Back from Winter Break: Getting Your Kindergarten Class Back on Track

The holidays are over, and your Kindergarten classroom is buzzing with excitement as everyone shares stories about presents, snow days, and family fun. But after just a few minutes, you realize something’s missing… your students seem to have completely forgotten the routines and rules that kept your classroom running so smoothly before Winter break.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Coming back from Winter break in Kindergarten can feel like starting from scratch. But here’s the good news: with a little strategy and structure, you can get your classroom back on track without pulling your hair out. Let’s talk about how to do it, step by step.

Start with Clear Expectations

The first day back is all about setting the tone. Your students are excited, but they also need reminders about what’s expected of them.

1. Morning Routine Refresh:
   Walk them through the morning routine as if it’s their very first day of school. Show them where to put their belongings, how to choose a morning activity, and how to settle into the day.
2. Model Key Routines:
   Use role-play to demonstrate behaviors like lining up, raising hands, and cleaning up. Act it out yourself first, and then invite students to practice.
3. Revisit Classroom Rules:
   Review your classroom rules with a fun, interactive activity. Try letting students act out examples and non-examples of following the rules.

Focus on Transitions

Transitions are one of the trickiest parts of Kindergarten life—and after Winter break, they can feel extra chaotic.

1. Break It Down:
   Take a few moments before each transition to explain exactly what will happen and what students should do. For example: “When I say ‘Go,’ you’ll stand up, tuck in your chair, and walk quietly to the carpet.”
2. Practice Makes Perfect:
   Practice each transition multiple times until it feels second nature. Celebrate when they get it right!

Keep It Visual

Kindergarteners thrive on visuals. Use picture cues, charts, and posters to make expectations clear and easy to follow.

1. Visual Schedule:
   Display a schedule with pictures of each activity. This helps students feel more secure and cuts down on those “What are we doing next?” interruptions.
2. Behavior Reminders:
   Use visual aids to remind students of key behaviors. For example, a picture of a child raising their hand can be a helpful nudge during group lessons.

Make It Fun and Interactive

Let’s be real: after Winter break, kids need to reconnect with the joy of being in your classroom. Engage them with activities that are both fun and purposeful.

1. Games for Rules Review:
   Play games like “Simon Says” or “Freeze Dance” with a classroom rules twist. For example, during “Simon Says,” include instructions like “Simon says, sit crisscross applesauce.”
2. Craft Connections:
   Incorporate crafts that reinforce rules or routines. For example, create a “We Follow the Rules” poster with handprint signatures to display in your classroom.

Reinforce with Positive Feedback

Don’t forget to praise your students when they get it right! Celebrate good behavior with stickers, high-fives, or a quick cheer. Positive reinforcement will encourage them to stick with the routines you’re reteaching.

Feeling Overwhelmed? I’ve Got You Covered

All of these ideas sound great, right? But let’s be real—coming back from winter break in kindergarten is busy enough without crafting presentations and planning activities from scratch. If you’re thinking, I love this, but who has the time?—I’ve got you!

I’ve already done the heavy lifting with my Procedures and Routines Slides. These slides make everything I just mentioned so much easier:

• Step-by-Step Morning Routines: Help students start the day with confidence.
• Visuals for Every Procedure: From lining up to cleaning up, everything is clearly outlined with engaging, kid-friendly designs.
• Interactive Activities: Keep students engaged while they learn and practice routines.
• Editable for Your Classroom: Customize the slides to match your exact rules and schedule.

Your Back-from-Winter-Break Kindergarten Reset Awaits

You don’t have to spend weeks reteaching and redirecting. With a clear plan (and a little help from the Procedures and Routines Slides), your Kindergarten classroom will be back on track in no time.

So go ahead—grab the slides, take a deep breath, and step into the new year feeling confident and ready. You’ve got this!

Got any tried-and-true tips for getting your kindergarten class back on track after winter break? I’d love to hear them! Drop a comment below and let’s share the love—because teamwork makes the dream work, right? ?✨

Need a list of routines and procedures that you can use with your students today? Click here