Back from Break Classroom Management Strategies
At the beginning of the year it is important to introduce, model, and review expectations and routines on repeat, but it is also so IMPORTANT to…
If we have been off for a long weekend, winter break, spring break, or any kind of break longer than our typical weekend (although let’s be real, sometimes after that too) I like to spend some time reviewing our routines and procedures to keep my sanity and help my classroom run smooth.
When we do this, students continue to understand what is expected of them and routines and procedures stay consistent throughout the year!
Not to mention it helps to nurture our classroom community!
Think about when you walk in on the first day back from a break before your class comes…
Do you jump right in to your To-Do List?
OR
Do you like to catch up with your Co-Workers, organize your area, sip your coffee or tea, and then begin?
I am definitely the second and I can almost guarantee…
Your students are the same way.
They want to chat with their friends, they want to tell you all about their break, and they want to be reminded of what to do in order to start their schedule and be successful.
I have the mindset that they remember nothing, and my Class and I go slowly those first few days back from break and I explain EVERYTHING, again!
We take the time to review procedures and routines in our room as well as around school and we chat as a class to reestablish our classroom community!
To help remind me what to review I use this Back from Break Bingo Board and Procedure Checklist to keep me on track.
Click HERE to grab a FREE copy.
The Bingo Board is a way to make reviewing expectations fun and engaging!
TIP: Before you start reviewing have your class come up with a prize for after you cover all the squares. (extra free choice, computer time, extra recess, etc.) Then, work together to reach your goal and CELEBRATE! (cue confetti!)
It’s a great way to work together and reestablish your classroom community!
Another great management tip…
Visuals help students get back into the school routine and to remember expectations because they can see exactly what is expected.
Those first few days back from break I like to use our visuals and:
1. I model
2. I have someone model for us
3. Then we all try
While I follow these steps we go over:
•How to complete our Morning Routine
•Where to put our Mail
•How to trade not sharp Pencil
•How to Sit at the Rug
How to follow directions during an activity
P.S. As you practice how to sit at the rug, read the story We Don’t Eat our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins. Afterwards you can use these visual cards to sort strong and weak choices to review classroom expectations.
•How to Sit at our Chair
•How to Line Up
& More…
My Classroom Procedure Visuals are perfect to use as you review each expectation in your room.
You can click HERE to grab the FREE checklist and Bingo Board I use as we Review.
It might sound silly and you might think to yourself, we did this at the beginning of the year, why would I take the time to do it AGAIN?!
Trust me, taking it slow and reviewing are truly the keys to SUCCESS!
The years I dive right in with curriculum are the years I feel like I am herding cats all over again and loosing my sanity one hour at a time!
I plan and copy activities for the first day back just in case our review time goes fast and we are ready to jump in…
But my main goal is to have my students actively involved as we practice and review our classroom and around school expectations before we start any curriculum activities.
PLUS, if before break we were having lots of turbulence with management this is a great way to start over with a clean slate and get back on course!
Click here to access School Visuals Mega Bundle.
This Bundle has you covered for visuals in your Classroom and Around School to start back from break on the right foot!
BONUS: The bingo board and checklist pair nicely with all the visuals in this resource!
Thank you for taking the time to read through this blog post. I hope it gave you some tips and ideas as you come back from break!
Remember above all else to give yourself and your students grace as you ease back into your routines.
Click HERE to read more Kindergarten Classroom Management Strategies I use in my classroom all year long!
