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 pow...

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 t...

Do you often find yourself reminding the same students about the same expectations? It’s draining, and it can start to feel personal, leading to unnecessary confrontations.Here’s a simple shift that can transform this dynamic: Make it about the visual. NOT about you!Instead of verbally repeating instructions, point to a visual cue on the wall, like a poster of class expectations or a checklist. This shifts the focus from “you vs. me” to a shared goal that everyone can see.In this episode, we ...

You’ve FINALLY gotten your students settled and started at the start of the lesson… cue… the disruptive latecomer!This month on the podcast, I'm focusing on the first five minutes of each lesson—the foundation of a calm, connected start. However, even with a solid roadmap that guides teachers in creating a smooth start with key strategies, like shifting students’ energy through entry routines, engaging starters, and seamless transitions... there's one big wrench that can throw off this plan: ...

Today’s Behaviour Bite is all about a simple yet powerful practice: asking and pausing—for much longer than you (probably) already do.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The common tendency among teachers to rush through questions: After asking if there are any questions, many of us move on immediately, often before giving students a chance to respond. Research shows that the average pause is just 0.9 seconds—far too short for effective processing.Understanding different types of thinkers: Some studen...

Are you struggling with having a settled start to the lesson? Battling dysregulation and high energy?In today’s episode, we’re exploring the importance of the First 5—those critical first five minutes of each lesson. This time can make all the difference in shifting energy from the chaos of transitions to a calm, focused learning environment. We’ll dive into practical strategies for creating an “invisible barrier” that allows students to enter a space primed for learning, leaving the out...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into how building a growth mindset culture can be transformative in our classrooms. We’ll look at how fixed mindsets hold students back, especially when past experiences or fears of failure keep them from fully engaging in learning. Through this episode, Ill explore practical ways to build self-belief, helping students see challenges as chances to grow and celebrating their efforts along the way. These strategies are all about creating an environment wher...

Welcome to the second Behaviour Bite! Every Thursday (in addition to my main-course episode on Tuesday) I’ll be delivering one quick tip that you can put into action immediately to help you crush your classroom management!TODAY'S BEHAVIOUR BITE:Avoid locking horns... at all costs.Listen in as I talk through this bite, and give you your actionable takeaway!Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!TAKE THE QUIZ! What is your teacher type, and what does this reveal abo...

You’ve probably heard the phrase, "Behaviours are students meeting a need." In this episode, I’m diving into what that actually really means for your classroom and how understanding the needs behind student behaviour can transform your management approach.Listen in as I discuss:Glasser’s 5 basic needs and how they drive behaviour (survival, love/belonging, fun, power/mastery, and freedom)How unmet needs can lead to challenging behaviours in the classroomCore principles of Choice TheoryThe imp...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Behaviour Bites! Every Thursday (in addition to my main-course episode on Tuesday) I’ll be delivering one quick tip each week that you can put into action immediately to help you crush your classroom management!TODAY'S BEHAVIOUR BITE:Students will always follow our example, before they follow our instruction.Listen in as I talk through this bite, and give you your actionable takeaway!Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!TAKE T...

In this episode, I’m diving into one of THE most transformative strategies for managing low-level disruptions—almost like flipping a switch. I'll explore how your teaching presence, especially through non-verbal communication, can significantly shift classroom behaviour. It’s not about doing one thing—it’s about everything you do.Listen in as I discuss:What even is a strong teaching presence?Understanding the power of non-verbal communication in classroom managementThe difference between "cre...

Take the quiz! What's your teacher type?! Ever wondered why some classroom management strategies work wonders for others but fall flat for you? In today’s episode, we’re delving deep into the heart of teaching styles and uncovering what makes you uniquely you in the classroom. I’ll be taking you behind the scenes of my "What is Your Teacher Type?" quiz and showing you how this simple tool can unlock powerful insights into your teaching strengths and challenges.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DIS...

Take the quiz - What's your teacher type?! (Putting this right up top because I know that's why you came to the description)In today's episode I’ll be walking you through three mistakes you might unknowingly be making that can fuel these low-level behaviour spotfires. Now, I say “might be,” but let’s be real—after observing hundreds of lessons, I can tell you with certainty that these sneaky habits tend to creep into even the most experienced classrooms, and yes, I’ve been guilty of them too!...

