Happy New Year!!

We are heading back to school next week after a nice, long winter break and I wanted to share what I do during the first week back to ensure a successful new year:

Confetti Welcome

Nothing says, “WELCOME! I MISSED YOU! HAPPY NEW YEAR!” like a splash of confetti as you enter the classroom on the first day back to school in January. Here’s what I do to set this scene:

I use astro bright paper and chop it into small squares to use as confetti.
I play “It’s a Good Time” by The Deekompressors and plug in our classroom disco light .

2. review Classroom routines

Arguably the most important part of your first week back to school is reviewing classroom routines and procedures with your kids. December is typically the month that routines go out the window so picking up the pieces in January and reestablishing procedures will make all the difference in the second half of the school year. Here is what we do:

We learn new call-and-responses to keep things fresh.
We play “Trash-ketball” (a basketball game) to review all the most important classroom procedures.
Students apply for new classroom jobs because I can’t do it all myself!

3. Set gOALS: Looking forward

We take the time to reflect on last year and set goals for the year ahead. We have three activities we complete the first week back:

New Year Resolution Horns and Hats: We review what resolutions are and how to set realistic goals in this simple writing activity. It also makes a super easy bulletin board!
New Year Character Trait Light Bulb Craft & Activity: We review character traits and students share how they will demonstrate certain character traits in the new year.
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset Activity: This is the perfect time to discuss the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset and helps kids start the year off on the right foot.