Are your students getting Spring Fever yet? Your school may be on Spring Break right now or you may be on Spring Break soon. Either way, students are excited to have some time off and so are teachers! However, motivating students to participate in class after a long break can be challenging. Today I want to share with you some tips and creative classroom activities that will help create a smooth transition back to the classroom and help keep student engagement high.
1. Reinforce “Back to School” Procedures
It's always important after every break to review your classroom rules and daily procedures. You won't have to spend as much time as you did at the beginning of the year. Try to spend about 5-10 minutes daily during the first days back to reinforce rules. I also loved having my students act out the procedures it was not only great practice but my students also thought it was fun too! Also, check out a past blog post that shares resources you can implement into your classroom to increase student engagement.
2. Yoga Exercises
Yoga has so many benefits including managing anxiety, boosting self-esteem, increasing mindfulness, and enhancing concentration. I always loved using Cosmic Kids Yoga with my students. The videos feature interactive adventures that help students build strength, balance, and confidence. There are tons of videos to choose from and they all have the cutest themes!
3. Use Hands-On Learning Activities
Many schools have standardized testing that can begin around Spring Break. When trying to motivate students it can be helpful to use hands-on learning activities for test prep and review. This March Bundle incorporates my favorite ELA Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Prompts. Your students will have so much fun completing these activities and not to mention it is minimal prep!
4. Incorporate More Technology
It's no secret that students LOVE using technology! It's another great way to keep students engaged after Spring Break. Here are some of my favorite learning apps:
- Kahoot
- Seesaw
- Khan Academy
- Epic!
- Prodigy
5. Plan a Project
Having students complete a project is a great way to create motivation and student engagement. The Memory Book Activities include art, writing, and a craft for every month of the school year! This resource can be used to create beautiful bulletin boards. It is also perfect for a small group, whole group, and independent time. At the end of the year, your students will have a wonderful portfolio to share with their families.
I hope you will find these ideas to be helpful when returning to school after Spring Break. Which activities will you try in your classroom? Comment below and share your thoughts. Remember no matter what resources you decide to use make sure to have fun! Your students will thrive off of the positive energy and in turn be more engaged and ready to learn.
