7 After Winter Break Activities for Tired Elementary Teachers

After Christmas Break Activities for Elementary Students

Let’s be honest – coming back after winter break can feel like you need another break.
It’s basically Back to School Part 2 — just colder, darker, and with kids who forgot every routine you taught them in August. Let’s talk about which after winter break activities set you off on the right foot.

But the good news? With the right after winter break activities, your first day back can feel calm, structured, and even… dare I say… enjoyable.

These seven teacher-approved activities help you reset routines, rebuild community, and ease students back into learning — without exhausting yourself on day one.

Every activity below is included in the After Winter Break Teaching Slides + Activities bundle if you want the whole day planned for you.

1. Reset Expectations the Gentle Way

Before you jump into anything fun, you need to reteach routines — and not because you did anything wrong in the fall.

Students have been out of school for two weeks. Their routines? Gone. Their stamina? Missing. Their ability to line up quietly? On a beach somewhere.

This is why your first day back should start with clear, simple, visual expectation slides.

after-winter-break-activities-elementary

Use them to reteach:

  • how to enter the classroom
  • how to ask for help
  • how to transition between tasks
  • how to line up
  • dismissal procedures for the end of the day

✨ Why this works:
Kids don’t need a long speech — they need reminders. Visual slides set the tone calmly and consistently. Plus, you can use the slides again and again!

(These are ready to use in the bundle so you don’t spend your break making slides.)

2. Winter Break Writing Craft – A Calm, Independent Reset

Next, ease students into school mode with something quiet and manageable.

The My Winter Break Writing Craft gives them a chance to share without overwhelming anyone — especially your students who take time to warm back up.

The final product makes an adorable January bulletin board!

after-winter-break-writing

✨ Why this works:

  • It’s peaceful
  • Gives students an opportunity to share about their break
  • You get an instant hallway display

3. Find Someone Who Activity (Winter Edition)

After a quieter writing block, help students reconnect socially.

A winter-themed Find Someone Who is perfect because it gets kids talking, moving, and laughing — but with enough structure to keep things calm.

back-to-school-after-winter-break

✨ Why this works:

  • Eases kids back into peer interactions
  • Builds community
  • Gives you insight into their personalities and winter break experiences

4. Read Aloud: Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution

This book is perfect for the first day back because it naturally opens the door to conversations about goals, kindness, and fresh starts.

During your read-aloud, pause to ask:

  • What does it mean to make a resolution?
  • Why do you think people choose goals for a new year?
  • What is one thing you want to get better at?

✨ Why this works:

  • SEL + literacy = the perfect January combo
  • Great way to bring the class together after break
  • Smooth transition into your next activity…

5. New Year’s Goal Craft

After reading about resolutions, let students create their own with this simple and meaningful writing craft.

after-winter-break-activities-elementary

Sentence stems like:

  • “This year, I want to…”
  • “Something I want to try…”
  • “One thing I want to work on…”

…give even hesitant writers something to say. The finished craft makes another great January display (bonus!).

✨ Why this works:

  • Meaningful reflection
  • Low-prep
  • SEL-friendly
  • Classroom display ready by the end of the day

6. Winter-Themed Partner Math Games

Students are not ready for full academic rigor on day one. But light review? Yes, please.

Use winter-themed math partner games to ease students back into math without overwhelming them.

✨ Why this works:

  • Refreshes foundational skills
  • Builds confidence
  • Adds movement without chaos
  • Gives you a chance to observe where students are academically after the break

7. Snowball Shuffle — A structured winter discussion activity

End the day with something engaging but controlled.

Students write responses on paper “snowballs,” toss them gently, pick up a new one, and answer again.

Find pre-typed questions in the After Winter Break Activities – Planned For You here.

after-winter-break-activities-elementary

✨ Why this works:

  • It’s movement + structure
  • Kids LOVE it
  • You can use it for any subject

Want Your First Day Back 100% Planned?

If you want to walk in after break with your coffee in hand and zero prep on your to-do list, my After Winter Break Teaching Slides + Activities includes everything:

  • Expectation slides
  • A full first-day teaching plan
  • Find Someone Who
  • Snowball Shuffle
  • Winter-themed math games
  • Winter Break Writing Craft
  • New Year’s Goal Craft
  • Read-aloud discussion for Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution

It’s the easiest way to reset routines, rebuild community, and kick off the new year with confidence.

Planning a January Classroom Management Reset? Check out 5 Must-Know Tips for Procedures that Stick.

Leave a Reply