Resource readiness (remove dead time)
Aim (what it achieves)
Reduce transition chaos by ensuring resources and instructions are ready before students move.
When to use
Before practical work, transitions, or lesson starts—especially with lively classes.
How to use (steps)
Teacher language (examples)
“When I say go, one person per row collects…”
Top tips (makes it work)
Practise the distribution routine once; keep it identical each time.
Common pitfalls
Handing out while talking; unclear roles; letting students wander to collect items.
SEND/PP considerations
Dead time is a common trigger for SEND/PP dysregulation. Keep transitions structured and short.
Useful for these SEND needs
Relevant SEND Needs
Why this strategy helps
- Builds predictable routines before disruption.
- Reduces cognitive load and supports completion.
- Supports regulation and relational safety.
Universal SEND-friendly: Yes
SEND-targeted: No
Tags
Vulnerability
May be especially relevant for:
Sources
Used in
Common Behaviour Issues (Behaviour Hub)
- Proactively Prevent Chatting during independent work
- Proactively Prevent Off-task / fiddling / low-level distraction
- Proactively Prevent Slow starts / dawdling transitions
- Proactively Prevent Disorganisation / missing equipment / dead time
Related strategies
Consistent lesson structure (predictable phases)
Reduce anxiety and friction by making the lesson flow predictable.
Clarity-first instructions (one step at a time)
Prevent ‘instruction failure’ turning into behaviour problems.
Pre-correct the ‘risky moment’
Prevent known problems by reminding expectations just before the trigger.
Positive attention to best conduct (set the norm)
Shift class attention towards expected behaviour without lecturing.
Teach an attention routine (signal → silence → eyes on speaker)
Create a fast, predictable way to secure attention without repeated verbal reminders.
Dual-code key instructions (say it + show it)
Reduce ‘instruction failure’ by supporting memory and processing for all students.