#138: Brain breaks that secretly boost behaviour (and help us reclaim a bit of teaching joy in the classroom)
Ever feel like your class is one brain snap away from absolute chaos… or just asleep at the wheel?In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most powerful — and wildly underused — classroom management tools in your toolbox: brain breaks. But not just for the sake of fun. We’re talking strategic, rapport-building, energy-resetting magic that actually boosts learning, not wastes time.This is Day 4 of the Kickstart (catch up on previous days if you missed them!) and today is all about what we do in the meaty middle of the lesson — when things can either hum along… or totally unravel. I’ll share the sneaky strategies I used (without knowing they were even strategies back then) to build connection, shift energy, and keep my most disengaged students coming back for more.Spoiler alert: it's not about being the "cool teacher" — it’s about being a connected, present, values-led one.Let’s roll the tape.What you’ll learn:What brain breaks actually are (and aren’t)3 go-to brain breaks Claire used to reset student energy on the flyWhy these simple strategies work (backed by brain science)How to use them strategically to build rapport without losing instructional timeThe “credibility flip” every teacher needs to know when transitioning from playful to teacher-ledWhy this is classroom management gold — not fluff or fillerHave 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
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#137: Feel like you need to split into 30 trying to support the whole room? This tool changes everything.
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
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#136: The entry routine that is magic for low-level disruption! The power of learning maps
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
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#135: Is your teaching presence undermining your classroom management?
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
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#134: Bullying in the classroom?! 😖 How to talk to your students about it in a way that gets them listening, empathising, and creating change!
Ever had a student yell "I'M BEING BULLIED!" when their friend won’t let them borrow a pencil? Meanwhile, real, insidious bullying is flying under the radar?HEAD TO THE BLOG HERE FOR ACTIVITIES + MORE 😁In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to the three-part framework I use to help students identify what actually counts as bullying, how to respond safely, and how to foster real empathy in your classroom. These are simple but powerful tools that work beautifully during Bullying. No Way! Week—but honestly, they’re useful any day of the school year.We’re talking real strategies, not posters and platitudes.You’ll also hear the story of the time I got my hair done by the girl who used to bully me in high school (yes, really), and what it taught me about what we really need to be doing to address bullying.What You’ll Learn:How to define bullying using the 3 P’s: Power imbalance, Purpose to harm, and Pattern over timeThe difference between conflict, meanness, and bullying (and why kids mix them up constantly)The "High Five" strategy to help students respond safely when bullying happensA powerful visual metaphor that makes the emotional impact of bullying stickThree discussion starters that build empathy and help students step into others' shoesResources Mentioned:Blog with all the activities: https://www.the-unteachables.com/blog/classroom-bullying-activities-no-way-weekHave 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 Unteachables Podcast', your go-to resource for practical classroom management strategies and teacher support. I’m your host, Claire English, a passionate secondary teacher and leader turned teacher mentor and author of 'It's Never Just About the Behaviour: A Holistic Approach to Classroom Behaviour Management.' I'm on a mission to help educators like you transform your classrooms, build confidence, and feel empowered.Why am I here? Not too long ago, I was overwhelmed by low-level classroom disruptions and challenging behaviors. After thousands of hours honing my skills in real classrooms and navigating ups and downs, I’ve become a confident, capable teacher ready to reach every student—even those with the most challenging behaviors. My journey inspired me to support teachers like you in mastering effective classroom strategies that promote compassion, confidence, and calm.On The Unteachables Podcast, we’ll dive into simple, actionable strategies that you can use to handle classroom disruptions, boost student engagement, and create a positive learning environment. You'll hear from renowned experts such as:Bobby Morgan of the Liberation LabMarie Gentles, behavior expert behind BBC's 'Don't Exclude Me' and author of 'Gentles Guidance'Robyn Gobbel, author of 'Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviours'Dr. Lori Desautels, assistant professor and published authorAnd many more behaviour experts and mentors.Angela Watson from the Truth for Teachers Podcast.Whether you’re an early career teacher, a seasoned educator, or a teaching assistant navigating classroom challenges, this podcast is here to help you feel happier, empowered, and ready to make an impact with every student.Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode packed with classroom tips and inspiring conversations that make a real difference!
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