The Unteachables Podcast

The task strategy that will change your classroom (even if you’re running on fumes)Ever feel like the second you set your students off on a task, it’s like you’ve got to split into ten different versions of yourself?In this episode, I’m walking you through one of my favourite practical strategies of all time — the humble task card — and showing you exactly how this simple tool can reduce overwhelm, cut through the chaos, and stop the constant chorus of “Miss, what are we doing again?”This episode is giving you a front-row seat to:The most overstimulating part of teaching (and how to fix it)Why instructions alone aren’t enough (and what to do instead)How a tiny piece of paper can help your students self-regulate, stay on task, and stop relying on you for every single stepThe exact elements to include on a task card that actually works (no Pinterest fluff here)So if you're tired of repeating yourself on loop and want to feel like the calm, credible leader of your room again, this one’s for you.What You’ll Learn:The real reason students disengage once a task starts (and why it’s not always behaviour)Why clear instructions are not enoughHow task cards increase engagement, autonomy, and differentiation without extra work6 things to include on every task card to make your lesson run smootherHow this tiny shift can give you your energy (and sanity) backHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!👉 JOIN THE $1 KICKSTART! Click for more info and to jump in!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

Join the Kickstart: https://www.the-unteachables.com/kickstartIf your lessons feel like a sprint uphill from the very first bell... kids trickling in, backpacks still on, everyone chatting while you’re already repeating yourself, then friend, you don’t have an entry routine problem. You have an entry routine opportunity.This is part two of the Behaviour Club Kickstart, and today we’re talking entry routines! Specifically, the simple but mighty tool: Learning Maps.Think of Learning Maps like Google Maps for your lesson: they show students exactly where they’re headed, how they’ll get there, and why it matters. And the magic? They’re not just a “best practice” teaching tool, they’re also low-level behaviour kryptonite.I’ll walk you through:Why a shaky start sets the tone for a chaotic lesson (and how to fix it)How Learning Maps calm student anxiety and cut down disruptionWhat to include so they actually work in the real world—not just on paperHow to use them as part of your entry routine without adding extra work to your plateIt’s never just about the behaviour, it’s every dang thing we do in our classroom!What you’ll learn in this episode:Why entry routines are your first (and best) line of defence against disruptionThe three superpowers of Learning Maps for behaviour and engagementExactly what to include in a Learning Map so it’s clear, consistent, and student-friendlyHow to embed Learning Maps into every lesson, no matter your schedule or classroom setupWays to keep students returning to the Learning Map throughout the lesson to boost clarity and buy-inHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!👉 JOIN THE $1 KICKSTART! Click for more info and to jump in!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

Why Your Presence Might Be Undermining Your Classroom Management (And How to Fix It)Ever felt like you're being too nice... or not taken seriously enough in your classroom?Like you're walking a tightrope between being warm and relatable and being respected as the leader of the room?Whew—yeah. Been there. That’s exactly what today’s episode is all about.We're kicking off the Behaviour Club Kickstart with Day 1: PRESENCE—because how we show up in our classrooms (literally, physically) impacts everything from student engagement to classroom climate. And trust me, the shifts we can make here are subtle but mighty.In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the biggest lightbulb moments I ever had about classroom management—when I realised I wasn’t being taken seriously by my “easy” class… and it had everything to do with my nonverbal presence.Here’s what we’re covering:The two teacher personas you're constantly switching between (and probably don’t even realise it)Why being "approachable" isn't always helping your classroom calmWhat “credible” non-verbal communication actually looks like (without being cold, robotic, or mean)How I accidentally nailed behaviour management with a “tricky” class… and totally flopped with my high flyersWhat to tweak immediately to lead with more calm, grounded authority (yes, even if you’re still finding your feet)If you want the visuals, templates, and reflection prompts that go with this episode, make sure you’re signed up for the Behaviour Club Kickstart. It's just $1 and includes all five sessions + a super practical kickstart booklet to help you embed the work in your day-to-day.🎟 Join the Kickstart here: https://www.the-unteachables.com/kickstartWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:The difference between credible and approachable teacher presenceHow your body language might be unintentionally inviting misbehaviourWhere I went wrong with my year 10 class (and how I fixed it)Practical strategies to switch from “friendly chaos” to “calm credibility”The quickest way to reset your presence mid-lessonResources Mentioned:The Behaviour Club Kickstart → https://www.the-unteachables.com/kickstartMichael Grinder’s ENVoY (Educational Non-Verbal YardsticksHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!👉 JOIN THE $1 KICKSTART! Click for more info and to jump in!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

