Reduce the Cognitive Load

**Problem**

When teachers give long verbal instructions, pupils’ working memory quickly overloads. Result: constant “What do we do next?” questions.

**Strategy: The Three-Box Method**

- Step 1: Write no more than three instructions on the board.

- Step 2: Demonstrate the first step clearly.

- Step 3: Check understanding, then release pupils to start.

**Tip**

Use the same action verbs each time (“Read → Highlight → Share”). Familiar wording reduces cognitive load.

**Impact**

- Fewer clarifying questions

- Quicker lesson starts

- More time spent on the actual task

**Try it tomorrow:**

Before your next lesson, plan your task in three steps and rehearse how you’ll phrase each one.