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It’s hard to believe we’re already well into February! By now, many classrooms have celebrated Hundred Days, tried some Valentine’s Day activities, and maybe even explored a few winter-themed lessons. It’s a busy month, but it’s also full of opportunities to take stock of student learning. Even if report cards or conferences aren’t coming up just yet, the work you do now sets the stage for spring reporting.  The great news? Many of the activities students have just completed can double as informal assessments. That Hundred Day counting challenge, a Valentine writing prompt, or a snowflake math game can all give you insight into literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. Observing how students tackle these activities, follow directions, and work with others can be just as informative as a formal test, and a lot more fun!  Here are a few ways to make mid-February activities work for you: Document Recent Work: Keep samples from Valentine writing, Hundred Day projects, or winter math tasks; they’re practical evidence of what students can do. Take Quick Observation Notes: Jot down how students approach tasks, collaborate, or solve problems. These small notes add up when it’s time for reporting. Ask Students to Reflect: Simple questions like, “What was your favorite part of this activity?” or “What did you find tricky?” can reveal a lot about understanding. Focus on Key Skills: Make sure you’re looking at the learning goals that will matter for spring reporting, whether it’s reading, writing, math, or social skills.  Literacy Focus: Look at recent writing or reading tasks. Can students form complete sentences? Use new vocabulary? Express ideas clearly? What conventions do they know? Can they make predictions and find evidence to support their opinions? How much do they comprehend when reading?  Math Connections: Hundred Day activities, counting games, or problem-solving tasks with winter or Valentine themes can show understanding of number sense, place value, and strategies for solving problems. Collecting data on events in the Winter Olympics can demonstrate how well they can document information, classify it, compare it, and draw conclusions based on the information given.  Social Skills: Don’t forget to notice independence, persistence, and teamwork; these are just as important to track for spring reports.  We're halfway through the month, and February still has more to offer! The Lunar New Year is just beginning, and the Winter Olympics are in full swing. Both offer engaging ways to extend learning while gathering assessment data. Students can explore writing, research, and math activities inspired by the Winter Olympics; think about measuring distances in ski jumps, graphing medals by country, or writing about their favorite winter sport. These celebrations and events give you more opportunities to observe skills in action and make learning relevant and exciting. They can look at the lunar calendar and the different signs of the zodiac. They can determine their sign. They can read about the different animals and about ways different places celebrate the Lunar New Year. It is most commonly associated with the Chinese New Year, but many other cultures and places celebrate it too.  Even with all the activity and excitement, there’s time to gather meaningful information about your students. By turning recent and upcoming activities into informal assessments, you get a clear picture of growth while keeping the classroom fun and engaging. After all, who says you can’t celebrate, play, and assess all in the same month?    Related Posts Welcome to February, one of the busiest months of the school year. It’s a short month, but it somehow manages to squeeze in a lot. Between all the special days and celebrations, it can feel hard to fit everything in and still keep up with the everyday demands of the classroom. Lessons still need to happen, routines still matter, and for many of us, assessments and report cards are quietly sitting in the background. This is where having a few ready-made ideas and resources really helps. When your plate is full, it’s nice to have grab-and-go items and ideas that still feel meaningful without requiring extra prep.  February is packed with special days. Just off the top of my head, there’s Groundhog Day, the 100th Day of School, Winter Olympics, Valentine’s Day, and Lunar New Year, and depending on your school or community, there may be even more. Instead of trying to do everything, I’ve always found it helpful to choose a few simple twists that connect naturally to what we’re already teaching.  For the 100th Day of School, it can be fun to add a social studies angle. Along with counting and number activities, students can look at how their town or city has changed over the past 100 years. Old photos, conversations about buildings or transportation, or even just noticing what’s different now can spark great discussions. Writing fits nicely here, too. Students might write about someone they know who is approaching 100 years old, maybe a grandparent, a great-grandparent, or even someone in a care home. These pieces often turn into thoughtful, sometimes funny, and sometimes very touching work.  