New year, new adventures – how to get your class moving in January

The new academic term often starts in the middle of winter, when darkness and cold make it more challenging to be outdoors. That's precisely why January is an excellent time to incorporate more movement, shared activities, and energy into the school day. When physical activity is combined with experiential learning, it supports learning, team spirit, and alertness without making daily life feel burdensome.

In this guide, we’ll go through concrete and accessible ways to get pupils motivated to move right from the start of the year. The ideas are suitable for everyday classroom activities as well as planning for field trips, and they are easy to adapt for different age groups.

Why is it worth taking on a business right at the start of the year?

Physical activity not only supports the body's well-being but also concentration, interaction, and learning. When pupils move together, group dynamics are strengthened and cooperation becomes easier. This is particularly important in January: after the holidays, a new rhythm is being established, and shared activities help the whole class return to everyday life in a positive way.

Active moments also offer experiences of success. Not everyone shines in the classroom in the same way, but in a practical environment, everyone has the opportunity to experience competence and courage at their own level.

Ideas for indoor physical activity in everyday school life

In winter, indoor spaces naturally come into focus. Functional activities, light games, and guided experiences offer a safe and weather-proof way to increase movement during the school day. Indoor activities are characterised by ease: no special equipment is needed, and the activities can be done with clear instructions.

During a school trip or sports day, a pre-guided environment frees up the teacher to focus on supervising the group. At the same time, pupils get to experience something different from their usual school premises, which increases motivation and enthusiasm.

Winter excursions that also work in the cold season

Not all trips require long transfers or freezing outdoors. Destinations suitable for the winter season are often indoors and offer a clear structure for the entire visit. This makes scheduling easier and the day predictable.

When the excursion destination is designed for groups, safety, guidance, and age-appropriateness have already been taken into account. This provides certainty in planning and reduces the teacher's workload.

Low-threshold tips for teachers for the beginning of the year

• Start smallEven a short functional moment breaks up sitting.
• Utilise ready-made packagesGuided activities save time and effort.
• Invest in team spiritWorking together strengthens the classroom atmosphere.
• Plan for it in good timeEarly year trips are often easier to book well in advance.

When movement and experiential learning are integrated into the school day from January onwards, the effects can be seen well into the spring.

👉 Discover winter experiences in Southern Finland