January Classroom Expectations Reset for the New Year

Classroom Management January 1, 2026

Returning from winter break can feel a lot like the first week of school all over again. Routines are rusty, expectations are forgotten, and behaviors you thought were long mastered suddenly reappear. As teachers, we know students don’t forget on purpose—but after weeks away from school structure, they need time, reminders, and meaningful conversations to get back into learning mode.

photo of students raising their hand in a classroom

Instead of jumping straight into academics or repeating the same lectures about rules, I like to start the new year with intentional expectation review. Giving students space to talk, reflect, and reconnect with classroom routines helps reset the tone and rebuild consistency—without the frustration. To make this easier, I created an editable expectations review slideshow filled with discussion-based questions you can use during your first days back. It’s a flexible, low-prep way to revisit classroom norms, involve students in the conversation, and set everyone up for a smoother transition back after break. You can also turn these questions into a game using Connect 4 – more info below.

How to Use This Winter Break Expectations Review Slideshow

photo of introduction slide with penguin saying welcome back

This editable slideshow is designed to help you review classroom expectations and routines with students as you return from winter break in a low-pressure, discussion-based or game-like way.

Directions:

Open the slideshow in Google Slides
Project one slide at a time and read the expectation review question aloud.
Give students time to think, turn and talk, or share whole-group before revealing or discussing responses.
Use the slides as a guided conversation or turn it into a game (see below)—there are no “right” answers. The goal is to reset expectations and build shared understanding.
Customize the slides to fit your classroom:
- Edit wording to match your classroom language
- Delete questions you don’t need
- Add slides for specific routines, school-wide expectations, or grade-level needs
Use the slideshow over one day or spread it across multiple days during your first week back.

example slide from classroom expectations - where do you turn your work in

Teacher Tip:
Pair this slideshow with modeling, role-playing, or quick reflections (verbal or written) to help expectations really stick.

Reviewing Expectations Doesn’t Have to Be Boring – Turn It Into a Game

I got this idea from Candace (@themeaningfulmiddle on Instagram), and it’s quickly become one of my favorite ways to review content. Connect 4 is always a hit with students, and the best part is that it can be used with any subject—math, ELA, grammar, science, social studies, or even classroom expectations. The game gets competitive fast, and it’s fun to watch students collaborate, problem-solve, and use different strategies to try to win.

photo of teacher in classroom with kids raising their hands

How to Play:

Divide students into teams of 4–5.
Assign each team a different color of sticky notes to write their answers.
Prepare and project review questions ahead of time (any subject works!).
Teams work together to answer each question and place their sticky note on the board.
The goal is to connect four sticky notes horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Teams can also place notes strategically to block others.
When a team connects four, draw a line through them and award a point.
The team with the most points at the end wins!

This game can get a little loud—but in the best way. Students are highly engaged, working together, and reviewing content all at the same time, which makes it a win in my book.