I am finding returning to school after winter break is harder than returning to school after summer break. When returning from winter break I want to have a fresh start. I already know the students I have and the issues I will face. To counteract the dread I am feeling, I am keeping close the quote from Ann of Green Gables that inspired my blog, “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
One goal I have is to work hard to focus on each of their strengths and see them as clean slates. I will also have to balance this with making sure that I meet their needs as I know many students will need help easing back into our school world. To balance these two needs I plan to:
- Greet each student with a smile, high five or hug, and a listening ear.
- Start the day with our familiar morning routine.
- Spend our first class meeting time sharing about our breaks.
- Review rules and expectations each day for the first two weeks back.
- Watch high needs students and add behavior plans if needed.
- Allow students to guide what we will cover during Lead Time.
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