Are you heading back to school and wondering how to set expectations that your students will actually follow, all while building a positive classroom culture?

You’re not alone, my friend! This is the top question I’ve been asked by teachers! In today’s episode, I’m tackling how to balance expectation-setting and relationship-building right from the start of the school year. Spoiler alert: yes, you can smile before Easter and still set boundaries that your students respect.

Whether you’re feeling the back-to-school panic or you’re already knee-deep in planning, this episode is full of actionable tips to make the transition smooth, enjoyable, and effective.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• The real goal for your first day back: It’s not just rules and routines. It’s buy-in! Learn why this is the cornerstone of everything you want to achieve.
• Why “Don’t smile until Easter” is bad advice: Discover how strategic use of your non-verbal cues can build credibility and connection at the same time.
• Three non-negotiables for the first week: From learning names to icebreakers and collaborative expectation-setting, I share how to establish a classroom culture that’s safe, seen, and heard.
• How to make expectations a living, breathing framework: Move beyond “stick-it-on-the-wall” rules and create a year-long dialogue around shared values and consequences.

Take the Stress Out of Back-to-School Planning!

• Behaviour Club Members: Access my full library of icebreakers, expectations lessons, and more!
• Not a member yet? Grab my Back to School Bundle for instant access to everything you need to hit the ground running. 

Let’s make 2025 the year classroom management feels more human and less like crowd control.

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

Resources and links:

• Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz
• 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
• Browse all resources on TPT
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

Episode 100!!! (AND the last episode of 2024) is both a reflection and a reminder—a moment to pause and think about what truly fills your cup during the holidays. Teaching can be all-consuming, and it’s vital to find ways to not just rest but to feel rejuvenated and reconnected with yourself.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why resting isn’t always enough – the difference between rest and rejuvenation.
• The 5 basic needs cups from choice theory – love and belonging, fun, survival, mastery and power, and freedom.
• Identifying how you're truly feeling – and how to intentionally fill your cups in ways that align with your unique needs.
• The importance of prioritising your wellbeing – because the work we do as teachers depends on it.

As this year comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on how you feel and what you need. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, reigniting a hobby, or simply taking time to rest, be intentional about filling the cups that leave you feeling whole.

If you’ve enjoyed the podcast this year, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review—it would mean the world to me. Thank you for letting me support you throughout 2024. I can’t wait to bring you fresh episodes, new ideas, and plenty of support in the new year.

Sending all my love, and as my little one says, “bye bye, ta ta, see you later!” 💛

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

Resources and links:

• Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz
• 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
• Browse all resources on TPT
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

The festive season can be a fun time for us as teachers, and our students—but not for everyone. While many of us are busy planning celebrations and gifts, some of our students face unique challenges. For them, the holiday season might bring stress, instability, or hardship. In this episode, I offer a compassionate reminder about the reality some of our students face and how we, as educators, can make a difference in their experience.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• The reality of the holiday season for some students – why it’s not a joyful time for everyone.
• The impact of the holidays on student behaviour – understanding increased reactivity, withdrawal, and emotional dysregulation.
• Practical steps to support students during this season – strategies for consistency, connection, and fostering felt-safety in your classroom.

The holidays can highlight the disparity in experiences among students, and for some, your classroom might be the only consistent, safe space they know. By recognising this and doubling down on your routines, expectations, and community-building, you can offer them much-needed stability. 

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

Resources and links:

• Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz
• 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
• Browse all resources on TPT
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

As we near the end of the term, the classroom energy can get... let's say, a little extra. Sound familiar? 😉 That’s why this week, I want to share 5 powerful  questions you can ask your students to foster an attitude of gratitude while bringing focus and positivity into the room.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why gratitude is powerful: The benefits for both students and teachers.
• 5 key questions to foster an attitude of gratitude: Easy, thought-provoking prompts that spark connection and reflection.
• How to make gratitude work for all students: Ideas for engagement, even for those reluctant to participate.

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS IN ONE PLACE:

1. What is something that you are glad for every day?
2. Look around the classroom and find one object you are grateful for. Why?
3. When was the last time you belly laughed?
4. What do you most look forward to when you wake up in the morning?
5. What’s one thing that makes you say, ‘I’m glad to be me’?

Pro tip: Model your own answers to these questions first—it helps students think creatively and feel comfortable sharing!

If you’re in the Behaviour Club, check out this month’s Gratitude Resource Pack! It’s packed with 29 conversation cards, gratitude bingo, and task cards to help embed these ideas into your classroom.

Not in The Behaviour Club? You can grab those resources separately here!

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

Resources and links:

• Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz
• 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
• Browse all resources on TPT
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

Ever had a class party or more relaxed and unstructured activities spiral into mayhem??? That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, it just means you need to do it right! 

In today's bite I take you through how adding structure to your festive plans can keep things fun, calm, and enjoyable for everyone (yourself included!).

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why end-of-year celebrations can feel overwhelming: Understanding what makes this time of year tricky.
• How to pair fun with predictability: Simple strategies to create structure while still enjoying the moment.
• Practical engagement tips: Ideas to keep students focused and reduce chaos during activities.

