International schools: why Busy Things is a must-have teaching resource
International schools and the classrooms within them are rich, diverse and dynamic. Pupils arrive with different languages and experiences, and teachers are supporting a wide range of learning needs. What they need are tools that are flexible, engaging and genuinely supportive for both teaching and learning.
Busy Things is used in over 4,000 schools worldwide, including a growing number of international settings.
At a glance: why Busy Things works internationally
- Engaging, quality, child-centred learning resources pupils love
- Flexible across curricula and teaching approaches
- Encourages independent, curiosity-led learning
- Effective in mixed-ability classrooms
- Builds digital confidence
- Supports multilingual and EAL learners
- Safe, child-friendly environment
- Saves valuable teacher time
Below, we explore how Busy Things supports the day-to-day realities of international teaching:-
1. Engaging, quality, child-centred content
Busy Things’ motto is “Teach, Laugh, Learn” and fun, play-based learning is at its heart. Teachers often see high levels of engagement, with pupils motivated by the characters, humour and interactive approach. They love the characters and the humour, and teachers often report that their pupils are learning without really realising it.
Engagement matters, especially in diverse classrooms. Busy Things combines learning with play through:
- interactive games and challenges
- creative tools for art, music and design
- problem-solving and logic activities
- opportunities for open-ended exploration
This variety keeps learning fresh and supports different learning styles.
2. Flexible across curricula and learning approaches
Whether you’re teaching IB PYP, a British curriculum, or taking a blended approach, Busy Things fits around your planning.
Our search feature is designed around keywords, allowing you to:
- support key skills in maths, English and science
- enhance thematic or transdisciplinary units
- provide meaningful practice
This makes it quick and intuitive to find the right activity, even when teaching across multiple subjects or topics.
3. Encourages independent, curiosity-led learning
Busy Things is designed to be explored. Its interactive activities encourage pupils to experiment, make choices and try again, helping to develop:
- independence
- problem-solving skills
- persistence
- curiosity
Busy Things works particularly well in enquiry-based environments such as IB PYP. Activities can be used as:
- lesson starters
- independent exploration
- consolidation or reflection activities
The ‘Related activities’ feature makes it easy to extend learning and build connections across subjects.
4. Ideal for mixed-ability classrooms
International classrooms often include a wide range of abilities and prior experiences.
Busy Things supports this with:
- Pins and assignment tools, enabling teachers to select the correct level of activity for each pupil
- adjustable activity settings, allowing the content to be tailored to the child
- open-ended activities with multiple outcomes
- opportunities for repetition and consolidation
What’s more, it can be used for whole-class, group and independent work, across a range of devices.
Pupils can engage at their own level and pace, making it easier to support both those who need more practice and those ready for greater challenge.
5. Builds digital confidence
Busy Things helps pupils develop essential digital skills in a structured, age-appropriate way. Through regular use, children learn to:
- navigate digital environments
- use creative tools
- follow sequences and instructions
- explore early coding and logical thinking
These experiences support the development of digital fluency and confidence for the future.
6. Supports multilingual and EAL learners
For many international schools, English is not every pupil’s first language. Busy Things helps children access learning confidently through:
- clear visual cues and intuitive design
- simple, accessible instructions
- vocabulary embedded naturally through built-in glossary and vocabulary areas
- opportunities to practise listening, reading and responding
- inclusive, globally accessible scenarios
Because pupils can often understand how to interact with activities without relying heavily on text, they are able to build confidence and develop language skills naturally.
7. Safe and accessible for independent use
Safeguarding is a priority in every school. Busy Things provides a closed, ad-free environment where pupils can explore safely and independently.
Its consistent, child-friendly design means even younger learners can quickly feel confident using the platform. For extra reassurance, teachers can limit what pupils access on their welcome screens, reducing distractions. Similarly, there is functionality for them to limit children to specific areas to encourage them to remain on task.
8. Saves teachers time
With busy schedules and varied learner needs, efficiency matters. Busy Things supports teachers by offering:
- easy login formats
- simple search
- one-click access via Pins and Assignments
- ready-to-use, adaptable activities
- planning tools
- automated marking
This allows teachers to spend less time preparing resources and more time supporting learning.
Here’s what teachers from international schools say
But don’t just take our word for it. Busy Things is used in over 4,000 schools worldwide, including many well-established international schools.
“I have used Busy Things throughout my international career for more than 10 years! It’s innovative and creative and allows for students to learn through play. More importantly, the kids love it! I would be lost without Busy Things!”
Dawn Lillywhite, Lumio Private School, Cyprus
Try Busy Things in your school
The best way to see the impact of Busy Things in your own setting is to explore it with your pupils. Start your free 28-day trial and see how Busy Things can support curiosity, creativity and confident English learning in your international classroom. If you’d like a guided tour alongside the trial, we offer webinars via Teams, which are bookable here.