Trauma affects how children learn in the classroom. When children don’t feel safe, they cannot access the part of the brain required for learning. If you've ever wondered why some students seem constantly dysregulated, reactive, or withdrawn, this episode will give you the missing piece.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why trauma leaves a lasting impact on a child’s behaviour, emotions, and ability to learn.
• The difference between simple, complex, and developmental trauma and why it matters.
• How trauma keeps children stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn states.
• Why traditional behaviour management strategies (like rewards and punishments) don’t work, particularly for children with trauma.
• How to create a safe, predictable classroom environment that supports regulation.
• Why your own emotional regulation is key to helping students feel safe.

Free Resources for Teachers

• Download the FREE Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Want to learn how to implement trauma-informed practices step by step? Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle for practical strategies to support students holistically.

If you’re ready to focus on your own regulation and stress management, my Signature Online Program ‘The Emotionally Intelligent Educator’ will teach you how to stay grounded, balanced, and responsive in the classroom. Check it out here

Connect with Em

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

Rewards and punishments might seem like an easy way to manage behaviour, but do they actually work?

In this episode of the Beyond Behaviours series, I’m talking about why extrinsic rewards and punitive consequences don’t create long term behaviour change, and what to do instead.

If you’ve ever relied on sticker charts, prize boxes, or detentions but found they don’t really shift behaviour, this episode will give you a new way to think about it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why rewards and punishments control behaviour in the short term but don’t teach long-term skills.
• How extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation and create a “what’s in it for me” mindset.
• Why punishments don’t address the root cause of behaviour and often leads to shame and disconnection.
• How understanding stress responses, unmet needs, and skill gaps changes the way we support behaviour.
• What to do instead—effective feedback, setting boundaries, and holding space for emotions while keeping the classroom safe.

Free Resources for Teachers

• Download the FREE Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Need step-by-step guidance on replacing rewards and punishments with approaches that actually work? Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle. Only $47.  It’s packed with practical tools to help you build a connected, non-punitive classroom.

Connect with Em

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

In this episode, I’m focusing on how you can set up your classroom and learning environment for 2025. It’s not about Pinterest-perfect displays but creating a purposeful, functional space where children feel emotionally, physically, and mentally safe.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to balance aesthetics with practicality or you’re unsure how your classroom setup impacts behaviour and learning, this episode is for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to avoid overstimulating classrooms that overwhelm neurodivergent learners.
• Why clutter impacts focus and behaviour and how to create a calm, organised space.
• The importance of co creating your classroom setup with students for connection and ownership.
• Practical tips for incorporating flexible seating, clear pathways, and sensory tools.
• Why setting up for safety, functionality, and intention is the key to a successful school year.

Free Resources for Teachers

• Download the FREE Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

If you’re ready to learn everything about creating a classroom that’s trauma-informed, non-punitive, and built on connection, Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle. Only $47.

Connect with Em

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

Welcome to the first episode of the Beyond Behaviours series, where I’m sharing quick and actionable steps to help you create a conscious classroom that feels safe, structured, and supportive from day one.

This episode is all about routines and expectations—the essential building blocks for a classroom where children feel secure and ready to learn.

If you’ve ever struggled with behaviours spiralling out of control or felt like your classroom just wasn’t flowing, this is where you need to start.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• Why routines and expectations are the backbone of every successful classroom.
• How to create consistency and predictability to help children feel safe.
• The difference between routines and expectations—and why you need both.
• Why co-developing expectations with your class builds connection and engagement.
• How revisiting and practising routines all term long sets your classroom up for long-term success.
• Simple ways to get clear on your routines before the school year starts.

Free Resources for Teachers

• Download the Back to School Checklist here. A customisable checklist that walks you through setting up your classroom step by step. From routines to displays, lesson planning, and classroom organisation, this checklist will save you time and stress.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

If you’re ready to dig deeper into creating a classroom that’s trauma-informed, non-punitive, and built on connection, Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle. It’s packed with 10 guides (including one on routines and expectations) and bonus tools to help you implement strategies that actually work. Only $47.

