Welcome Back! Let’s Ease Into January Together

glynisshulters
Jan 7
2 min read

Well, well, well… look who made it through the holidays 🎉

If you're a teacher, parent, or anyone working in education, you deserve a standing ovation. You juggled glittery crafts, classroom parties, report cards, travel, family gatherings, last-minute shopping, and more sugar than any of us should legally consume. And now here we are: back in January.

If you’re feeling both excited and slightly overwhelmed to return to routines, just know… you are not alone.

At Layered Education, we want to say: Welcome back. You’ve got this. And we’re so glad you’re here.

✏️ The Pencils Are Sharpened (Or… Mostly)

January is a funny time in schools. We come back thinking it’s a fresh start, and it is, but it’s also right smack in the middle of the school year.

The routines? A little rusty.The energy? Somewhere between “New Year, New Me” and “Where’s my coffee?”The kids? Somehow taller and louder.

And that’s okay.

This is the perfect time to reset, realign, and re-energize—without the pressure of being perfect.

💡 A Few Gentle Reminders as You Restart

Whether you’re an educator or a parent, here’s your official permission slip to ease back in:

1. Rebuild routines slowly.

You don’t have to do everything on Day 1. Or even Week 1. Start with “resetting” classroom norms or homework expectations through discussion, modeling, and grace. Everyone’s relearning how to “school” again—including the grownups.

2. Lead with connection.

Students may come back carrying things we can’t see. Before jumping into content, take time to reconnect:

“What’s one word to describe your break?”
“What are you most looking forward to this year?”
“What’s one thing you want to get better at this semester?”

It makes a difference.

3. Be kind to yourself.

You might have 57 tabs open (mentally and emotionally). That’s normal. Pick one priority for the week. Just one. That’s enough.

🧃Things That Are Absolutely Educational (But Also Fun)

Here’s what counts as learning this week (we checked):

✔️ Reading quietly with hot chocolate✔️ Practicing skip counting while dancing to a 90s remix✔️ Letting students lead a class game to practice routines✔️ Making a vision board with your students✔️ Laughing at your own typos on the whiteboard✔️ Taking five minutes to breathe (literally or figuratively)

This isn’t about surviving the month—it’s about reclaiming joy.

🌟 What’s Coming from Layered Education

We’re so excited about what’s ahead this semester! Here's a sneak peek at what we’ll be sharing with you:

Practical tools to support inclusive reading instruction
Creative strategies for co-teaching teams
More downloadable resources for IEPs, 504 Plans, and student support
Fun mugs, stickers, and journals to brighten your teacher desk
New blog posts twice a week (serious AND silly, promise)

✨ Final Thoughts

January doesn’t have to be a sprint, it can be a soft start. Whether you're showing up with energy or inching your way back in, you're doing enough.

So refill that water bottle. Open your planner (maybe). Reintroduce the classroom pet (or just the classroom chair). And remember, you're not doing this alone.

Here’s to routines, relationships, and recharging while teaching.

We’re rooting for you.Happy January 💛– The Layered Education Team