#140: If you've ever been told (or felt) you need to "be stricter" for classroom management success - listen to this.
We’re busting a big ol’ classroom management myth in this episode: that being kind, compassionate, and empathetic means you’re “too soft” to manage behaviour effectively.Because I’m seeing it everywhere right now - especially from all the beautiful new teachers joining me inside The Behaviour Club - this feeling of, “Am I doing it wrong?” “Am I too nice?” “Do I need to start being strict to be taken seriously?”Short answer? No.Longer answer? Let’s talk about it.This episode is a riffed, unfiltered reminder that you don’t need to ditch your warmth or change your personality to be respected in the classroom. And if you're walking into class bracing for impact, because the last thing that worked was yelling or snapping, you need to hear this one.I’m giving you a front seat to my own story from when I started teaching (and was 3 years older than some of my students 🙃), the realisation that changed everything, and what you actually need to learn to manage behaviour without selling out who you are.What you’ll learn:Why being kind and credible aren’t opposites (and how to be both)The truth behind “don’t smile until Easter” and why it failed meWhy your teaching presence matters more than your personalityHow to balance warmth with boundaries (without burning out)The missing skillset that makes behaviour management sustainableResources mentioned:Learn more about the Behaviour Club: https://the-unteachables.com/tbcMy episode on non-verbals & credible/approachable presence: #135: Is your teaching presence undermining your classroom management?Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!Memberships to The Behaviour Club now open until Monday 15th September! Learn more and join us here: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbcRESOURCES 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
--------
21:15
--------
21:15
#139: The exit routine your class [and you] desperately needs
Let’s talk about the part of the lesson where the wheels often fall off — the final five minutes. You know the one. The bell's about to go, some students are packing up early, others are zoning out, and you’re standing at the door doing your best nightclub bouncer impression. 🚪🕺In this final episode of the Kickstart series, we're talking exit routines — specifically, how to manage early finishers so the end of the lesson feels calm, purposeful, and controlled (instead of sweaty chaos).I'll walk you through the exact routine I teach students every time they finish early — no matter the subject, age, or task. Plus, I’ll show you how to build a self-sustaining structure that keeps students engaged right up to the bell… without needing 10 clones of yourself to manage the room.Because classroom management isn’t just about how you start — it’s also about how you finish.What you’ll learn:Why the last 5 minutes of your lesson matter more than you thinkWhat’s really going wrong when early finishers cause chaosThe exact self-assessment routine I teach to anchor students in reflectionHow to set up a simple “What to Do Next” system students follow on their own6 low-lift early finisher tasks that actually work (and require zero tech or prep)Why this structure reduces disruptions and raises the quality of student workHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!Memberships to The Behaviour Club now open until Monday 15th September! Learn more and join us here: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbcRESOURCES 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
--------
16:40
--------
16:40
#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!Memberships to The Behaviour Club now open until Monday 15th September! Learn more and join us here: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbcRESOURCES 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
--------
24:00
--------
24:00
#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!Memberships to The Behaviour Club now open until Monday 15th September! Learn more and join us here: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbcRESOURCES 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
--------
21:08
--------
21:08
#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!Memberships to The Behaviour Club now open until Monday 15th September! Learn more and join us here: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbcRESOURCES 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!
Australia