The Winter Olympics comes every four years and is an opportunity to add in winter sports activities and themes. This can be fun to do and doesn't require much planning. Here are some resources that may help with literacy and math. A social studies component could also be added if studying about the different countries participating.  With Valentine’s Day, I’ve always liked shifting the focus toward kindness. One idea is to spend the first couple of weeks in February collecting examples of kind acts you notice in the classroom. Each one can be written on a heart and added to a bulletin board. By Valentine’s Day, you have a visual reminder that kindness isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we practice every day.  Lunar New Year is another celebration that offers lots of flexibility. You might focus on the Chinese New Year, or you could explore how the Lunar New Year is celebrated in other countries. One year, I focused on Korea because my daughter-in-law is Korean, and we also had a Korean exchange student staying with us. That personal connection made the learning especially meaningful and led to some wonderful conversations.  This is also the time of year when I really appreciate having a few ready-made resources on hand. February moves quickly, and not every activity needs to be built from scratch. Having something prepared means you can focus on your students instead of staying up late trying to reinvent the wheel. Whether it’s a simple writing prompt, a math activity tied to the 100th Day, a kindness-themed project for Valentine’s Day, a data or writing activity for the Winter Olympics, or a Lunar New Year activity, ready-made resources can help keep things running smoothly during a very full month. I like knowing I have options I can pull out when time or energy is in short supply.  These are just a few examples of ways to approach February celebrations without making the month feel overwhelming. The goal isn’t to do it all, it’s to choose ideas that fit your class, your community, and your energy level.
Here are a few resources that may help ease the pressure of creating things for these special days while still planning lessons that cover the curriculum. February is busy, no doubt about it. But with a handful of flexible ideas and a willingness to keep things simple, it can still be a month full of connection, curiosity, and moments that remind us why we love teaching in the first place. Related Posts It’s hard to believe we’re already approaching the end of another year. The Christmas season has arrived once again, and with it comes a chance to pause and reflect on everything the past months have brought our way. Some seasons seemed to fly by, while others stretched on with challenges of their own, but here we are, having made it through all of them.  This time of year always reminds me to slow down and appreciate the people, moments, and opportunities that fill my life with joy. I often write about teaching and classroom ideas, but if you visit my home page, you’ll see another part of me too, the part that treasures my family above everything else. I haven’t written about them for a while, so today I wanted to open that door again and share a few special memories.  For many years, our family has taken a camping trip each summer. It’s one of the rare times we can gather almost everyone, except for one daughter who lives in another province, and simply enjoy being together. As the grandchildren grow older and schedules get busier, I realize these trips won’t always be easy to coordinate, so I hold these memories close while we still have them. This summer held another unforgettable moment: my husband and I were surprised with an Alaskan cruise to celebrate our birthdays and our almost 49 years together. It was truly a dream come true, an experience I wasn’t sure we’d ever have. The breathtaking scenery, the quiet moments, and the laughter we shared will stay with me for years.  We’ve also made a shift in how we approach Christmas. Over the last couple of years, we’ve tried to focus more on meaningful experiences and less on traditional gift-giving. This year, because of scheduling, we started a little early. We treated our son and his family to an evening on the Christmas Express, and watching our grandchildren take in the lights and climb aboard a decorated steam train was pure magic. To help keep the memory alive, we gave them a small train set to go around their Christmas tree. Now they’ll remember that night every time the train circles the branches.  New Year’s Eve has its traditions, too. For us, it’s usually a family affair filled with games, snacks, and laughter. Occasionally a few friends join in, but at its heart, it’s about being together. During the height of Covid, we celebrated over Zoom with our kids and their families. It wasn’t the same as being in the same room, but it gave us a chance to connect and welcome the new year despite the distance. Now that we’re spread across different cities, we often celebrate in smaller groups and then share a big message or phone call at midnight. It looks a little different now, but it still fills the night with warmth and connection.  