Coming Back Strong: Renewing Relationships, Rebuilding Routines, and Reviewing the Rules

Hey Reader!

Most of you are coming back to school this week! How’s it going? Have you found a new routine for yourself yet in 2025? Has it been harder or easier than you expected? This mid-year reset is really that…a reset. We all have to adjust back into the rhythms of the classroom – both children and teachers! This transition offers a wonderful opportunity to reset, refocus and reenergize your classroom. Here are three key areas to consider:

1. Renewing Relationships

After time away, relationships between teachers and children, as well as among coworkers, might feel a bit distant. Use the first few days back to rebuild these bonds.

• Start with Connection Activities: Engage in morning circles, name games, or sharing time where children can talk about their holiday experiences.
• One-on-One Moments: Spend a little extra time with each child individually. A simple smile, asking about their favorite holiday memory, or noticing something special about them can go a long way.

2. Rebuilding Routines

The holiday break can disrupt even the most established classroom rhythms. Remember that long term memory is still developing in young children and our December routines are usually disrupted already so it’s been a long time since the children (or you) have had a consistent routine. Reestablishing routines is key to helping children feel secure and ready to learn. (It’s also a great time to “fix” something in your routine that just didn’t work before the holidays.)

• Practice Makes Progress: Demonstrate and practice daily routines together, such as lining up, cleaning up, or transitioning between activities.
• Visual and Verbal Cues: Use visual schedules, songs, and consistent verbal reminders to help children remember what comes next.
• Pace Yourself: Allow extra time for transitions and adjustments as everyone settles back into the routine.

3. Reviewing the Rules

Revisiting classroom rules ensures a smooth start and sets the tone for the rest of the school year. Again, long term memory is still developing in young children so they honestly may not remember your expectations or rules.

• Make it Interactive: Turn rule review into an engaging activity, like role-playing scenarios or drawing pictures of appropriate classroom behavior. Bring out a puppet or stuffie that needs to learn the rules and allow children to teach and demonstrate appropriate behavior!
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate when children remember your expectations! Spotlight great behavior with phrases like “I noticed you pushed in all the chairs at your table. You’re keeping our classmates safe! Way to go!” Be specific!

By focusing on renewing relationships, rebuilding routines, and reviewing the rules, you can reset, refocus and reenergize your classroom for the rest of this school year. Don’t you love all these R’s today?? HA!

We are praying for you and your little disciples in this transition time. If you have some specific challenges, reach out and let us know! We’d love to address them in a future blogpost or newsletter!

Cheering you on this week!

-Your ECCN team

Equipping you personally, professionally, and spiritually at every event! ​ Director’s Retreat Registration is LIVE! One of our favorite events of the year is coming so SOON! Join us for a specially-curated event just for Christian leaders – an event designed to equip, encourage, and challenge you. Prices increase on Feb 16! Less than 25 spots available! I need details! Hotel Reservations Save the Date! July 10-11, 2025 – Central State Conference (Georgetown) – Registration Opens April 1st August 7-8, 2025 – North State Conference (Lewisville) – Registration Opens April 1st ​ Show me all events! Show me online courses!

​

​

​

​​

Colossians 3:16

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”