The Unteachables Podcast

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a simple yet powerful transition technique that can help you regain student attention without raising your voice or using unnecessary energy.Transitions can be one of the trickiest parts of classroom management. Picture this: students are engaged in a group task, there’s movement, chatter, and productive chaos, but now you need to bring them back to whole-class instruction. Rather than calling for attention repeatedly, try this:Play transition music—a predetermined song that signals to students it’s time to shift back.Project your laptop screen onto the board and type your instructions in big, bold font for students to follow.This method is non-verbal, calm, direct, and engaging. It saves your voice, adds a bit of novelty, and helps students smoothly transition without unnecessary disruption. Listen in for tips on making this work effectively in your classroom.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

Discover how to transform student behavior by switching from lecturing to leading. The discussion emphasizes the power of asking reflective questions over giving lectures. By fostering student buy-in and accountability, educators can create a more engaged classroom environment. Practical examples illustrate how to replace traditional telling with meaningful guidance during behavior discussions. This approach not only enhances responsibility but also encourages a deeper connection between teachers and students.

There are strong opinions when it comes to consequences in schools. Some believe in strict enforcement—"do the crime, do the time"—while others advocate for restorative conversations and plans. Regardless of approach, one thing remains essential: we need student buy-in for consequences to be effective.Without buy-in, consequences lose their impact. The students who struggle the most are often already expecting punishments like detention or suspension. They wear a mask that says, "I don’t care." But the truth is, punitive measures rarely lead to real behaviour change.In this episode, I discuss how to create meaningful consequences that students actually care about. I break down three key considerations to ensure students understand the impact of their actions, feel supported in making better choices, and see consequences as fair and relevant.Listen in as I discuss:Why student buy-in is crucial for real behaviour change. Without it, consequences are ineffective.Three key factors to consider when addressing behaviour. Reflection, relevance, and skill-building.How to create fair and meaningful consequences. Ensuring students understand and engage with the process.Mentioned resources:MASTERCLASS: REAL CONSEQUENCES, REAL CHANGEBEHAVIOUR REFLECTION BUNDLEHave 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

In this episode, I reflect on my recent move from New Zealand to Australia and the unexpected lessons it reinforced about classroom management. Moving is always challenging, but relocating with a toddler highlighted the profound impact of predictability and structure on behaviour. This experience reaffirmed a key classroom management principle: predictability is the brain’s best friend. I explore how structured routines, such as entry and exit procedures, transition cues, and scaffolding techniques, can help regulate behaviour and create a sense of safety in the classroom. Tune in for insights on how to proactively support students and foster a more predictable learning environment.Listen in as I discuss:The Impact of Predictability on Behaviour. How my toddler’s reaction to moving reinforced the need for structure in managing emotions and behaviour.Classroom Routines as a Proactive Behaviour Strategy. Entry and exit routines, transition cues, and structured scaffolds that help mitigate dysregulation.Practical Classroom Applications. How small changes, like consistency in expectations, can positively influence student behaviour and engagement.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

Feeling overwhelmed by endless lesson planning and grading? Struggling to maintain work-life balance? Unsure how AI can help lighten your workload? In this episode, I chat with the incredible Angela Watson, veteran educator, instructional coach, and creator of the Truth for Teachers podcast. Angela has spent years helping teachers streamline their workload and reclaim their time. We discuss her 40-Hour Teacher Workweek program, the power of AI for productivity, and practical strategies to work smarter, not harder.IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:👉 The truth about achieving a realistic 40-hour workweek as a teacher 👉 How AI can help teachers reduce admin work without replacing them👉 What we need to consider when it comes to students using AI 👉 Shifting from ‘just in case’ to ‘just in time’ learning to avoid burnoutTeaching is a marathon, not a sprint. Angela’s insights remind us that working smarter is possible by focusing on intentionality, systems, and self-compassion. How to work with Angela:🔗 All of Angela's goodies: https://courses.truthforteachers.com/?ref=97eb5e🔗 Join the 40-Hour Teacher Workweek: https://courses.truthforteachers.com/courses/40-hour-full-year-2024?ref=97eb5e🔗 The 40 Hour AI Membership: https://courses.truthforteachers.com/bundles/40-hour-AI?ref=97eb5eHave 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

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a personal story that shaped how I approach behaviour and relationships in the classroom, and how a single moment of connection can shift everything.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:A deeply personal story from my school days: How one teacher’s unexpected response broke down my tough exterior.Why connection is key: The profound impact of showing care and curiosity over control.Practical ways to connect with your students: Simple phrases to use when addressing challenging behaviour.A powerful reminder: Why “connection is never the wrong answer” and how it can guide your approach.This Week’s Quick Win: Start with connection.Take a moment to pause and ask: Are you okay? or What’s going on? Building connection in those tough moments may not always lead to immediate change, but it will always give you the best shot at creating buy-in and trust.Remember:Behaviour is nuanced and complicated, but connection simplifies the approach. Write it down somewhere you’ll see it: Connection is never the wrong answer.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

