The Unteachables Podcast

Are your students arriving late or missing class altogether?In this episode, we’ll explore why punitive measures often backfire and how they can alienate the very students who need connection the most.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The pitfalls of punishment: While it may seem like a way to enforce attendance, punishment can foster resentment and disconnect, driving students further away from the classroom.Understanding the reasons behind absenteeism: Many factors influencing attendance are beyond the students’ control, including personal circumstances and mental health challenges.The importance of compassionate expectations: It’s crucial to maintain high standards while approaching students with empathy and understanding.5 Practical strategies for improving attendance with understanding, compassion and reflection.The key takeaway from this episode is clear: we cannot lecture or punish our way to better attendance. Instead, we must focus on connection, celebrating progress, and having difficult yet supportive conversations.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

When we think of classroom management, our minds often jump to techniques and strategies we implement with our students. However, the most effective management often occurs even before they enter the room. In today’s behaviour bite, I’ll discuss the crucial role of the physical classroom environment itself. It can serve as an invaluable teaching assistant or become a significant roadblock.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The impact of a clean and clutter-free classroom: A tidy environment sends powerful non-verbal messages to students about expectations, respect, and focus.The consequences of a messy space: When students enter a chaotic room, they may internalise the belief that cleanliness and respect for the learning environment don’t matter.The benefits of a well-organised classroom: A neat setup with resources ready and a clear agenda helps establish a positive tone and reinforces the importance of taking care of the space.Action steps to improve your classroom environment: I challenge you to reflect on the messages your space conveys and implement one small change this week to create a more supportive learning atmosphere.By making these intentional adjustments, you can help your students feel anchored and ready to learn. These small changes will bolster your classroom management and foster a culture where all students work together to maintain a positive learning environment.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

You’ve finally set the stage for a productive lesson… and then the chaos begins!This month on the podcast, we’re honing in on those critical first five minutes—the bedrock of an engaging and settled classroom environment.I’ll be outlining key strategies to help you create a smooth start, including how to shift students’ energy with entry routines and effective starter activities.But what happens if you don’t engage your students right away? Something else will!In this episode, we’ll explore the importance of starter activities and how they can either make or break your lesson’s flow.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The role of starter activities: These brief, independent tasks serve as the hook to draw students into the lesson. They need to be achievable, explicit, and timed perfectly to set a positive tone.Common mistakes with starter activities: I highlight pitfalls to avoid, such as relying on prior knowledge, requiring too much explanation, or lacking relevance to students’ interests.How consistency builds trust: Establishing a predictable routine helps students feel secure and ready to learn as they enter the classroom.Effective starter activity examples: I share ideas like imaginative prompts that connect students to the lesson and concept-based tasks that allow for differentiated engagement.GRAB MY 250+ AGENDA SLIDES WITH STARTERS HERE!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 often find yourself reminding the same students about the same expectations? It’s draining, and it can start to feel personal, leading to unnecessary confrontations.Here’s a simple shift that can transform this dynamic: Make it about the visual. NOT about you!Instead of verbally repeating instructions, point to a visual cue on the wall, like a poster of class expectations or a checklist. This shifts the focus from “you vs. me” to a shared goal that everyone can see.In this episode, we look at simple visuals—like classroom norms posters, voice level charts, and “Steps for Success” checklists—that can transform your classroom dynamic. With just a quick gesture, you’re reinforcing standards without confrontation, helping students take more responsibility and saving your energy.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

You’ve FINALLY gotten your students settled and started at the start of the lesson… cue… the disruptive latecomer!This month on the podcast, I'm focusing on the first five minutes of each lesson—the foundation of a calm, connected start. However, even with a solid roadmap that guides teachers in creating a smooth start with key strategies, like shifting students’ energy through entry routines, engaging starters, and seamless transitions... there's one big wrench that can throw off this plan: when students arrive late. In this episode, we’ll dive into why students might be late and practical steps to get them on track without disrupting the flow.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The many reasons behind lateness: Beyond just "running late," chronic lateness can stem from factors like family routines, neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD or autism), and executive function challenges. We also touch on how needs-based motivation can play into students’ timing.Practical steps to manage late arrivals: I share ways to welcome students in without disrupting the rest of the class. How to increase accountability and connection through private follow-ups: For repeated lateness, I discuss questions and prompts that encourage students to reflect on the reasons behind their lateness, explore if it’s in their control, and collaboratively make a plan to help them improve.Low-stakes latecomer tasks and routines: My top tips for engaging students that are late, without derailing the lesson.Late arrivals don’t always have to disrupt your lesson flow!! You just need the right tools to approach them consistently, and calmly.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

