December 15, 2025 • 19 mins
Looking for a smoother January? In this episode, we share our three favorite strategies for a classroom reset before winter break so you can return feeling calm, prepared, and confident. We walk you through simple ways to spark excitement for the new year, set up future you for success, and plan a gentle, soft start that makes the transition back feel easier for you and your students.
Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-reset-before-winter-break/
Resources:
- December Teacher Survival Kit
- Adventures with Friends
- @Engineerdoeseducation on Instagram
- Join the Teacher Approved Club!
- Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
- Shop our teacher-approved resources.
- Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
- Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.
Related Episodes to Enjoy:
- Episode 27, Your One Word Theme for the Year
- Episode 40, 2 Easy Things All Teachers Should Do Before Winter Break
- Episode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks About
- Episode 217, 3 Things to Do Before Students Arrive and After They Leave on the First Day
- Episode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Heidi (00:01):
This is episode 237 of Teacher Approved.
You're listening to TeacherApproved, the podcast helping
educators elevate what mattersand simplify the rest. I'm
Heidi.
Emily (00:13):
And I'm Emily. We're the creators behind Second Story
Window, where we give researchbased and teacher approved
strategies that make teachingless stressful and more
effective. You can check out theshow notes and resources from
each episode atsecondstorywindow.net.
Heidi (00:28):
We're so glad you're tuning in today. Let's get to
the show.
Emily (00:35):
Hey there. Thanks for joining us today. In today's
episode, we are talking abouthow to make January something
you actually look forward to,yes, really, and sharing a
teacher approved tip forprepping your room before the
long winter break.
Heidi (00:48):
But first, let's start with a try it tomorrow, where we
share a quick win that you cantry in your classroom right
away. So Emily, what is oursuggestion for this week?
Emily (00:56):
This week, as you're wrapping up this year and
looking ahead to the new one,choose a one word theme for
yourself, just one word thatcaptures what you want to focus
on or how you want to feel asyou start the new year. So maybe
that's steady or grace or joy orease. Write that on a sticky
note and put it somewhere whereyou will see it every day, maybe
(01:16):
on your bathroom mirror or yourdesk, or you can even set it as
your phone lock screen. WhenJanuary feels overwhelming, that
one word can remind you whatmatters most.
Heidi (01:26):
We talked about choosing a one word theme back in episode
27, my gosh, it's been so long.But it is such a simple practice
that makes a real difference forhow you approach your January
fresh start.
Emily (01:39):
And if you like this try it tomorrow, or anything else we
share here on the podcast, wewould appreciate it so much if
you took a second and gave us afive star rating and review.
Heidi (01:50):
If you are hearing this before winter break, there's a
good chance that your energytank is running low. You're
maybe even running on fumes atthis point.
Emily (02:00):
Yeah, you've given your students, your classroom and
your family so much already. Sotoday we want to help you give a
little something to future you.
Heidi (02:08):
Yes, we want to help you step into the new year with calm
and confidence, because comingback after winter break is so
rough. The holidays are over,the days are short, and the
classroom is just full ofsniffles, but we can make that
transition easier, maybe evenjoyful, with a few intentional
(02:29):
choices right now.
Emily (02:31):
So we're sharing three simple ways to set up a January
that feels calm and confident.You've prepped, planned and
rested. Now it's time to launch,but gently.
Heidi (02:41):
Yes, gently is the key. So let's start with the first
way to beat the post breakblues, and that's to give
yourself something toanticipate, because when you
have something to look forwardto, those first days back feel
less like a slog and more like afresh start.
Emily (02:58):
And don't underestimate the power of this, and we did
talk about it back in episode40, but it's worth revisiting
now, because it's so effective.When you have something exciting
on the horizon, it changes howyou feel about going back.
Heidi (03:12):
Yeah, you can think of this in two ways, short term and
long term. Start with short termanticipation and plan something
in your classroom that you aregenuinely excited about.
Emily (03:22):
Yeah, that's the key though. It has to be something
you are excited about. Maybeit's a unit you love to teach, a
science experiment that alwayssparks curiosity, or a read
aloud that you love to read.
Heidi (03:33):
Oh, yes, this is so important. One year I was
dreading going back so much thatI went and I made myself a
calendar of all of those, likesilly days that they have every
day of the week, like, you know,this day is snowman day and this
day is penguin day, you know,all of those, like that.
Emily (03:51):
Uh-huh.
Heidi (03:51):
So I made myself a calendar, and then each day, I
picked a little fun activity todo that day. So it might be
something I did with mystudents, it might be something
I did with friends. It might besomething that I just did
myself. For snowman day, Ibought powdered donut holes,
like a big batch of them, and Iused, I don't even know what I
use, like chocolate chips, and Ithink those candy coated
(04:11):
sunflower seeds, orange ones tomake a snowman face.
Emily (04:14):
Oh yeah.
