The Teachers' Podcast

Rewards are a staple of many primary classrooms, but how much difference do they really make? In this episode, Emma and Chris take a closer look at everything from stickers and house points to certificates and whole-class reward systems, exploring when rewards can be a powerful tool and when they might do more harm than good.

They delve into the research behind rewards, including the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and discuss how reward systems can influence children's behaviour, confidence and long-term attitudes to learning. Along the way, they share honest reflections on the approaches they've embraced, the ones they've questioned and the practical tweaks that have made the biggest difference in their own classrooms.

Rather than asking whether rewards are simply 'good' or'bad', Emma and Chris consider how teachers can use them thoughtfully to encourage effort, build positive classroom cultures and help children develop motivation that lasts beyond the promise of a sticker.

This week's teacher tip is a simple way to get your class’s attention instantly while not shredding your vocal cords! 

Research Hub article: https://my.chartered.college/research-hub/the-dark-side-of-rewards-and-punishments-in-the-classroom-part-i/

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In our second transition episode, Emma and Chris turn their attention to transition from one year group to another beyond Reception into Year 1! From changing classrooms and teachers to stepping into a new Key Stage, they discuss why transition matters and the impact it can have on children's confidence, wellbeing and learning.

Drawing on their own experiences, they share examples of transition done brilliantly, a few that didn't quite go to plan and the lessons they've learned along the way. Expect plenty of practical ideas, from end-of-year activities and teacher handovers to simple things that can make a big difference over the summer break.

Emma and Chris also reflect on the role transition plays in children's wellbeing, relationships and learning, and share their top tips for making sure September starts on the right foot.

This week's teacher tip is all about pupil trays and is GUARANTEED to reduce time looking for a specific pupil’s tray!

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n the first of our two episodes all about transition, we're tackling one of the biggest milestones in primary education: the move from Reception to Year 1.

Emma and Chris explore the shift from the play-based exploratory world of EYFS to the more structured demands of Year 1 and the National Curriculum. They discuss the opportunities and challenges this transition brings for children, teachers and families, and share practical ideas for making the move as smooth and successful as possible.

Along the way, they consider what good transition practice looks like and how many of these principles can be applied across other year groups too.

This week’s teacher tip is about the ‘secret pupil’ and the power of a handful of lollipop sticks!

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Grab your first aid kit, sick bucket and risk assessment; we're heading out on a school trip! In this episode, Chris and Emma explore one of the most memorable parts of school life, sharing their own experiences as both pupils and teachers along the way.

They discuss the many benefits of learning beyond the classroom, the types of trips that suit different age groups and the practical challenges schools face when organising them. They also consider some of the barriers to taking children on trips and explore potential solutions.

Whether you're a seasoned trip leader or planning your first outing, join the conversation as they unpack the opportunities, logistics and lasting impact of school trips.

This week's teacher tip may help combat the issue of missing PE kits!

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It’s time to get stuck into the pros and cons of homework! After discussing the research in the last episode, Chris and Emma talk about the benefits of homework as well as the drawbacks of setting it. From building independent learning habits and reinforcing classroom content to concerns around workload, equity and engagement, they explore both sides of the debate. Is homework still an essential part of education, or is it time to rethink its role? Join the conversation as they unpack one of teaching’s most enduring topics.

This week’s teacher tip is a way to help fight the battle of pupils losing items of
stationery!

Schools in England blog discussed during this episode:
https://schoolsinengland.co.uk/blog/homework-expectations-primary

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It’s time to talk about all things homework in the first of our two-part discussion! In this first episode, Chris and Emma focus on the research behind homework – what is the impact, how much should be set and how often should it be set? With a discussion about the history of homework along the way, including how the Labour government and the Victorian attitude to homework impact on modern 
approaches, there’s a lot to get your teeth into!

This week’s teacher tip is a lovely plenary idea that will promote oracy and positivity
in your classroom!

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This week, Emma and Chris tackle how to arrange tables in your classroom! They
discuss the pros and cons of the three most common ways of organising tables,
such as impact on pupil focus, how social interaction can be affected and how
navigating around the classroom is a key consideration. With anecdotes, personal
recollections and experiences along the way, this will give you food for thought for
how your seating is set out in your classroom!

This week’s teacher tip will help shave time off each book that you mark, helping
your work-life balance!

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In the final part of our three-episode deep dive into orthography, morphology and
etymology as part of the writing framework, Chris and Emma talk all about excellent
etymology! With an explanation of what this is, suggestions for how to teach it within
your classroom and quick-win games on using etymology to impact spelling, this
episode will help you understand what etymology is and how you can immediately
start threading it into your teaching.

This week’s teacher tip is an easy one to help your class community too. Hit
download and enjoy!

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In the second part of our three-episode deep dive into orthography, morphology and etymology as part of the writing framework, Chris and Emma talk all about the marvellous world of morphology! Full of information about how to teach morphology

both explicitly and implicitly, strategies for embedding it within your classroom and the linguistic theory behind it, this episode is sure to help you tackle morphemes to bolster your teaching of spelling.

With a teacher tip linked to your personal wellbeing, there is lots to discover in this episode so get downloading!

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Chris and Emma kick off a three‑part series exploring the building blocks of spelling, starting with orthography—how children learn what “looks right” in written English.  

Chris shares the roots of his love for language, why English spelling is so complex and how phonics, pattern‑spotting and automaticity shape confident writers.  

They unpack spelling across EYFS to KS2, touch on Ofsted’s expectations and offer practical ways teachers can support children without overwhelming them. 

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