One thing I know after 17 years of teaching is that the kids will come back full of energy and full of stories! There is no need to try to squelch that enthusiasm for sharing their lives, instead make the most of it! Have some blank paper waiting on their desks when they arrive and a sign on the board that reads, "Welcome back! Write and draw about the best thing you did over your break!" That will get them busy working right away.
If you give them time to do this, however, be sure to give them time to share! I have a very full class this year so it takes forever to share one by one, there are remedies for this! Let the kids share in groups, share with one partner, or share just three or four a day.
This week won't just be focused on last year, though. We will also be thinking and writing about how to make 2015 our best year yet! Check out this product in our Teachers Pay Teachers store!
My Best Year Yet - A Creative New Year Packet
It's called, My Best Year Yet - A Creative New Year Packet. There are 6 sheets with some creative ideas for making resolutions. For example, the kids are asked to make resolutions for their parents and even the President of the United States! They could be used for morning work or in writing workshop to review the fundamentals of writing complete sentences!
However you decide to start back this week, just be sure to make the most of this opportunity. Kids will be busy thinking about how to become better students and full of hope for a great New Year! Enjoy your first week back!
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