goal Setting New Year Activity
The Inferencing and Goal Setting New Year Activity is designed to help students make inferences about the meaning of the word “Firebreather” (as it relates to athletes) using their prior knowledge and the clues that are given. A “Firebreather” is someone who is relentless and perseveres through hardships. Then, students will use the definition they inferred (and the actual definition) to set 2 goals for how they can be Firebreathers in the new year personally and academically.
Digital & Editable New Year Activities
The Digital New Year Activities are the perfect way to kick off the new year. These activities are designed for you to reconnect with your students, and peers to reconnect with one another, set goals for the upcoming year, and review expectations. The activities can also be printed and/or used in person. There are a lot of different ways these activities can be used upon returning back to school from winter break. These activities can be completed as a choice board. You can set a certain number of activities for students to complete. The activities can also be completed as a bellringer/warm-up or classwork.
One Final Note
As difficult as it may be to return to the classroom after winter break, do it with a smile! Some students have waited all of break to see you and be in their ‘safe haven’ again. Love your students hard and make them feel welcome!
I hope these activities help you to ring in the new year with your students and set a positive tone for the near year! What are your favorite activities for ringing in the new year in your classroom?
