Month: January 2026

January has a way of feeling heavy, doesn’t it? The fresh start energy meets real-life challenges, and suddenly, the pressure to do it all is loud. This year, I’m choosing to let go of a few things—so I can show up for my students, colleagues, and myself in a more grounded way:   1. Letting go of “doing it all” I don’t need to have perfect centers, pristine bulletin boards, and seamless routines all at once. Showing up consistently and thoughtfully matters far more than perfection. 2. Letting go of comparison Every classroom, every support role, every student is different. What works in one space might not work in another—and that’s okay. 3. Letting go of guilt around downtime Rest isn’t optional; it’s part of the work. Taking breaks, reflecting, and stepping away when needed is essential for sustainable teaching. 4. Letting go of unnecessary pressure “Fresh start January” is…

Winter brings more indoor time, and that can make energy management tricky for little learners. One thing I’ve learned? Simple fine motor activities keep students engaged while strengthening the skills they need for writing — and they don’t require hours of prep. Here are a few of my go-to activities that work for both Kindergarten and Grade 1: 1. Torn Paper Fun Tearing paper might seem basic, but it’s actually a powerhouse for developing hand strength and coordination. Give students colorful paper to tear into shapes, letters, or even just strips. Not only does it build the muscles used for writing, it’s also satisfying and fun. 2. Cutting Practice Snipping along lines or templates is another simple way to reinforce fine motor skills. In the winter months, I love using snowflake templates or shapes for festive art projects. Students get practice controlling scissors while creating something they’re proud of. 3.…

January is supposed to feel like a fresh start. New year. Clean slate. Renewed energy. But for many teachers, January feels… heavy. The break ends, routines are rusty, students are dysregulated, and the pressure to “start strong” is suddenly everywhere. Add winter weather, shorter days, and emotional fatigue, and it is no wonder January can feel harder than expected. If you are feeling this way, you are not doing anything wrong. You are human. Why January Can Feel So Overwhelming By January, we are tired — even if we had time off. Students are coming back from disrupted routines, big emotions, and long stretches without structure. Many need time to re-regulate before they are ready to learn. Teachers are often carrying: Emotional exhaustion from the fall Pressure to reset routines quickly The expectation to “hit the ground running” A quiet sense of guilt for not feeling more refreshed January asks…

January can feel… a lot. The break is over, routines feel shaky again, the weather keeps everyone indoors, and energy is low — for students and teachers. I know for me, this is the month where I need things to feel calm, predictable, and manageable. Not flashy.Not complicated.Just steady and supportive. So instead of reinventing the wheel in January, I lean on a few simple, low-prep activities that help students stay focused without adding more to my plate. Here’s what that looks like in my classroom (and the classrooms I support). 1. Fine Motor Activities That Keep Hands Busy (and Brains Calm) January is when I really notice how much students need something to do with their hands. Simple fine motor tasks — things like tracing, pinching, sorting, tearing, or building — help students settle their bodies and stay engaged longer. These activities feel calm, but they are doing a…

January always feels a little different in the classroom. The holidays are over, routines feel shaky, students are tired, and teachers are often running on fumes. But January also brings something powerful: a chance to reset — without the pressure of “new year, new everything.” Over the years, I’ve learned that a successful January reset is not about doing more. It’s about simplifying, tightening routines, and choosing what actually supports students (and teachers) during a long winter stretch. Here are a few practical, low-prep ways I reset my classroom each January — especially when supporting bilingual classrooms or multiple learning spaces. 1. Reset the Space (Without Rearranging Everything) You do not need a full classroom makeover. Instead, I focus on: Clearing out materials we no longer use Refreshing one or two high-traffic centres Swapping in winter-friendly, calming visuals A small visual reset can make the room feel new without overwhelming…