In my second year of teaching third grade, I was fortunate to have a class that exuded kindness and respect. While I dedicated the initial weeks to instilling routines, procedures, and fostering teamwork through collaboration exercises and collectively establishing rules, it seemed this class would have thrived even without those efforts! As winter break approached, we’d found our rhythm, as evidenced by witnessing an extraordinary level of cooperation and genuine care among the students. They not only adhered to our classroom rules but also actively reminded their peers to do the same. 

Over the break, I was swapping teaching stories with my mother and she asked me a question that I hadn’t thought of before, “How are you going to reset your classroom when students come back from break so you can quickly get back that same momentum?” As a veteran teacher, I truly heeded her wisdom and listened carefully as she outlined what her typical back-from-break reset looked like. It was simple, yet brilliant, and showed me the path to success I was looking for.  

The first day back to school, I was ready with a warm smile and friendly greeting as students came down the hall. The first thing to be revisited was our entrance routine. Before students stepped into the classroom, we reviewed what the expectations were: putting personal items away, greeting others, making their lunch choice, and finding a chair for our morning meeting. While this made me feel like I was on a constant cycle of repetition, it made a clear difference – I could see their minds quickly recalling what to do. With the first routine perfectly back in place,  I could tell the students were going to transition from vacation mode back to school mode seamlessly in no time.

Throughout the day, we moved purposefully from one activity to another. Before starting something new, we reviewed any routines or procedures involved and then spent time connecting the classroom rules to the learning activity they were about to embark on. We’d engage in a brief MODEL lesson to remind everyone what certain procedures looked like in action like responding to the attention signal, asking for help, or getting started on independent work. I’d pause and recount a memorable classroom moment from the previous semester when students were working together and following the procedures that had resulted in a project’s success. The students would recall their own memories from that particular project and we’d expand the discussion to some of the upcoming units of study, where they’d envision their own potential for achievement. 

The week unfolded with a harmonious rhythm, each day building upon the last. Students, once slightly disoriented by the return to school, moved with increased purpose and confidence. Together, we were able to observe the magic that happens when routines, procedures, and rules are not merely enforced but embraced as integral parts of a supportive learning community. That week’s plan became my template for the first week of school back from any vacation. The carefully constructed planning reawakened the learning community, bringing us back to a place where structure and warmth coexisted, and where each student felt a sense of belonging.

Ready to create your own reset template? 

You can create your own template for a successful transition back from break by keeping a few key ideas in mind. 

Revisit and Reteach the Routines

Routines are the backbone of any successful classroom. They provide structure, predictability, and a sense of security for students. Take a moment to review each of the routines that help the day flow smoothly. 

• Entry and exit routines
• Transitions
• Working independently
• Group work expectations
• Turning in assignments

Pay Attention to Procedures

Efficiency in the classroom doesn’t happen by chance; it’s the result of well-established procedures. The first week back from vacation is an ideal time to refresh students on the step-by-step processes for various tasks. Seizing the opportunity to MODEL and practice these procedures collaboratively provides students with a clear visual of what to do and how to do it efficiently.

• Leaving the classroom for bathroom, health suite, etc.
• Lining up as a class
• Lunchroom procedures
• Walking in the hallway
• Gathering materials

Reinforce the Rules from a Positive Perspective

Classroom rules are not meant to be restrictive; rather, they should create a framework for a positive and inclusive learning environment. Use the first week back to revisit classroom rules:

• Emphasize the ways the students have successfully met the rules in previous activities
• Invite students to discuss a rule as a class
• Consider having small groups focus on one rule and present it to the rest of the class to encourage ownership of the rules, making them feel like valued members of the classroom community

As teachers, our impact extends far beyond the subjects we teach. By investing time in revisiting routines, procedures, and rules during the first week back from winter break, we create a foundation for success. This proactive approach not only sets a positive tone for the rest of the school year but also reinforces the sense of community and collaboration within our classrooms. Embrace the opportunity to create a learning environment where every student can thrive and shine in the new year! Remember, it is within these supportive foundations that we cultivate not only academic excellence but also the social and emotional well-being of our students, fostering a complete approach to education.