Introduction
Transitioning back to school after a vacation can be challenging for students, especially those in special education. During vacation, students enjoy more free time and have the opportunity to engage in activities they enjoy. Returning to school often means facing activities they may not prefer, such as academic tasks. This blog post aims to help educators support students in managing these transitions and developing important social-emotional skills without using terms like ‘master’ or ’emotional intelligence.’
No-Prep Activity: The Vacation Memory Box
This activity requires no preparation or materials and helps students transition back to school by allowing them to share their vacation experiences. To begin, have students sit in a circle and imagine they have a “vacation memory box” filled with memories from their time off. Ask each student to take a turn sharing one memory from their box, describing what they did, and explaining why it was enjoyable.
After everyone has shared a memory, encourage students to think about how they can use their positive experiences to help them stay calm and focused during school days. Remind them that although vacation is over, they can still cherish those memories and look forward to future breaks.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to follow the teacher’s plan, even when we don’t feel like doing the work?
- How can we stay calm and focused when we have to do tasks we don’t enjoy?
- What strategies can we use to help ourselves transition back to school after a vacation?
- How can sharing our vacation memories help us feel more connected to our classmates?
- What can we learn from Connor’s experience in the given scenario?
Related Skills
Besides transitioning back to school, there are other related skills that students can develop to improve their overall social-emotional well-being, including:
- Self-awareness: Understanding one’s emotions and recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses.
- Self-regulation: Managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations.
- Empathy: Identifying with and understanding the feelings of others.
- Communication: Expressing thoughts and feelings clearly and effectively.
- Problem-solving: Identifying and resolving conflicts constructively.
Next Steps
Supporting students in their transition back to school after vacation is crucial for their success and social-emotional development. To access free sample materials related to these skills and others, sign up at Everyday Speech’s sample materials page. By incorporating these resources into your teaching, you can help your students develop the skills they need to navigate challenging situations and thrive in the classroom and beyond.