Heidi (04:14):
And I brought him in and left him in the work room. Just,
it was just a little project, alittle creativity, something to
push me out of the blues. Andalso, I think maybe it helped
everyone else around me have alittle happier January too. And
it really did make such adifference in how I felt that
month.
Emily (04:30):
I love that. And excitement is contagious. When
you're excited about something,your students will feel that
energy too, and it makes comingback easier for everyone.
Heidi (04:40):
Just, you know, keep it simple. Think small, meaningful
sparks. Maybe you plan a cozy,comfy Friday where everyone
brings blankets and stuffedanimals for read aloud time. Or
you do a week long wonderchallenge where students bring
in questions that they'recurious about.
Emily (04:56):
Oh, I love that. You could add a new component to
morning meeting, like a dailymoment of gratitude, or start a
good thing jar where everyonecan share the good things they
notice.
Heidi (05:06):
Now, if you are someone who thrives on going big, maybe
you love a themed room makeoveror launching immersive units, so
lean into that. Yes, it is goingto be a lot of work, but if it's
something that you enjoy, thenthe work is part of the fun.
Emily (05:21):
The point is to think about what lights you up as a
teacher, what makes you excitedto be in your classroom. That's
going to be different for everyteacher, but find a way to
incorporate more of that in thenear future.
Heidi (05:32):
And don't feel like this has to happen on day one. You
might plan something special forthe second week back, or even a
Friday celebration to markmaking it through that first
week.
Emily (05:42):
Exactly. And then, once you've planned a fun little
treat, add a long termanticipation, something outside
of school that gives you abright spot on the horizon. That
could be fun weekend plans, adinner with friends, or even
dreaming about your spring breaktrip.
Heidi (05:59):
This really does make such a difference. Having
something joyful to look forwardto keeps you moving through the
darker weeks with hope andenergy. It's a little bit like
having a light at the end of thetunnel.
Emily (06:10):
This is kind of like your January Joy list. Before you
leave for break, jot down two orthree things. Remember, one
classroom, one personal, maybeone just for fun. There's a page
for this in the December teachersurvival kit, of course, but you
could easily write it in yourplanner, put it on a sticky
note, or even set a reminder inyour phone that pops up on your
first day back.
Heidi (06:31):
And keep in mind that planning something fun for your
students is helping them too.They are feeling that post
holiday slump just as much asyou are.
Emily (06:40):
And planning fun things for them is also fun for you, I
feel like I get excited knowingthe kids are going to be
excited.
Heidi (06:47):
Yes, totally.
Emily (06:48):
And a little spark of joy helps everyone ease back into
community. So we talked aboutthis as the student engagement
hook in episode 233, it's onefun, low prep activity that
makes the first week backengaging. This idea is to give
kids a sense of a new beginning.
Heidi (07:06):
Yeah, you know, all the spark is over and it's just
regular school now, but if youhave got something engaging
planned, the energy totallyshifts. We talked about this in
the last episode, so if you needsome new ideas, go check that
out. But this could be a newyear's goal project, a time
capsule, class challenge, orhaving kids make their own
vision boards.
Emily (07:25):
Remember, just keep it low prep for you and high
interest for them.
Heidi (07:29):
And then our second idea for January is one of our all
time favorites, and it is to doyourself a favor.
Emily (07:37):
I love this concept because it works so well for me,
so, and maybe it doesn't workthat well for everyone, but I
imagine some of you are like us,so think of it as a gift from
past you to future you. Askyourself what you can do now
before break that will makeJanuary You breathe a sigh of
relief.
Heidi (07:53):
Yeah, this could be leaving your desk clean and your
classroom tidy. That would besuch a huge gift. You know,
walking into a cluttered spacein January, when you're already
feeling the weight of goingback, it's just not fun.
Emily (08:05):
I remember seeing a post from Sam at Engineer Does
Education where she was showingthe state of her classroom at
the end of the first week ofschool. Her plan was to tidy
everything before she left,because that's not how Friday
Sam is going to treat MondaySam.
Heidi (08:19):
I love that so much. It's like being your own friend,
because when you are exhaustedafter a month of the festive
disruptions, you just want towalk out the door and deal with
it all later, but really rallyif you can, and find at least
one thing you can do to resetyour room. And then when you
walk back in after the break,it'll be like getting a little
hug from your past self.
Emily (08:40):
You could look out for your future self by prepping
your first day back slides ormaking your copies. Having those
ready to go means you won't bescrambling on that first morning
back.
Heidi (08:49):
Just remember to put all of the stuff you prep in your
January ready bin so you knowexactly where you kept it.
Emily (08:54):
Yes.
Heidi (08:56):
You could also think about restocking your favorite
pens or snacks, tucking aspecial chocolate bar your desk
drawer, or, you know, on ahealthier note, staffing some
protein bars in a cabinet, ormaking sure that you have the
pens that you actually like towrite with.
Emily (09:09):
You could even write a sticky note to yourself with
reminders or encouragement,something like you've got this,
or remember to take attendance.
