Spring Break is here (or just around the corner), and I hope you're getting the chance to relax and recharge! But if you're anything like me, you might already be thinking ahead to what it’ll be like when your students return—excited, full of energy, and maybe a little off-track.

This is the perfect time to reset expectations and get back into a solid routine. To help make that transition smoother, I’m sharing three simple but powerful classroom management tips with after-spring-break activities to help your students ease back into learning. Let’s jump in!

1. Start Fresh!

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it can work wonders in your classroom, too! After a break, trying something new (without a complete overhaul) can help keep things fresh and engaging for you and your students. Here are a few easy ways to switch things up:

Classroom Seating Arrangement – A simple seating change can make a big difference! Before the break, your students may have started getting distracted or feeling restless. A fresh seat can give them a renewed sense of focus and energy. You might even experiment with a slightly different setup to keep things interesting!

Whole Class Reward System – If your current behavior incentive feels a little stale, now is a great time to introduce a fresh new twist! Changing up your reward system can keep students motivated and excited for the remainder of the year. And if you don’t have one yet, it’s not too late to start! Need ideas? I have some fun spring/summer-themed classroom management games in my shop that can help!

Class Call Back – Call backs are a fantastic classroom routine tool, and a new one can re-energize how you grab your students' attention. Try something seasonal, like:

Teacher: “The sun is shining bright…”
Students: “We’re feeling alright!”
You can even let your class help create one—they’ll love having a say in their new routine!

2. Reconnect

The day after spring break is the perfect time to focus on rebuilding your classroom community. You’ve spent all year fostering relationships, so don’t miss the opportunity to re-nurture those connections! Here are some simple ways to do that:

Share Out – Give students a chance to talk about their break! Instead of just calling on students randomly, mix it up with a partner share, small group discussion, or a walk-and-talk activity. If you need structured discussion strategies, I have a resource in my shop that works across multiple content areas!

Community-Building Activities – Reestablishing positive interactions doesn’t have to be complicated. While collaborative challenges and STEM activities are great, even simple games like “Would You Rather,” board games, or card games can help students reconnect and work together in a fun way.

3. Review Classroom Expectations

You knew this was coming! That spring air seems to wipe out every memory of classroom routines, so reviewing expectations after spring break is a must. Here’s how to reinforce expectations without feeling like you’re starting from scratch:

Classroom Expectations Posters – Review your classroom rules and expectations using anchor charts or posters. Better yet, have students create their own! This can be a great collaborative activity that helps reinforce expectations in a hands-on way.

Role-Play – Have students act out different classroom procedures. It’s a fun and engaging way to review, and they’ll love the chance to get a little silly while reinforcing important routines.

Interview the Class – Pretend that you’ve completely forgotten the class rules and let your students “teach” you. Ask questions like, “What should I do if I need to sharpen a pencil?” or “What happens if I finish my work early?” This playful approach will get them thinking and reviewing expectations without it feeling like a lecture.

Final Thoughts

Easing back into routines after a break doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a few fresh ideas, a focus on reconnecting, and a quick review of expectations, you’ll set the tone for a strong and smooth transition. Take your time, have fun with it, and give yourself and your students a little grace as you settle back in. You’ve got this!