THE HOLIDAY HUSTLEThe holiday hustle—that unpredictable time between Thanksgiving and winter break and the start of the new year (Spring Semester). You are likely reflecting on how you did during Fall Semester. You may even be thinking you failed a few times.

Someone may have even told you “don’t crack a smile until you have returned from the holiday”.

You may feel that you have bonded with students but, your

classroom management is not what you imagined it to be. Even though this may

be the reality, the “silver lining” is- you did it! You should feel a sense of accomplishment. You are now free to write new lesson plans, reset or reestablish routines and maybe even change your classroom setup.

THINGS TO CONSIDER OVER THE BREAK

TAK E TIM E FOR Y OU RS ELF!It is easy to get caught up in the work and forget about your personal health and well-being. Take the time to reflect on the past semester and to ensure you are rested and reenergized for a fast-paced, rigorous Spring semester.

REF LECTWhat worked? What did not work? What routines need an adjustment? What subject area did you rock this year? What subject area could you use a little more support in? Now that you have reflected… identify a few focus areas for next semester that you would like to tweak.

GET OR GA N IZEDIf you are already organized, move to the next suggestion, otherwise keep reading. This is the perfect time (if not the only time) to organize your things and create and/or update your filing system as needed.

LES SO N P LAN Why not take the time now to get ahead of the curve, instead of working desperately to catch up to it? What’s nice about lesson planning is it can be done while lounging in your most favorite PJs!

UPON RETURN FROM THE BREAK

GI VE S TU D ENTS TI ME TO REF LECT BA C K ON THEI R FI RS T S EMES TERStudents have to feel as though they are a part of the classroom family. They need to know their opinion and their contributions to the classroom community matter.

REENGAGE STUDENTS AFTER A LONG BREAK WITH ICEBREAKERS LIKE YOU USE AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

Students will not only need some help getting back into the “swing of things”, but they will

Instructional Impact Leader Program

NEW TEACHER SUPPORT SPRING SEMESTER GUIDE

likely need a battery boost. Taking time to reorient students to your classroom, to include a review of the classroom expectations, is a good use of time.