Heidi (09:17):
We're not trying to add to a massive to do list when
you're already going to beexhausted, just pick one or two
small things that will make thebiggest difference to you. Even
if all you can do is change overyour classroom calendar and
write Welcome Back on yourwhiteboard, that totally counts.
Emily (09:33):
And then when you unlock your classroom in January, it
will feel calm and ready andwelcoming, and you'll be so glad
you took those extra fiveminutes in December.
Alright, finally, let's talkabout planning a soft start for
your return.
Heidi (09:46):
January doesn't have to be a big shock to the system.
You can make it gentle by easingback into your routines and
giving yourself permission toprioritize rest.
Emily (09:55):
And we talked about this concept in episodes 209 and 217,
the idea of creating a softlanding for yourself. Before you
leave for break, plan for thatsoft landing. Start by
automating decisions.
Heidi (10:07):
Yeah, do what you can to simplify things. Pick out your
first week of school outfits orlunches. When you are already
tired and adjusting to the alarmagain, the last thing you want
to do is stand in front of yourcloset wondering what you're
going to wear.
Emily (10:20):
Or stare into your fridge trying to figure out what to
pack for lunch. Make thosedecisions now, while you have
the mental energy.
Heidi (10:28):
Yeah, like you really could get ahead of this, lay out
your outfits, take photos onyour phone, or, you know, just
make a list, whatever works foryou.
Emily (10:37):
And maybe you want to stock up on comfort foods you
love for that first week, likesoup, tacos, breakfast for
dinner nights, or whatever makesyou feel cozy and cared for.
Heidi (10:45):
Yeah. This isn't the week to go big or complicated. This
is the week for easy, nourishingmeals that don't require much
thought. I think the lazy geniuscalls this planning your hot
dogs. Like, just make it simple.
Emily (10:58):
Let real life take second priority for a few days while
you readjust. It's totally okay.The start of the school year is
just a season. It's not yourwhole life. It's the same thing
in January. Give yourselfpermission to lower the bar at
home.
Heidi (11:12):
You know, it's all right. Maybe your kids get some extra
screen time that week. Maybeyou're going to order takeout
more than you normally would, oryou're going to skip grocery
shopping and just eat what's inthe freezer.
Emily (11:21):
You could prep a small January comfort kit and put a
stash of tea, snacks, cozysocks, lotion or anything that
makes you feel cared for.
Heidi (11:31):
Well, you know, that's one of my favorite ideas. And
when you walk back into reallife and everything feels a
little heavier, those smallcomforts remind you that you can
handle this. Someone cares aboutyou, and that someone is you.
Emily (11:44):
We've talked before about creating a recovery kit back in
episode 209, and the sameprinciple applies here. Set
yourself up with the things thathelp you recharge.
Heidi (11:52):
These could be things that you have at school or
things that you have at home tohelp you focus on recovery after
a long day. Maybe for you, it'shaving a cozy movie queued up, a
book you're excited to read, oreven just making sure your
bedroom feels like a peacefulretreat.
Emily (12:07):
Or maybe it's having something to keep your kids
occupied so that you can crashon the couch for 20 minutes. The
goal is to make that transitionback as gentle as possible.
Heidi (12:17):
Yeah, don't expect to hit the ground running at full
speed. Just give yourself somegrace.
Emily (12:22):
So as you wrap up for winter break, remember these
three small but powerful ways tocreate anticipation for the new
year. First, give yourselfsomething to look forward to,
both short and long term. Plansomething in your classroom that
excites you.
Heidi (12:35):
Second, do yourself a favor and set future you up for
success. Clean your desk, makeyour copies, restock your
snacks, whatever will makeJanuary You smile.
Emily (12:46):
And third, plan a soft start and ease back into January
with grace.
Heidi (12:50):
You've already done so much to prepare for learning,
but these last few touches arehow you can also make space for
comfort and calm when youreturn.
Emily (12:59):
What's one small thing that you can do before you leave
for break to make it feel calmand maybe even a little magical
when you return?
Heidi (13:06):
We would love to hear what you're doing to create your
own soft start for January. Comeshare in our Teacher Approved
Facebook group.
Emily (13:13):
Now for our Teacher Approved Tip of the Week, where
we share an actionable tip tohelp you elevate what matters
and simplify the rest. And thisone is all about prepping your
room before you leave for thebreak. Take it away, Heidi.
Heidi (13:25):
Well, this is one of those things that seems obvious
until you forget to do it, andthen you come back to some
unpleasant surprises. So make alist of everything you need to
do to secure your room beforeyou leave. Start with the
basics. Shut down all theelectronics and unplug them so
that you're not wastingelectricity. Make sure anything
(13:45):
valuable is locked up. Emptyyour trashes, if the custodians
are not going to be around to doit right away.
Emily (13:51):
And please clear out any food that might spoil or tempt
rodents to visit. You do notwant to come back to that
situation. So check your deskdrawers, your cabinets, anywhere
students might have stashedsnacks or left a lunchbox. Look
for water bottles that mighthave been left behind. Make sure
there's nothing that's gonnagrow mold or attract unwanted
(14:13):
guests while you're gone.
