Exit tasks Exit slips Plenaries Whatever 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...
Feb 10, 2025•13 min
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 recogniti...
Feb 06, 2025•5 min•Season 6Ep. 105
Does this sound familiar? The final moments of your lesson feel chaotic... unfinished, rushed work, students hovering by the door, mess everywhere, disruption, noise, and disorganisation leaving you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated? If this sounds all too familiar, you are not alone. The good news is that with consistent, simple exit routines, you can transition out of your lesson calmly and purposefully without feeling like a bouncer at the door. IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS: 1. Why exit routin...
Feb 03, 2025•18 min•Season 6Ep. 104
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 ...
Jan 30, 2025•8 min•Season 6Ep. 103
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 ...
Jan 27, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 102
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...
Jan 20, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 101
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, ...
Dec 17, 2024•16 min•Season 5Ep. 100
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...
Dec 12, 2024•7 min•Season 5Ep. 99
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 reflecti...
Dec 10, 2024•14 min
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 stra...
Dec 05, 2024•7 min•Season 5Ep. 97
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...
Dec 04, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 96
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: Lecturing students about their behaviour often leads them to tune out, allowing them to avoid takin...
Nov 28, 2024•6 min•Season 5Ep. 95
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 classroom. Understanding the reasons behind absenteeism: Many factors influencing attendance are beyo...
Nov 26, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 94
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 powe...
Nov 21, 2024•7 min
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 ...
Nov 19, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 92
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 ...
Nov 14, 2024•7 min•Season 5Ep. 91
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: wh...
Nov 12, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 90
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...
Nov 07, 2024•6 min•Season 5Ep. 89
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 outside e...
Nov 05, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 88
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 where studen...
Oct 28, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 87
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! 👉 JOIN THE $1 KICKSTART! Click for more info and to jump in! RESOUR...
Oct 17, 2024•7 min•Season 5Ep. 86
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 classroom Core principles of Choice Theory The i...
Oct 14, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 85
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! 👉 ...
Oct 10, 2024•5 min•Season 5Ep. 84
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 management The difference between "cr...
Oct 07, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 83
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 DISCOVER: ...
Sep 30, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 82
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! B...
Sep 24, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 81
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 confidence and ...
Sep 17, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 80
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 ...
Sep 10, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 79
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 l...
Sep 03, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 78
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 real ...
Aug 27, 2024•19 min•Season 5Ep. 77
