pdf, 300.49 KB
pdf, 300.49 KB

Back-to-School Icebreakers After Winter Break (Grades 1–5)

Ease your students back into the classroom with these Back-to-School Icebreakers After Winter Break! This 90-minute SEL lesson plan helps elementary students reconnect, reflect, and set new goals — all while having fun. It’s low-prep, engaging, and perfect for easing post-break transitions with confidence and positivity.

What’s Included

  • Complete 90-minute lesson plan (K–5 adaptable)
  • Printable student worksheet (BINGO, Snowball Toss, Goal Setting, and Reflection)
  • Teacher directions with timing and differentiation tips
  • Standards alignment with the CASEL SEL framework
  • Materials list + optional extensions
  • Answer key and reflection guide for teacher use

How It Works in the Classroom
This lesson is designed for a whole-group community-building session after winter break. Activities include:

  • Winter Break BINGO – fun icebreaker to get students talking
  • Snowball Toss & Share – write, toss, and guess classmates’ memories
  • New Year, New Goals – reflect and set achievable goals
  • Two Truths and a Wish – share creatively with peers
  • Class Connection Web – visualize classroom unity and empathy
  • Use it during the first day back, morning meeting, or SEL block.

Standards & Learning Goals
Aligned with the CASEL SEL competencies:

  • Self-Awareness & Self-Management
  • Social Awareness & Relationship Skills
  • Responsible Decision-Making
  • Students will reconnect, express emotions, and set personal and academic goals for the new semester.

Why Teachers Love It

  • Completely low-prep — just print and go!
  • Builds community and supports emotional transitions
  • Engages all learners (includes differentiation tips for K–5)
  • Encourages writing, speaking, and reflection
  • Ideal for SEL lessons, morning meetings, or substitute plans

Bring the joy back after winter break with this ready-to-use icebreaker lesson that helps your classroom start the new semester strong!

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 18%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Bundle

Back-to-School Icebreakers After Winter Break - 3 Lesson Pack

**Back to School Icebreakers Bundle | After Winter Break Activities for Elementary, Middle & High School** Start the new semester strong with this Back to School Icebreakers after Winter Break bundle for elementary, middle, and high school students. These engaging, ready-to-use activities help rebuild classroom community, spark conversation, and ease students back into learning mode. Perfect for January reset days, post-holiday transitions, and first-day-back lesson plans. **What’s Included** This bundle includes differentiated icebreaker resources for: • Elementary School – Back to School Icebreakers After Winter Break • Middle School – Back to School Icebreakers After Winter Break • High School – Back to School Icebreakers After Winter Break Each resource features: • Structured icebreaker activities • Reflection prompts • Writing or discussion questions • Community-building exercises • Easy-to-follow teacher directions Print-and-go or assign digitally. **How It Works in the Classroom** This after winter break icebreakers bundle is perfect for: • First day back in January • Classroom community building • Advisory or homeroom • Morning work • Small group discussions • SEL-focused lessons Students reflect on winter break experiences, set goals for the new semester, and reconnect with classmates through structured conversation and writing tasks. Low prep. High engagement. Age-appropriate for every level. **Standards & Learning Goals** Students will: • Practice speaking and listening skills • Strengthen written reflection • Set academic and personal goals • Rebuild classroom relationships • Engage in meaningful peer discussion Supports ELA speaking & listening standards, writing skills, and social-emotional learning goals. **Why Teachers Love It** * Differentiated for elementary, middle, and high school * Eases the post-break transition * Builds positive classroom culture * Encourages student voice * Minimal prep required * Perfect for January lesson plans This Back to School after Winter Break icebreaker bundle helps you avoid awkward first-day-back energy and jumpstart a productive new semester. Download today and make your January reset smooth, engaging, and community-focused

$9.00

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