Reviewing Reading Expectations After Break

Coming back from winter break can be a difficult transition for students.  It’s easy for them to forget the expectations and procedures of the classroom, especially when it comes to reading.  Here are a few things you might want to try on those first few days back in the classroom:

Review Reading Expectations

The first week back after vacation is a great time to go over what reading looks like in your classroom.  Have a whole-class discussion about what reading time looks and sounds like.

Talk about how to take care of the classroom library and how to check books out of the library. Discuss the reading center expectations, such as how to handle materials and what an appropriate voice level is.

Meet with Each Student

Make it a goal to meet with each one of your students in that first week.  You can make it brief, but be sure to check-in with everyone.  Don’t assume that they all read over vacation, because the reality is that some of them didn’t have the opportunity to pick up a book.

Instead, talk to each student about their vacation.  This will allow you time to connect with them and build your relationship.  It will also give you insight into the things that are important to them.  Even if you aren’t talking about books specifically, you’ll be learning the things they like to do.  This will then allow you to help them choose new books that will interest them.

Give them time to read

For some students, school is the only place that they have access to books.  Allow all students time to peruse the classroom library and to choose new books.  Then give them time to curl up with these brand new books!

After any vacation, it can be tricky for students (and teachers) to get back into the routines of the classroom.  Allowing time to review expectations and ease back in can make a huge difference!