In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into the frustration of low-level behaviours in the classroom—why they are so tricky to handle and why the advice out there often falls flat. This is episode 1 of a big focus on low-level behaviours this month, so be sure to follow along for the rest if this is a big challenge for you in your practice!IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:My personal experiences with low-level behaviours and why I’m so passionate about this topic - hellooooo shaking our confidenc...

BY POPULAR DEMAND: You can grab the task card template here!Classroom management is more than just the behaviour, and dealing with low-level disruptive behaviours NEEDS to be more than this to be effective!In this episode, I'll be exploring (well... more like nerding out on) a simple yet incredibly effective tool to help manage and reduce low-level behaviours in the classroom: the humble task card. I know, I know, but stay with me here.Many factors contribute to disruptive behaviours, but by ...

Click here to access your free session on the barriers to giving a task that students get (and get on with)In today’s episode, I’m unpacking why students might not be listening or following your task instructions. Picture this: hands shoot up, students ask, “What are we doing?” or they sit there doodling, lost in confusion. What’s going on here? I’ll explore the reasons behind this and how understanding them is key to solving the problem.Here’s what I’ll cover:The assumptions we make that lea...

In this episode, I’m diving into three common pieces of behaviour and classroom management advice that teachers are often given and why we need to stop offering them—at least in the way they’re typically presented.These bits of advice are frequently thrown around without any meaningful support or practical steps, making them more harmful than helpful. I’ve heard them time and again from colleagues, experts, and social media, but the reality is that they’re often oversimplified and lacking rea...

In this episode, I dive into one of the toughest challenges we face as teachers—how to manage a classroom full of students when dysregulated behaviours start bubbling up and escalating. I talk about the key things to remember when students are dysregulated and can’t reason with us, and share my CARE Framework—a practical approach for responding to these situations. The goal? For you to be equipped with actionable classroom management strategies that are aligned with your values of compassion ...

The start of a new school year is always a mix of excitement and nerves (the Sunday scaries multiplied times over!!). As teachers, we’re not just thinking about lesson plans and curriculum—we’re setting the stage for a whole year of learning, growth, and relationships. What will our students be like? How will they get along? What will the dynamics be? Will they respond to me? How we kick off this journey can make a huge difference in shaping the classroom environment that we want for the year...

How can you set the tone for an amazing school year without resorting to icebreakers that have your students eyes rolling?In this episode, you will learn how to foster genuine connections, and create a positive classroom environment that students are eager to be part of, any day of the school year. Listen in as I explore why typical icebreakers often miss the mark and reveal criteria for activities that spark natural, student-led discussions. This episode is packed with insights on creating a...

Let’s talk calm corners.They are all the rage, and for good reason.When done right, they teach regulation skills and embed these as part of the classroom culture and shared language.When students understand more about their brains, they’re more likely to be empowered to manage their behaviours and self-regulate. Yes, even in secondary! Especially in secondary! The teenage years are the biggest time for brain development, second only to when we are developing in the womb up until 2 years of ag...

Let me ask you a question, teacher friend...How are you, really?I have thought long and hard about how I view teacher wellbeing, what it is, how we get it, and there are so many factors that we need to consider: How much autonomy and trust you have.The support you’re getting from leadership.The culture of the school.How empowered you feel in your classroom .How confident and masterful you feel.The opportunities that are afforded to you.How fulfilling you feel the work is.But today I want...

Welcome back to another episode of The Unteachables Podcast, teacher friends! Today I delve into the final chapter of my book, It's Never Just About the Behaviour. If you want to listen to this series from the start, head back to episode 65!Yes, building relationships is important... but dang is it hard with some students! On today's episode I give you practical tips for building connections and establishing felt safety in the classroom, particularly with students who present with challenging...

Today, I dive into a strategy from Pillar 6 from my newly released book, 'It's Never Just About the Behaviour' which explores the essential connection between quality teaching, learning, and managing challenging classroom behaviours.In this episode, I explore two key reasons why teaching and learning is inextricably linked with classroom management.I dig into how the beliefs and expectations we have about our students can become self-fulfilling prophecies, shaping student behaviour and their ...