Creating a "Happy Noon Year" Experience for Primary Students
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Welcome to our yearlong series on Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers. Each week we will give you a new piece to the classroom management puzzle to have in place when you need it this school year. Think of it as a Lego kit just waiting to be built.
Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers: Creating a "Happy Noon Year" Experience for Primary Students
Introduction:
Welcoming students back after winter break can be a challenge, as they’re often full of energy and excitement. A “Happy Noon Year” celebration is the perfect way to re-engage primary students, reset classroom routines, and introduce goal-setting in a fun, festive way. This session will explore how to plan and organize this event with minimal stress while integrating meaningful activities like Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution.
1. Why Celebrate “Happy Noon Year”?
The concept of “Happy Noon Year” aligns perfectly with young learners’ enthusiasm for holidays and provides a structured, festive way to ease back into learning.
Benefits:
Re-engages students: A playful celebration helps ease the transition from break to school routines.
Teaches goal-setting: Introducing resolutions encourages students to reflect and take ownership of their learning.
Promotes community: Group activities foster classroom connections.
2. Planning and Organizing Without Overwhelm
a) Set a Simple, Manageable Timeline
Pre-Break Preparation: Before leaving for winter break, gather any materials and create a loose outline of your “Happy Noon Year” schedule.
Day-Of Execution: The event should last no more than an hour, allowing time for learning activities and a classroom reset afterward.
Example Schedule:
Morning Warm-Up: Welcome back, share break stories.
Read-Aloud: Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution.
Craft or Writing Activity: Students create their resolutions.
Noon Countdown: Celebrate with noise makers, cheers, and a small treat.
Reflection: Share resolutions and discuss goals for the year ahead.
3. Incorporating Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution
a) About the Book
Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller is a charming story about Squirrel learning what resolutions are and how to make one. It’s an accessible way to introduce the concept of goal-setting to primary students.
b) Discussion Questions After the Read-Aloud
What is a resolution?
Why is it important to set goals?
What kinds of resolutions can we make in our classroom or at home?
c) Interactive Activity: “Resolution Tree”
Have students write or draw their resolutions on leaf-shaped cutouts and add them to a classroom “Resolution Tree.” This creates a visual reminder of their goals for the rest of the school year.
4. Engaging Activities for the Celebration
a) Countdown to Noon
Create excitement with a countdown to noon. Incorporate:
Music: Play festive tunes leading up to the countdown.
Noise Makers: Use simple items like paper towel rolls or small bells for a celebratory noise when the clock strikes noon.
Balloon Drop: Tape balloons to the ceiling and release them for a mini “ball drop.”
b) Goal-Setting Craft
Provide templates or craft supplies for students to create a “Resolution Star” or “Goal Crown” to wear during the celebration.
c) Movement Break: “Resolution Freeze Dance”
Play music and have students freeze when it stops. Call on a student to share their resolution before resuming the game.
5. Practical Tips for Teachers
a) Simplify Materials
Stick to items you already have or can easily gather, such as construction paper, markers, or streamers.
b) Delegate Responsibilities
If you have classroom helpers, ask them to prepare materials or assist with setting up. Alternatively, involve students in the preparation as part of their re-entry activities.
c) Pre-Write Resolutions
To streamline the process, guide students to think about their resolutions in advance. Provide prompts, like:
“One thing I want to learn this year is…”
“I want to be kinder by…”
“I want to help my family/classroom by…”
6. Reflection and Wrap-Up
Conclude your “Happy Noon Year” with a reflective discussion about what students enjoyed and what they’re looking forward to in the new year.
Class Resolutions: As a group, decide on one or two classroom resolutions, such as keeping the classroom tidy or being kind to one another.
Letter to Future Selves: Have students write or draw their goals, seal them in an envelope, and revisit them at the end of the school year.
Conclusion
A “Happy Noon Year” celebration is a joyful way to re-engage students, teach goal-setting, and reset classroom routines after winter break. With simple planning and creative activities like Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution, you can start the year on a positive, organized note.
Let’s make this January one to remember! 🎉
DID YOU KNOW…
Did you know I organize a FREE Facebook Group for Mastering Classroom Management? We are gearing up for our school year quarter sessions, so if you’re looking for a simple way to improve your classroom management join the already 200+ teachers that have signed up: Mastering Classroom Management Facebook Group
Your ebook GIFT: Empowering Primary Teachers: Effectively Manage Disruptive and Violent Behaviors in the Classroom
FINALLY…
If you enjoyed the tips in this post, you might also enjoy this series of videos Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers:
Making Your Teacher Dollar Stretch This Holiday Season
Student Gifts: To Gift or Not to Gift?
The Power of Gratitude in the Classroom (Year Round!)
Reframing the Subconscious Mind: A Primary Teacher's Guide to Personal and Classroom Transformation
Nurturing the Multi-Sensory Abilities of Primary Students
Mastering Parent-Teacher Conferences
The Power of Silence: A Step-By-Step Approach to Incorporating Silence in Your Classroom
The Power of Silence in the Classroom
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Teach~Relax~Repeat
Lauren
