Classroom Managment in January is easier than in September! Relationships are established and you can take time to have fun! Try these ideas in your January lesson plans!
I don’t know about you, but I always have mixed feelings about going back after winter break. I love spending time with my family, but I do miss my students. I try to ease into the first few days back to help everyone adjust including me!
First of all review your classroom management. January is the perfect time to review expectations. Here is FREE guide to plan, refine and review your behavior plan.
Try out these practical tips for your January classroom management!
1. Reconnect: During our morning meeting, I plan time for students to share about their vacation and I will share about mine. Take time to let students talk and share because they will have lots to say!
I create an anchor chart on paper or digitally called “Our Favorite Vacation Memories.” This helps us connect as we learn and share together.
2. Re-establish: As part of our morning meeting, I help students re-establish friendships with questions and discussions such as “Would you Rather.” For example, would you rather drink hot cocoa with marshmallows or a peppermint stick? Students discuss their answers and we learn a bit about each other. I divide the room in half and students move to one side depending on their answer. I love having a fun movement activity during this first week. If you are interested in using this, grab a FREE sample in my TpT store.
Freebie January Would You Rather
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3. Relax: I like to start the week back with a relaxing tone so we play card games to practice spelling patterns learned to build reading and writing fluency. I have several different games in my TpT store that my students love to play in this first week (and anytime!) Here are a few spelling games:
CK Digraph Games and Activities
3-Letter Blend Games and Activities
4. Remind: I also remind students of their accomplishments during our first term. They have learned a lot and built a good foundation. I have students reflect on the what they learned and what they want to improve during the next term.
5. Review: Finally as we come back to school after 2 weeks off, I spend time reviewing school and classroom expectations. Here is a bundle of resources for you teach classroom and school expectations.
and school expectations!
DO YOU NEED A FUN & SILLY ACTIVITY
TO DO WITH YOUR STUDENTS?
Click on the picture below to get your FREE Snowman Name Generator!
I hope you find these ideas helpful as you return back to school after a restful winter break!
