Many of us count the days until a school break. Especially winter break because we have two weeks off of school to spend time with family we may not have seen for awhile, we can relax and recharge while we are at home, we may travel, binge watch your favorite show, watch your children in a tournament, the list can go on and on.

It is important to remember that not everyone looks forward to breaks from school. Some like the structure and routine that school brings to each day, seeing friends and teachers, the after school activities, or the daily lunch.

Here are some tips:

• Consider how you are talking about winter break. Ask general questions like, "What are your plans over winter break? or "How can you help someone over break?"

• Behavior is communication. If a student is acting out, be a listening ear. Engage in a conversation to provide an opportunity for the student to open up.

• Brainstorm a winter break to do list with your students.

• Please, do not assign homework over break.

Ways to encourage reading and writing over winter break

Introduce a challenge to your students over break. In an effort to continue to have students reading for 20 minutes a day here are some suggestions for ways to encourage reading and writing over break.

1. Set a challenge for students to read and record the book(s) and minutes read each day.

2. Have students take a picture of them reading, at the table, on the couch, reading to a sibling, a family member, to stuffed animals, dolls, toys, etc.

3. Have students read the recipe and help bake

4. Have students write a grocery list and help shop for the groceries

5. Have students read instructions for a game, putting together something.

6. Have the students write to a family member, or friend

7. Have the students write a thank you note for a gift they received.

8. Have the students make up a game-- draw the game board, write out the instructions and have everyone play the game

9. Have the students keep a journal