Because we have many teachers in our family, conversations often drift toward the return to school after the break. January can be a wonderful time for sharing stories, but it can also be tough for students who didn’t have a restful or joyful holiday. A gentle, thoughtful start can make a big difference. If you’re preparing for that transition back to school, here are a few posts that might help: How To Have A Successful Start To The New Year After The Holiday Break How To Excite And Engage Kids By Using Special Occasions In The New Year How Special Day Themes Help Jumpstart Kids In The New Year  Once January arrives and students step back into the classroom, everything feels just a little different. Some children return full of excitement, while others come back carrying worries or uncertainty. The first few days are a perfect opportunity to rebuild routines, help everyone feel grounded, and bring a bit of joy into the winter months. Activities that help students feel comfortable, along with a few that spark curiosity, can make easing back into academics much smoother.  As we get ready to welcome a brand-new year, I’m reminded once again of how quickly time moves and how important it is to hold on to the moments that matter, both at home and in the classroom. Whether you’re returning to a room full of eager little faces or easing back into a familiar routine yourself, I hope the weeks ahead bring calm, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose. ]Thank you for being here, for reading, and for sharing a bit of my reflections with me. Here’s to a gentle start, meaningful memories, and a bright year ahead. Are you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Counting the days until Christmas break, or watching it race toward you while your list of concerts, rehearsals, special events, and classroom tasks grows faster than you can cross them off? I hear you. This stretch of the year often asks more of us than even the most organized, seasoned teachers find themselves whispering, “How am I going to get everything done?”  I’ve been juggling rehearsals and concerts most days myself, and it’s reminded me of how much you carry when you're in the classroom. If you’re balancing teaching, family routines, and all the sparkle of the season, please know I’m quietly cheering you on. That’s exactly why this week’s post brings you something simple and helpful: a roundup of Christmas and winter crafts and writing activities that you can use right away: no complicated prep, no extra stress, just meaningful projects that young children truly enjoy. These are ideas I used in my own classroom, and they always brought calm, creativity, and a lovely sense of “look what I made!” pride. A Simple Yet Special Christmas Gift Idea Kids Can MakeHere is a heartfelt project that’s easy enough for little hands and meaningful enough to become a keepsake. It can be framed as a gift as well. Find out more here.  Easy DIY Christmas Gifts Kids Can MakeAre you looking for some quick, low-prep gift ideas that work beautifully for classroom celebrations or at-home crafting? Explore these ideas here.  Magical Christmas Writing With the Five SensesHere is a way to help kids slow down, notice, and write with more detail. Thinking about the five senses helps them to use more descriptive language. Perfect for December stories and poems. You can also use another winter theme.  DIY Christmas Stained Glass Art ProjectTry some beautiful, colorful “stained glass” creations that brighten classroom windows and feel extra special to kids. Choose any design you want. It could be a winter scene, or a toy shop, or something that would capture the excitement of kids. Check it out here.  Christmas Writing and a Special CraftThis is a Christmas poem using the five senses along with a "stained glass" craft that ties literacy and creativity together effortlessly. It is also fun to create a special gift with the two together. Find out more here.  As you move through these last busy weeks before the holidays, I hope this little collection brings a bit of ease to your planning and a spark of joy to your classroom or homeschool space. These crafts and activities are simple, meaningful, and ready to go, just the kind of things that help keep December feeling magical without adding more to your plate. If even one idea gives you back a sliver of calm or lights up a child’s day, then this roundup has done exactly what it was meant to do.  Wishing you a season filled with small, steady moments of delight. It’s hard to believe that Christmas is only a few weeks away. The year has gone by quickly, at least for some. The weather is getting cooler and it won’t be long until we are shoveling snow and seeing decorations appear around the neighborhoods.  It’s still fall, but as December approaches, we start to feel like winter has arrived. This is a great time to start adding some winter-themed activities into your lessons. There are so many ways to add a bit of sparkle to your days with reading, writing, math, science, social studies and art. Winter is also a wonderful time to explore connections between subjects. Snowflakes can become math patterns, winter poems can inspire art projects, and stories about seasonal traditions can open discussions about community and culture. By weaving these ideas into different subjects, we can help students see how learning is connected. Here are a few ideas to try in the coming months.  Writing and Language ArtsWriting about the season is a great way for students to express their creativity and build descriptive vocabulary.
