What’s Working (and What’s Not) in Your Classroom?

We’re at that point in the term where the initial excitement has worn off, the routines have (hopefully) bedded in, and you’re juggling lesson plans with tired little faces and an ever-growing pile of marking. Half-term is just around the corner, which makes it the perfect moment to pause and reflect: what’s really working in your classroom right now—and what’s not?

Celebrate What’s Working

First things first: give yourself credit. Teaching is full-on, and it’s easy to focus only on what needs fixing. But before you dive into changes, take stock of the wins:

• Behaviour systems that stick – If your classroom routines and recognition strategies are motivating pupils, that’s a huge success. Consistency really does pay off.
  
  
• Calm transitions – Notice how moving from maths to literacy doesn’t cause chaos anymore? That’s your routine-setting paying off.
  
  
• Pupil engagement – Whether it’s a science experiment that wowed them or a story that kept them hooked, moments that spark joy matter.

Spot What’s Not

Of course, not everything will be running smoothly—and that’s okay. Half-term is a chance to tweak rather than overhaul. Ask yourself:

• Are certain behaviour strategies losing their impact? (Sometimes pupils just need something refreshed.)
  
  
• Do you find yourself running out of ways to keep recognition consistent across the week?
  
  
• Are some pupils still slipping under the radar when it comes to praise and motivation?

These small frustrations build up quickly if left unchecked.

Small Tweaks, Big Wins

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes it’s about making quick adjustments:

• Refresh your approach: Rotate how you offer praise, whether through verbal recognition, written notes, or small tokens of appreciation.
  
  
• Use visuals to support structure: Behaviour charts, prompts, or displays can give pupils (especially SEN learners) clearer cues.
  
  
• Make it personal: Tailoring recognition to individuals—whether that’s a quick note, a mention in class, or a small gesture—can transform the impact.

Moving Forward

The real trick is balance. Celebrate your wins, make one or two realistic tweaks, and give yourself permission not to fix everything at once. Your pupils notice the small things you do—those quiet nods of recognition, the moments you pause to listen, the routines that make them feel safe.

Half-term is a natural reset button. Use it to head into the next stretch with a classroom that feels calmer, more motivated, and a little bit easier to manage.

 

Your Next Step: Take a quiet moment this week to reflect on what’s working well in your classroom and what could use a gentle refresh. Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference for both you and your pupils.