The Power of the Pause
- Tracey McAllister
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
In the fast-paced rhythm of a school day, it’s easy to fill every moment with words, instructions and activities. But sometimes, the most powerful thing a teacher can do is pause.
A pause is not a sign of inaction—it’s one of the most intentional tools we have to support learning, build relationships, and create calm, responsive classrooms.
Pausing Creates Space to Think
Students often need more processing time than we assume. A few seconds of silence after a question or instruction can:
Help students process information
Give time to form thoughtful responses
Reduce anxiety about being 'on the spot'
Improve the quality of answers
Pausing Supports Regulation—For Everyone
Pausing helps teachers self-regulate in moments of challenge—escalating behaviour, off-task chatter, or frustration. Taking a breath before responding allows for calm, considered communication and models self-control for students.
Pausing Builds Connection
A pause can quietly communicate, I see you. I’m listening. You Matter. Whether it's after a question, a personal share, or a reflective task, silence can show respect and make space for student voices.
The Strategic Pause in Practice
Here are some simple yet powerful ways to embed pauses into your teaching practice:
Wait Time: Count to five after asking a question
Visual Signals: Use gestures or countdowns to cue transition or silence
Breathing Breaks: Take 30 seconds to re-centre the class
Reflective Moments: Build in quiet after videos, readings, or tasks
Pause Before Responding: Brief silence can de-escalate and redirect
The Power of the Pause for Neurodiverse Learners
For neurodiverse students, classrooms can be overwhelming. Pausing helps reduce cognitive load and anxiety by:
Providing extra time to process instructions or social cues
Modelling self-regulation and mindfulness
Making space for clarifying questions and support
These small pauses promote inclusion and make learning more accessible.
Stillness Has Power
In a world that values constant motion, the pause is often overlooked. But in teaching, stillness is where thinking deepens, emotions settle, and connections strengthen.
By embracing the pause, we model mindfulness, patience, and presence—the very qualities we hope to nurture in our students.
Sometimes, it’s the quiet spaces that speak the loudest—so next time you’re tempted to fill the silence, pause. That still moment might be exactly what you and your students need.
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