Keeping the Spark: Sustaining Literacy Momentum Through the Colder Months

It isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about staying connected

The first half of the autumn term often starts with big ideas, fresh displays and a real sense of purpose. By November, the nights are darker, the to-do lists feel longer and the coffee stronger. Staff are tired, pupils are restless and those bright September plans can start to feel a little distant.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The second half of the autumn term can be one of the hardest stretches in the school year — but it can also be a powerful time to regroup, refocus and keep your literacy priorities moving forward.

The ideas below aren’t anything new or groundbreaking — but sometimes the most useful advice is simply a reminder of what works. Think of these as gentle prompts to help you find your footing again when things feel a little foggy or you’ve lost sight of the bigger picture.

Here are some practical, manageable ways to keep motivation (and morale) high when energy is running low.

1. Revisit the “Why”

Yes. That word again. When the term feels heavy, go back to purpose. Remind your team why your literacy focus matters — for pupils, for staff and for your wider school vision.

A short discussion in a staff meeting, a quick success story in the newsletter or even a pupil quote about their love of a book can reignite that sense of shared mission. Little reminders of impact go a long way when everyone’s running on empty.

2. Celebrate Small Wins

It’s easy to focus on what’s not yet done but recognition fuels motivation. Highlight progress — however small — whether it’s a new book corner, improved reading fluency or a teacher who’s tried a new vocabulary routine.

Celebrate in briefings, display boards or staff shout-outs. When people feel seen, they stay connected to the bigger goal.

3. Keep It Simple and Consistent

Now isn’t the time to launch new initiatives. Instead, focus on consistency over complexity. Revisit what’s already in place and help staff embed it well.

A simple reminder sheet, model lesson examples, or quick follow-up coaching sessions can help teachers feel supported rather than stretched. Remember: it’s better to do a few things really well than to juggle too many plates.

4. Bring Literacy Into the Everyday

Find low-effort, high-impact ways to keep literacy visible.

• Share a “Book of the Week” in assemblies.

• Drop a short reading challenge.

• Encourage teachers to highlight new vocabulary in their subjects.

Small, regular touches remind pupils and staff that literacy isn’t a one-off project — it’s woven through everything you do.

5. Listen to Staff and Pupil Voice

When motivation dips, listening can be just as powerful as leading. Take time to gather quick feedback from both staff and pupils.

Ask teachers what’s helping and what feels heavy — their insights can guide realistic adjustments to your plan. Equally, ask pupils about their reading habits, favourite lessons or what helps them enjoy writing. A short survey, a focus group or even informal corridor conversations can provide invaluable perspective.

Using this feedback not only helps you reflect and adapt your approach but also builds trust and ownership. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

6. Protect Time for Joy

Among deadlines and data, it’s easy to lose sight of what drew us to literacy in the first place: a love of words, stories and connection and the impact these can have on the pupils we teach. Create moments to reignite that spark — a festive staff book swap, a shared read-aloud in assembly or even a short poem of the day.

A few minutes of joy can reset the tone of a whole day.

7. Reflect, Don’t Rework

This is a great point in the year to pause and check in on your action plan. What’s working well? What needs a tweak? Use this time to reflect rather than rewrite. Adjust milestones if needed — it’s not a setback, it’s good leadership.

Final Thoughts

Keeping momentum in the second half of the autumn term isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about staying connected to purpose, celebrating progress and making space for reflection.

By protecting what matters most and maintaining a sense of collective energy, you’ll set your literacy strategy up not just for survival but for success as you head into spring.

At Empowerment Consultancy, sustainability is one of our core values — and this time of year, it matters more than ever. We help schools sustain meaningful literacy progress all year round, supporting leaders to balance ambition with wellbeing and practicality.

If your team could use a fresh boost of clarity and motivation this term, get in touch with Empowerment Consultancy. Together, we’ll keep your literacy goals alive — steady, sustainable and full of purpose — even on the darkest days of the year.