WARNING: This episode has a lot of swearing in it!! Dealing with the challenging behaviours are never easy, especially when they feel personal.That's why in today's episode, I wanted to talk through one of my own experiences, how I dealt with it, and the lessons we can take away.SOME KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:Connection First: Even when behaviour feels personal or triggering, prioritise connection as it de-escalates and opens the door to change.Context Matters: There is no one-size-fits-all response. Tailor your approach to the student and situation.Do Not Make It About You: Refuse to internalize disrespect. Staying focused on the bigger picture helps you avoid power struggles.If ever in doubt, you can ask yourself, "Will my response bring us closer together or drive us further apart?" And my personal favourite: Connection is NEVER the wrong answer.Please don't forget to take care of yourselves as a priority, wonderful Unteachables community!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

Do you feel stuck in a constant cycle of addressing challenging behaviour in the classroom?What if there was a small, intentional act that could shift the focus, rebuild trust, and nurture the emotional wellbeing of your most challenging students?In this episode of Quick Wins, we explore a simple yet powerful strategy called Positive Post-Its. This small action has the potential to create profound changes for both you and your students.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why students with challenging behaviour often miss out on positive interactions and how this impacts them.The power of small, intentional gestures to change the narrative in your classroom.My personal experiment with Positive Post-Its and the incredible impact it had on my students.How you can start using this simple strategy immediately to build connection and trust.Positive Post-Its are a small but impactful way to show students they are noticed, valued, and capable of change. By intentionally focusing on the positives, even on difficult days, you can strengthen relationships and create an environment where growth becomes possible.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

Exit tasksExit slipsPlenariesWhatever you want to call them......they are SO much more than just a tool to consolidate learning or tick off reflection and self-assessment boxes.When used effectively, they:👉 Reinforce engagement and behaviour expectations.👉 Encourage work completion by becoming part of your routine.👉 Show students you care if they engage or finish their work!!However, in reality...Students can quickly become bored of them because the language is the same.It can feel a little forced, especially as an exit routine if you’re trying to think of plenaries every day.It adds extra work to our plates coming up with these exit tasks and then checking them!That's where this episode comes in. I'm sharing 10 of my no-prep exit questions you can use immediately. These ideas are fun, flexible, and designed to help you feel calm and in control, while keeping your students engaged. THE EXIT TASKS:Here are my 10 exit tasks that you can copy and write up on the board at a moments notice. And of course if you like these, you can grab my teacher favourite 'Exit Doors' presentation with a bunch of other exit routine goodies inside of The Behaviour Club, or at the-unteachables.com/exit1. Teach a Teenie - Imagine you had to explain what you learned in today’s lesson to somebody much younger than you. How might you explain it in the simplest way possible so that they would understand?2. Hi-5 facts - Draw an outline of your hand. On the palm, write down what you think the main idea or main takeaway from the lesson has been. On each finger, write down one small fact that you learned3. $3 Summary - Imagine each word that you write is worth 10c. Write a $3 summary of what you learned in today’s lesson. For example, this sentence is worth $1.30 because it is 13 words long! (Change the currency to whatever your local currency is)4. Catch-up Notes - Imagine one of your friends was absent from class today. Write a list of 5 main things they would need to know from today’s lesson to be all caught up.5. Beat the Teacher - Based on what you learnt today, come up with a quiz question that you think can stump the teacher! Write it down and be ready to test it out.6. One Word - If you had to sum up everything you learned in today’s lesson in just one word, what would it be? Then, explain why you chose that word.7. Rock, Paper, Scissors - Write down:YOUR ROCK: The toughest thing from the lessonYOUR PAPER: The three most important things to make a note ofYOUR SCISSORS: Something least important you’d cut out.8. The Shoutout - What is one big thing you learned this lesson? Write it on a post it note. Hashtag 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

In this episode, I explore one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in your emotional piggybank investment toolkit: positive phone calls home. These small acts of connection can have a monumental impact!IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why positive phone calls are a game-changer, including how they build trust and transform relationships with students and their families.The impact on students who display challenging behaviours, explaining why these children often miss out on positive recognition and how this small step can change their narrative.A simple action plan for making a positive call, with step-by-step guidance and a script to help you get started.The ripple effect of connection, describing how a single phone call can spark long-term behaviour change and stronger communication.Your quick-win challenge this week:Commit to just one positive call home. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or lengthy, just heartfelt. Use the script provided in this episode to introduce yourself, share specific positives, and open the door for future communication.Connection is the cornerstone of teaching. Behaviour change will not happen overnight, but every small step matters. Start with one moment of connection, one positive call, and one narrative shift. You’ve got this, wonderful teacher!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