When the long winter break comes to an end, easing back into school routines can be a challenging transition for both students and parents. The shift from relaxed days to structured schedules often brings stress, hesitation and even a bit of anxiety.
Predictable routines, paired with intentional social-emotional learning (SEL) practices, offer the structure students need to return to school with confidence. When students feel grounded and supported, they’re better able to reengage with classroom expectations.
By thoughtfully weaving SEL practices at home, parents can help students reset their routines, reduce anxiety and build readiness for learning.
Below are activities that integrate SEL into daily habits, family moments and fun back-to-school traditions. I’ve divided them by school level, since children in elementary school have different needs than those in middle or high school.
Elementary school
Elementary-aged children depend on predictability and structure to feel safe and confident. Consistent routines act like anchors, giving them a clear sense of what to expect each day. During back-to-school season, this stability becomes even more important, as familiar routines at home help ease the stress of new teachers, classmates and environments.
Create a back-to-school countdown
A paper chain can make the countdown to the first day of school feel concrete and predictable, helping reduce anxiety and giving children a sense of control. Create one link for each day leading up to school, then cut the final link on the morning school begins. You can color-code the links — blue for fun activities, pink for conversations, yellow for school-readiness tasks — and add simple daily activities, such as reading together, visiting a playground, preparing a first-day outfit or sharing a worry. These small rituals make the countdown more engaging, reassuring and supportive.
Get back to routines
A visual routine chart is a simple, kid-friendly way to help little ones get back into the rhythm of school. With pictures or fun icons showing tasks such as brushing teeth, packing a backpack or getting into pajamas, children feel more confident and in control because they know exactly what comes next. This predictability reduces stress and power struggles, making the day run more smoothly. Creating the chart together boosts ownership and pride as kids check off each step.
Bring learning to life
Simple outings, such as visiting a library or local museum, help children reconnect with the joy of learning as they head back to school. These small adventures spark curiosity, show that learning happens everywhere and create meaningful family moments that build excitement for the year ahead.
Talk about it
A simple conversation can help children feel more comfortable and excited about returning to school. Ask what they’re looking forward to and give them space to share any mixed feelings. Listening with curiosity and warmth shows their emotions matter and reassures them they’re not facing the transition alone. These little talks build confidence and help children go back to school feeling supported and understood.
Middle schoolers
Middle schoolers need time to gradually transition into their sleep habits, rebuild academic focus and manage the emotional ups and downs that can come with returning to friends, activities and responsibilities.
Journaling or reflection prompts
Returning to school is a great opportunity for middle schoolers to pause and set intentions for the new semester. Journaling or discussion prompts can help them explore what they’re looking forward to, any worries about getting back into routines and how they feel about reconnecting with friends. Reflecting on what went well before the break, what was challenging and what they want to improve can ease anxiety and build motivation for the months ahead.
Get organized
Starting the new semester is a great opportunity for middle schoolers to get organized and excited about school. Using a planner — digital or paper — helps them track assignments, deadlines and activities. You can also take your kids shopping for school supplies, giving them a chance to pick out tools they’ll enjoy using in the classroom.
Reset screen time
Middle schoolers often fall into late nights and heavy screen use during breaks. Gradually reducing recreational screen time, especially in the evenings, helps reset their sleep and focus. Encouraging offline activities such as reading and physical play also eases the transition. Framing these changes as self-care, not restrictions, helps students feel in control.
Social outings
Encouraging middle schoolers to reconnect with friends before school starts can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. Plan small meetups during the break, especially in the days leading up to the first day, so they can catch up, have fun and rebuild social connections. These outings help students feel more comfortable and excited about returning to school.
High schoolers
For high schoolers, the start of a new semester is more than a return to routines — it’s an opportunity to pause, reflect and approach school with intention. This is a time to consider priorities, set goals and connect daily habits to bigger-picture aspirations.
Encourage reflection and goal setting
Winter break is a perfect chance for students to reflect on priorities and reset goals across academics, extracurriculars, sports and personal interests.
Short-term goals, such as improving in a class, completing a project or preparing for a performance, can be tied to long-term aspirations: college readiness, career plans or skill development. Linking daily tasks to these larger goals helps students stay motivated and build a sense of purpose.
Visit a local college
Visiting a local college can inspire high school students. Touring classrooms, dorms and common areas — and meeting students or staff — sparks curiosity and demystifies college life. These visits encourage reflection on the skills and habits needed now, helping students connect daily schoolwork to future aspirations without focusing on immediate applications.
Family vision boards
Creating vision boards as a family is a fun way to reflect on goals and priorities for the year ahead. Gathering images or words that represent academic, personal or family aspirations encourages conversation, motivation and accountability. Displaying the boards in a shared space fosters support, strengthens communication and makes for a creative, inspiring family tradition.
Normalize critical thinking
Encouraging high schoolers to think critically can start with everyday activities, including discussing movies or shows together. Ask questions such as: How did this make you feel? What messages or assumptions are presented? What should we question or challenge? These conversations help students practice analyzing, reflecting and articulating their thoughts.
Iliana Gallego is a communication specialist at the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE), where she supports efforts to engage, empower and transform families through family engagement workshops and family-centered resources. Learn more at piqe.org.
