The Unteachables Podcast

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!👉 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

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Behaviour Bites! Every Thursday (in addition to my main-course episode on Tuesday) I’ll be delivering one quick tip each week that you can put into action immediately to help you crush your classroom management!TODAY'S BEHAVIOUR BITE:Students will always follow our example, before they follow our instruction.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!👉 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

In this episode, I’m diving into one of THE most transformative strategies for managing low-level disruptions—almost like flipping a switch. I'll explore how your teaching presence, especially through non-verbal communication, can significantly shift classroom behaviour. It’s not about doing one thing—it’s about everything you do.Listen in as I discuss:What even is a strong teaching presence?Understanding the power of non-verbal communication in classroom managementThe difference between "credible" and "approachable" teacher presence and when to use eachHow small changes in body language, tone, and stillness can immediately impact behaviorPractical examples of adjusting your teaching style for better student engagementThe importance of aligning your body language with the expectations you set for studentsThis episode is packed with actionable strategies that can transform how you manage your classroom. If you’re tired of the constant chatter and low-level disruptions, listen in as I share the non-verbal techniques that changed everything for me—and they can for you too! Join the Low Level Behaviour Bootcamp and get 20% off with the code PODCAST20Have 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

Take the quiz! What's your teacher type?! Ever wondered why some classroom management strategies work wonders for others but fall flat for you? In today’s episode, we’re delving deep into the heart of teaching styles and uncovering what makes you uniquely you in the classroom. I’ll be taking you behind the scenes of my "What is Your Teacher Type?" quiz and showing you how this simple tool can unlock powerful insights into your teaching strengths and challenges.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:The real story behind why I created the "What is Your Teacher Type?" quiz and how it’s already helping thousands of teachers like you understand their classroom superpowers.Why the one-size-fits-all approach to classroom management simply doesn’t cut it and how understanding your unique style can change everything.An exclusive breakdown of the four distinct teacher types: the Dynamic Teacher, the Quiet Teacher, the Empathetic Teacher, and the Authority Figure—along with some real-life examples to help you see where you fit.Ready to discover your teaching type and take your classroom practice to the next level? It’s time to stop trying to fit into someone else’s mould and embrace your true self as an educator. Take the quiz now, and feel validated and confident with who you are in the classroom! 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

Take the quiz - What's your teacher type?! (Putting this right up top because I know that's why you came to the description)In today's episode I’ll be walking you through three mistakes you might unknowingly be making that can fuel these low-level behaviour spotfires. Now, I say “might be,” but let’s be real—after observing hundreds of lessons, I can tell you with certainty that these sneaky habits tend to creep into even the most experienced classrooms, and yes, I’ve been guilty of them too!But here’s the good news—once you recognize these patterns and make a few simple adjustments, you’ll start seeing real changes. And let me assure you, I’m sharing this from a place of experience, not perfection. I’ve made all these mistakes myself, and I’m still learning every day. So let’s dive in, get reflective, and find those empowering “ah-ha” moments together!IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why matching the volume of your students can backfire and lead to more disruptionHow talking while expecting students to focus on independent work sends mixed signalsWhy handing out materials during instruction can undo your efforts to get students to listenThe impact of non-verbal cues and mixed messaging in your classroom managementPractical tips to reduce low-level behaviours and increase student focusI hope this episode gives you some clarity and maybe even a few "ah-ha" moments! Remember, every teacher—myself included—has fallen into these traps at some point. The important thing is that you’re aware, and with just a few small tweaks, you can start seeing big shifts in your classroom.Please don’t feel like you have to be perfect! Teaching is all about growing, learning, and adjusting as we go. If any of these points hit home for you, take it as a sign of progress, not a failure. You’ve got this!And if you’re ready to dive deeper and tackle low-level behaviours head-on, I’d love to have you join me in the Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp. Together, we’ll work on building a calm, effective teaching presence that fits your natural style, so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling empowered. You’re already doing amazing things in the classroom, and this is just one more tool to add to your toolkit!Thank you so much for listening today. If something resonated with you or if you’ve tried one of the strategies and seen some success, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a message—let’s keep the conversation going!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

