How to get my class to focus better and improve behaviour !! 5 Tips
The more involved & engaged children are in the lesson, the less behaviour you’ll need to manage. It may feel like you have the best control when they’re sat still listening (and of course there’s a place for that), but the less time spent sitting, the more impactful that listening time becomes.
Here’s 5 ways to help your class focus & fix behaviour:
Tip 1- Use movement in the classroom
Instead of hands up — get them moving:
• Stand up to answer.
• Move to one side of the room for yes/no or different answers.
• Even small movement activates the brain’s focus systems — huge for ADHD & sensory kids.
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Tip 2- Gamify the lesson
Instant motivation & dopamine hits (think like video games):
• Teams vs teams.
• Timed challenges.
• Escape room style.
• Pictionary or charades quizzes.
• Earn coins or points to unlock prizes or levels.
• Friendly competition keeps energy up.
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Tip 3 – Make learning real & relevant
• Use discussions, debates & real-life stories.
• Show them why it matters: budgeting, planning, designing.
• When it feels useful, children are more motivated.
• As they get older they are very aware they can find answers on the internet or with AI so retaining facts can feel pointless. Prepare them for the world they are growing up in.
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Tip 4- Short brain breaks between (or during) lessons
• 2–5 min resets help refocus attention.
• Movement = dopamine = better focus & regulation (especially for ADHD).
Check out the link below for our brain breaks & mental wellbeing platform designed for schools. Perfect use of school sports premium or SENCO budget
Tip 5 – Active group tasks & hands-on learning
• Rotate between stations.
• Bring in companies like A-life that offer proper audio, visual & hands-on sessions — not just “talk at kids” assemblies.
Neurodiverse children don’t necessarily need more discipline — they need better engagement. Small changes = big results (for them AND your daily stress levels).