Evidence shows that mindfulness can have a positive impact on the thoughts and emotions of adults. but is the same automatically true for children? And should we be investing time helping kids learn mindfulness techniques in class? In this episode of school behaviour secrets, we explore what mindfulness is, how to use it with children, and review the scientific research into mindfulness and children. All aimed at answering the question: Does mindfulness work for children who struggle with strong...
Jun 19, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Many educators focus on the challenges associated with ADHD in the classroom. But what if that's the wrong approach? What if a child's ADHD were actually their superpower? In today's School Behaviour Secrets, author and expert Soli Lazarus talks to us about her experience being a parent of a child with ADHD, reveals the overlooked advantages the condition can offer, and ideas and strategies to bring out the best in your pupils with ADHD. Important links: Soli's website Soli's 5-minute ADHD podca...
Jun 12, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Teaching kids with challenging behaviour needs can be tough. It can emotionally, physically and spiritually draining! When it comes to supporting kids with SEMH and behaviour needs, mindset is everything. So in this episode, we explore 5 important mindset changes to make that will help protect your mental and emotional well-being as an adult. Useful links: Get our FREE SEMH Framework: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/semh_framework.php Join our Inner Circle membership programme: https://beacons...
Jun 06, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Did you know that children with ADHD have a very reward driven brain - that drives them to seek out immediate pleasure ? That means if they're doing something that's boring, whatever the activity may be, it's physically uncomfortable for them. In Part 2 of this episode, ADHD expert and founder of DIG Coaching Practice Jeff Copper, reveals more of his insights into the difficulties and challenges that kids with ADHD have and how we can effectively support them in school. Important links: Visit Je...
May 22, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Did you know that children with ADHD have a very reward driven brain - that drives them to seek out immediate pleasure ? That means if they're doing something that's boring, whatever the activity may be, it's physically uncomfortable for them. In this week's episode, ADHD expert and founder of DIG Coaching Practice Jeff Copper, reveals his insights into the difficulties and challenges that kids with ADHD have and how we can effectively support them in school. Important links: Visit Jeff's websit...
May 15, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Low-level disruption slows down teaching and learning, prevents students from focussing on their work and creates huge amounts of stress for teachers. It may be "low-level" in name, but it's "high-level" in impact. But what can we, as teachers, do about low-level disruption? In this episode, we look at 4 key classroom management strategies that help eliminate low-level disruption AND explain how to use them in your classroom - so you can create a positive learning environment where all your pupi...
May 08, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Did you know there's an area of science focussed on helping people engage in positive behaviour change? It's called ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) and follows simple, tested principles for helping pupils achieve behaviour success. In today's episode, ABA and autism expert Sasha Long explains what ABA is, why finding the function of a pupil's behaviour is so important. AND how to replace negative classroom behaviours with positive ones (even with students who are resistant to change). Important...
May 02, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Want to know how to de-escalate a student outburst? To some extent, it will depend on the needs of the individual pupil - but there is one mindset shift you can make that will improve your de-escalation skills. In this episode, we reveal what the mindset shift is and how to apply it when de-escalating pupils experiencing an anger outburst (or meltdown). So you minimise your pupil's distress - and the damage done to classroom learning. Useful links: Get our FREE SEMH Framework: https://beaconscho...
Apr 24, 2022•32 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Summary Happiness is a teacher's best tool. But so many school teachers are now experiencing poor mental health due to the high workload, stress and over-scheduling that has become a part of our modern education system. How can we change this culture within our school system and protect teachers' wellbeing and happiness? In this podcast episode, we interview former head teacher Simon Bolger (That Wellbeing Guy) who is determined to start a wellbeing revolution and make as many schools as possibl...
Apr 03, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Done right, restorative practice can be a brilliant way of teaching pupils conflict resolution skills and encouraging them to behave positively because they care about the impact of their actions on other people. But when restorative conversations aren't introduced effectively, it can result in pupils, staff and parents losing faith in the process. That's why, in this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we share 4 pitfalls to avoid if you're using (or about to use) restorative practice in schoo...
