3 Tips to Support Students Transition into the New Year Spring Semester

Hey Teacher Friends! I don't know about you but entering in the next year after Winter Break is like hitting the reset button on a calculator—time to start fresh and kick off a brand new chapter. As we get ready to dive ack into the classroom after a long break, let's chat about making this transition from winter break to the classroom as seamless as possible.Here are three quick tips to set the tone for the new year, reconnect with your classroom community, and spice things up with a midterm check-in that is actually super fun and engaging for students.

Tip #1: Reconnect and Rebuild Community

The winter break is the perfect time for rest and relaxation, but it's also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within your classroom community. Icebreakers and team-building exercises are not just for the first day of school; they work wonders after a break too! Try out activities that encourage collaboration, communication, and a little friendly competition. Here's a couple options: 

1. Four Corners Activity: Spice it up with my New Year Theme Four Corners activity. Label each corner with numbers 1 through 4. Project my presentation on Google Slides or Microsoft Powerpoint and read each of the New Year Theme Prompts and watch students gravitate to the corner that best resonates with them. It's a fun way to incorporate movement into your classroom!

2. This or That Challenge: Dive into the realm of preferences with a This or That challenge. Present dilemmas like "Books or Movies?" or "City or Nature?" to spark conversations and discover shared tastes. It's a light-hearted approach to understanding individual preferences and fostering connections.

3. Would You Rather Extravaganza: Bring a fun twist with a "Would You Rather" session. Pose entertaining questions and let participants express their preferences. It's a great way to encourage discussion and laughter, creating a relaxed environment for people to get to know each other.

4. Marshmallow Team Building Magic: Transform the classic marshmallow challenge into a team-building masterpiece. Task participants with constructing a structure using marshmallows and toothpicks. The catch? The structure should represent something about themselves. It's a hands-on, tasty activity that encourages teamwork and creativity.

Remember, the goal is not just to reconnect students but to foster a sense of community in your classroom. These activities create an inclusive environment where every student feels valued, setting the stage for a semester filled with collaboration. Let's face it, if we want our students to take risks in the classroom and try difficult math problems we have to build that trust and create a safe learning environment for them to do so. 

Tip #2: Daily Slides to Set the Tone

Imagine students walking back into your classroom, and the first thing you see is a vibrant Daily Slides Presentation welcoming them back to school. Daily Slides are like the unsung heroes of classroom management, and they can do wonders for setting the tone. Sprinkle in some positive vibes, a dash of humor, and a touch of motivational quotes to create an atmosphere that screams, "We got This!" Whether it's a math joke of the day or a quick math challenge, these slides can become a daily ritual that kicks off each class with enthusiasm and focus. Here's a couple tips for using Daily Agenda Slides in your classroom.

1. Start with a Warm Welcome:

•  Begin each day with a warm welcome slide. It could be as simple as a cheerful "Good Morning Friends!" coupled with a visually appealing image or an inspirational quote that sparks curiosity.

2. Embed a Math Challenge:

•  Kick things up a notch by embedding a daily math challenge. Whether it's a quick mental math problem, a brainteaser, or a fun riddle related to the day's lesson, it sets a positive and engaging tone right from the start.

3. Spotlight Student Achievements:

•  Dedicate a section to celebrate student achievements. Did someone solve a particularly challenging problem? Shine the spotlight on them! It creates a sense of accomplishment and motivates others to strive for excellence.

4. Sneak in a Joke or Fun Fact:

•  Inject a dose of humor or trivia into your slides. A well-timed math joke or an interesting factoid about a famous mathematician can bring smiles to your students' faces and make the subject more approachable.

5. Preview the Day's Lesson:

•  Use the slides to provide a sneak peek into the day's lesson. This could include an intriguing question related to the upcoming material, a brief overview of what to expect, or even a teaser about how the day's concepts apply in the real world.

DONE FOR YOU RESOURCE | NO PREP FOR YOU:

Check out my January Theme Daily Lesson Slides Here. By incorporating these elements into your Daily Slides, you're not just starting the day; you're creating a learning routine that helps keeps students on track to be successful. 

Use a Student Friendly Pacing Guide like this one to ensure students are aware of upcoming important dates and graded assignments. I love using this in my classroom so that students also know when quizzes/assessments will be too! You can also send it home to Parents 

**Tip #3: Fun Digital Game as a Mid-Year Check-In**

Mid-year can sometimes feel like marathon, and what better way to check in on your students' progress than with a fun digital game? Choose a game that not only engages students but also provides valuable insights into their understanding of essential key skills for their grade level. Platforms like Kahoot!, Quizizz, or Prodigy offer interactive games that give instant feedback, allowing you to pinpoint areas that may need a little extra attention. Here are 5 reasons why you should use a Fun Digital Game as Mid-year Check in with students after winter break:

1. Instant Feedback:

•  One of the key advantages of using digital games is the instantaneous feedback they provide. Whether it's platforms like Kahoot!, Quizizz, or Prodigy, students receive immediate responses to their answers. This not only keeps them engaged but also allows for on-the-spot correction and clarification of misconceptions.

2. Targeted Skill Assessment:

•  Design the digital game to focus on specific skills or concepts that align with what students have learned so far. This targeted approach allows you to pinpoint areas where students may be struggling or excelling. For instance, if you're preparing for an upcoming standardized test, tailor the game to reflect the key skills assessed in that test.

3. Diagnostic Data for Learning Gaps:

•  The data generated by these games acts as a diagnostic tool for identifying learning gaps. Analyze the results to see which questions posed the most challenges. Are there common misconceptions or specific topics that need reinforcement? This information becomes invaluable for tailoring your test prep plan to address the unique needs of your class.

4. Data-Driven Instruction:

•  Harness the power of the data generated by these games to inform your instructional decisions. Identify trends in student performance, and use this information to plan targeted interventions. Whether it's additional practice, small-group instruction, or differentiated assignments, the data becomes a compass guiding your teaching strategies.

5. Gamify Test Preparation:

•  As you gear up for test prep season, infuse an element of gamification into your preparation sessions. Create a digital game that mirrors the format of the upcoming test, incorporating both content and question types. This not only familiarizes students with the test format but also allows you to assess their readiness and tailor your review accordingly.

DONE FOR YOU RESOURCE | NO PREP FOR YOU:

Here are some Done for You MidTerm assessments that gamify the learning experience for students by giving them instant feedback and their focused on the essential skills for that grade level

• 6th Grade Math Midterm Digital Assessment
• 7th Grade Math Midterm Digital Assessment
• 8th Grade Math Midterm Digital Assessment
• Algebra 1 Midterm Digital Assessment

As we dive into the Spring Semester, let's embrace the opportunity to make math even more exciting and accessible for our students. By incorporating these three tips, you'll not only set the stage for a successful semester but also create a math community that thrives on collaboration, engagement, and a shared love for all things math.

As always I'm here to support! If you have any questions related to this blog post or other startegies for transitioning back to the classroom after winter break just shoot me an email at [email protected] so we can chat. Talk Soon Besties!