Heidi (14:14):
But here's something you might not have thought about.
You also might want to hide anycontraband. It's really common
in some places for the firemarshal to use winter break to
visit the school, or maybe youradministrators are going to stop
by in your room when you'regone.
Emily (14:29):
And that's when you might get dinged on things that
normally fly under the radar.
Heidi (14:34):
Oh yeah, you know, things like the coffee maker microwave
or a little fridge. Might justwant to pack all that up and
take it home for the break.
Emily (14:41):
Sometimes twinkle lights might not be allowed, or a decor
hanging from the ceiling. Ifyou're not sure what's okay and
what's not, talk to a teacherwho's been at your school for a
while, and they can give you theinside scoop.
Heidi (14:52):
Yeah, this is so hard because you never know what's
gonna catch their eye. And in myexperience, it seems largely
arbitrary, because some thingsare fine one year, like hanging
stuff from the ceiling istotally fine, and then the next
year, they freak out, but thenthe next year is fine. Again,
you just can't keep up.
Emily (15:08):
Yeah. In episode 233 we recommended starting a list of
the tasks needed to close upyour room for a few weeks. So if
you did do that, pull that outnow.
Heidi (15:17):
But if you didn't make one, then take five minutes and
get it going now.
Emily (15:22):
And surprise, we can help you with that. There's a sheet
for this in our December teachersurvival kit, and it includes 35
suggested tasks to get yourwheels turning, everything from
recycling papers to unpluggingdevices.
Heidi (15:34):
Yeah, because you don't want to be the one who starts
the building on fire, like myjunior high social studies
teacher did with his plugged inhot plate that he left on.
To wrap the show, we are sharingwhat we're giving extra credit
to this week. Emily, what areyou giving extra credit to?
Emily (15:50):
Okay, I'm giving extra credit to Tiktok Shop.
Heidi (15:53):
Okay, I don't know what this is.
Emily (15:55):
Okay. So you can shop on Tiktok, which I did not know
until somebody had, like, comeacross some great deal and was
like, you gotta, you have to buyit on Tiktok shop, though,
that's where the deal is. Andit's annoying because they're
constantly doing these, like, ifyou open Tiktok and you go to
shop, there will be sudden,like, promotions for you when
you open it, of like, save, youknow, this amount on this amount
(16:18):
in the next 30 minutes, orwhatever. So that is annoying,
because you never know whatyou're going to get. But I have
got some great deals over there.And I found if you have
something you're interested in,I've started just checking to
see if it's on Tiktok shopfirst, because sometimes it's
cheaper there, surprisingly.They almost always seem to have
free shipping. And if you juststick it in your cart, when you
(16:40):
come back later, you're morelikely I found, now this is not
scientific, but I have foundthat you have a coupon for it if
you leave it in there.
Heidi (16:49):
Interesting.
Emily (16:50):
So that has been a secret weapon for holiday shopping is
I, as I'm looking for something,I check Tiktok Shop first. Also
that is where I was able to findLabubus for my 10 year old, is
through the official, they haveto be the official Pop Mart or
Pop Mart US. I think it's likePop Mart Local and Pop Mart US,
(17:11):
with like the official checkmark. And those are legit, and
they come fast, and they're notmarked up at all. That's the
best price I've seen anywhere onthem, is there. So if you are
also on the hunt for Labubus,it's getting a little late, but
it shipped fast, in myexperience. So if you're still
on the hunt, check out TiktokShop.
Heidi (17:29):
Yeah, that's a great tip. I had no idea.
Emily (17:31):
What are you giving extra credit to, Heidi?
Heidi (17:33):
Well, my extra credit goes to the book Adventures with
Friends, a collection of RPG oneshots. So this is a whole new
world to me. Emily's oldestdaughter has been playing
Dungeons and Dragons this year,and someone was looking for a
gift idea for her. I came acrossthis book that is perfect for a
teenage girl, or really, anyonewho likes cuteness. So it's got
(17:53):
four different adventures in it,and then each one comes with the
details for how to run thatgame. But the exciting part is
that each of those adventureshas little paper crafts that you
can cut out and assemble.
Emily (18:03):
Yeah, cute.
Heidi (18:04):
Like for the Fey Fayre, there are a bunch of little
stalls that you can set up thatyour players can go and visit as
part of their role playingadventure. I am not doing this
book justice. It is packed withso many fun details, and I think
it is a great price. I thinkit's like 20 bucks, and it is
huge. It is really thick.
Emily (18:21):
Oh.
Heidi (18:21):
So there's a link in the show notes if you want to check
it out for any of the TTRPGplayers in your life.
Emily (18:27):
Well, she's gonna love that.
Heidi (18:30):
I hope so. It's way cute.
Thanks so much for joining ustoday. We hope these ideas help
you create a January that feelsa little more joyful and a lot
less overwhelming.
Emily (18:40):
And remember you don't have to do all of these things.