 Math and Data ActivitiesWinter themes are perfect for hands-on math and data lessons.
 Winter SportsWinter brings many opportunities to connect learning across subjects.
 Making The Most Of The Season
 Whether you’re exploring snowflakes in math, writing about winter scents, or learning about snowy sports, these lessons add warmth and creativity to your days, no matter how chilly it gets outside!  Related Posts Do you remember when your kids first started learning to count? At that stage, it was all about saying the numbers in order, “one, two, three…” but they didn't really understand what those numbers meant yet. The same thing can happen later when we start working with bigger numbers. Children might be able to read and write them, but that doesn’t mean they truly understand what each digit represents.  That’s where activities that focus on representing numbers in different ways make all the difference. When children learn to represent a number using standard notation, base ten blocks, expanded notation, and number words, they begin to see how all the pieces fit together. These experiences build a strong foundation for number sense, which carries over into every area of math.  Hands On Place Value PracticeBase ten blocks are one of the best tools for helping children visualize what a number is really made of. When they build 243, they can see that it’s 2 hundreds, 4 tens, and 3 ones. That’s when the concept of place value begins to click. The position of each digit really does matter! You can also give them extra practice at home or in independent centers with my Base Ten Blocks Printable And Portable For Place Value Activities And Games, a printable version that’s perfect when real manipulatives aren’t available.  My Place Value Games and Activities for Representing Numbers in Different Ways includes hands-on tasks that kids can use to build, write, and compare numbers using base ten blocks, expanded notation, and number words. It works beautifully for centers or small group instruction. To learn more about this resource, check out this blog post. It includes a video that explains how to use it.  Representing Numbers Through the SeasonsKeeping math centers fresh is easy when you tie in a seasonal theme. A small visual change can make the same skill feel brand new! In the fall, Place Value Turkeys Task Cards: Working With Expanded Notation help children break numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones while having fun with a Thanksgiving theme. When winter rolls around, try Snowflake Place Value Activities for a cool way to review number forms. Kids love seeing numbers represented in snowflake models as they build, write, and expand them. Then, as the holidays approach, the Holiday Lights Place Value Task Cards bring a little sparkle to your math centers while reinforcing standard and expanded notation.  Connecting Number Words, Symbols, and ModelsReading and writing number words can be tricky for young learners. Matching “thirty-five” to 35, or writing it after building it with base ten blocks, helps them make those important connections between what they see, say, and write. You can mix and match your resources to include number words in small group lessons, task card rotations, or quick warm-ups. The more ways children see numbers represented, the stronger their overall understanding becomes. My Numbers and Number Words 1–100 Holidays and Seasons Bundle provides seasonal activities for every time of year, giving kids repeated exposure to number words and symbols in fun, meaningful ways.  Encouraging Number Sense Every DayDeveloping number sense is a gradual process built through daily exploration and meaningful practice. The more opportunities children have to represent numbers in many ways, using manipulatives, task cards, games, and themed activities, the deeper their understanding grows. When they realize that numbers can be written, built, read, and expanded in many ways, they stop memorizing and start understanding. That’s when the real learning happens.  Here's a list of my resources, all in one place, to support your place value lessons: Place Value Games and Activities for Representing Numbers in Different Ways Place Value Turkeys Task Cards: Working With Expanded Notation Snowflake Place Value Activities Holiday Lights Place Value Task Cards Numbers and Number Words 1–100 Holidays and Seasons Bundle Portable Base Ten Blocks Themed Place Value Practice  Related Posts Every year, on November 11, schools pause for a moment of silence. The bells stop ringing, voices go quiet, and even the youngest students sense that this is a moment to think about something important. In Canada, we have the day off so that families can attend ceremonies at the cenotaph or watch them on television. For primary children, Remembrance Day or Veterans Day can be hard to understand. They might not know what “war” really means or why we wear poppies. That’s why it’s so important to take time to talk about why we remember in ways that make sense to them.  