As students return from winter break, it’s a great time to reset behavior expectations. After weeks away from structure and routines can create a challenging behavior dynamic in schools. I always recommend having a “Reset” after any school breaks that are longer than one or two weeks. A well-planned reset using Restorative PBIS (combining PBIS with Restorative Practices) helps restore order and sets a positive tone for the months ahead.
1. Build Community and Reconnect
Start by reconnecting with students. After a break, emotions may run high—nervousness, excitement, or even anxiety and dread (for both kids and teachers!). Restorative Practices and using circles will help everyone feel seen and heard, create a sense of belonging, rebuild trust, and address any lingering issues. This foundation of connection makes it easier to establish shared expectations for the new year.
Action Steps:
Greet students warmly at the door and ask how their break went (To learn more watch: Greeting Students at the Door || Is it Worth the Extra Time?)
Hold classroom circles where students share goals and talk about the classroom environment. (Download a free circle script with Coupon Code: HAPPYNEWYEAR (expires January 24th, 2025).
Play team-building games to strengthen relationships and create a sense of belonging.
Use restorative conversations to repair relationships when behavior issues arise. Ask: “Who was affected? What needs to happen to make it right?” (download here)
Be patient and consistent.: If a student struggles, it’s not personal. Some just need more time to adjust. Be patient, consistent, and show them they are valued, loved, and cared for—no matter what.
2. Revisit Expectations with Student Voice
Students are more likely to follow expectations they helped create. Use Restorative Practices to involve them in revisiting and refining classroom rules.
Action Steps:
Classroom Circle: Reflect on what worked well in the previous term and what behaviors made the classroom a positive place.
Set goals together for the new term. Focus on 2-3 behavior priorities like kindness, responsibility, or active listening.
Create a shared agreement that everyone can reference throughout the term.
Make Expectations Visible by involving students in creating visuals or posters. Post them around the classroom and school and reinforce expectations daily. Build them into routines during classroom circles, transitions, and independent work time.
(Download a free "Reset Expectations After Winter Break" Circle script FREE with Coupon Code: HAPPYNEWYEAR (expires January 24th,2025)
3. Re-teach Expectations with Practice
Behavior expectations need to be explicitly re-taught and practiced, especially after a break. Even if you already did this at the beginning of the year, now is the time to do it again.
Action Steps:
Explicitly reteach expectations: Model behaviors clearly using direct language. Show both the right and wrong way to follow expectations, explaining WHY each rule matters. For example, show students how to line up quietly or what does paying attention look like and sound like. Role-play and practice routines with students to make it fun and low-pressure.
Schoolwide Rules Roundabout: Take classes around the school campus on a Station Rotation Rules Roundabout. Students will walk with their teachers to different locations around the school (e.g., hallways, cafeteria, playground, library, and even bathrooms) where they will be retaught the expectations with as much detail as possible. (What is the expected voice volume here? How many pumps of soap?) If you are not clear, kids will fill in the blanks and make up their own rules so be explicit. Important: Have staff who work in those areas lead the lessons (e.g. the yard supervisor teaches the playground games) so that students are more likely to follow their directions later.
Use positive reinforcement by recognizing students who meet expectations and praising specific actions (e.g., "Great job lining up quietly and getting ready to work!").
TIP: Use your schoolwide positive tickets to target certain behaviors that you really want to get some momentum on. For example, if the lines in the cafeteria are sloppy or chaotic, ask supervising staff to give out tickets for kids waiting quietly and patiently.
Getting back on track after winter break doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using Restorative PBIS strategies and engaging students in the process, you can reset behavior expectations in a way that fosters a positive, supportive environment for everyone. To make this process even easier, I’ve created a free "Reset Expectations After Winter Break" Circle script (With Coupon Code: HAPPYNEWYEAR (expires January 24th, 2025)). This simple, step-by-step guide will help you reflect on the past term, set new goals, and create group agreements with your students.
With Coupon Code: HAPPYNEWYEAR (expires January 24th, 2025)
Remember, behavior resets are an ongoing process, but by blending PBIS strategies with Restorative Practices, you’ll lay the foundation for a successful and positive second half of the year. Your efforts will help create a classroom and a school where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued.
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