Don’t you just love the freshness of a new year? As teachers gear up to welcome students back after winter break, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button on classroom management. The beginning of the new year presents an excellent opportunity to establish a positive and productive learning environment.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 strategies to help you rejuvenate your classroom management and set the tone for a successful year ahead with a new year classroom management reset. Plus, don’t miss the free downloadable guide!
1. Reflect and Set Intentions
Start by reflecting on the previous semester. Which classroom management strategies worked well? What challenges did you face in classroom management? Identify areas for improvement and set specific intentions for the new year. Having a clear vision of your classroom goals will guide your management strategies and what needs a reset.
Need a guide to walk you through refleccting on the new year? There’s a page dedicated to this in my FREE Mid-Year Reset Guide! You can download it today – just click the link below!
2. Revisit Expectations
Take the time to review and revisit classroom expectations with your students. Use this opportunity to collaboratively establish a set of rules and guidelines that everyone can agree upon. Reinforce the importance of a respectful and inclusive learning environment.
Students are empowered by knowing confidently what is expected of them – this must be where classroom management begins!
3. Establish (and Review) Routines
Don’t assume students remember every routine that was taught back. in the fall! After 2+ weeks out of school, they are going to need a review. Think of it as back to school week all over again! Set and re-set those routines!
Consistency is key when it comes to effective classroom management. Establish and communicate daily routines, including procedures for entering the classroom, transitions between activities, and dismissal. Predictable routines create a sense of security and help students understand expectations.
Need a guide to a week of routine resetting? I’ve got a made for you weekly schedule checklist with tons of routines to teach and review.
There’s also a blank page included so that you can set your own schedule and checklist!
4. Reinforce Positive Behavior
Celebrate and reinforce positive behavior consistently. If you weren’t already doing so, consider implementing a reward system or recognition program to acknowledge students who consistently meet or exceed expectations. This positive reinforcement encourages a culture of respect and cooperation.
Often times students come back after a break recharged and wanting to improve their own behavior. Acknowledge any efforts to do so! Keep them motivated towards their behavior goals.
5. Integrate Social Emotional Learning
Ideally, you are intergrating SEL everyday, but be sure to focus extra on nurturing these skills in the first week/s back after a long break.
Develop activities that promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills. By nurturing these skills, students are better equipped to handle challenges and conflicts.
Need a curriculum to follow? You check mine out here:
6. Foster a Growth Mindset
A new year with fresh goals creates the perfect opportunity to embrace a growth mindset.
Encourage a growth mindset among your students by praising effort and perseverance rather than focusing solely on outcomes. Create an environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for learning and growth. This mindset shift can positively impact behavior and motivation.
Try doing this growth mindset anchor chart activity to teach how to think and speak with a growth mindset:
7. Implement Restorative Practices
Consider adopting restorative practices to address conflicts and build community within your classroom. These practices emphasize open communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Circles, restorative conversations, and peer mediation are effective tools in fostering a sense of belonging and accountability.
8. Communicate About Behavior Effectively & Consitently
Maintain open lines of communication with both students and parents. Regularly update parents on classroom expectations, upcoming events, and student progress. Establishing a strong teacher-parent partnership enhances the overall support system for students.
One of the biggest things to improve outcomes when discussing a specific behavior concern with a parent/guardian is to offer actionable steps both you and the parent can take to support the student. I like to use these simple, printable behavior sheets.
9. Time Management Strategies
Help students develop effective time management skills by incorporating strategies into your daily routine. Teach them to prioritize tasks, set goals, and break larger assignments into manageable chunks. Time management not only contributes to academic success but also helps in maintaining a well-organized classroom.
Many unwanted behaviors can be reduced simply by teaching students to use time wisely!
10. Take Care of YOU!
Lastly, don’t forget about yourself. You want to hold onto that refreshed feeling that a long break provides for as long as possible.
Prioritize self-care to ensure you’re in the best possible mindset to support your students. Set boundaries, take breaks, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Comment below letting me know which one of these strategies you found the most helpful and don’t forget to download the free Mid-Year Reset Guide!
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