The day we return from holiday break everyone is a little tired, a little wiggly, and very ready for a reset. New Year’s feels like the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and start fresh together.
This is an activity I love doing not just in the classroom, but one that also works really well at home with kids or in homeschool settings.
Our Whole-Group Reset
As a class, I start by making a big anchor chart that says:
“In 2026, we will do…”
On one side, I write MORE
On the other side, LESS
Then I open it up for discussion. What should we do more of this year? What should we do less of?
The best part? I write down exactly what the students say—no fixing, no rewriting, no “teacher wording.”
You get everything from:
- “More helping our friends”
- “Less yelling”
- “More trying even when it’s hard”
- “Less rushing”
It becomes such an authentic snapshot of where the class is emotionally and socially, and it sets a really positive tone for the months ahead. (Watch the video below, showing a previous year’s chart)
Independent Reflection
After the whole-group conversation, I have students complete their own version of the activity. Some years I keep it very simple, other years we go deeper—it really depends on the group.
That’s why I like having options:
A version that focuses on just “more”
A version with both “more” and “less”
A cut-and-paste option for younger students or kids who need extra support
This makes it easy to differentiate without losing the heart of the activity. Students feel ownership over their goals, and it’s always interesting to see how their individual reflections connect back to our class discussion.
The resource is linked here for the template I like to use!
A Gentle Way to Start the Year
I love this activity because it doesn’t feel heavy or overwhelming. There’s no pressure to set big resolutions or “fix” everything at once. It’s just a calm, intentional reset—and a reminder that we’re all learning and growing together.
Whether you’re using this in a classroom, at home with your kids, or in a homeschool setting, it’s a simple way to start the new year with reflection, honesty, and a little hope.
Here’s to a fresh start, a smoother transition back from break, and a really great year ahead.
Happy New Year 💛