Discover how to truly define bullying with a focus on power imbalance and intent to harm. Learn the difference between conflict, meanness, and bullying, which often confuses kids. Hear personal stories that highlight the importance of empathy in addressing this issue. Explore effective strategies like the 'High Five' technique to empower students to respond safely. This engaging discussion offers practical tools that can be applied year-round, fostering understanding and compassion in the classroom.

What’s actually happening when your student flips their lid? And more importantly… what should you be doing when it happens?HEAD TO THE BLOG HERE FOR VISUALS + MORE 😁In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most game-changing concepts I've learned about behaviour and brain science: flipping your lid. You’ll hear me break down Dr. Dan Siegel’s hand model of the brain in all its gloriously awkward podcast-visual-form, but also how this little model changed everything about the way I responded to students in the middle of a meltdown.Spoiler: trying to reason with a flipped-lid teenager is like handing them a trig worksheet in the middle of a panic attack. Not helpful. Probably going to make things worse.We’re talking about:What actually happens in the brain when students dysregulateWhy calm-down demands and consequences don’t work in those momentsHow this one model can change the way you respond (and how students see themselves)How to teach this concept to your students, even if you’re not a science-y personIt’s simple, powerful, and honestly... kind of magic when it clicks. Let’s roll the tape.What you’ll learn:Why traditional responses to dysregulation often escalate the situationWhat “flipping your lid” means, and why it explains so much about student behaviourHow to teach students what’s happening in their own brains (without the shame)Ways to embed the hand model of the brain into your class cultureWhat it looks like to lead with emotional safety first - not complianceHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!👉 JOIN THE $1 KICKSTART! Click for more info and to jump in!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

Back to school?! Whaaaaaaat?!If your first thought seeing this episode pop up was “Claire, I am still sipping margaritas and pretending I’ve never even heard of a seating plan,” I get it. 😅But if you are gearing up for the next school year or term, this episode’s for you.I’m giving you a front seat to my no-BS, non-negotiables for the first week back.Not the Pinterest fluff. Not the cheesy icebreaker where you have to use an adjective that starts with your name (I can feel the eye-rolls already). I’m talking about real, actionable, upper-primary and secondary-friendly stuff that actually builds buy-in, community, and clear expectations from the jump.This is the stuff that’ll have your students heading home thinking:"Okay. I know where I sit. I know where I stand. And I think this year might actually be pretty good.”Let’s roll the tape.What you’ll learn:Why I don’t start the year with expectations (and what I do instead)The underrated power of seating plans (nope, not in a controlling way!)My go-to “getting to know you” activities that actually work for older studentsThe structure I follow across my first 3 lessons—exactly what I teach, when, and whyHow I sneak SEL, regulation, and wellbeing into the mix without it feeling like another PD scriptWhat makes student expectations actually stick (hint: it’s about buy-in, not behaviour charts)Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!👉 JOIN THE $1 KICKSTART! Click for more info and to jump in!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