Mar 27, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 55
There's been a worrying increase in children struggling with their SEMH needs within schools. But - as teachers and educators - what's the best way of empathising and engaging with them. and forming mutually trusting relationships? In this podcast episode, we interview Adele Bates, SEMH behaviour specialist and author of 'Miss, I Don't Give a Sh*t! - engaging with Challenging Behaviour in Schools.' In the interview, Adele gives her top insights into dealing with challenging behaviour directly li...
Mar 21, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 54
Teaching pupils with high levels of SEMH (or behavioural) needs? Sometimes, it can feel like they're stuck in a cycle of damaging behaviour - and just never learn from the systems of rewards and consequences we use to motivate them. Important links: Get our FREE SEN Behaviour Handbook: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/SEN-handbook.php Join our Inner Circle membership programme: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/inner_circle.php Download other FREE behaviour resources for use in school: https://...
Mar 14, 2022•20 min•Season 1Ep. 53
School intervention groups for special needs pupils are expensive to run. and often don't get the impact schools are hoping for. So what are the essential ingredients that make up a intervention? In this week's episode, inclusion expert Daniel Sobel reveals the secrets to running successful intervention groups. He explains how to select the perfect intervention for your each pupil, how to plan and assess the impact of your group, and how to use hard and soft data to evidence that success. Import...
Mar 07, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Good classroom management is the bedrock of a purposeful classroom. But what are the practical strategies the best teachers use to create a productive learning environment? In today's episode, we share 5 hacks for improving whole class behaviour. That's 5 easy wins to get your class more focussed, engaged with their work and that encourage more positive behaviour in class. that you can start using today. Important links: Get our FREE classroom management scoresheet: https://beaconschoolsupport.c...
Feb 28, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Experiencing the death of a close family member will have a massive impact on the emotional well-being of any student. But how do we - as teachers and educator - support pupils through this difficult time? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we interview Justin Wilson, a counsellor with Edward's Trust who's highly experienced at supporting kids through bereavement. She explains how to open up a conversation about grief, what to say to your student. and what to avoid saying. Important li...
Feb 14, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Many teachers and parents associate the rise in mental health needs we see in teenagers with the move to secondary education. where they are faced with increased exam pressure, given greater independence and responsibility, and have to cope with the expectations of many teachers across a range of subjects. But is there any evidence to support this idea? Or is it a myth? In this week's interview with John Jerrim, we explore his surprising research into secondary education and the mental wellbeing...
Feb 07, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 49
All forms of human behaviour fall into one of four categories. And understanding these behaviour types is critical for managing challenging pupil behaviour in the classroom - especially when a student is affected by an underlying special need (like autism or ADHD). In this episode, we reveal what those behaviour types are... and explain why some kids make poor behaviour choices, get stuck in patterns of destructive behaviour, and never seem to learn from their mistakes. Important links: Get our ...
Jan 31, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 48
According to the latest statistics, it's likely there's at least one child in every class who's affected by Oppositional Defiant Disorder. But what does it actually mean if a child has a diagnosis of ODD? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we take a deep dive into understanding ODD in the classroom. We look at how Oppositional Defiant Disorder affects pupils, what kinds of behaviours we might see in the classroom, and share strategies for supporting pupils with the condition. Important...
Jan 24, 2022•26 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Classroom management is an essential skill for making sure your pupils are on task, engage with lessons and learn well. But precisely what should we be saying - and doing - to make this happen in our classrooms? Rob Plevin is an author and expert on the topic of classroom management. And in this episode, he explains the exact techniques he uses to create a productive learning environment, how to encourage more positive student behaviour AND build strong adult:pupil relationships in the classroom...
Jan 17, 2022•29 min•Season 1Ep. 46
When a child experiences early trauma, or develops an insecure attachment with their parent, the impact can last for years. It can negatively affect how they regulate their emotions, interact with others and cope in the busy school environment. In this episode, author and expert Rebecca Brooks explains the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and behaviour in school, and shares practical strategies for building an inclusive, trauma and attachment aware classroom - with the aim of cr...
