New goals for the New Year 🍾🥂

Here we go 2024! With a brand new year and a fresh semester about to start, we secondary teachers have the opportunity to reignite our passion for teaching and inspiring our students. Whether you teach history or psychology like I do, the start of a new year is the perfect time to infuse your classroom with energy and excitement. This months blog will help you get a second semester started in the right way!

1. Set Goals Together:
Start the new year by involving your students in setting goals for the semester. Encourage open discussions about what they hope to achieve academically and personally. Together, brainstorm strategies to help them reach their goals. This collaborative approach not only empowers students but also fosters a sense of ownership and motivation in the classroom. Here’s an example of how I do this in my classroom:

2. Bring History or Psychology to Life:
Make learning come alive by incorporating interactive activities into your lessons. For history teachers, consider organizing a historical costume day where students come dressed as their favorite historical figures. Let them share interesting facts about their chosen characters and engage in lively discussions. For psychology teachers, create a “Psychology Fair” where students demonstrate various psychological concepts through fun and interactive exhibits. These hands-on experiences will make learning memorable and enjoyable for students.

3. Integrate Technology:
Take advantage of the digital tools available to enhance your teaching. Use online platforms and educational apps to introduce students to virtual tours of historical sites, interactive quizzes, or multimedia presentations. Embracing technology not only makes your lessons more engaging but also prepares students for the digital world they will encounter beyond the classroom.

4. Celebrate Milestones:
Acknowledge and celebrate milestones throughout the semester. Whether it’s a student’s birthday, an achievement, or a collective class goal reached, take the time to recognize and appreciate these moments. Small gestures like a personalized note or a class celebration can go a long way in creating a positive and supportive classroom environment. Here’s an example of how I do this in my classroom:

5. Reenergize your students after a break:
The start of the new year presents a chance to refresh and reenergize your classroom. By setting goals together, bringing subjects to life, integrating technology, celebrating milestones, and engaging students with a purpose, you can create an interactive and inspiring learning environment. So, let’s embrace the new year with enthusiasm and a determination to make this semester a memorable one for both ourselves and our students! If you need more ways to do this with your own students, click any of the links below to see how I do this with mine!

New Years Activities- 8 different activities included!

Would you rather?- New Years Edition​

​Team Building Activity: Non Verbal Communication ​

​Team Building Activity: Who Survives Survivor Island??? ​

Team Building Activity: “People with personality” Dinner Party​

Cheers to a great start to 2024!