No one likes to go back to school (or work) after a fun holiday break with friends and family. Here are some tips to make it more motivating for you and your students.

Relax and reflect

Build in time to relax during your break from school. Whether that means making time for your hobbies, visiting with friends, or completing a project around the house. Also use the time to reflect on what you love about your work and your students, as well as on what you can do better when you return to the classroom.

Taking care of your needs first is one of the best ways to ensure that you will be rejuvenated and engaged when you get back to school.

Mix things up

Science has shown that certain types of activities and curiosities get attention, simply because of how our brains are wired. This article from The Guardian offers up some ideas for shaking up the status quo in your classroom.

The goal is to help break the expected patterns of getting back into the classroom. It can be as simple as playing music to fit the mood you wish to achieve. If you have more time available, you could consider rearranging the furniture or decorating the room to match any new curriculum that will be introduced now that break is over.

Read and share

If time allows, you can spend some of your break time reading education blogs and professional development materials. Share your favorite ideas with your fellow teachers, and let your students know how you plan to deploy new strategies.

Another way to get your students’ attention is to engage them in storytelling – about their favorite food, activity, or learning moment during their break from school. You can share your story first to get the discussion started.

Additional Reading

5 New Year's Resolutions Just for Teachers

Teach for America, Six (Slightly Conflicting) Tips for Returning From Winter Break Strong

McGraw-Hill Education, 6 Strategies for Teachers to Recharge Over Winter Break