The goal is just to make comingback easier, not to add any more
to your already full plate.
Heidi (18:48):
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Teacher Approved. I'm
Heidi.
Emily (18:52):
And I'm Emily. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow
or subscribe in your podcast appso that you never miss an
episode.
Heidi (18:58):
You can connect with us and other teachers in the
Teacher Approved Facebook group.We'll see you here next week.
Bye for now.
Emily (19:05):
Bye.
This is episode 237 of Teacher Approved.
You're listening to TeacherApproved, the podcast helping
educators elevate what mattersand simplify the rest. I'm
Heidi.
Emily (00:13):
And I'm Emily. We're the creators behind Second Story
Window, where we give researchbased and teacher approved
strategies that make teachingless stressful and more
effective. You can check out theshow notes and resources from
each episode atsecondstorywindow.net.
Heidi (00:28):
We're so glad you're tuning in today. Let's get to
the show.
Emily (00:35):
Hey there. Thanks for joining us today. In today's
episode, we are talking abouthow to make January something
you actually look forward to,yes, really, and sharing a
teacher approved tip forprepping your room before the
long winter break.
Heidi (00:48):
But first, let's start with a try it tomorrow, where we
share a quick win that you cantry in your classroom right
away. So Emily, what is oursuggestion for this week?
Emily (00:56):
This week, as you're wrapping up this year and
looking ahead to the new one,choose a one word theme for
yourself, just one word thatcaptures what you want to focus
on or how you want to feel asyou start the new year. So maybe
that's steady or grace or joy orease. Write that on a sticky
note and put it somewhere whereyou will see it every day, maybe
(01:16):
on your bathroom mirror or yourdesk, or you can even set it as
your phone lock screen. WhenJanuary feels overwhelming, that
one word can remind you whatmatters most.
Heidi (01:26):
We talked about choosing a one word theme back in episode
27, my gosh, it's been so long.But it is such a simple practice
that makes a real difference forhow you approach your January
fresh start.
Emily (01:39):
And if you like this try it tomorrow, or anything else we
share here on the podcast, wewould appreciate it so much if
you took a second and gave us afive star rating and review.
Heidi (01:50):
If you are hearing this before winter break, there's a
good chance that your energytank is running low. You're
maybe even running on fumes atthis point.
Emily (02:00):
Yeah, you've given your students, your classroom and
your family so much already. Sotoday we want to help you give a
little something to future you.
Heidi (02:08):
Yes, we want to help you step into the new year with calm
and confidence, because comingback after winter break is so
rough. The holidays are over,the days are short, and the
classroom is just full ofsniffles, but we can make that
transition easier, maybe evenjoyful, with a few intentional
(02:29):
choices right now.
Emily (02:31):
So we're sharing three simple ways to set up a January
that feels calm and confident.You've prepped, planned and
rested. Now it's time to launch,but gently.
Heidi (02:41):
Yes, gently is the key. So let's start with the first
way to beat the post breakblues, and that's to give
yourself something toanticipate, because when you
have something to look forwardto, those first days back feel
less like a slog and more like afresh start.
Emily (02:58):
And don't underestimate the power of this, and we did
talk about it back in episode40, but it's worth revisiting
now, because it's so effective.When you have something exciting
on the horizon, it changes howyou feel about going back.
Heidi (03:12):
Yeah, you can think of this in two ways, short term and
long term. Start with short termanticipation and plan something
in your classroom that you aregenuinely excited about.
Emily (03:22):
Yeah, that's the key though. It has to be something
you are excited about. Maybeit's a unit you love to teach, a
science experiment that alwayssparks curiosity, or a read
aloud that you love to read.
Heidi (03:33):
Oh, yes, this is so important. One year I was
dreading going back so much thatI went and I made myself a
calendar of all of those, likesilly days that they have every
day of the week, like, you know,this day is snowman day and this
day is penguin day, you know,all of those, like that.
Emily (03:51):
Uh-huh.
Heidi (03:51):
So I made myself a calendar, and then each day, I
picked a little fun activity todo that day. So it might be
something I did with mystudents, it might be something
I did with friends. It might besomething that I just did
myself. For snowman day, Ibought powdered donut holes,
like a big batch of them, and Iused, I don't even know what I
use, like chocolate chips, and Ithink those candy coated
(04:11):
sunflower seeds, orange ones tomake a snowman face.
Emily (04:14):
Oh yeah.
Heidi (04:14):
And I brought him in and left him in the work room. Just,
it was just a little project, alittle creativity, something to
push me out of the blues. Andalso, I think maybe it helped
everyone else around me have alittle happier January too. And
it really did make such adifference in how I felt that
month.
Emily (04:30):
I love that. And excitement is contagious. When
you're excited about something,your students will feel that
energy too, and it makes comingback easier for everyone.
Heidi (04:40):
Just, you know, keep it simple. Think small, meaningful
sparks. Maybe you plan a cozy,comfy Friday where everyone
brings blankets and stuffedanimals for read aloud time. Or
you do a week long wonderchallenge where students bring
in questions that they'recurious about.
