Thanksgiving Break Reflections

 

A Week Away That I Didn’t Know I Needed

This week I want to talk about Thanksgiving break. We were out of school for a full week, and even though I missed seeing my students, I really enjoyed the time I was able to spend with my own family. I have built such a strong bond with each of my students, so being away from them always feels a little strange. At the same time, this break reminded me how important it is to slow down and enjoy the people closest to me.

One of the highlights of my break was going to the Jacksonville Zoo in Florida to see the Lights Special. It was such a beautiful experience. My family loved it, and honestly, so did I. I did not realize how much I needed that little getaway. It felt like a breath of fresh air, and it helped me reset mentally and emotionally.

I also hosted Thanksgiving at my house this year. Even though hosting can be a lot of work, I enjoyed having everyone together. The quality time I spent with my kids was something I will always cherish. Our days are usually so busy, so having time to sit, relax, laugh, and make memories felt extra special.

Thinking About My Students

Even though we were out for a week, my mind still raced with thoughts about my students and the activities I want to do with them. We are officially entering December, and since I teach first grade, this is the perfect time for fun, hands-on learning experiences.

I am already planning to recreate my annual hot chocolate bar for my class. It is always a hit, and the kids talk about it all year long. Our classroom elf from the North Pole will also be arriving soon, and I know the students will be so excited to see where it appears each morning.

Looking Ahead to December Learning

Even with all the holiday fun, we will continue working on our UFLI foundational skills. Staying consistent is important, especially since the kids are making so much progress with phonics and decoding.

As for reading, I am pulling out all of my holiday books. I actually started using seasonal books back in October, and it has made reading time so engaging for my students. Each week we read a different holiday-themed book as a class, complete activities related to the story, and take an AR test. This helps me check for comprehension and gives the students a chance to show what they understand.

Closing Thoughts

Thanksgiving break was exactly what I needed. I returned home feeling rested, grateful, and ready to jump back into teaching. Spending time with my family helped me reset, and thinking about my students reminded me how excited I am for the month ahead. December is going to be full of learning, laughter, and memories, and I cannot wait to experience all of it with my first graders.