Back to School Tips for Teaching in January

January is a critical time for teachers and students as they transition back to school after the winter break. The return to routine and academic focus can be challenging for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable tips and strategies to help you navigate this transitional period successfully. From establishing visual routines to incorporating engaging activities, we have got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover how you can make the most out of teaching in January.

Tip 1: Establish Visual Routines

"Having visual routines in place can help students shift their focus from the holiday zone to the school zone."

One of the most effective ways to help students transition back to school is by establishing visual routines. After a break filled with little structure, students may struggle to remember daily tasks and schedules. By providing visual reminders of what is expected and when, you can support their cognitive shift from a holiday mindset to a school mindset. Consider creating visual schedules and displaying them in a prominent place in the classroom. These schedules can be as simple as a first/then board or a sequence of pictures representing different activities throughout the day. By breaking down the day into smaller chunks and visually guiding students through the routine, you can ease their transition back to school life.

Read our full article about visual learning for more!

Tip 2: Focus on the Positives

"Finding and dwelling on the positives and motivators for students can make the transition back to school routines easier and more pleasing for all."

Motivating students to get back into the swing of school can be challenging, especially in the cold winter months. To counteract this, it's essential to find and emphasise the positives. Remember that your students will make mistakes, and will have forgotten some of your expectations. Allowing a little leniency during the first week back can help with this.

Tip 3: Incorporate Engaging Activities

"Engaging activities can help students transition back to academic focus and promote active participation in the classroom."

To help students readjust to the academic focus after the break, it's crucial to incorporate engaging activities into your lessons. Instead of expecting students to write or read independently for extended periods, consider implementing short and interactive lessons. For example, you can use literacy task cards that involve reading short passages and answering questions. These task cards can serve as warm-ups or whole-class activities, helping students ease back into the routine of independent reading. Additionally, consider incorporating cooperative problem-solving activities to promote collaboration and teamwork among students.

Tip 4: Provide Opportunities for Movement

"Movement breaks and activities can help students release energy and enhance focus and concentration in the classroom."

After weeks of relaxation and play, expecting students to sit still for extended periods can be challenging. To address this, it's essential to provide opportunities for movement and physical activity throughout the day. Incorporate brain breaks, movement-based games, and activities that allow students to read or work in alternative seating arrangements. For instance, you can scatter task cards around the room and encourage students to move to different stations to complete the tasks. By incorporating movement into your lessons, you can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that supports students' physical and cognitive well-being.

Tip 5: Reinforce Collaboration and Cooperation

"Revisiting expectations and providing practice opportunities can help students develop and reinforce collaboration skills."

Working together effectively is a critical skill that students need to relearn after the break. To reinforce collaboration and cooperation, revisit classroom expectations and refer to anchor charts that outline the principles of working together. Provide opportunities for students to engage in cooperative tasks, such as maths games, buddy reading, or STEM activities. These shared experiences will help students develop the necessary skills for effective teamwork. Consider revisiting cooperative challenges and activities that were introduced earlier in the school year to refresh and strengthen students' collaborative abilities.

Tip 6: Incorporate Seasonal Themes

"Incorporating seasonal themes and activities can help students maintain their enthusiasm and connection to their learning."

While the winter break may be over, it doesn't mean that the fun has to end. Incorporating seasonal themes and activities into your lesson plans can help students maintain their excitement and engagement. Consider integrating winter word problems, winter math task cards, or winter-themed writing prompts into your curriculum. These activities not only align with the curriculum but also provide students with opportunities to connect their learning to the world around them. By incorporating seasonal elements, you can create a lively and relevant learning environment that keeps students motivated and invested in their education.

Tip 7: Be Patient and Supportive

"Being patient and supportive creates a positive and nurturing environment that supports students' emotional well-being during the transition back to school."

The transition back to school can be challenging for both students and teachers. It's crucial to approach this time with patience and understanding. Remember that it takes time for students to readjust and get back into the routine of school life. Be supportive and provide guidance as needed, acknowledging that the first few weeks may be rocky and emotional for some students. By fostering a supportive and empathetic classroom environment, you can help students navigate the challenges of the transition more effectively.