See you next week for episode two, where we’ll focus on setting up your classroom and learning environment.

Connect with Em

• Website: www.emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

In this episode, you will learn how to set up your classroom this year to have a learning environment that’s safe and nurturing, where students can thrive both academically and socially.

If you’ve ever wondered how to move away from punitive measures and into a more responsive, emotionally aware teaching approach, this episode is for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How emotional intelligence, connection, and responsiveness can transform your classroom into a supportive space.
• Why self-awareness around your teaching beliefs and practices is the foundation for lasting change.
• How old habits and default reactions can block progress
• Why your regulation as a teacher directly impacts the emotional climate of your classroom.
• How co-regulation works and why it’s key for students’ emotional development.
• How to address unmet needs or lagging skills instead of resorting to punitive measures.
• Strategies to support behaviour rather than reacting with discipline.
• Why continuous growth and reflection are essential for conscious teaching.
• How focusing on what’s within your control allows you to show up as the teacher you want to be.

Resources for you

• Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It’s packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $47 and full of actionable, real world strategies.

🗓️ FREE Upcoming Workshops:

• January 17th, 2025: Q&A for new teachers—your chance to ask all those questions you’ve been holding back. REGISTER HERE
• January 20th, 2025: Teaching Without the Overwhelm—a 60-minute workshop to help you manage stress and thrive in 2025. REGISTER HERE

You must be registered to get access.

Connect with Em

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn

In this episode, I dive into the self-doubt and comparison trap that many educators, both new and experienced, find themselves stuck in.

If you’ve ever wondered why your brain zeroes in on what you’re lacking and why you keep comparing yourself to other teachers, this episode is here to help.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why comparing yourself to others is normal but unhelpful.
• Practical strategies to shift from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I’m learning,’ and how to consciously take steps toward confidence and competence.
• Why focusing on what you’re doing well and celebrating your growth can help you rewrite your inner narrative.
• The importance of bravery in rewriting your story and stepping into your power.

FREE WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY!

I’m hosting two FREE live workshops to help you start 2025 on the right foot

Teaching Without the Overwhelm: How to Reduce Stress and Thrive in 2025

🗓️ January 20th, 2025 at 3 PM AEDT

A 60-minute workshop to help you go from reactive to regulated. Register here

Q&A for New Teachers: Everything You’ve Wanted to Ask

🗓️ January 17th, 2025

A chance for pre-service and graduate teachers to ask all the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask. Register here

I would LOVE to see you at BOTH of these workshops. You must be registered to get access.

Other links mentioned in the episode:

• The EMotionally Intelligent Educator Course
• FREE journal prompts to elevate your EQ.

Connect with Em

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn Em Gentle

In this episode, I’m reflecting on a massive 2024, both personally and professionally and sharing my intentions for 2025.

2024 was full of growth, messy moments, and beautiful lessons. I hope my reflections inspire you to take stock of your own year and step into 2025 with intention and purpose.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

• How I balanced personal growth, professional milestones and unexpected challenges
• Why aligning your work with your passions is key to avoiding burnout
• How reflecting on what worked and what didn’t helps you set meaningful intentions for the year ahead.
• How educators, parents, and leaders can build sustainable practices for growth and balance
• What role emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation plays in navigating life’s challenges and curveballs.

FREE WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY!

I’m hosting two FREE live workshops to help you start 2025 on the right foot

Teaching Without the Overwhelm: How to Reduce Stress and Thrive in 2025

🗓️ January 20th, 2025 at 3 PM AEDT

A 60-minute workshop to help you go from reactive to regulated. Register here

Q&A for New Teachers: Everything You’ve Wanted to Ask

🗓️ January 17th, 2025

A chance for pre-service and graduate teachers to ask all the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask.

Register here

I would LOVE to see you at BOTH of these workshops. You must be registered to get access.

