#119: Are calm corners worth having in secondary classrooms?
Calm corners look great online – but in reality? Students can ignore them, misuse them, or turn them into a hangout spot. You’re left wondering if they’re even worth it in a busy secondary classroom where time, space, and structure are limited. You want to support emotional regulation, but not at the expense of learning.I’ll take you through how I create calm spaces that actually support self-regulation – without turning your classroom into a free-for-all – and how I embed emotional literacy and co-regulation into my behaviour approach.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why calm corners often fail in secondary classroomsWhat needs to happen before you set one upMy “pocket calm corner” and the tools students actually useHow to embed regulation without disrupting the flow of your lessonSo, are calm corners worth the rage in secondary? Yes – but only if they’re adapted to work in our world. That means ditching the distractions and zeroing in on strategies that are teachable, transferable, and actually usable for our students.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
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24:21
#118: The number one reason you’re finding behaviour tough right now
You’re not failing at behaviour because you’re “just not cut out for it.” And no, it’s not because you don’t have that magic voice or commanding presence either. The truth? Most of us simply weren’t taught how to manage behaviour effectively. And it shows – not because we’re not trying hard enough, but because no one gave us the tools to begin with.In this episode, I’m taking you right back to where it all began for me: the whopping 20 minutes of behaviour training I received across two degrees, and how it left me wildly unprepared for what came next. From sinking in my first classroom to swimming thanks to exceptional mentors, I’m sharing what made the biggest difference – and how you can find the same transformation.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why your struggles with behaviour are absolutely not your faultA behind-the-scenes story from my first chaotic solo lesson (yes, there were flying keyboards)How real, effective classroom management support turned things around for meWhat “The Confident Classroom Pathway” is – and how it can help you feel calm, in control, and confidentClassroom management doesn’t have to feel like constant firefighting. The right support – practical, actionable, evidence-based – can change everything. That’s why I created The Confident Classroom Pathway, a free training based on all the gold I’ve learnt over the years from some of the best mentors and trainings around.If you’ve been on the fence about learning with me, this is the perfect place to start. Head to the-unteachables.com/learn to sign up for one of the two sessions – they’re free, fun, and packed with stuff people told me they would’ve paid for. I would love to see you there.And remember – if behaviour feels tough… it’s because it is. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. You’ve got this. 💛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
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15:18
#117: What to prioritise when big behaviours bubble up in the lesson.
You're in the middle of a lesson, focused on delivering content, when a student walks in displaying behaviours that signal things are about to escalate. Maybe they look angry, and you know they have the potential to become physical. Maybe they’re swearing, laughing, and trying to draw in the rest of the class. Maybe they walk in and tip over a chair.Your brain immediately goes into survival mode. You feel the pressure to fix the situation, regain control, and keep the lesson on track. It’s completely understandable—you’re being observed, you have content to cover, and you want a calm classroom.But here’s the thing: your goal in that moment is not to fix the behaviour, but to de-escalate it.In this episode, I break down the difference between pushing students further up the escalation cycle (Door #1) and creating pathways down (Door #2). I’ll share practical strategies for staying calm, using non-threatening language, and guiding students toward a place where they can self-regulate—so that meaningful behaviour conversations can happen later, when they’re actually ready.Listen in as I discuss:Why fixing behaviour in the moment is not the goal. Understanding the brain’s stress response.The two doors we open during de-escalation. One escalates behaviour, the other creates a pathway down.Practical strategies for de-escalating big behaviours. Non-verbal cues, connection-based responses, and avoiding common mistakes.MASTERCLASS: REAL CONSEQUENCES, REAL CHANGEHave 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
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8:31
#116: Quick Win Challenge! 5 brilliant behaviour reflection strategies you can start using immediately
When I engage with students about their behaviour, it’s often just a conversation between us. But sometimes, having a structured reflection task can make a huge difference.Reflection is a skill that needs to be taught, modelled, and practised. These tasks help students problem-solve, build self-awareness, and develop emotional regulation. In this episode, I’m sharing five different reflection strategies that can guide students through conflict, help them process their behaviour, and encourage meaningful change.Listen in as I discuss:Why reflection is an essential skill in behaviour conversations. Helping students take ownership of their actions.Five practical reflection tasks to use in your classroom. Simple but powerful tools to support student growth.How to embed these strategies into everyday behaviour chats. Encouraging accountability and problem-solving.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
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8:23
#115: Brain breaks are my secret sauce for student engagement. Here are my 3 I can't live without!
Check out my Brain Break Bundle!As a secondary English teacher, I used to struggle with the idea of brain breaks. The pressure to get through content and prepare students for exams felt too overwhelming to justify stopping for “games.”But my classroom culture was suffering. Students were stressed, disengaged, and burnt out—especially during heavy writing sessions leading up to exams. So I decided to try something different.When I started embedding brain breaks into my lessons, I immediately saw positive shifts.Students focused better and produced stronger writing.Transitions became smoother because I could use movement-based games instead of battling student resistance.Apathy decreased, and energy in the room improved.Rapport and community strengthened as brain breaks became a consistent, positive routine.The result? Better engagement, improved learning, and a classroom that felt lighter, happier, and more productive.Listen in as I discuss:Why brain breaks matter in secondary classrooms. Overcoming the pressure to “just keep going.”Three types of brain breaks you can use today. Upregulation, downregulation, and movement-based games.How brain breaks improve engagement, learning, and classroom culture. Small shifts that make a big impact.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 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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