Back from Winter Break in Kindergarten

Coming back from Winter Break is difficult for everyone: students and teachers alike. Everyone in the room is out of practice, tired, and lacking stamina. But the return from a long break does not have to be difficult. In fact, it can be simple! Today, I have some tips to share with you about how to return from break with ease!

Re-Establish Your Routines

After at least two full weeks of being at home, your students will need some gentle reminders of how to complete certain tasks in your classroom. Even the most well-meaning families can’t maintain structure and routine over the holidays, so each student in your room is coming back from two weeks of loose schedules. In the first couple of days back in your room, take some time to practice your routines again. Use visual cues as often as you can to reinforce what you say.

Set Your Expecations

After re-teaching routines, you also need to reteach your expectations for noise, movement, and behavior. Help your students remember all of your expectations for their behavior in your classroom with visuals! Transitions, carpet behavior, lining up, etc. can all benefit from some reteaching lessons after a long break. Remind students throughout the second semester of your expectations with visual cues!

Nurture Your Classroom Community

After coming back from winter break, your classroom community will need a little love! In kindergarten, students need help getting along again. Families need reassurance that their children are cared for. It all takes some intention, but it is not difficult to get everyone back into the swing of things. Sending some notes home is a great way to let your students and their families know that you are paying attetnion. Grab some seasonal notes here!

If you want resources to make all of these tips a little easier, grab this school visuals mega-bundle in my TPT store! Every visual cue, checklist, and poster you may need for the new semester is included! Happy teaching, and Happy New Year!