In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into the frustration of low-level behaviours in the classroom—why they are so tricky to handle and why the advice out there often falls flat. This is episode 1 of a big focus on low-level behaviours this month, so be sure to follow along for the rest if this is a big challenge for you in your practice!IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:My personal experiences with low-level behaviours and why I’m so passionate about this topic - hellooooo shaking our confidence and fuelling feelings of hopelessness!The flawed advice (that's putting it kindly) teachers often receive around handling low-level disruptions and why it doesn't work. After all, we can't make 30 phone calls a day, and we are TRYING to engage them!What actually defines a low-level behaviour and why these behaviours fall into a “grey area.”What you can do differently to break the cycle of frustration and regain control in your classroom.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of why low-level behaviors are so hard to tackle and a few actionable insights to start making a real change in your classroom.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

BY POPULAR DEMAND: You can grab the task card template here!Classroom management is more than just the behaviour, and dealing with low-level disruptive behaviours NEEDS to be more than this to be effective!In this episode, I'll be exploring (well... more like nerding out on) a simple yet incredibly effective tool to help manage and reduce low-level behaviours in the classroom: the humble task card. I know, I know, but stay with me here.Many factors contribute to disruptive behaviours, but by using task cards, you can provide clarity, structure, and support that helps students stay on task and reduce stress.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The common reasons behind low-level behaviours, such as students being in a fight, flight, or freeze state, lack of clarity, or low confidence.How task cards can reduce these behaviours by providing clear expectations, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and offering scaffolding for students.Key components of a well-presented task card, including success criteria, checklists, time frames, and prompts.How task cards promote student autonomy and reduce teacher input while boosting engagement.The benefits for both students and teachers when task cards are used effectively.Resources and templates available for Behaviour Club members to easily implement task cards in their classrooms.By the end of this episode, you'll understand how task cards can transform your classroom management and why they are such a game-changer in addressing low-level behaviours.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

Click here to access your free session on the barriers to giving a task that students get (and get on with)In today’s episode, I’m unpacking why students might not be listening or following your task instructions. Picture this: hands shoot up, students ask, “What are we doing?” or they sit there doodling, lost in confusion. What’s going on here? I’ll explore the reasons behind this and how understanding them is key to solving the problem.Here’s what I’ll cover:The assumptions we make that lead to miscommunication.How students’ unique contexts impact their understanding.The importance of clarity in instructions and where we often go wrong.Strategies to make learning visible and consistent in your classroom.Practical tools like timers, checklists, and scaffolds that can transform how students follow instructions.Want to know a win-win? Overcoming these barriers naturally addresses student disengagement, reduces low-level behaviours, and mitigates dysregulated behaviours. The magic of a holistic approach to classroom management!!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

In this episode, I’m diving into three common pieces of behaviour and classroom management advice that teachers are often given and why we need to stop offering them—at least in the way they’re typically presented.These bits of advice are frequently thrown around without any meaningful support or practical steps, making them more harmful than helpful. I’ve heard them time and again from colleagues, experts, and social media, but the reality is that they’re often oversimplified and lacking real substance.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why “make your lesson more engaging” can set teachers up to fail without the right strategiesThe complexities of building student relationships and why it’s more than just “getting to know them”The challenges of “not taking it personally” and how to actually protect your peace in tough situationsWhat advice we should be giving instead and how to better support teachersHave 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

In this episode, I dive into one of the toughest challenges we face as teachers—how to manage a classroom full of students when dysregulated behaviours start bubbling up and escalating. I talk about the key things to remember when students are dysregulated and can’t reason with us, and share my CARE Framework—a practical approach for responding to these situations. The goal? For you to be equipped with actionable classroom management strategies that are aligned with your values of compassion and kindness.What I discuss in this episode:The challenges of managing escalated student behaviour, especially when juggling other expectations placed upon us as teachers.Why reasoning or punishing doesn’t work when students are in fight, flight, or freeze mode.The importance of depersonalizing student behaviour by understanding it as a search for safety.The CARE Framework for responding to escalating behaviours:C: Communicate the emotion you see in the student.A: Affirm and attend to the student’s feelings.R: Reassure and support the student to reduce fear and anxiety.E: Empower the student with choices while setting clear limits.Resources mentioned in this episode (all accessible from within The Behaviour Club:The CARE Framework for de-escalating student behaviour.Masterclass on de-escalating big behavioursSEL lesson on understanding the brainRegulation toolbox for studentsPhone conversation prompts for tough discussions with parents and carers.PEACE process for when behaviours bubble over.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