Today’s Behaviour Bite is all about a simple yet powerful practice: asking and pausing—for much longer than you (probably) already do.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The common tendency among teachers to rush through questions: After asking if there are any questions, many of us move on immediately, often before giving students a chance to respond. Research shows that the average pause is just 0.9 seconds—far too short for effective processing.Understanding different types of thinkers: Some students process information internally, while others think out loud. Those who need time to reflect often don’t feel comfortable speaking up if we don’t allow enough pause. By waiting longer, we create space for all students to formulate their thoughts and questions.The impact of extended wait times: Studies indicate that 5-15 seconds of silence can significantly enhance student engagement and response quality. For example, when giving instructions, you can say, “Okay Year 8, before we get started, what questions do you have? I’ll give you 10 seconds to think.” This approach encourages deeper reflection and more meaningful contributions.This week, challenge yourself to extend your pauses when asking questions or giving instructions. Tune in to how much time you currently provide and consciously increase it. Observe how this impacts your students' clarity and the depth of their responses during discussions.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

Are you struggling with having a settled start to the lesson? Battling dysregulation and high energy?In today’s episode, we’re exploring the importance of the First 5—those critical first five minutes of each lesson. This time can make all the difference in shifting energy from the chaos of transitions to a calm, focused learning environment. We’ll dive into practical strategies for creating an “invisible barrier” that allows students to enter a space primed for learning, leaving the outside energy at the door.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why the start of lessons can feel chaotic: From dysregulation and unpredictability to the residual energy of breaks, many factors beyond our control impact students’ readiness.What we can control: We’ll go over strategies for creating routines, setting expectations, and managing the physical environment to help students transition smoothly.Three essential routines for the First 5: I’ll share my personal non-negotiables that create consistency and predictability every day:Same welcome spot—Greeting students outside to create a transition from the hallway energy.Same seating arrangement—Reducing guesswork and enhancing predictability.Same starter routine—A consistent, engaging start to every lesson that signals it’s time to focus.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 today’s episode, we’re diving into how building a growth mindset culture can be transformative in our classrooms. We’ll look at how fixed mindsets hold students back, especially when past experiences or fears of failure keep them from fully engaging in learning. Through this episode, Ill explore practical ways to build self-belief, helping students see challenges as chances to grow and celebrating their efforts along the way. These strategies are all about creating an environment where students feel safe, supported, and willing to try.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:What might be going on for students who seem reluctant to engageHow past failures can lead to fixed mindsets and avoidancePractical ways to create a growth mindset culture in the classroomIdeas for embedding growth mindset language into daily discussions and activitiesWhy it’s important to celebrate effort rather than resultsIf you’re looking to go deeper, I’ve put together a Growth Mindset Bundle filled with resources to support you in building this culture daily. It’s all designed to help take the guesswork out of fostering a growth mindset in your classroom, with editable lesson plans, bulletin boards, and posters that reinforce these ideas. I’d love for you to have these tools on hand, ready to support your students’ growth (without spending 2 weeks putting it together like I did 😂😂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

Welcome to the second Behaviour Bite! Every Thursday (in addition to my main-course episode on Tuesday) I’ll be delivering one quick tip that you can put into action immediately to help you crush your classroom management!TODAY'S BEHAVIOUR BITE:Avoid locking horns... at all costs.Listen in as I talk through this bite, and give you your actionable takeaway!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

You’ve probably heard the phrase, "Behaviours are students meeting a need." In this episode, I’m diving into what that actually really means for your classroom and how understanding the needs behind student behaviour can transform your management approach.Listen in as I discuss:Glasser’s 5 basic needs and how they drive behaviour (survival, love/belonging, fun, power/mastery, and freedom)How unmet needs can lead to challenging behaviours in the classroomCore principles of Choice TheoryThe importance of embedding strategies into your practice that meet students' needsHow empowering students with an understanding of their own behaviours changes classroom dynamicsWhen students understand the needs driving their behaviour, it shifts everything—discussions, dynamics, accountability, and even how they view themselves. To help foster that awareness, start here:Have a discussion with students (as a class or individually)Make them aware they have five basic needsExplain that everyone has these needs and is constantly trying to meet themAcknowledge that sometimes we make poor choices while trying to meet our needsEmphasize that they aren’t “bad,” and they aren’t defined by their behaviorsHighlight that we are all just doing the best we canEncourage awareness of their needs and choicesExplain that with awareness, they can make positive changesIf you want to go deeper than this, I’ve done the work for you! I’ve created a fully resourced, engaging, and editable SEL lesson designed to help students not only understand their needs but also reflect on their behaviours and make positive changes. Grab it here!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