The Post-Holiday Teacher Struggle: Landing Back in the Classroom
What to do in the classroom on the first days after Christmas break?
The holidays are over. The decorations are packed away, and the endless trays of festive snacks are (thankfully) just a memory. You return to your classroom, refreshed but still adjusting to the post-holiday fog. If you’re anything like us, starting classes after a break is always hard. On one hand, you’re eager to dive back into the routine; on the other, it takes time for everyone—teachers and students alike—to find their focus again. That’s where planning ahead can be a game-changer. One year, I made the mistake of coming back to school without a concrete plan. I thought I’d ease into the week with a few improvised activities. Big mistake.
Why the First Few Lessons Matter
The first lessons of the New Year set the tone for what’s to come. They’re also an ideal time to focus on revising key concepts from before the holidays. A quick review can help students re-engage with the material and build confidence as they transition back into learning mode. They’re a chance to:
- Reconnect with your students.
- Re-establish routines.
- Gently ease back into learning while making it fun and reinforcing essential skills.
But let’s be honest, January isn’t exactly a time of boundless energy for teachers. That’s why I’ve created a few resources to help you start the year smoothly without spending hours planning.
Free Resources to Kickstart the New Year
To make your life easier, We’ve put together a selection of free resources designed to save you time and keep your students engaged. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Vision Board Activity: Inspire your students to set goals for the year while practising English in a creative way.
- Board Game: Predictions: A fun and interactive game where students make predictions about current events, using different future structures.
- Ben’s Christmas Holidays: A grammar-focused activity where students help Ben correct his holiday story by putting verbs in the past simple.
- Toys Worksheet: A vocabulary and speaking activity to spark conversations about favourite toys, perfect for younger learners.
These resources are ready to print and use, designed to get your students talking, thinking, and learning right away.
How to Access the Free Resources
If you are already a subscriber to our newsletter, just use your password to access the FREE AREA . If you don’t have it yet, simply subscribe here. Once subscribed, you’ll receive a password to access the exclusive free resources area on our website. From there, you can download and use the materials in your classroom.
Let’s make this New Year a stress-free, productive one—for you and your students. After all, the best gift you can give your future self is a well-planned lesson.
Here’s to a smooth landing back into the classroom!