A simple, purposeful goal-setting activity to re-engage students after winter break
The days after winter break can feel chaotic. Students are adjusting back to routines, and you're managing a classroom that needs structure, not just seatwork. If you're looking for strategies to make that transition easier, check out these tips to ensure a smooth transition after a school break. But this is also the perfect opportunity to reset your classroom culture and give students a fresh start.
Why New Year’s Resolutions for Students Matter
The start of a new year is a natural time for reflection, even for young learners. But traditional resolutions can be too abstract for elementary students. Instead, we guide them in setting simple, concrete goals that matter to them—goals for home, school, and themselves personally.
- Self-awareness
- Social-emotional development
- Writing with purpose
When done well, it helps students refocus on learning while giving teachers insight into what’s important to each child.
Introduce New Year’s Resolutions to Kids with a Read-Aloud
Start with a relatable read-aloud, such as Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller. It gently introduces what a resolution is, why we set them, and how even small goals can make a difference.
After reading, guide students in a discussion:
- “What’s something you’d like to get better at?”
- “What’s a goal you have for home or school?”
- “What’s one thing you’re excited about this year?”
These open-ended prompts give every student an entry point, no matter their reading or writing level.
*The updated version does not have these borders.
New Year’s Resolution Lesson for Elementary Students That’s Low-Prep and High-Impact
To support this work, I created a New Year’s Flip Book and Bulletin Board Display. This printable goal-setting activity helps students reflect and set intentions in a developmentally appropriate way.
This engaging resource includes:
- 4 structured writing prompts for home, school, personal, and future-focused goals
- 2 wording options: “Goal” or “Resolution”
- 8 character templates (4 boys, 4 girls) for student choice and inclusion
- Bulletin board display option (flip book and pennant banner)
- Easy assembly instructions—just print and go!
Your students complete the flipbook during writing time or as a morning activity, and you end up with a bulletin board full of colour, intention, and student pride.
👉 Grab the New Year’s Resolution Flip Book and Display here
Why This New Year’s Resolution Activity for Kids Actually Works
This isn’t just another seasonal craft—it’s a meaningful moment of reflection. You’ll hear everything from “I want to be a better listener at home” to “I want to read longer books.” These authentic goals help students reconnect with themselves, their classmates, and their learning.
And for you? It’s a low-effort, high-value activity that builds classroom community, supports SEL, and gives you a ready-made display for January.
What This Student New Year’s Resolution Lesson Helps You Do
- Helps students reflect meaningfully after winter break
- Introduces goal setting with developmentally appropriate language
- Builds your classroom community and strengthens SEL
- Doubles as a writing lesson and bulletin board in one
- Keeps January purposeful without adding to your prep load
If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution lesson for elementary that actually supports your classroom goals, this is it.
Helping students make New Year’s resolutions that are simple, meaningful, and motivating is one of the most impactful ways to start the second half of the school year strong. Don’t miss this chance to start with clarity, intention, and just enough colour to brighten up those post-break blues.
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