Wait, did we cover that standard already? Which group of students is ready to move on? Where are they coming from and where are they going?
Tracking when concepts are taught and/or mastered is a crucial part of every teacher’s daily routine. Taking time to record not only what we teach but also whether a student has mastered the skill and is prepared to move on to the next is critical for making sure that your classroom lessons and activities run smoothly.
A great way to track each of the standards you have taught is by using a tracking sheet as you plan through the school year. These tracking sheets can also be used for data collection for intervention and small groups to keep their data close at hand. These tracking sheets have the Common Core State Standard code and standard. For your tracking ease, there are 6 blank columns for your various reporting needs. Make sure to check out all THREE grade level strands! K – 2 CCSS Checklist 3 – 5 CCSS Checklist 6 – 8 CCSS Checklist
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by One Room Schoolhouse Pre-Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
This is a dice game that can be used in math workstations. Students practice greater than, less than, and equal to numbers 0-999. A list of teacher tips on how to modify so that all students can participate is included. It includes a student recording sheet.
Coming back from winter break is a reset! However, when an ESLnewcomer joins your class midyear, Day 1 can feel overwhelming—for youandfor the student.
Unlike August arrivals, midyear newcomers walk into established routines, friendships, and expectations they don’t yet understand. Because of this, your first day together matters even more. With the right plan I have found that you can lower anxiety, build trust, and set the tone for success—without derailing your entire class.
Let’s walk through what I like to do on Day 1 with a newcomer after winter break, plus a simple midyear newcomer checklist you can use immediately.
Why Day 1 After Winter Break Is Different for ESL Newcomers
First, it’s important to recognize that midyear ESL newcomers face unique challenges:
Classroom routines are already established
Academic language expectations are higher
Social groups are formed
Students may feel isolated or overwhelmed
Meanwhile, after winter break, everyone is re-adjusting. This actually works in our favor. Since the whole class is easing back in, it creates a natural entry point for a new student.
Step 1: Start With Safety, Not Academics
Before academics, our priority should be emotional safety and predictability.
On Day 1, your newcomer needs to:
Feel welcomed
Understand where to sit and what to do
Know who can help them
Instead of jumping into content, begin with visuals, modeling, and calm routines.
Teacher Tip:
Pair your newcomer with a kind, patient buddy—not necessarily your highest academic student, but one who follows routines well.
Step 2: Re-Teach Routines (For Everyone)
Next, take advantage of the post-break reset. Even if our students already know routines, re-teaching them benefits the whole class and supports your newcomer without singling them out.
Use:
🌻Picture cards
Gestures
🌻Modeling
Simple, repeated language
For example:
“Line up here.”
“Sit.”
“Listen.”
“Clean up.”
This repetition builds confidence and comprehension quickly.
Step 3: Focus on Survival Language
Rather than grade-level academics, Day 1 should center on functional, survival language.
Focus on:
Bathroom
Help
Yes / No
My name is…
I need…
In addition, use sentence frames and visuals so the student can participate without pressure to produce full sentences.
Step 4: Use Visuals and Hands-On Activities
Because language processing takes time, visuals reduce stress and increase understanding.
On Day 1, choose activities that are:
Low language
High engagement
Highly visual
Examples include:
Picture matching
Sorting by color or shape
Labeling classroom objects
Partner games with visuals
These activities keep your newcomer engaged while giving you valuable observation time.
Step 5: Keep Academics Light—but Purposeful
Step 5: Keep While we don’t want to overwhelm, we do want to observe:
Fine motor skills
Number recognition
Letter knowledge
Ability to follow directions
Therefore, choose simple tasks that will quietly inform our next steps—without formal testing. Light—but Purposeful
Use this Day 1–Week 1 ESL newcomer checklist to stay organized and calm.
Day 1 Essentials
🌻☐ Assign a classroom buddy
⚡️☐ Show bathroom, desk, cubby, and supplies
🌻☐ Practice arrival and dismissal routines
⚡️☐ Introduce survival words with visuals
🌻☐ Use nonverbal participation strategies
Week 1 Setup
☐ Learn correct name pronunciation
☐ Check home language and literacy background
🌻☐ Send home a simple welcome note
☐ Establish daily predictable routines
☐ Introduce picture-based vocabulary
Supports
☐ Visual schedule posted
☐ Sentence frames available
🌻☐ Picture cards for core routines
☐ Hands-on activities prepared
☐ Small-group or pull-out time planned
What Success Really Looks Like on Day 1
By the end of Day 1, success does not mean:
Speaking in full sentences
Completing grade-level work
Understanding everything
Instead, success means:
🌻The student feels safe
The student knows where to sit
🌻The student knows who can help
The student wants to come back tomorrow
And that is a huge win.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It All at Once
Finally, remember this: language acquisition is a process, not a one-day event. Your job on Day 1 after winter break is to lay the foundation, not finish the house.
With clear routines, visuals, and a welcoming mindset, you’re already doing the most important work.
If you’re looking for ready-to-use ESL newcomer visuals, picture cards, and low-prep activities, these tools can save you hours and give your student immediate access to learning—without overwhelm.
You’ve got this. And your newcomer is lucky to have you. 💛
Let’s Teach! Lori
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