Welcome to 'The Unteachables Podcast', your go-to resource for practical classroom management strategies and teacher support. I’m your host, Claire English, a p...
#109: Quick Win Challenge! When behaviour happens, stop and ask this one question.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a personal story that shaped how I approach behaviour and relationships in the classroom, and how a single moment of connection can shift everything.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:A deeply personal story from my school days: How one teacher’s unexpected response broke down my tough exterior.Why connection is key: The profound impact of showing care and curiosity over control.Practical ways to connect with your students: Simple phrases to use when addressing challenging behaviour.A powerful reminder: Why “connection is never the wrong answer” and how it can guide your approach.This Week’s Quick Win: Start with connection.Take a moment to pause and ask: Are you okay? or What’s going on? Building connection in those tough moments may not always lead to immediate change, but it will always give you the best shot at creating buy-in and trust.Remember:Behaviour is nuanced and complicated, but connection simplifies the approach. Write it down somewhere you’ll see it: Connection is never the wrong answer.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
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#108: "Shut up miss, you're a sh!t teacher, your lessons suck!" How to respond when behaviours get really personal.
WARNING: This episode has a lot of swearing in it!! Dealing with the challenging behaviours are never easy, especially when they feel personal.That's why in today's episode, I wanted to talk through one of my own experiences, how I dealt with it, and the lessons we can take away.SOME KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:Connection First: Even when behaviour feels personal or triggering, prioritise connection as it de-escalates and opens the door to change.Context Matters: There is no one-size-fits-all response. Tailor your approach to the student and situation.Do Not Make It About You: Refuse to internalize disrespect. Staying focused on the bigger picture helps you avoid power struggles.If ever in doubt, you can ask yourself, "Will my response bring us closer together or drive us further apart?" And my personal favourite: Connection is NEVER the wrong answer.Please don't forget to take care of yourselves as a priority, wonderful Unteachables 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
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#107: Quick Win Challenge! Put it on a Post-it.
Do you feel stuck in a constant cycle of addressing challenging behaviour in the classroom?What if there was a small, intentional act that could shift the focus, rebuild trust, and nurture the emotional wellbeing of your most challenging students?In this episode of Quick Wins, we explore a simple yet powerful strategy called Positive Post-Its. This small action has the potential to create profound changes for both you and your students.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why students with challenging behaviour often miss out on positive interactions and how this impacts them.The power of small, intentional gestures to change the narrative in your classroom.My personal experiment with Positive Post-Its and the incredible impact it had on my students.How you can start using this simple strategy immediately to build connection and trust.Positive Post-Its are a small but impactful way to show students they are noticed, valued, and capable of change. By intentionally focusing on the positives, even on difficult days, you can strengthen relationships and create an environment where growth becomes 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
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#106: Steal these 10 exit tasks for better engagement, behaviour, and calm end to the lesson.
Exit tasksExit slipsPlenariesWhatever you want to call them......they are SO much more than just a tool to consolidate learning or tick off reflection and self-assessment boxes.When used effectively, they:👉 Reinforce engagement and behaviour expectations.👉 Encourage work completion by becoming part of your routine.👉 Show students you care if they engage or finish their work!!However, in reality...Students can quickly become bored of them because the language is the same.It can feel a little forced, especially as an exit routine if you’re trying to think of plenaries every day.It adds extra work to our plates coming up with these exit tasks and then checking them!That's where this episode comes in. I'm sharing 10 of my no-prep exit questions you can use immediately. These ideas are fun, flexible, and designed to help you feel calm and in control, while keeping your students engaged. THE EXIT TASKS:Here are my 10 exit tasks that you can copy and write up on the board at a moments notice. And of course if you like these, you can grab my teacher favourite 'Exit Doors' presentation with a bunch of other exit routine goodies inside of The Behaviour Club, or at the-unteachables.com/exit1. Teach a Teenie - Imagine you had to explain what you learned in today’s lesson to somebody much younger than you. How might you explain it in the simplest way possible so that they would understand?2. Hi-5 facts - Draw an outline of your hand. On the palm, write down what you think the main idea or main takeaway from the lesson has been. On each finger, write down one small fact that you learned3. $3 Summary - Imagine each word that you write is worth 10c. Write a $3 summary of what you learned in today’s lesson. For example, this sentence is worth $1.30 because it is 13 words long! (Change the currency to whatever your local currency is)4. Catch-up Notes - Imagine one of your friends was absent from class today. Write a list of 5 main things they would need to know from today’s lesson to be all caught up.5. Beat the Teacher - Based on what you learnt today, come up with a quiz question that you think can stump the teacher! Write it down and be ready to test it out.6. One Word - If you had to sum up everything you learned in today’s lesson in just one word, what would it be? Then, explain why you chose that word.7. Rock, Paper, Scissors - Write down:YOUR ROCK: The toughest thing from the lessonYOUR PAPER: The three most important things to make a note ofYOUR SCISSORS: Something least important you’d cut out.8. 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
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#105: Quick Win Challenge! Pick up the phone.
In this episode, I explore one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in your emotional piggybank investment toolkit: positive phone calls home. These small acts of connection can have a monumental impact!IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why positive phone calls are a game-changer, including how they build trust and transform relationships with students and their families.The impact on students who display challenging behaviours, explaining why these children often miss out on positive recognition and how this small step can change their narrative.A simple action plan for making a positive call, with step-by-step guidance and a script to help you get started.The ripple effect of connection, describing how a single phone call can spark long-term behaviour change and stronger communication.Your quick-win challenge this week:Commit to just one positive call home. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or lengthy, just heartfelt. Use the script provided in this episode to introduce yourself, share specific positives, and open the door for future communication.Connection is the cornerstone of teaching. Behaviour change will not happen overnight, but every small step matters. Start with one moment of connection, one positive call, and one narrative shift. You’ve got this, wonderful teacher!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
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!
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