How do I set the tone for the new year?
I love January in the classroom. That winter break amnesia hits and it can be the fresh start everyone needs.
Instead of focusing on what I want to stop doing in the classroom, or goals that feel heavy and oppressive, I’ve started focusing on the tone I want to bring in the new year. How do I want the classroom to feel?
Fun?
Welcoming?
Calm?
Structured?
Then I think of ideas for how to bring that feeling into the new year! Here are some ideas…
Setting Classroom Intentions for the New Year
Step one: Choose a tone you want to set for your classroom for the remainder of the school year. Be specific.
Step two: Think of 3-5 ways you can make that happen.
Step three: Write these out on a sticky note and put them on your computer, in your planner, wherever you will see daily to remind yourself of how you are hoping to enter this new year.
Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas for different tones you might hope to set:
Classroom Tone: FUN
Gather some read-alouds that will bring fun (or giggles) into the classroom
Find some brain breaks and/or songs that we can enjoy together
Think through the multiple learning types and make sure to intentionally bring each type in at least once each week
Classroom Tone: WELCOMING
Use a roster to keep track of trying to connect with each family at least once a month
Learn one new thing about each student
Make it a priority to start and end each day with eye contact and check-ins with each student
Classroom Tone: CALM
Create a “new student” kit so I’m not caught off guard when a new student arrives
Tighten up transition procedures so we can minimize the chaos
Revamp attention-getters so they feel fresh and less abrasive
Classroom Tone: ORGANIZED
Rearrange the room and/or seating chart for better flow
Clean out and organize classroom library
Review my system for lesson planning and make copies to confirm it is (still) working for me
What tone are you hoping to set this year and how will you make that happen?
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