TW: Mention of self-harm and suicideEver left school feeling completely wrung out, wondering if you’re even cut out for this job?Same. And in this episode, I’m opening the curtain on one of the most raw, real reflections I’ve ever shared—because I know I’m not the only one who’s felt that way.This one’s a mix of real talk, sobering stats, and a whole lotta love for you and the incredible, emotional, life-changing work you do every single day.I’m giving you a front seat to the moment I sat in a seminar sobbing into my notebook, while simultaneously remembering why I started The Unteachables in the first place. The mental health stats? They’re scary. But they also confirmed something I’ve always known in my bones:Teaching is the hardest job in the world. And it’s also the most important.I’m also finally sharing something I’ve never opened up about publicly before: the burnout, the breakdown, the toxic school environment that almost broke me, and why I had to take stress leave even when I felt too guilty to go.But more importantly, I’m walking you through WHY this matters for you and how the “tiny” choices you make—moment to moment—can literally change a student’s brain.Let’s roll the tape.What you'll hear:The statistics that will stop you in your tracks—and how it impacts every classroomWhy 47% of Aussie teachers consider quitting within their first year (spoiler: it’s not just the workload)The one thing I said to my Year 10s before taking mental health leave—and why it matteredWhat emotional literacy and co-regulation actually look like in a regular, chaotic school dayHow tiny moments of connection can shift brain chemistry (yes, literally)Why your role is even more powerful than you think—and how to honour it without burning outHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!👉 JOIN THE $1 KICKSTART! Click for more info and to jump in!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

Discover the power of nonverbal communication in tackling classroom defiance. Learn about three transformative strategies: choice cards for giving students ownership, post-it prompts to de-escalate tension, and movement tasks that help reset nervous systems. Sometimes, saying nothing at all is the key to maintaining authority and creating a safe learning environment. These game-changing tools can preserve calm, promote positive relationships, and of course, save your sanity in the process!

What to do when a student flat-out says NO[Get the FREE Calm Scripts Guide: https://www.the-unteachables.com/calmscripts]Let’s talk about the moment every teacher dreads:You’ve asked a student to follow an instruction… and they just say “No.”Or ignore you.Or crank the volume on their phone.Or knock the work off the table.Whether it’s passive defiance or full-on “get out of my face” energy, the stress response this triggers in us? Whewww. It’s real. And it’s raw.In today’s episode, I’m walking you through how to respond to student defiance in a way that’s calm, regulated, and actually works. No yelling. No power struggles. No public meltdowns. Just 20 plug-and-play CALM SCRIPTS that help you hit pause, protect your values, and keep your credibility in check — even in the heat of the moment.Whether you’re dealing with low-level noncompliance or outright oppositional behaviour, these phrases will help you hold firm boundaries without escalating the situation. They are a nervous system life raft — for you AND the student.Let’s get into it.What You’ll Learn:Why defiance hits teachers like a threat — and what your brain is doing in that momentWhy “just staying calm” isn’t always realistic (and what to do instead)The #1 way to de-escalate student defiance without losing face20 word-for-word calm scripts you can start using tomorrowHow to practise these in low-stakes moments before things go off the railsWhy protecting the nervous system is the secret sauce to credible classroom leadershipHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!👉 JOIN THE $1 KICKSTART! Click for more info and to jump in!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

The imposter syndrome episode every teacher needs. You’re in the classroom, trying your best, showing up with good intentions… but there it is. That sneaky voice that whispers: “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”Sound familiar? Yeah. Me too.In this episode, I’m walking you through four of the biggest ways imposter syndrome has crept into my teaching life — from crying over curriculum codes to having students find me on Tinder (yes, really). Because if you’ve ever felt like the only teacher in the building who doesn’t have it together, this is your reminder: you’re not alone.More importantly, this isn’t a “rah rah you’ve got this” fluff pep talk. This is real-talk about the systems that set you up to feel like a fraud, why your self-doubt makes total sense, and how to reframe those fears into fuel.If you’ve been feeling like a walking imposter in your own classroom — this one’s for you. Let’s roll the tape.What You’ll Learn:The four most common (and painful) ways imposter syndrome shows up in teachingWhy feeling confused by curriculum or acronyms doesn’t make you incompetentHow a group of Year 12s and Tinder nearly sent me into hiding (true story)Why behaviour challenges aren’t proof that you’re failing — just that you need better toolsThe difference between good and crap leadership when you’re strugglingHow to stop measuring your worth by how quiet your classroom looksResources Mentioned:The Pedagogy of Poverty episode Join The Behaviour Club: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbcHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!👉 JOIN THE $1 KICKSTART! Click for more info and to jump in!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