New Years & Winter Break Writing Activity FREEBIE!! 💸
The winter break is a much-needed respite for both students and teachers alike. But, let's face it, the first day back to school after that glorious vacation can be downright chaotic for educators. From readjusting alarm clocks to dealing with the post-holiday sugar rush, teachers are in for a wild ride.
The Morning Rush… or lack of?
We all know this one: Teachers stumbling over the snooze button, desperately trying to recall their classroom routines after weeks of relaxation. The morning coffee becomes a lifeline as they brace themselves for the whirlwind of energy waiting in their classrooms.
The Desk Switch Up
We all know this one: students stroll into class on the first day back, only to discover a game of musical chairs played with desks. It's the "New Year, New Desk?" scenario, where the janitorial team decided to give the room a post-holiday makeover. Now, there's a desk dilemma as everyone tries to figure out their new spot. Teachers become desk detectives, settling seating debates, and attempting to keep the classroom vibe chill amidst the spontaneous rearrangement.
A Welcome Back Tradition… with a twist!
Amidst the chaos, one activity stands out as a beacon of sanity – the "write about your break" session. But how do we make this more engaging for students?!?
I want to share a FREEBIE with you to help you turn the first day back into an opportunity for connection by giving students a chance to share their holiday adventures in a more engaging way. This not only helps break the ice but also allows teachers to tap into the enthusiasm that comes with recounting stories of winter break adventures!
How I Use It:
Give students a moment to share about their break out loud. You will typically hear kids list a TON of moments from their break (First I...., Then I...., Then I..... ). Buttt it certainly gets them talking!!
Introduce the writing prompt. Now that your students are thinking about their break, let them know you want them to write about ONE moment that stood out to them. Explain how they can use this resource to help guide their writing (who, what, when, where, why).
Give them 20 minutes to write while reviewing noise level expectations. I loved being able to review expectations while giving them something fun to write about!!
Pair them up to share with different partners while reviewing partner/turn & talk expectations. Again, I LOVED being able to combine expectation review with this activity.
Finally, give them a few minutes to simply talk with their friends. They haven't seen them in over a week and we all deserve the chance to simply catch up!! Remember to catch up with your own teacher friends too!!
The Verdict
While the first day back after winter break might be a whirlwind of activity and adjustment, incorporating a simple yet meaningful activity like this one can turn the chaos into a memorable and enjoyable experience for both teachers and students. After all, a little laughter and shared stories can go a long way in making the transition smoother for everyone involved. Here's to surviving the new year… don’t forget to set your alarm!
