There's nothing quite like the start of a new school year. New classes, new routines, new faces — and, for a few short weeks, that brilliant window where anything feels possible. As a school leader or teacher, how you use those first few weeks often shapes the tone for everything that follows.
That's exactly why I always encourage teachers to bring active learning into their classrooms from day one. It's not just a nice add-on for a wet Friday afternoon — it's one of the most effective tools you have for building the kind of classroom culture that lasts all year.
Why September is the perfect time for Active Learning
New classes need time to settle, bond, and understand what's expected of them. Active learning does a huge amount of that heavy lifting without ever feeling like "classroom management."
Movement-based games get children up, moving, and working together in low-pressure ways — brilliant for helping a new class learn each other's names, build trust, and start forming friendships. They also give you, as the teacher, an early read on your class: who leads, who hangs back, who needs more encouragement to join in.
There's the academic case too. Active learning has been shown to improve focus, retention, and engagement — exactly what you need when you're introducing new routines and expectations. And after the summer break, a bit of movement goes a long way toward shaking off the wobbles and getting bodies and brains ready to learn again.
My top tips for getting started with Active Learning
If you're new to active learning, or just want to make it stick this year, here's where I'd start:
1. Start small and low-stakes. You don't need a fully active lesson to get the benefits. A five-minute active starter or a movement break between subjects is enough to see a difference in focus and energy.
2. Use it to learn names and build community. The first two weeks are the ideal time for active games that get children interacting — think simple team challenges or partner activities rather than anything competitive or high-pressure.
3. Pick activities that double up on curriculum content. Some of the best active learning lessons quietly cover maths, literacy, or topic content while children are moving. It doesn't have to be "PE time" to count as active learning.
4. Don't worry about equipment or space. Some of the most effective active lessons need nothing more than a cleared bit of classroom floor. Save the more elaborate setups for once your class is settled.
5. Build it into transitions, not just lessons. Active learning doesn't need its own timetable slot. Use short bursts between lessons to reset energy and attention — it makes a real difference to how the rest of the lesson goes.
6. Keep a few "go-to" activities in your back pocket. Having two or three simple, reliable active games you know well means you can drop them in whenever you need them, without extra planning.
Active learning isn't about doing more — it's about doing what you're already doing, just with more movement, more engagement, and more fun built in. Start with one or two of these tips this September and you'll likely notice the difference within the first few weeks.
Ready to Get Started?
New to Teach Active?
Try our free Active Learning Pack and see for yourself how easy it is to bring movement into your classroom this term.
Already a Teach Active school?
Kick off the new term with our Back to School Active Ice Breakers — perfect for settling new classes and building connections in those first few weeks.
Here's to a brilliant, active start to the new school year.