Explaining the Meaning of November 11You don’t need to go into the heavy details of history to help children understand. For young kids, it’s enough to say that many years ago, people worked very hard to keep our countries safe and free. November 11 is a day when we take time to thank those who helped give us freedom and peace during times of conflict. You can compare it to saying thank you to firefighters or doctors, people who help others. Soldiers, nurses, and helpers in war did the same, often far away from home. If your students have family members in the military or who came as refugees, it’s also a time to honor their experiences. Talking about peace, kindness, and freedom can include many different stories.  Helping Children Understand FreedomNow, when I see the news about wars happening in other parts of the world, I think about the children and families living through those experiences. It makes me even more aware of how lucky we are to live in a place where we have the freedom to go to school, play, learn, and speak our minds. And it reminds me why we take time to pause and reflect on November 11: to honor those who have worked to protect that freedom, both long ago and today. Some children may already see pictures or hear discussions about conflicts in other parts of the world. This is a good chance to help them recognize what freedom means and why it’s so important to care for and protect it through kindness and respect for others.  Simple and Respectful Classroom ActivitiesHere are some gentle ways to help your students reflect and show appreciation:
 Reflecting on Peace TodayTalking about wars from long ago also gives an opportunity to discuss peace in our own lives. Some families in your class may have come from places where conflict still exists. Focusing on hope, gratitude, and kindness helps all children feel included and safe. Even young kids can learn that remembrance isn’t just about the past, it’s about making choices today that show respect, care, and peace in everyday life.  More Activities To Extend LearningVideos can be a powerful way to bring these concepts to life for young children. A Pittance of Time by Terry Kelly: This short, memorable song shows children why even a brief moment of silence is meaningful. After watching, ask:
After watching the videos, students can create simple reflections, drawings, short writings, or a “Kindness Pledge” to make the ideas concrete and personal.  This is a writing prompt that I used in my classroom each year to allow students to reflect on what peace meant to them. It is a page from my resource Remembrance Day/Veterans Day Activities.  Resources for Your ClassroomIf you’d like more ready-to-use poems, writing templates, and activities, I’ve shared several resources in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. Check out my Remembrance Day/Veterans Day category.  Related Posts Isn’t it crazy how quickly things change as summer ends and fall begins? Just a few weeks ago, I was worrying about watering the garden, and now the sprinklers are packed away and the rain has happily taken over. Our summer garden gave us an incredible harvest of fruits and vegetables, and now comes the season of preserving, storing, and enjoying those blessings into the fall and winter months.  I enjoy this time of year at school because it's full of opportunities to weave in themes of gratitude, kindness, and sharing. In Canada, Thanksgiving comes early in October, making it the perfect springboard for lessons on thankfulness and generosity. From there, November provides us with time to reflect on veterans and the sacrifices they made for freedom, followed by American Thanksgiving later in the month, and then the anticipation of December celebrations.  Shifting My PlanningWhen I first started teaching, I used to plan for each holiday in isolation; one unit for Thanksgiving, another for Remembrance Day, and so on. Over time, though, I realized that looking at the season as a whole helped everything flow together. The holidays each had their special spotlight, but the larger themes of harvest, change, gratitude, remembrance, and kindness tied it all together.  I still remember the first time I tried this approach. Instead of separating my “pumpkin math” from my “gratitude writing,” I blended them into one theme that ran through the month. The kids were more engaged, and I felt less like I was racing from one unit to the next. Looking back, I can see how much more meaningful those activities were for my students.  Activities That Work Well In the FallThis is the time of year when I love to pull in hands-on activities that connect to what’s happening outside the classroom. Here are a few simple, but powerful ways to help kids see the season as something to celebrate and learn from:
 If you want to find some low prep ready made resources, check out the categories in my store. Here are a few that have been favorites for my students: Turkey Glyphs Data Collection And Analysis: Pumpkin Glyphs Themed Place Value Parts of Speech Activities Silly Sentences Holidays And Seasons Bundle Parts of Speech Activities Silly Sentences Holidays And Seasons French Bundle My Fall Gratitude Journal Give Thanks Math And Language Activities Remembrance Day/Veterans Day Activities Remembering What MattersAs much as pumpkins and turkeys add fun, this season always brings me back to the deeper themes of gratitude, kindness, and remembrance. With all the unrest in the world, it’s important to acknowledge that many families are still affected by conflict today. Some students have parents in the military, while others have come from areas of war. Keeping that sensitivity in mind while focusing on gratitude and peace makes these lessons even more meaningful.  This season reminds me to slow down, notice the little things, and encourage students to do the same. And really, that’s what gratitude and kindness are all about.  Related Posts Celebrating the new year and incorporating special days into your classroom can be a fantastic way to make learning fun and meaningful. Here are some engaging ideas for celebrations and activities.  Resolution BingoCreate a bingo card with common resolutions like “helping a friend” or “trying a new food.” Students can check off items as they accomplish them throughout the month. This type of activity motivates students to try new things and promotes good habits in a game format. Chinese New Year Activities
