Winter Activities and Lesson Plans - Ringing in the New Year

Ringing in the New Year

"In order to maintain effective classroom management upon returning to school after winter recess, I review and discuss school and classroom rules and behavior expectations. By reviewing class rules and routines, students are gently moved back into the swing of the school day. Students work in cooperative learning groups and create collages of favorite gifts or favorite moments from the break. Rather than 'clamping down' or 'getting tough' on kids, I take advantage of their energy and excitement at the New Year and use it to my advantage! Students enjoy the activities and I am sometimes surprised at the results!"
Submitted by: Janine P. Riggins a second grade teacher at Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. School Complex in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This idea was published in the NEA's Weekly "Works4Me" Email list.