Connect with Em

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn Em Gentle

Welcome back beautiful human!

In this episode, I’m sharing three simple habits that can truly improve your wellbeing over the holidays and into 2025. These strategies are designed to help you relax, recharge, and step into the new year with clarity, calm, and purpose.

Here’s what you’ll learn

• How these three habits can help you process the year, find clarity, and connect with the person you want to become.
• Simple techniques to regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and avoid burnout.
• How shifting your mindset can improve your relationships, reduce stress, and boost your overall happiness.

These habits are more than just ‘nice-to-haves.’

They are evidence-based practices that will help you reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and find more dare I say ‘balance’ in your personal and professional life.

These habits don’t take much time but can make a huge difference in how you feel, both now and in the year ahead.

FREE WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY!

Before I head on maternity leave, I’m hosting two FREE live workshops to help you start 2025 on the right foot:

Teaching Without the Overwhelm: How to Reduce Stress and Thrive in 2025

🗓️ January 20th, 2025 at 3 PM AEDT

A 60-minute workshop to help you go from reactive to regulated. Register here

Q&A for New Teachers: Everything You’ve Wanted to Ask

🗓️ January 17th, 2025

A chance for pre-service and graduate teachers to ask all the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask.

**Register here**

I would LOVE to see you at BOTH of these workshops. You must be registered to get access.

Connect with Em

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn Em Gentle

In this episode, I want to help you wrap up the school year with intention and positivity.

Whether 2024 has been your best year yet or one filled with challenges, this episode will guide you through reflecting, processing, and planning so you can head into the holidays rested and recharged.

Here’s what you’ll learn

• Learn how to celebrate your successes, process what didn’t go as planned, and uncover lessons to carry forward into 2025.
• Practical tips for closing the classroom from organising, letting go of emotions that no longer serve you because you deserve to start the new year with a clean slate.
• How you can truly disconnect, recharge, and make the most of your break.
• What reflection prompts to work through to set yourself up for an amazing break and new energy in the new year.

The work you do matters deeply.

Taking the time to rest, reflect, and recharge isn’t just for you, It’s for the students you’ll continue to show up for next year.

Give yourself the gift of joy, gratitude, and relaxation over the holidays, because you’ve earned it.

Resources for you

• New Teacher Toolkit is BACK! If you are a new teacher, this FREE guide is for you.

Connect with Em

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn Em Gentle

In this episode, I sit down with Marg Thorsborne and Joe Brummer, two incredible thought leaders in trauma-informed and restorative practices.

Together, they’ve written two books, Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator and Becoming a Trauma-Informed Restorative School - Practical Skills to Change Culture and Behaviour.

It’s all about creating safer, more connected classrooms that focus on collaboration and wellbeing rather than compliance and punishment.

We talk about the critical shift from punitive approaches to relational ones, how trauma-informed and restorative practices work together, and why this is essential for creating meaningful change in education.

What you’ll learn in the episode:

• Why trauma-informed and restorative practices must go hand in hand
• Learn how these approaches are intertwined and why schools can’t truly adopt one without the other.
• The truth about punitive consequences and understanding the long-term costs of punishment on trust, mental health, and behaviour development.
• How co-regulation and relational neurobiology can transform classroom culture.
• Strategies and tools for educators for building trust, teaching skills, and holding boundaries without shame or compliance based tactics.
• How doing the work on ourselves as educators is the foundation for transforming our classrooms and communities.

The Books

• Building a Trauma-Informed Restorative School: Skills and Approaches for Improving Culture and Behaviour
• Building a Trauma-Informed Restorative Educator: Skills and Approaches for Improving Culture and Behaviour

Connect with Marg and Joe

• LinkedIn: Joe Brummer
• LinkedIn: Margaret Thorsborne

Resources for you

• Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It’s packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $77 and full of actionable, real world strategies.

Connect with Em

• Website: emmagentle.com.au
• Instagram: @em_gentle
• LinkedIn Em Gentle