Have you been away for a holiday, maternity leave, or just a well-deserved time off? Then the thought of returning to class can be overwhelming.
Part of you might be genuinely pumped to see your students. Another part might be mourning the end of lazy mornings and unstructured days.
Sometimes, after weeks or months away, stepping back into the high-energy world of teaching can feel like an abrupt and jarring transition. You might feel a bit lost or disconnected, especially if the break felt more like recovery time than actual rest. That familiar back-to-school anxiety might also be creeping in.
Deep breath, teacher. You’re not alone. Pretty much every teacher feels this way when they return after a long break. The transition is tough. But there are ways that can help you ease back in, find your rhythm, and rediscover that teaching spark.
Here, we’ll walk you through a few practical ways that can help you get your groove back.
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#1 Ease Back into Your Routine
That ‘Sunday Scaries’ feeling can hit extra hard after an extended break, sometimes feeling like genuine dread.
The transition is a big deal. Don’t jump straight back into the 6 AM alarm and non-stop demands. Ease into it.
A few days before you officially head back, nudge your sleep schedule closer to your school-year routine. Even going to bed 15 to 30 minutes earlier each night can make a difference and prevent that first-day shock to the system.
Plot out your first few days as well. Sketch a rough plan: maybe work an hour or two each morning for a few days before students arrive. Breaking up tasks keeps that dreaded overwhelm at bay.
Keep expectations realistic in the classroom. Your students are also readjusting since you haven’t been present for a long time. They might have forgotten how you teach.
So, treat the first few days almost like the very beginning of the school year. Take the time to explicitly review and practice classroom routines and expectations, such as how to line up, transition between activities, turn in work, etc.
#2 Plan & Prepare Ahead
Don’t try to map out the whole next grading period before Day 1—you’ll only stress yourself.
Just have your lessons, materials, and some backup activities lined up for the first week. That way, you won’t panic when your brain is half asleep in the morning.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of personal prep. Lay out your clothes for the week, prep your meals, and pack your bag the night before. It will save you a ton of morning chaos.
Coming back after a maternity leave? Make sure your baby’s bottles, diapers, and daycare bags are ready to roll.
A quick note: Be careful with baby formulas. Brands like Similac and Enfamil have hit the headlines for causing necrotizing enterocolitis. NEC, or necrotizing enterocolitis, is a serious gastrointestinal issue that causes the intestinal tissue to die. While it’s common in preemies, full-term children can also get it.
Not surprisingly, parents of affected children are filing the NEC lawsuit. According to TorHoerman Law, Mead Johnson & Company (Similac manufacturer) and Abbott Laboratories (Enfamil manufacturer) are defendants in the suit.
As far as the NEC lawsuit update is concerned, 683 active baby formula lawsuits are pending in MDL.
#3 Kick Off the Day With a Playful Activity
After being apart, reconnecting and rebuilding that sense of classroom community is job number one.
Don’t dive straight into a dense curriculum on the first day back. Put heavy lifting aside and start with something fun, low-stakes, and interactive. Launching the day with an easy, engaging activity reminds everyone how much they used to enjoy your classes.
Choose icebreakers that encourage interaction without putting anyone on the spot.
Activities where students talk with each other in pairs or small groups, rather than performing solo for the whole class, work best. Examples include picture charades, Would You Rather, and Say It in Six.
Simple shared experiences also work wonders. A quick team challenge like the ‘Snowball Toss’, where students write a fun fact, toss it, and share the one they pick up, gets kids moving and talking. Revisiting a favourite game, song, or brain break from before the break can also provide a sense of comfort and familiarity.
These activities aren’t just time-fillers but valuable opportunities for you to observe.
Watching how students interact during these low-stakes moments gives you quick insights into personalities, friendships, and communication styles. Plus, you can observe who might need a little extra support.
Getting back into the swing of things after a long break can feel intimidating. So, be patient and kind to yourself. Some days will feel smoother than others.
Focus on making small, manageable steps forward rather than striving for perfection right out of the gate.
Keep in mind that you came back for a reason. Maybe you missed the energy of a room full of young people figuring things out or the feeling of making a difference in children’s lives.
Whatever that is, hold on to that. Teaching isn’t easy. But when you find that groove again, it’s going to feel so good.