 100th Day Of SchoolCelebrate the 100th Day of School with a series of fun, math-related challenges. Students can complete activities like counting 100 objects, creating a “100 Things” collage, or writing about what they would do with $100. Set up centers with different 100-day challenges. You could have one station where students build a tower with 100 blocks or another where they create a poster with 100 drawings or stickers. This milestone is an excellent opportunity to reinforce counting, number sense, and basic math operations. It’s also a great way to celebrate progress and help students visualize their learning journey.  Groundhog Day February 2nd
 Valentine's Day February 14th
 Winter Themed Special Days ActivitiesSnowflake Day Activity: Teach symmetry by having students cut out their own paper snowflakes. Have them count the sides, angles, or symmetrical patterns or use snowflakes as a jumping-off point for a word problem challenge. Incorporate a science lesson about how real snowflakes form. This combines art, math, and science with hands-on learning. For literacy, students can create “snowflake” stories, using descriptive language to build vivid imagery (for example: “The snowflakes gently danced in the wind…”). Encourage students to write winter-themed sentences or short stories about the snow using sensory detail. These activities combine hands-on learning with fundamental skills in math and literacy. Not only do students engage with the winter theme, but they also get to practice critical thinking, creativity, and fine motor skills. Plus, incorporating seasonal themes helps maintain enthusiasm and excitement in the classroom.  The new year offers countless opportunities to engage your students in meaningful learning experiences. By integrating celebrations, cultural exploration, and fun seasonal activities, you’ll keep your classroom vibrant and encourage students to embrace new challenges. Whether it’s through crafting, writing, math, or science experiments, these activities will not only reinforce core academic skills but also help build a positive and supportive classroom environment. Here’s to a year full of learning, growth, and memorable experiences for your students!  If you are looking for some ready made resources for the winter celebrations, check out this January-February Celebrations Math And Language Games And Activities Bundle.  Related Posts
As we approach a new year in the classroom, it's a great time to plan to set new goals and refresh our classroom management. This helps students feel excited, stay focused, and be successful. Here are some easy activities and strategies to help you get your classroom off to a positive start while making sure every child feels included and engaged.  Goal Setting: Simple and Fun Ideas for KidsGoal setting helps students think about what they want to achieve and how they can work toward it. Here are a few fun and friendly ways to introduce goal setting in the classroom. 1. New Year’s Resolution PostersStart the year with a creative activity where students make New Year’s Resolution Posters. Students can write or draw one thing they want to work on in class, like “I want to be a better reader” or “I will help my friends.” This activity will help students think about what they want to improve and gives them a visual reminder to work toward it. It also builds a sense of community as everyone shares their goals. How to use it: Give students paper and art supplies to make colorful posters. Provide a template with a space for a goal in the center and decorative elements (like stars or balloons) to inspire creativity. Hang them in the classroom so everyone can see their goals. Goal-setting helps students develop self-regulation, motivation, and a sense of responsibility. This activity not only supports social-emotional development but also helps develop a growth mindset. Students will have a tangible, visual reminder of their aspirations, and as they work toward them, they will feel a sense of accomplishment.  2. Class Goal ChartAnother way to set goals is by creating a class goal chart. As a group, you can decide on one class goal, like “We will read for 10 minutes every day” or “We will be kind to each other.” Students can color in a box or place a star on the chart every time the class works on the goal. Class goals build teamwork. Students feel proud when they achieve a goal together, and it helps them see the importance of working as a group. How to use it: Create a simple chart with boxes to color in or place a star. When the class achieves the goal (for example: reading for 10 minutes every day), celebrate with a small reward, like extra recess time or a special activity.  