This week’s challenge is all about warm welcomes. While it sounds simple, doing it with intention and consistency can completely transform the culture and community in your classroom.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why warm welcomes matter, and how greeting each student contributes to their emotional piggy bank, boosts buy-in, and improves behaviour.
• The power of routines, and why predictability helps students come to class more regulated and ready to learn.
• Breaking negative cycles, and how a consistent, personal greeting can help reach even the toughest students.
• Practical tips, including easy ways to make warm welcomes fun, personal, and consistent even on chaotic days.

QUICK WIN CHALLENGE:

This week, stand at the door and warmly welcome each student as they enter.

• Keep it simple by using a smile, eye contact, and their name.
• Add novelty by letting students choose their own greetings, such as a wave, fist bump, or handshake.
• Use visual prompts like a greetings poster on the wall, which can make the routine fun and help you stay consistent on busy days.

This is not about being fancy. It is about being intentional and consistent, showing each student that they are seen and valued as part of your classroom community.

Head here to grab my ready-made warm welcomes posters!

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

Do you have a student who feels impossible to reach? You're not alone. As the summer holidays wind down, you might find yourself thinking about that student. They’re the one you’ve struggled with before, or the one whose reputation precedes them. It’s tough, and it’s okay to admit that. The good news is that you have the power to press the reset button and make this year better for them and for you.

In this episode, I’m sharing practical strategies to help you break the cycle of negativity and start fresh. Whether you’re reflecting on last year or preparing for what’s ahead, this episode focuses on shifting your mindset, building bridges, and creating a plan for success.

If you’re part of The Behaviour Club, be sure to check out this month’s training, Pressing Reset. It takes a deeper dive into this topic and provides a step-by-step plan to transform your approach.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Reframing your mindset: How separating the child from their behaviours can shift your perspective and open the door to connection.
• The power of a reset chat: Why starting the year with an open and collaborative conversation can plant the seeds for change.
• Building trust through small actions: How investing in their emotional piggy bank and catching the positive can transform your relationship over time.
• Practical strategies you can implement today to prepare for a better year with that tough-to-teach student.

Behaviour change takes time, but every small step you take creates a ripple effect. Focus on what you can control, and you’ll be amazed at what’s possible!

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 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