Teacher Tips for a Successful Return After Half Term

Welcome Back!

Half Term is a much-needed time to rest, recharge, and reflect. But as you return to the classroom, it can be tricky to regain momentum and stay organised – especially with students who are just as full of energy as ever!

At Prospero Teaching, we’re here to support you. Whether you’re looking for smart lesson planning tips, ways to manage behaviour post-break, or thinking about your next teaching job, we’ve gathered expert advice to help you feel confident for the rest of term.

Lesson Planning Tips to Save Time & Boost Impact

Returning from a break is the perfect time to streamline your lesson planning and create a roadmap for the weeks ahead.

• Plan by the week: Break your curriculum into weekly themes or goals to stay focused and flexible.

• Recycle and refine: Reuse your most successful past lessons and tweak them for your current class needs.

• Use trusted platforms: Resources like Twinkl, Oak National Academy, and PlanBee can help you save hours of prep time.

Time Management Tips for Teachers

Time can slip away quickly in the classroom. Here’s how to stay on top of your workload:

• Time-block your week: Allocate specific blocks for marking, planning, and admin to avoid multitasking chaos.

• Set your top three priorities: Each week, list the three biggest tasks that will have the most impact.

• Protect your wellbeing: Whether it’s a walk, a cup of tea, or a quiet half-hour, schedule time for yourself too.

Resetting Classroom Behaviour After the Break

Students often return from Half Term full of energy – which can sometimes lead to disrupted routines and unexpected challenges. This makes it the perfect time to re-establish classroom expectations and create a consistent, supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

To help you feel confident and in control, we recommend our tailored Positive Behaviour Management courses from Prospero Learning:

• For Teachers – Develop proven strategies to manage behaviour positively and proactively.

• For Supply Teachers – Learn how to quickly build rapport and maintain control in new classrooms.

• For Teaching Assistants – Gain practical tools to support lead teachers and encourage positive pupil engagement.

• For Tutors – Learn to handle behaviour effectively in one-to-one and small group settings.

Whatever your role, these flexible online courses are designed to empower you with the tools to manage classroom behaviour calmly, confidently, and positively—setting the tone for a successful second half of term.