Jan 10, 2022•44 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Classroom behaviour charts have been used for decades to help support positive behaviour in class (and discourage negative behaviour). But are they actually doing more harm than good? In today's episode, we look at the pros and cons of using behaviour charts to manage whole class behaviour. We'll be asking if charts are a great way of providing recognition for good behaviour - or do they just publicly shame kids with behaviour needs? Important links: Get our FREE Classroom Management Scoresheet:...
Jan 03, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Since September, have you been surprised by the change in the emotional well-being - and classroom behaviour - of the kids in your class? Noticed less resilience, less ability to focus, fewer social skills and asked... is this just my class? Or my school? To answer that question, we surveyed our community to assess the change of SEMH needs schools are seeing in their students. And in this episode, we share the results, revealing the true impact of COVID and lockdown... and the challenges we face...
Dec 13, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Looking for a different approach to help pupils manage their emotions and stress? That's easy for students to access... and doesn't rely on them sitting still and focussing for long periods, like meditation or mindfulness? In this episode, Deborah Miller unlocks the secrets of EFT Tapping, a simple technique for helping children get back on top of strong emotions... leaving them feeling calm, grounded and focussed. Important links: Deborah's website: https://deborah-miller.myshopify.com/ Get our...
Dec 06, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In recent years, more and more technologies like interactive whiteboards have been enthusiastically introduced into classrooms. But has the impact on classroom engagement been wholly positive? In this episode of School Behaviour Secrets, we explore whether interactive whiteboards (IWBs) are a positive force for classroom behaviour... or whether they're quietly undermining the teacher's ability to run the class. Important links: Get our FREE classroom management scoresheet: https://beaconschoolsu...
Nov 29, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Bullying is an issue that affects many pupils. But once the immediate issue of bullying has been dealt with, how do you help victims overcome the emotional impact of what has happened to them? Bradley Davis, who is dedicated to supporting pupils with emotional and mental health issues, talks about his own experiences of bullying as a student - and shares practical strategies for helping (and healing) pupils who have experienced bullying in school. Important links: Bradley's website: The BKyndCo ...
Nov 22, 2021•28 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Most of us invest more time learning to drive than learning to parent - and parenting programmes are full of valuable ideas and strategies. But why do they have such a high failure rate in schools? In today's episode, we look at the factors that drag down the success of parenting courses, and explore what can be done to make the programmes offered in your school more successful. Important links: Join our Behaviour 360 programme: https://beaconschoolsupport.co.uk/behaviour_360.php Get access to F...
Nov 15, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Looking for a way to boost student behaviour at lunchtimes - and increase their social skills as well - in a way that's immediate and engaging? Therese Hoyle is one of the UK's leading trainers on improving playtime and lunchtime behaviour. In this episode, she reveals the secrets of using playground games to dramatically improve the quality of playtimes and lunchtimes in schools. Important links: Therese's website, free resources and training: https://theresehoyle.com Use code FLY21 to get a 20...
Nov 08, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Developing empathy is a key skill our students need to function in school. It helps them bond with their peers, work as part of a group and function successfully in the classroom. But what do we actually mean by empathy - and how do we help our pupils develop it? In this episode, we look at the different layers of empathy, how theory of mind (and perspective taking) develop, and share some practical strategies for supporting students in your school. Join our Inner Circle membership programme: ht...
Nov 01, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Many kids experience difficulties managing strong emotions, whether those emotions are related to anger, anxiety or something else. And often, that lack of regulation spills over into challenging behaviour, or gets in the way of their learning. In this week's interview, we speak to Leah Kuypers, author and creator of the Zones Of Regulation. She shares practical and effective ways of helping pupils become more aware of their emotional state - and then engage with positive regulation strategies i...
Oct 24, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 36
If you're working with a child who has difficulty regulating their emotions, over-reacts to situations, or finds it hard to concentrate, then it might be they were affected by early trauma in their life. In this episode, we explore how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) actually change the way the brain functions, resulting in highly anxious or dysregulated pupils. And, of course, we cover concrete strategies you can start using to support pupils affected by trauma in your classroom. Get our F...
Oct 17, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 35
