The Unteachables Podcast

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...

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 questio...

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 fe...

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...

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...

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 c...

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...

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 happen...

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....

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 routine...

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 se...

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...

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 celebra...

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 jus...

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 freed...

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 gi...

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 presenc...

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 simp...

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 th...

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 lo...

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 ta...

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 unde...

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 colleague...

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...

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...