Celebrate away, but remember: Pair the party with predictability 🎄

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

Resources and links:

• Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz
• 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
• Browse all resources on TPT
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

Are you feeling the strain of the end-of-year chaos in the classroom?

“My students are apathetic and completely checked out!”
“Chattiness, off-task behaviours, and disruptions are at an all-time high!”
“Some behaviour has majorly escalated!”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

The combination of tired students, tired teachers, heightened excitement, and a lack of routine can wreak havoc on behaviour. But with a little prep (and a few no-prep strategies), you can channel that energy effectively—and get to the end of the year... dare I say, not just surviving, but thriving!!

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why this time of year is so challenging: Understanding the factors behind the end-of-year chaos.
• Three go-to games you can use in a pinch to upregulate or downregulate student energy, all while keeping the classroom fun and functional.
• How to lean into the festive energy: Tips for embracing the chaos while controlling what you can control.

Grab the brain break bundle: 6 games (600+ questions) to use each and every day to channel energy, build rapport, boost engagement, and encourage a positive, connected, class community. 

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

Resources and links:

• Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz
• 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
• Browse all resources on TPT
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

Imagine being 12 years old and feeling lost in a classroom. School has always been a struggle, and instead of admitting your confusion, you become the class clown, distracting yourself and your friends. When the teacher calls you out, you know the drill—nod along and wait for the inevitable lecture. 

That lecture? Like water off a duck’s back!

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• The cycle of disengagement: Lecturing students about their behaviour often leads them to tune out, allowing them to avoid taking real accountability. This just perpetuates the same patterns when they return to class.
• Shifting from lecturing to guiding: By using strategic questions, we can encourage students to reflect on their actions and understand the impact of their behaviour.
• Empowering student reflection: When students contribute to the conversation, they become active participants in their own learning and behaviour management, rather than passive recipients of criticism.

This week, observe your language when discussing behaviour with students:

• Are you talking more than listening?
• Are you telling more than asking?
• Challenge yourself to become a guide instead of a lecturer. 

Notice how this shift influences your conversations and helps students take ownership of their actions.

.

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

Resources and links:

• Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz
• 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
• Browse all resources on TPT
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

Are your students arriving late or missing class altogether?

In this episode, we’ll explore why punitive measures often backfire and how they can alienate the very students who need connection the most.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• The pitfalls of punishment: While it may seem like a way to enforce attendance, punishment can foster resentment and disconnect, driving students further away from the classroom.
• Understanding the reasons behind absenteeism: Many factors influencing attendance are beyond the students’ control, including personal circumstances and mental health challenges.
• The importance of compassionate expectations: It’s crucial to maintain high standards while approaching students with empathy and understanding.
• 5 Practical strategies for improving attendance with understanding, compassion and reflection.

The key takeaway from this episode is clear: we cannot lecture or punish our way to better attendance. Instead, we must focus on connection, celebrating progress, and having difficult yet supportive conversations.

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

Resources and links:

• Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz
• 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
• Browse all resources on TPT
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

When we think of classroom management, our minds often jump to techniques and strategies we implement with our students. However, the most effective management often occurs even before they enter the room. In today’s behaviour bite, I’ll discuss the crucial role of the physical classroom environment itself. It can serve as an invaluable teaching assistant or become a significant roadblock.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• The impact of a clean and clutter-free classroom: A tidy environment sends powerful non-verbal messages to students about expectations, respect, and focus.
• The consequences of a messy space: When students enter a chaotic room, they may internalise the belief that cleanliness and respect for the learning environment don’t matter.
• The benefits of a well-organised classroom: A neat setup with resources ready and a clear agenda helps establish a positive tone and reinforces the importance of taking care of the space.
• Action steps to improve your classroom environment: I challenge you to reflect on the messages your space conveys and implement one small change this week to create a more supportive learning atmosphere.

By making these intentional adjustments, you can help your students feel anchored and ready to learn. These small changes will bolster your classroom management and foster a culture where all students work together to maintain a positive learning environment.

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

Resources and links:

• Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz
• 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
• Browse all resources on TPT
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

You’ve finally set the stage for a productive lesson… and then the chaos begins!

This month on the podcast, we’re honing in on those critical first five minutes—the bedrock of an engaging and settled classroom environment.

I’ll be outlining key strategies to help you create a smooth start, including how to shift students’ energy with entry routines and effective starter activities.

But what happens if you don’t engage your students right away? Something else will!

In this episode, we’ll explore the importance of starter activities and how they can either make or break your lesson’s flow.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• The role of starter activities: These brief, independent tasks serve as the hook to draw students into the lesson. They need to be achievable, explicit, and timed perfectly to set a positive tone.
• Common mistakes with starter activities: I highlight pitfalls to avoid, such as relying on prior knowledge, requiring too much explanation, or lacking relevance to students’ interests.
• How consistency builds trust: Establishing a predictable routine helps students feel secure and ready to learn as they enter the classroom.
• Effective starter activity examples: I share ideas like imaginative prompts that connect students to the lesson and concept-based tasks that allow for differentiated engagement.

GRAB MY 250+ AGENDA SLIDES WITH STARTERS HERE!

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

Resources and links:

• Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz
• 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
• Browse all resources on TPT
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website