Mindful teaching: 3 Ways I Am Mentally Preparing to Return from Winter Break

If you are like me, you spent your winter break snuggled up on the couch with a coffee, paper-back book and not a single care in the world… but now it is time to set your alarm and go back to school- no thank you! 

It is a large leap to go from post-holiday hibernation to starting school off on the right foot right from day 1. How you make this transition could determine the vibe of your classroom for the next month, quarter, or even the rest of the year! The thought can feel overwhelming! Here are three ways I am mindfully approaching the return:

1. Journaling 

I deal with most of life by grabbing my journal and school woes are no exception. When I get my hopes, dreams, and fears onto paper I am able to see connections and can start to create a plan of action. Returning from winter break can be a great time to reflect on what you have learned about yourself as a teacher and about your students. It is also a great time to look ahead to what you want to be intentional about in your classroom moving forward. Finally, it is a time to remind yourself that there is a lot in education that you cannot control but you always have control over your own peace. 

Tailor these prompts to fit your thoughts best:

• What did I learn about myself over winter break? 

  
  

• What positive feelings did I feel in my classroom in 2024 that I want to continue to feel in 2025? What positive feelings do I want to bring into my classroom in 2025? What can I control to cultivate these feelings?

  
  

• What aspects of the return are you most anxious about? Sort your responses in two columns: aspects you can and cannot control. What steps will you take to control what you can? How can you let go of what is out of your control and focus on your inner peace?

2. Planning (or not planning)

Lesson planning over school breaks is a controversial topic. As a rule I am typically against teachers working outside on contract hours but I do think there is a gray area. BUT, I think teachers “gotta do what they gotta do” and that can vary from teacher to teacher. I plan what needs to be planned, or I plan NOT to plan to save on time. Huh?

Let me explain: I know from past experience that I get overwhelmed if I do not have activities prepared and ready for students to work on as soon as they enter the room. For example, if I leave school on a Tuesday and do not have my student links published (and a back up plan printed, IYKYK) then all I can think about when I go to sleep is “I need to remember to publish my links” or “I hope the copier is not jammed tomorrow” and by the time Wednesday morning rolls around, I am fighting with the internet while I have students entering the room asking me 20 questions and I am dysregulated and frustrated right from the start. Because of this, I DID spend time over break making sure all of my links are ready to go for the first day back. 

So I did SOME planning, but I also planned not to plan. Another item on my to-do list was to make new seating charts. Does anyone else loathe making seating charts? I let the students choose their seats the week before break and as much as I want to get off to a strong start, I decided to skip making seating charts over break to start a new thriller book instead. Because of this, I am planning for my lack of planning by preparing myself to embrace the bit of chattiness (maybe more than a bit). Anticipating what could happen if I let go of a little control is a subtle action that helps me reframe my expectations to keep a positive classroom vibe. Students may be more chatty since they can choose their seats: How can I engage them in positive and productive conversation? 

There is no such thing as a teacher that is caught up! Even with a clear to-do list, there is always more data to be dissected or research to be implemented. Find what planning items trigger you the most if they get neglected and prioritize those. 

What my students are doing the first day back:

1. Vibe check (click here to make a copy): My students complete a vibe check everyday that has a check-in, SEL questions/prompts, and clarifies directions. It is a way for me to get to know my students on a deeper level and oftentimes eliminates the 20-questions I mentioned earlier! 

   
   

2. Before leaving for break, I auto-generated a Peardeck with the help of AI to review classroom expectations, receive feedback about the first half of the year, and ask students to set goals and reflect on what behaviors need left in 2024 and what behaviors need brought into 2025. 

   
   

3. I have been using this digital vision board activity for years and it is always a hit with the students. It is fully editable so make it your own and add your own vision board! It would be a great way for your students to get to know you. Click here to make your own copy.

3. Unplugging

It is easy to shut your laptop and unplug but if you are like me, unplugging mentally is tough. If you find yourself anxious thinking about returning to school try a guided meditation. If you find your thoughts drifting back, state these affirmations aloud (or in your head is fine too!): 

I am grateful for this present moment of peace. 

I give myself permission to unplug and fill up my cup. 

I deserve to slow down and be at peace. 

I hope you have the most fabulous and mindful return to school! Take time to reflect and set your intentions for growth, prioritize tasks, and give yourself time for your mind to be at peace. Please let me know how these strategies worked for you in the comments!