Form time is a critical component of the school day. When used effectively, these 15-20 minutes can set the tone for students’ learning, foster a sense of community, and provide opportunities for personal and academic development. However, without a clear structure or purpose, form time can easily become a wasted opportunity. Establishing a well-planned routine not only benefits students but also supports teachers in managing their responsibilities efficiently. Sites like Hectic Teacher have lots of good ideas to get you started.
A strong form-time routine provides consistency, which is particularly important for young people navigating the complexities of school life. It offers a predictable start to the day, helping students transition from home to the classroom environment. This is especially valuable for those who may arrive feeling disorganised or anxious. A structured routine also reinforces key skills such as time management, organisation, and self-reflection, which are essential for academic success and personal growth.
To make the most of this time, it is important to strike a balance between administrative tasks, pastoral care, and activities that engage students intellectually and socially. Below are some practical ideas and resources to help teachers plan and organise their form-time activities effectively.
Begin with a brief check-in to gauge how students are feeling. This can be as simple as a quick verbal update or a more structured activity, such as a wellbeing survey or mood board. Resources like the Anna Freud Centre’s toolkit provide excellent materials for promoting mental health and emotional resilience.
Use this time to help students organise their day. Encourage them to review their timetables, pack necessary materials, and note deadlines. Templates for planners or to-do lists, such as those available on Twinkl, can be useful tools.
Incorporate a short discussion on a current news topic to broaden students’ awareness of the world. Websites like The Day offer age-appropriate news articles and discussion prompts designed for educational settings. I use CBBC newsround each Wednesday which has a mixture of current affairs, environmental news, happy news and 'strange' news! For a fun current affairs quiz (with a British bias!), check out the free weekly quiz on Tes put together by Simon Conway - it's a fantastic weekly resource. I tend do do this each Tuesday.
Short, focused activities can reinforce core skills. For literacy, consider quick reading comprehension exercises or vocabulary-building games. For numeracy, try mental maths challenges or puzzles. Websites like Literacy Shed and NRICH provide a wealth of free resources. I also tend to project the 'Form Time Ideas' webpage, which has a lot of fun information like 'thought of the day', 'word of the day', 'joke of the day', brainteasers, mental math, famous quotes, discussion question of the day, flag and capital questions etc - really great to just put up there as they're coming in - instantly engages them!
Encourage students to reflect on their progress and set achievable goals. This could be done weekly, with students recording their thoughts in a journal or digital platform. Templates for SMART goals can be found on Tes Resources.
Form time is an ideal opportunity to strengthen relationships within the group. Activities such as icebreakers, debates, or collaborative problem-solving tasks can foster a sense of belonging and improve communication skills. Platforms like Classroom Secrets offer a range of team-based activities.
Incorporate short mindfulness exercises to help students centre themselves before the day begins. Apps like Headspace or free YouTube channels such as Cosmic Kids Yoga provide guided sessions suitable for young people. I also like to reserve Thursday mornings for quiet reading time - just make sure you grab a book and do it yourself to lead by example!
Dedicate time to recognise and celebrate students’ achievements, both academic and personal. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces positive behaviour and effort.
By integrating these elements into a structured routine, form time can become a valuable and enriching part of the school day. It is not about cramming in as much as possible but rather about creating a purposeful and supportive environment that prepares students for the challenges ahead. With careful planning and the right resources, we can transform these 15-20 minutes into a meaningful and impactful experience for our students.
