As the summer holidays have come to an end the new term begins, the transition back to school for both students and teachers can be a bit of a challenge. The summer The summer break provides a much- needed pause, but returning to the structure and expectations of the classroom can be a bit difficult for you and pupils who may still be in vacation mode. As educators, it is important to recognise these challenges to understand how we could better implement strategies to boost performance and help students.
Here are top three tips to making that transition smoother:
Starting With A Warm Welcome
The first day back for yourself and your students sets the tone for the rest of the term. Greeting your students with enthusiasm, letting them know your looking forward to the new start of the term together can help decrease any anxiety you both may be feeling about what is ahead. Want to know how? Here's the first tip:
Classroom Set-up: To help get you refreshed and back into the swing of things. Consider refreshing your classroom décor as this can make it feel more inviting and newer. As a few simple changes like adding a new bulletin board or rearranging seating can make a big difference.
Welcome Back Activity: Ice breaker light fun activities are a great way to begin the day. As this allows students and yourself to share something about the holidays. This will also be a great way to form a bond with your new class. This could be as simple as writing a prompt, show and tell, or even a group discussion. Also, this is a great way for them to reconnect with their classmates and gradually transition back into a school mindset.
Re- Establishing Routines Gradually
After a break it is natural for students and yourself as a teacher to be a bit out of sync. Take a few days to reintroduce routines and expectations gradually.
Review Classroom Expectations: Reflect on the classroom rules and procedures but keep it positive, rather than focusing on what not to do. Emphasis on what successful behaviour looks like and why it is important.
Ease Into Academic Work: To help you with workload management as well as helping yourself and your students feel less overwhelmed. Start with light review activities or light assignments that allow previous students to recall past subjects. As this will also help them regain confidence and get back into the habit of focused study.
Mental wellbeing check- up
Maintaining a work life balance means happy teacher, happy students. Let’s face it, surprises happen in life, it is important to have someone to speak to openly in the school that you are working for. Your school should be able to support you in your new term and have resources available for you to access.
One - To- One Conversations: To help your students ease back in well we recommend taking a few minutes to have a brief chat with each student, asking how they’re feeling about being back. This can also provide valuable insight into any concerns they may have and offer the opportunity to provide further support if needed.
Classroom Community Building: Foster a sense of community by engaging in activities that build trust and cooperation among your class of students. This can be as simple as class discussions about goals for the term or even a team building game. As well as goals of the students and school, why not take some time out at the beginning of term to outline what your personal goals are.
Conclusion
Helping students as well as yourself back to school after the summer break, requires a blend of empathy, structure and flexibility. By creating a welcoming environment, gradually re-establishing routines and focusing on wellbeing you can make the transition smoother for everyone involved. With these recommendations you’ll set the stage for a successful and proactive term ahead.
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