Emily (04:56):
Oh, I love that. You could add a new component to
morning meeting, like a dailymoment of gratitude, or start a
good thing jar where everyonecan share the good things they
notice.
Heidi (05:06):
Now, if you are someone who thrives on going big, maybe
you love a themed room makeoveror launching immersive units, so
lean into that. Yes, it is goingto be a lot of work, but if it's
something that you enjoy, thenthe work is part of the fun.
Emily (05:21):
The point is to think about what lights you up as a
teacher, what makes you excitedto be in your classroom. That's
going to be different for everyteacher, but find a way to
incorporate more of that in thenear future.
Heidi (05:32):
And don't feel like this has to happen on day one. You
might plan something special forthe second week back, or even a
Friday celebration to markmaking it through that first
week.
Emily (05:42):
Exactly. And then, once you've planned a fun little
treat, add a long termanticipation, something outside
of school that gives you abright spot on the horizon. That
could be fun weekend plans, adinner with friends, or even
dreaming about your spring breaktrip.
Heidi (05:59):
This really does make such a difference. Having
something joyful to look forwardto keeps you moving through the
darker weeks with hope andenergy. It's a little bit like
having a light at the end of thetunnel.
Emily (06:10):
This is kind of like your January Joy list. Before you
leave for break, jot down two orthree things. Remember, one
classroom, one personal, maybeone just for fun. There's a page
for this in the December teachersurvival kit, of course, but you
could easily write it in yourplanner, put it on a sticky
note, or even set a reminder inyour phone that pops up on your
first day back.
Heidi (06:31):
And keep in mind that planning something fun for your
students is helping them too.They are feeling that post
holiday slump just as much asyou are.
Emily (06:40):
And planning fun things for them is also fun for you, I
feel like I get excited knowingthe kids are going to be
excited.
Heidi (06:47):
Yes, totally.
Emily (06:48):
And a little spark of joy helps everyone ease back into
community. So we talked aboutthis as the student engagement
hook in episode 233, it's onefun, low prep activity that
makes the first week backengaging. This idea is to give
kids a sense of a new beginning.
Heidi (07:06):
Yeah, you know, all the spark is over and it's just
regular school now, but if youhave got something engaging
planned, the energy totallyshifts. We talked about this in
the last episode, so if you needsome new ideas, go check that
out. But this could be a newyear's goal project, a time
capsule, class challenge, orhaving kids make their own
vision boards.
Emily (07:25):
Remember, just keep it low prep for you and high
interest for them.
Heidi (07:29):
And then our second idea for January is one of our all
time favorites, and it is to doyourself a favor.
Emily (07:37):
I love this concept because it works so well for me,
so, and maybe it doesn't workthat well for everyone, but I
imagine some of you are like us,so think of it as a gift from
past you to future you. Askyourself what you can do now
before break that will makeJanuary You breathe a sigh of
relief.
Heidi (07:53):
Yeah, this could be leaving your desk clean and your
classroom tidy. That would besuch a huge gift. You know,
walking into a cluttered spacein January, when you're already
feeling the weight of goingback, it's just not fun.
Emily (08:05):
I remember seeing a post from Sam at Engineer Does
Education where she was showingthe state of her classroom at
the end of the first week ofschool. Her plan was to tidy
everything before she left,because that's not how Friday
Sam is going to treat MondaySam.
Heidi (08:19):
I love that so much. It's like being your own friend,
because when you are exhaustedafter a month of the festive
disruptions, you just want towalk out the door and deal with
it all later, but really rallyif you can, and find at least
one thing you can do to resetyour room. And then when you
walk back in after the break,it'll be like getting a little
hug from your past self.
Emily (08:40):
You could look out for your future self by prepping
your first day back slides ormaking your copies. Having those
ready to go means you won't bescrambling on that first morning
back.
Heidi (08:49):
Just remember to put all of the stuff you prep in your
January ready bin so you knowexactly where you kept it.
Emily (08:54):
Yes.
Heidi (08:56):
You could also think about restocking your favorite
pens or snacks, tucking aspecial chocolate bar your desk
drawer, or, you know, on ahealthier note, staffing some
protein bars in a cabinet, ormaking sure that you have the
pens that you actually like towrite with.
Emily (09:09):
You could even write a sticky note to yourself with
reminders or encouragement,something like you've got this,
or remember to take attendance.
Heidi (09:17):
We're not trying to add to a massive to do list when
you're already going to beexhausted, just pick one or two
small things that will make thebiggest difference to you. Even
if all you can do is change overyour classroom calendar and
write Welcome Back on yourwhiteboard, that totally counts.
Emily (09:33):
And then when you unlock your classroom in January, it
will feel calm and ready andwelcoming, and you'll be so glad
you took those extra fiveminutes in December.
Alright, finally, let's talkabout planning a soft start for
your return.
