Match the activities to the level of your pupils
Every class is full of unique learners, each with their own strengths and abilities. So, when it comes to setting work, one size definitely does not fit all. If the tasks you give are too easy or too hard, it can quickly lead to boredom or frustration - and that’s the last thing you want when trying to keep pupils focused and engaged.
A simple but effective way to tackle this is to prepare a couple of versions of the same activity: one easier and one more challenging. For example, if you’re teaching multiplication, you could create two worksheets - one with single-digit numbers and another with bigger, trickier sums. Letting pupils choose which suits them gives them a sense of control and makes sure they’re working at the right level to stay interested and motivated.
Take regular brain breaks
Did you know that a typical 5-year-old can only concentrate for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time? By the time children reach age 11, their attention span might stretch to around 25 minutes at most. Given this, it’s really important to build short, purposeful brain breaks into your lessons to help pupils recharge and refocus.
After roughly 20 minutes of focused work, try pausing for a couple of minutes to get your class moving. This could be something simple and fun like running on the spot, jumping up and down, or even singing a quick, energetic song together. These short bursts of physical activity help increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can boost concentration and mental clarity. When your pupils return to their work, they’re often better able to focus, absorb information, and think creatively.
Praise effort, not just talent
We’ve mentioned this a few times across our blogs because it’s such an important point: while it’s great to celebrate when pupils get the right answer, what really helps them stay motivated is knowing that the hard work they put in is noticed and appreciated. Praising effort - even when they don’t get everything perfect - shows pupils that trying their best is what really counts.
When you acknowledge their effort, it sends a message that progress and persistence matter more than just being naturally good at something. This encourages pupils to keep going, even if they find a task tricky or if they make mistakes along the way. It helps build their confidence so they feel comfortable taking on challenges and learning from them.
Try to catch moments when students are really trying hard - even if the answer isn’t quite right yet - and praise that. Simple phrases like “I can see you’re really working hard on this,” or “I’m proud of how much effort you’re putting in” can make a big difference. This kind of positive feedback helps pupils develop a growth mindset, where they understand that skills and understanding can improve with practice.
Making learning personal with personalised exercise books
At EPSL, we know that having the right resources can really change the classroom experience for both teachers and pupils. That’s why we offer a wide selection of personalised exercise books and learning materials that you can tailor to fit the unique needs of your pupils.
Our exercise books come in lots of different sizes, colours, and ruling styles, so you can pick exactly what works best for your classroom. What makes them extra special is that they can be customised with your school’s logo, details, or even individual pupil names. This personal touch isn’t just about making things look nice - it actually helps pupils feel more connected and responsible for their own learning. Research shows that when children feel a sense of ownership over their materials, they tend to be more motivated, focused, and ready to engage.
What’s more, personalised books aren’t one-size-fits-all. They can be tailored to suit different learning needs, which means teachers can more easily provide resources that work for every pupil. Whether that means bigger print for those who need it or special layouts that help pupils stay organised, these customised tools make it easier for everyone to participate and succeed.
We understand how important it is to get these resources quickly and reliably, which is why, at EPSL, we pride ourselves on fast turnaround times and excellent customer service. If you want to see our full range of personalised exercise books, homework diaries, reading records, and more, just give us a call on 01254 686 500. We’re here to help you make your classroom run smoothly and support your pupils’ learning every step of the way!
