We are all just trying to get to Christmas break, but have you thought about any New Year activities for students? I know you are just trying to keep the frenzied kids together this week. And that is hard enough. But…. friend, what are you going to do in January? When your students get back from this winter break, they are going to be out of their schedule. And they are going to need something to ease them back into the school setting. What better way to help make your January easier than with a New Year activity? January you will be so happy with yourself for taking the time now to plan this out.
If you want to skip ahead to the good part, check out my End of the Year Reflection activity. In this one-pager, students have the chance to their favorite parts of the class so far. So if you want the cheat sheet to the new year, check this resource out!
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Why Reflection Is the Perfect New Year’s Activities for Students
As adults, we know the value of reflecting on the past. And how that reflection can help us see how much we have accomplished. But when did learn that? Maybe as adults when we were motivated with our own goals? Maybe we still aren’t that good at reflection and need to work on this skill too. Either way, teaching students to examine their growth will help prove to themselves that they are not stuck where they are.
By ditching the cliche SMART goals, a reflection will allow students to see what they have done. And then focus on the future. By allowing them to share what makes them proud, they can use that as motivation. And create a sense of purpose. After the whirlwind of the first five months of school, students benefit from a moment to look back on what they’ve accomplished and think about where they want to go next. That’s why I love kicking things off with new year resolution activities for students—they’re not only meaningful but also set a tone of growth and intention for the rest of the semester.
Starting with reflection doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about giving students the space to celebrate their wins and set the stage for success. Check out how below!
A Fun New Year Activities for Students
New Year Reflection Question #1: What is your Favorite Part of the Class?
This is such a great way to get students to think about what they really enjoyed in your class. Whether it’s a project, an activity, or even the way you run things, their answers can give you a peek into what clicked with them. Plus, it’s always nice to hear what students love—it’s a little boost for you, too!
New Year Reflection Question #2: What are the Top Three Skills You Worked on Most?
I love this question because it makes students pause and think about what they’ve been working on all semester. Sometimes they don’t even realize how much they’ve grown until they name those skills. It’s such a great way to help them see their progress and connect it to their efforts in class.
New Year Reflection Question #3: What are Your Three Proudest Projects and Why?
This one is all about celebrating wins. Asking students to think about their proudest projects gives them a chance to reflect on their hard work and success. It’s always interesting to see what they choose and why—sometimes it’s not the projects you’d expect!
New Year Reflection Question #4: What’s Your Advice to Future Students?
This is such a fun question because it flips the script and lets students play the expert for a moment. They get to share what they’ve learned and pass on advice, which can be validating for them. Plus, their answers can give you great insight into what they thought was important or challenging about the class.
New Year Reflection Question #5: What Improvements Would You Make to This Class If You Had a Chance?
I know this one can feel a little intimidating, but it’s so helpful! Students can offer really thoughtful ideas when you give them the chance. Plus, it shows them that you value their input and care about making the class better for everyone—it’s such a good way to build trust and collaboration.
Turning Reflection into Fun New Years Activities for Students
Once your students have answered their reflection questions, why not take it a step further and turn it into something more interactive? One idea is to pair students up and have them share their goals or proudest moments with a partner. It’s such a simple way to get them talking and connecting, and you’ll love how their answers spark meaningful conversations.
Another fun option is to create a class “vision board.” You can take their goals, advice, or favorite parts of the class and turn them into a collaborative display. It’s a great way to celebrate everyone’s unique contributions while building excitement for the rest of the semester.
And if you want to bring in a little friendly competition, try starting with a quick game! Something like a Kahoot or Blooket about fun New Year trivia can get students in the right mindset before diving into their reflection. It’s a great way to mix fun with focus and keep the energy up in your classroom.
These activities don’t just make reflection more engaging—they also help create a sense of community and set a positive tone for the new year. Plus, the students will leave feeling proud of what they’ve accomplished and motivated for what’s ahead!
More Ideas for New Year Activities for Students
5 New Year Reflection Questions for Students: A Guide For Student Growth
5 Ways to Engage Your Students in the New Year
12 Exciting Ideas For a Book Project For High School Students
Top Three Novel Unit Activities That Will Make Your Unit Exciting
Encourage your students to dive into meaningful reflection—you might just be surprised by how much they enjoy looking back on their progress and setting goals for the future! With a little guidance and creative activities, you can turn these moments into powerful learning experiences that set the tone for the rest of the year. If you’re looking for an easy way to get started, check out my End-of-the-Semester Reflection resource—it’s perfect for kicking off the new year in a thoughtful and engaging way.
If you enjoyed this blog post and want even more teaching tips and strategies, visit me at www.theteacherrewrite.com and follow me on Instagram @theteacherrewrite. I share resources, ideas, and strategies to make teaching easier without reworking your entire curriculum. Let me handle the prep so you can focus on inspiring your students! Start your semester off strong with fun and meaningful new year activities for students!
