Why the First Half Term Feels the Hardest

If you’ve ever found yourself staring into your coffee cup in October, wondering how on earth it’s only Week 6, you’re not alone. That first half term of the academic year can feel like the longest marathon — even though it’s technically one of the shortest. But why does October hit teachers so hard, and more importantly, what can you do to make it easier?

Why October Feels So Tough

• The new-class adjustment: September is all about settling in, learning names, setting expectations, and establishing routines. By October, the adrenaline has worn off and the reality of day-to-day classroom management has set in.
  
  
• The invisible workload: Alongside teaching, there’s data collection, baseline assessments, parents’ evenings, and endless prep. Add in new initiatives or behaviour pushes from the SLT, and suddenly evenings and weekends are swallowed up.
  
  
• The pupil wobble: Children start the year with enthusiasm, but by mid-October the novelty wears off. You may notice more low-level behaviour, friendship drama, or pupils testing boundaries. All of which demand extra energy.
  
  
• Seasonal factors: The nights draw in, the mornings get darker, and we’re all battling colder classrooms. Without the boost of summer sunlight, fatigue creeps in quicker.

How to Survive the Slump

The good news? There are simple, realistic strategies that can help:

1. Stick to your routines – Consistency is your best friend. It reassures pupils and saves you energy making constant decisions.
   
   
2. Lean on visual supports – Behaviour charts, reward systems, and recognition tools cut down on repetition and help pupils stay motivated without you constantly having to prompt.
   
   
3. Celebrate small wins – That quiet pupil who finally put their hand up, the class lining up calmly, the homework completed on time. Recognising these keeps morale high for you and them.
   
   
4. Give yourself grace – Not every lesson has to be Pinterest-worthy. Sometimes a ready-to-go resource is exactly what you need to get through a Wednesday afternoon.
   
   
5. Look ahead – Half term is in sight. Plan one small treat (for you, not just the pupils!) to look forward to — it makes those final weeks feel more manageable.

Final Thought

October feels heavy because you’ve already given so much of yourself in those first few weeks. But remember: the routines you’ve worked so hard to establish now will pay off all year long. You’re not doing it wrong — it really is just the toughest stretch. And with a few small shifts, you can make it through calmer, steadier, and ready to enjoy that well-earned break.