The Learning Pit, Formative Assessment

This resource includes:

Teacher Background Information explaining why it is important to teach children that learning is not always easy, and that challenge, perseverance, and resilience are natural parts of the learning process.
Teacher Guide with the learning purpose, formative assessment connections, learning intentions, success criteria, and practical teaching guidance for each lesson.
Two Step-by-Step Lesson Plans introducing The Learning Pit and helping students recognise that everyone experiences challenges while learning. Students explore practical strategies that help them keep learning when tasks become difficult.
The Learning Pit Classroom Poster to display as a visual reminder that learning often involves challenge before understanding.
Interactive Group Activity where students work collaboratively with scenario cards to identify different stages of the Learning Pit and discuss how learners think, feel, and respond during challenging learning experiences.
Learning Toolbox Activity encouraging students to identify and personalise the strategies that help them persevere when learning becomes difficult.
Student Self-Reflection Opportunities throughout both lessons to promote metacognition, resilience, and ownership of learning.
Family Letter explaining the Learning Pit and providing practical conversation prompts that help families reinforce resilience, perseverance, and positive learning habits at home.
Learning focus

Through engaging discussions, collaborative activities, and personal reflection, students learn that struggle is an expected part of learning rather than a sign of failure. They develop confidence in recognising when they are “in the Learning Pit” and learn practical strategies for continuing to make progress. The resource strengthens resilience, self-regulation, growth mindset, and independent learning while supporting a positive classroom culture built on formative assessment.