Heidi (09:46):
January doesn't have to be a big shock to the system.
You can make it gentle by easingback into your routines and
giving yourself permission toprioritize rest.
Emily (09:55):
And we talked about this concept in episodes 209 and 217,
the idea of creating a softlanding for yourself. Before you
leave for break, plan for thatsoft landing. Start by
automating decisions.
Heidi (10:07):
Yeah, do what you can to simplify things. Pick out your
first week of school outfits orlunches. When you are already
tired and adjusting to the alarmagain, the last thing you want
to do is stand in front of yourcloset wondering what you're
going to wear.
Emily (10:20):
Or stare into your fridge trying to figure out what to
pack for lunch. Make thosedecisions now, while you have
the mental energy.
Heidi (10:28):
Yeah, like you really could get ahead of this, lay out
your outfits, take photos onyour phone, or, you know, just
make a list, whatever works foryou.
Emily (10:37):
And maybe you want to stock up on comfort foods you
love for that first week, likesoup, tacos, breakfast for
dinner nights, or whatever makesyou feel cozy and cared for.
Heidi (10:45):
Yeah. This isn't the week to go big or complicated. This
is the week for easy, nourishingmeals that don't require much
thought. I think the lazy geniuscalls this planning your hot
dogs. Like, just make it simple.
Emily (10:58):
Let real life take second priority for a few days while
you readjust. It's totally okay.The start of the school year is
just a season. It's not yourwhole life. It's the same thing
in January. Give yourselfpermission to lower the bar at
home.
Heidi (11:12):
You know, it's all right. Maybe your kids get some extra
screen time that week. Maybeyou're going to order takeout
more than you normally would, oryou're going to skip grocery
shopping and just eat what's inthe freezer.
Emily (11:21):
You could prep a small January comfort kit and put a
stash of tea, snacks, cozysocks, lotion or anything that
makes you feel cared for.
Heidi (11:31):
Well, you know, that's one of my favorite ideas. And
when you walk back into reallife and everything feels a
little heavier, those smallcomforts remind you that you can
handle this. Someone cares aboutyou, and that someone is you.
Emily (11:44):
We've talked before about creating a recovery kit back in
episode 209, and the sameprinciple applies here. Set
yourself up with the things thathelp you recharge.
Heidi (11:52):
These could be things that you have at school or
things that you have at home tohelp you focus on recovery after
a long day. Maybe for you, it'shaving a cozy movie queued up, a
book you're excited to read, oreven just making sure your
bedroom feels like a peacefulretreat.
Emily (12:07):
Or maybe it's having something to keep your kids
occupied so that you can crashon the couch for 20 minutes. The
goal is to make that transitionback as gentle as possible.
Heidi (12:17):
Yeah, don't expect to hit the ground running at full
speed. Just give yourself somegrace.
Emily (12:22):
So as you wrap up for winter break, remember these
three small but powerful ways tocreate anticipation for the new
year. First, give yourselfsomething to look forward to,
both short and long term. Plansomething in your classroom that
excites you.
Heidi (12:35):
Second, do yourself a favor and set future you up for
success. Clean your desk, makeyour copies, restock your
snacks, whatever will makeJanuary You smile.
Emily (12:46):
And third, plan a soft start and ease back into January
with grace.
Heidi (12:50):
You've already done so much to prepare for learning,
but these last few touches arehow you can also make space for
comfort and calm when youreturn.
Emily (12:59):
What's one small thing that you can do before you leave
for break to make it feel calmand maybe even a little magical
when you return?
Heidi (13:06):
We would love to hear what you're doing to create your
own soft start for January. Comeshare in our Teacher Approved
Facebook group.
Emily (13:13):
Now for our Teacher Approved Tip of the Week, where
we share an actionable tip tohelp you elevate what matters
and simplify the rest. And thisone is all about prepping your
room before you leave for thebreak. Take it away, Heidi.
Heidi (13:25):
Well, this is one of those things that seems obvious
until you forget to do it, andthen you come back to some
unpleasant surprises. So make alist of everything you need to
do to secure your room beforeyou leave. Start with the
basics. Shut down all theelectronics and unplug them so
that you're not wastingelectricity. Make sure anything
(13:45):
valuable is locked up. Emptyyour trashes, if the custodians
are not going to be around to doit right away.
Emily (13:51):
And please clear out any food that might spoil or tempt
rodents to visit. You do notwant to come back to that
situation. So check your deskdrawers, your cabinets, anywhere
students might have stashedsnacks or left a lunchbox. Look
for water bottles that mighthave been left behind. Make sure
there's nothing that's gonnagrow mold or attract unwanted
(14:13):
guests while you're gone.
Heidi (14:14):
But here's something you might not have thought about.
You also might want to hide anycontraband. It's really common
in some places for the firemarshal to use winter break to
visit the school, or maybe youradministrators are going to stop
by in your room when you'regone.
Emily (14:29):
And that's when you might get dinged on things that
normally fly under the radar.
