School Behaviour Secrets with Simon Currigan and Emma Shackleton The January Reset: How To Use The Fresh Start Effect To Transform Classroom Behaviour
Dec 15, 2025
January offers a unique opportunity for behavior resets in the classroom. Discover how the Fresh Start Effect can help rebuild relationships and motivate students with a sense of confidence. Learn to create whole-class resolutions that shift identity, and embrace symbolic activities to help individuals let go of past mistakes. Tips on re-establishing adult-pupil dynamics and reducing sensory overload are also shared. This insightful discussion equips teachers to start the term with a calmer, more connected environment for all.
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Fresh Start Effect Powers January Resets
- January combines several psychological triggers that make behaviour change more likely due to the Fresh Start Effect.
- Pupils feel open to change after calendar and term landmarks, so January is a powerful reset moment.
January Beats September For Resetting
- January often works better than September because expectations and routines are already known.
- Resetting in January tightens slips rather than teaching from scratch, so pupils resist change less.
Set A Whole-Class New Year Resolution
- Prime the class in December and introduce a specific whole-class New Year resolution before term starts.
- Link the resolution to a visible identity statement and reinforce it daily during week one.