For students, January means a return to school after a long winter vacation. With all the different holiday activities and sleeping, it is time to get back to business. Here are a few tips that can help you get the students in the back-to-school mode and give your kids the tools they need to have a “ready to go” attitude.
Allow a moment for reflection
Before diving right into work. Allow the students a moment to unwind. Ask each student about their break and what they did. You will be surprised how the students need a little extra motivation to get going. By showing how much you care, they will be more apt to ease into work.
Get Organized
Organizational skills are the key. Take the time to try and help each student through away old papers from before the winter break and try to organize anything that is necessary to keep for the new school session. Take this time to remind students of any supplies they may need to be ready for school.
Promote Writing Journal Reflection
Allow a moment for students to not only tell you about their experience but, let them write their reflections down in a journal. You will find that many times, students are willing to write down their thoughts and not share them with the class. A lot of students are shy when it comes to talking and this allows time for more in-dept thought.
Allow a moment for students to not only tell you about their experience but, let them write their reflections down in a journal. You will find that many times, students are willing to write down their thoughts and not share them with the class. A lot of students are shy when it comes to talking and this allows time for more in-dept thought.
Parent Communication
This is a GREAT time to communicate with parents. Take a moment to check in with parents about the students' progress, especially if you have concerns. A quick email or call to his/her parent (whether good or bad) will help keep the lines of communication open. Don't just wait until there is a problem.
This is a GREAT time to communicate with parents. Take a moment to check in with parents about the students' progress, especially if you have concerns. A quick email or call to his/her parent (whether good or bad) will help keep the lines of communication open. Don't just wait until there is a problem.
Back to Homework
Just like at the start of the year, the students will have to get back into the habit of doing regular homework; therefore, so will you. Be sure to decide if what you were doing in the fall (such as amount) was the best for your students. Sometimes, we as teachers can forget that the students have other things to do after school (practices for sports and some may even work). Try to refrain from homework overload!
Just like at the start of the year, the students will have to get back into the habit of doing regular homework; therefore, so will you. Be sure to decide if what you were doing in the fall (such as amount) was the best for your students. Sometimes, we as teachers can forget that the students have other things to do after school (practices for sports and some may even work). Try to refrain from homework overload!
By helping students ease into school again, the stress and behavioral attitudes may become limited. Here is a Wonderful Winter Math teaching resource to help ease those first few days back in the classroom: You may also like to checkout my Wintertime Activities for Middle School.
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