Going back after a break is harder than we expect. In this episode, Jen and Francis reflect honestly on the first two weeks back after Christmas and what it really feels like to return to the classroom.

We talk about

• Why motivation dips before it recovers
• How pupils experience the reset as much as teachers do
• The difference between resetting expectations and starting again
• What we would do differently next time
• What has actually gone well beneath the wobble
• We also share three practical takeaways for returning after a break

We also check in on work life balance, revisit our Bin Bag Celebrate reflections, and end with our Fraction plenary as we move from feeling like a quarter of a teacher to finding our feet again.

This episode is for PGCEs, ECTs, and early career teachers who are back in school, feeling tired, reflective, and quietly wondering if this is normal.

It is.

You do not need to restart.

You just need time to reset.