3. Goal Journals For ReflectionHave each student keep a simple goal journal. After setting a goal, students can write or draw about how they plan to work on it. Later in the month, they can revisit their journals and talk about how they’ve improved. This activity helps children practice self-reflection and see how they are growing. It also teaches them how to take ownership of their learning. How to use it: Give each student a small notebook. Ask them to write or draw their goals at the start of the month and come back to it in a few weeks to check their progress. My Learning Journal is another way to record the goals and other successes throughout the month. Check here for more information.  Classroom Management: Simple Strategies to Keep Things Running SmoothlyWith the excitement of the new year, it’s also a great time to refresh your classroom management strategies. Here are some simple ideas to help maintain a positive, focused environment for learning. 1. Review Classroom Rules TogetherRevisit your classroom rules after the break. Make it a fun discussion where students share what they think makes a classroom a good place for learning. You can write these ideas down together and create a “Classroom Promise.” When students help decide the rules, they feel more responsible for following them. It also makes the classroom feel like a shared space where everyone’s voice is heard. How to use it: Sit down as a class and talk about what makes a good classroom. Write the rules on a big poster and read them together every morning to remind everyone of the expectations.  2. Praise Positive BehaviorInstead of focusing on what students shouldn’t do, celebrate what they can do. Consider using a positive behavior reward system to keep students motivated. Students get recognition when they follow the rules, work hard, or help others. Positive reinforcement helps students feel proud of their good behavior. It encourages them to keep making good choices while building a positive classroom environment. How to use it: This doesn’t have to be complicated—something as simple as a “Compliment Jar” or a “Classroom Points System” can work wonders. When students demonstrate positive behavior, they earn a compliment or points that can lead to rewards like extra recess time or a special classroom privilege. Another option could be to create a chart where students can earn stars or stickers for positive behavior. Once they collect a certain number, they can choose a reward like extra playtime or a special classroom privilege. Using a warm fuzzy jar is another idea to try. Find out more here.  3. Classroom Routines And Visual SchedulesHaving clear routines helps students know what to expect each day, which makes the classroom feel calm and organized. A visual schedule can help younger students follow the day’s activities without confusion. A routine helps students feel secure and focused. They know what’s coming next and can manage transitions better, which leads to fewer disruptions. How to use it: Post a simple schedule on the wall with pictures to show what will happen during the day (e.g., circle time, snack, recess). Review the schedule with your class each morning. If you are interested in some visual cards for routines and schedules, check out my Classroom Routines And Schedules Bundle.  Dealing With ConflictsSometimes, conflicts happen in the classroom. Instead of punishing students, help them understand how their actions affect others and how to fix it. A simple way to do this is by having students talk about what happened and how they can make it right. This helps students understand the impact of their behavior and encourages kindness and problem-solving. It also helps build a classroom where students feel safe to express themselves. How to use it: When a conflict happens, have a quiet conversation with the students involved. Ask them how they feel, how their actions affected others, and what they can do to make things better. Using SEL resources such as Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Social Stories And Activities may help. Find out more here.  The new year is a wonderful time to set goals and refresh your classroom routines. By setting personal and class goals, reviewing classroom rules, and focusing on positive behavior, you can create a positive and focused learning environment where every student feels supported. These simple activities will help your students succeed and grow in the new year, while also helping your classroom run smoothly and with excitement.  Remember, the new year is not just about fresh starts—it’s about building on the foundation you've already established and making small tweaks to help your students thrive. With these strategies in place, you’re setting yourself and your students up for a year of success, growth, and positive learning experiences. Happy teaching in the new year! Related Posts
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About Me Charlene Sequeira
I am a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 9, and a retired primary and music teacher. I love working with kids and continue to volunteer at school and teach ukulele. 
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