Heidi (14:34):
Oh yeah, you know, things like the coffee maker microwave
or a little fridge. Might justwant to pack all that up and
take it home for the break.
Emily (14:41):
Sometimes twinkle lights might not be allowed, or a decor
hanging from the ceiling. Ifyou're not sure what's okay and
what's not, talk to a teacherwho's been at your school for a
while, and they can give you theinside scoop.
Heidi (14:52):
Yeah, this is so hard because you never know what's
gonna catch their eye. And in myexperience, it seems largely
arbitrary, because some thingsare fine one year, like hanging
stuff from the ceiling istotally fine, and then the next
year, they freak out, but thenthe next year is fine. Again,
you just can't keep up.
Emily (15:08):
Yeah. In episode 233 we recommended starting a list of
the tasks needed to close upyour room for a few weeks. So if
you did do that, pull that outnow.
Heidi (15:17):
But if you didn't make one, then take five minutes and
get it going now.
Emily (15:22):
And surprise, we can help you with that. There's a sheet
for this in our December teachersurvival kit, and it includes 35
suggested tasks to get yourwheels turning, everything from
recycling papers to unpluggingdevices.
Heidi (15:34):
Yeah, because you don't want to be the one who starts
the building on fire, like myjunior high social studies
teacher did with his plugged inhot plate that he left on.
To wrap the show, we are sharingwhat we're giving extra credit
to this week. Emily, what areyou giving extra credit to?
Emily (15:50):
Okay, I'm giving extra credit to Tiktok Shop.
Heidi (15:53):
Okay, I don't know what this is.
Emily (15:55):
Okay. So you can shop on Tiktok, which I did not know
until somebody had, like, comeacross some great deal and was
like, you gotta, you have to buyit on Tiktok shop, though,
that's where the deal is. Andit's annoying because they're
constantly doing these, like, ifyou open Tiktok and you go to
shop, there will be sudden,like, promotions for you when
you open it, of like, save, youknow, this amount on this amount
(16:18):
in the next 30 minutes, orwhatever. So that is annoying,
because you never know whatyou're going to get. But I have
got some great deals over there.And I found if you have
something you're interested in,I've started just checking to
see if it's on Tiktok shopfirst, because sometimes it's
cheaper there, surprisingly.They almost always seem to have
free shipping. And if you juststick it in your cart, when you
(16:40):
come back later, you're morelikely I found, now this is not
scientific, but I have foundthat you have a coupon for it if
you leave it in there.
Heidi (16:49):
Interesting.
Emily (16:50):
So that has been a secret weapon for holiday shopping is
I, as I'm looking for something,I check Tiktok Shop first. Also
that is where I was able to findLabubus for my 10 year old, is
through the official, they haveto be the official Pop Mart or
Pop Mart US. I think it's likePop Mart Local and Pop Mart US,
(17:11):
with like the official checkmark. And those are legit, and
they come fast, and they're notmarked up at all. That's the
best price I've seen anywhere onthem, is there. So if you are
also on the hunt for Labubus,it's getting a little late, but
it shipped fast, in myexperience. So if you're still
on the hunt, check out TiktokShop.
Heidi (17:29):
Yeah, that's a great tip. I had no idea.
Emily (17:31):
What are you giving extra credit to, Heidi?
Heidi (17:33):
Well, my extra credit goes to the book Adventures with
Friends, a collection of RPG oneshots. So this is a whole new
world to me. Emily's oldestdaughter has been playing
Dungeons and Dragons this year,and someone was looking for a
gift idea for her. I came acrossthis book that is perfect for a
teenage girl, or really, anyonewho likes cuteness. So it's got
(17:53):
four different adventures in it,and then each one comes with the
details for how to run thatgame. But the exciting part is
that each of those adventureshas little paper crafts that you
can cut out and assemble.
Emily (18:03):
Yeah, cute.
Heidi (18:04):
Like for the Fey Fayre, there are a bunch of little
stalls that you can set up thatyour players can go and visit as
part of their role playingadventure. I am not doing this
book justice. It is packed withso many fun details, and I think
it is a great price. I thinkit's like 20 bucks, and it is
huge. It is really thick.
Emily (18:21):
Oh.
Heidi (18:21):
So there's a link in the show notes if you want to check
it out for any of the TTRPGplayers in your life.
Emily (18:27):
Well, she's gonna love that.
Heidi (18:30):
I hope so. It's way cute.
Thanks so much for joining ustoday. We hope these ideas help
you create a January that feelsa little more joyful and a lot
less overwhelming.
Emily (18:40):
And remember you don't have to do all of these things.
The goal is just to make comingback easier, not to add any more
to your already full plate.
Heidi (18:48):
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Teacher Approved. I'm
Heidi.
Emily (18:52):
And I'm Emily. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow
or subscribe in your podcast appso that you never miss an
episode.
Heidi (18:58):
You can connect with us and other teachers in the
Teacher Approved Facebook group.We'll see you here next week.
Bye for now.
Emily (19:05):
Bye.
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