When you return to the classroom after winter break, it is important to take some time to review classroom expectations. Students thrive when they know what is expected of them, especially after having 2 weeks off of school.
I repeat-REVIEW YOUR CLASSROOM EXPECTATATIONS. Even if your class was only out for 2 weeks, I guarantee your students did not follow a schedule. The holidays always throw kids off. Different sounds, smells, colors. I am sure they missed bedtime at least one–ten times. They are going to be tired and cranky. Do not expect to much out of them the first day or two. Think back to back to school. What did you have to go over for back to school? You should probably go over those things again. Just like we start slow to go fast later you want to go slow this first week back to go fast later on (then spring fever hits, a whole other problem).
In addition to basic class rules, I like to talk about how to be a kind friend. There is a very good chance your students did not get to interact with other kids during the break. Remind them how to be a kind friend. I love this pocket chart activity to review being a good friend. They can also write/draw about how to be a good friend. These activities both come from my Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark Activity. Honestly, I like to save this book and craft for February when we talk about kindness or back to school, but the picture cards can be used all year long. You can buy this here.
Once you review and practice expectations, be sure to acknowledge when you see students following the rules. While I understand the importance of developing intrinsic rewards, I believe that it is a skill that has to be taught. When you first teach a new skill, acknowledge that a child has done a good job. While some kids do not like to be publicly called out for doing something right, the majority of them do, at this age (Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st Grade). I like to use Positive Rewards Bracelets as a way to recognize positive behavior.
Brag bracelets are an easy, inexpensive way to reward students for positive behavior. In keeping with the positive theme, remember, let EVERY SINGLE STUDENT earn one. Yes, that includes little Ashley who pushes her friends. Find something Ashley does right, and reward her for it. Students who are the most difficult often require the most love.
You can also do a classroom behavior reward. It’s fun to pick different themes. I like this free snow globe for the winter. Every time the entire class does a great job, you can give them a snowflake. Some examples for the entire class include walking quietly in the hallway, transitioning quickly or quietly from one activity to the next, everyone completing an activity during the time allowed. When they have earned a set number of snowflakes, they can earn a reward. The reward does not have to be something that costs you money. It can be extra recess, art time, or even a special story (if you’re excited about the reward, they will be excited). To get the Free Snow Globe, simply click here to subscribe to my email.
Finally, I want to talk about the calm down corner. I have a detailed post about my calm down corner you can read about here. A calm down corner is exactly what it sounds like, a place for a child to go to calm down. You want minimal visual distractions.
I have a had a lot of success with a plastic tub, pillows, a windmill, and squishy toys to squeeze. The biggest complaint I hear from other teachers is that this is an escape, a way to avoid work. YES! That IS what it is. Would you rather a student sit quietly in the corner or throw pencils? I know you want them to sit at their desk like everyone else, but not every child is ready for that. Asking for a break before they explode is a very important life skill. Imagine you are sitting the front of your class reading a book. As teachers, we know all the important skills that can come out of a read aloud (inflection, vocabulary, comprehension). If Tommy gets mad because you didn’t call on him to answer a question, knocks over a chair, your entire read aloud ends. No one hears the story, including Tommy. You can’t explain to Tommy why you didn’t call n him because he is clearly escalated. But, what if, instead, Tommy gets mad, goes into the corner and squeezes a squishy? The entire class still hears the story. After a few deep breaths, Tommy will calm down and hear the story too. Then, later, when you are both calm, you will be able to explain to Tommy that you have to give all the students a chance to answer questions. You can purchase my Calm Down Kit here.
Finally, if you do not have a class schedule, please get one and use it. In the morning, go over your day. Take a few seconds to turn over the cards or move a marker down to show kids what activity you are on. Kids will have less anxiety if they know what is next. This is especially true after a break from school. How many times in a day do you hear, when is recess? When do we go home? Refer to the schedule. This is especially helpful on days you don’t follow the typical schedule. A visual class schedule will reduce anxiety, help kids feel comfort in knowing what is next, and ultimately reduce off task behaviors and increase instruction. You can get my editable schedule here.
