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December hits different in K-1:
Students feel the excitement, routines get loose, and suddenly you're redirecting more than you'd like. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone--mid-year is the perfect moment for a gentle but firm classroom behavior reset.
In this post I will show simple strategies you can use right now--MID YEAR--in December or for the January return. These work beautifully in bilingual and dual language classrooms because they rely on visuals, routines, and consistency. Our kids thrive on those.
December Reset Tips
1. Revisit Expectations--But Make Them MINI
Your kids don't need the full August routine review.
Try a 5-minute "Expectation Refresh" each morning"
- One behavior
- One quick model
- One student volunteer example
Keep it light, quick, and positive.
2. Use Visual Reminders Everywhere
Increase the visual cues around independence and routines because visual are one of the strongest behavior supports in K-1, especially in bilingual and dual language classrooms. Visuals = less redirecting, more self-management.
In December, attention spans dip and student rely more on visual reminders. In January, those same visuals become essential during your 'mini back-to-school" reset.
Use visual to support:
- Transitions (line up, clean up, centers rotation)
- Voice levels
- Partner expectations
- How to ask for help
- Morning and dismissal routines
December:
Keep the visuals visible and active. Point to them, practice one per day, and use them as quick nonverbal prompts to reduce talking-over and repeated directions.
January:Refresh the visuals--swap out faded ones, add new icons, or reorganize the display. Re-teach and practice them as if they're brand new. Your students will respond beautifully to the 'fresh start' moment.
3. Shorten Transitions to Prevent Misbehavior
December energy means transitions feel longer.
Try breaking transitions into micro-steps:
- "Crayons away."
- "Papers stacked."
- "Stand behind your chair."
4. Add a Quick, Consistent, Daily Brain Break
December behavior issues often come from overstimulation. Insert a 1-minute reset: deep breathing, stretching, a call-and-response chant.
Use the same one every day so it becomes automatic.
5. Celebrate the Small Wins
Kids crave connection this time of year.
Spotlight:
- Best listener of the morning
- Most helpful partner
- Kind hands award
This boosts morale and lowers misbehavior naturally.
January Return or 'Any-Time Reset' Tips
1. Treat the First Week Back Like a Mini Back-to-School
Students need the re-teaching more than we think.
Review routines with the same clarity you use in August--but condensed:
- Model
- Practice
- Celebrate success
Your January self will thank you!
2. Refresh Your Behavior Chart or Visual System
January is the perfect moment to:
- Replace faded charts
- Introduce fresh visuals
- Re-teach what each color or symbol means
Kids respond strongly to 'new', and engagement increases immediately.
3. Reset Friendly Partner & Center Expectations
Before launching into center work, do one whole-group practice round:
- "This is what sharing looks like..."
- "This is how we solve a partner problem..."
- "This is what independent work sound like..."
It prevents 90% of January behavior issues.
4. Use Predictable, Small Routines
K-1 students thrive on predictability, especially after a long break.
Try adding small, consistent rituals:
- "3steps to clean up"
- "2 steps to get ready for learning"
- "1 way to get attention"
These small routines reduce overwhelm and support bilingual learners.
5. Restart with a High Ratio of Positives
For five days, try a 5:1 positive-to-correction ratio.
This jump-starts cooperation and helps students rebuild trust and momentum after the break.
Ready-to-Use Support
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| Click on this image so that you can get a closer look at this resource on Teachers pay Teachers. The bonus is a set of visuals! |
If you want a ready-to-use way to support your mid-year behavior reset, then try out my Behavior Management Charts Bundle for simple and bilingual visuals that help students stay on track.
They are perfect for
- December behavior slumps
- January resets
- Beginning of the year intro to expectations
- Any time you need a fresh start
