The Unteachables Podcast #151: What to do when your class is bringing the 'checked out, apathetic, can't be bothered' vibes at the end of the year
We’ve officially entered the end-of-year zone... You know, the part where students are either bouncing off the walls or slumping over their desks like they’ve pulled three all-nighters in a row. And let’s be honest, we’re right there with them.
In this week’s episode, I’m unpacking a common (and deeply exhausting) classroom vibe: student apathy. That “ugh, why are we even here?” energy that rolls in hard during December. Whether your students are dragging their feet into class, doing the bare minimum (if anything), or slurping down Red Bulls the size of their heads — I’ve got you.
We’ll chat about:
- Why apathetic behaviours spike at the end of the year (spoiler: it’s not just because they’re lazy)
- How arousal states impact student engagement
- And most importantly? Some super practical strategies to upregulate energy in a way that doesn’t leave you more drained than they are.
What you’ll learn:
- Why students are checked out in Term 4 (and why it’s NOT a reflection of your teaching)
- The difference between low, optimal, and high arousal states — and how to use them
- My favourite “shake it up” tricks for getting student energy back
- Fun, fast ways to use novelty, movement, and talk-time to re-engage your class
- How to maintain routines without making things boring
- How your energy sets the tone — and what to do when you’re the one running on fumes
Resources + Mentions:
- 🎁 Free Whole-Class Games! Grab them here
- 🎉 Brain Break Bundle!Grab it here
- 🧠 The Regulation Rooms Resource (exclusive to Behaviour Club members): Not for sale yet, but might be soon!
Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!
RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:
- Shop all resources
- Join The Behaviour Club
- My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management
- The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp
- Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
Connect with me:
- Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
- Check out my website