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 get to the end of the year... dare I say, not just surviving, but thriving!!

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why this time of year is so challenging: Understanding the factors behind the end-of-year chaos.
• Three go-to games you can use in a pinch to upregulate or downregulate student energy, all while keeping the classroom fun and functional.
• How to lean into the festive energy: Tips for embracing the chaos while controlling what you can control.

Grab the brain break bundle: 6 games (600+ questions) to use each and every day to channel energy, build rapport, boost engagement, and encourage a positive, connected, class community.

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 about your classroom management?

Join The Behaviour Club for no-fluff monthly training, a supportive community of like-minded educators, and done-for-you resources.

Browse my resources on TPT - All things SEL made with love.

The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp! - Strengthen your teaching presence and tackle low-level behaviours!

Purchase my book - ‘It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management

Freebies and support:

• Download the free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
• Download 3 free regulation breathing cards
• Follow me on Instagram
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

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 taking real accountability. This just perpetuates the same patterns when they return to class.
• Shifting from lecturing to guiding: By using strategic questions, we can encourage students to reflect on their actions and understand the impact of their behaviour.
• Empowering student reflection: When students contribute to the conversation, they become active participants in their own learning and behaviour management, rather than passive recipients of criticism.

This week, observe your language when discussing behaviour with students:

• Are you talking more than listening?
• Are you telling more than asking?
• Challenge yourself to become a guide instead of a lecturer.

Notice how this shift influences your conversations and helps students take ownership of their actions.

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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 about your classroom management?

Join The Behaviour Club for no-fluff monthly training, a supportive community of like-minded educators, and done-for-you resources.

Browse my resources on TPT - All things SEL made with love.

The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp! - Strengthen your teaching presence and tackle low-level behaviours!

Purchase my book - ‘It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management

Freebies and support:

• Download the free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
• Download 3 free regulation breathing cards
• Follow me on Instagram
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

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 beyond the students’ control, including personal circumstances and mental health challenges.
• The importance of compassionate expectations: It’s crucial to maintain high standards while approaching students with empathy and understanding.
• 5 Practical strategies for improving attendance with understanding, compassion and reflection.

The key takeaway from this episode is clear: we cannot lecture or punish our way to better attendance. Instead, we must focus on connection, celebrating progress, and having difficult yet supportive conversations.

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 about your classroom management?

Join The Behaviour Club for no-fluff monthly training, a supportive community of like-minded educators, and done-for-you resources.

Browse my resources on TPT - All things SEL made with love.

The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp! - Strengthen your teaching presence and tackle low-level behaviours!

Purchase my book - ‘It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management

Freebies and support:

• Download the free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
• Download 3 free regulation breathing cards
• Follow me on Instagram
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

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 powerful non-verbal messages to students about expectations, respect, and focus.
• The consequences of a messy space: When students enter a chaotic room, they may internalise the belief that cleanliness and respect for the learning environment don’t matter.
• The benefits of a well-organised classroom: A neat setup with resources ready and a clear agenda helps establish a positive tone and reinforces the importance of taking care of the space.
• Action steps to improve your classroom environment: I challenge you to reflect on the messages your space conveys and implement one small change this week to create a more supportive learning atmosphere.

By making these intentional adjustments, you can help your students feel anchored and ready to learn. These small changes will bolster your classroom management and foster a culture where all students work together to maintain a positive learning environment.

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 about your classroom management?

Join The Behaviour Club for no-fluff monthly training, a supportive community of like-minded educators, and done-for-you resources.

Browse my resources on TPT - All things SEL made with love.

The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp! - Strengthen your teaching presence and tackle low-level behaviours!

Purchase my book - ‘It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management

Freebies and support:

• Download the free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
• Download 3 free regulation breathing cards
• Follow me on Instagram
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

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 the importance of starter activities and how they can either make or break your lesson’s flow.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• The role of starter activities: These brief, independent tasks serve as the hook to draw students into the lesson. They need to be achievable, explicit, and timed perfectly to set a positive tone.
• Common mistakes with starter activities: I highlight pitfalls to avoid, such as relying on prior knowledge, requiring too much explanation, or lacking relevance to students’ interests.
• How consistency builds trust: Establishing a predictable routine helps students feel secure and ready to learn as they enter the classroom.
• Effective starter activity examples: I share ideas like imaginative prompts that connect students to the lesson and concept-based tasks that allow for differentiated engagement.

GRAB MY 250+ AGENDA SLIDES WITH STARTERS HERE!

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 about your classroom management?

Join The Behaviour Club for no-fluff monthly training, a supportive community of like-minded educators, and done-for-you resources.

Browse my resources on TPT - All things SEL made with love.

The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp! - Strengthen your teaching presence and tackle low-level behaviours!

Purchase my book - ‘It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management

Freebies and support:

• Download the free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
• Download 3 free regulation breathing cards
• Follow me on Instagram
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

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 look at simple visuals—like classroom norms posters, voice level charts, and “Steps for Success” checklists—that can transform your classroom dynamic. With just a quick gesture, you’re reinforcing standards without confrontation, helping students take more responsibility and saving your energy.

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 about your classroom management?

Join The Behaviour Club for no-fluff monthly training, a supportive community of like-minded educators, and done-for-you resources.

Browse my resources on TPT - All things SEL made with love.

The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp! - Strengthen your teaching presence and tackle low-level behaviours!

Purchase my book - ‘It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management

Freebies and support:

• Download the free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
• Download 3 free regulation breathing cards
• Follow me on Instagram
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

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: when students arrive late.

In this episode, we’ll dive into why students might be late and practical steps to get them on track without disrupting the flow.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• The many reasons behind lateness: Beyond just "running late," chronic lateness can stem from factors like family routines, neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD or autism), and executive function challenges. We also touch on how needs-based motivation can play into students’ timing.
• Practical steps to manage late arrivals: I share ways to welcome students in without disrupting the rest of the class.
• How to increase accountability and connection through private follow-ups: For repeated lateness, I discuss questions and prompts that encourage students to reflect on the reasons behind their lateness, explore if it’s in their control, and collaboratively make a plan to help them improve.
• Low-stakes latecomer tasks and routines: My top tips for engaging students that are late, without derailing the lesson.

Late arrivals don’t always have to disrupt your lesson flow!! You just need the right tools to approach them consistently, and calmly.

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 about your classroom management?

Join The Behaviour Club for no-fluff monthly training, a supportive community of like-minded educators, and done-for-you resources.

Browse my resources on TPT - All things SEL made with love.

The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp! - Strengthen your teaching presence and tackle low-level behaviours!

Purchase my book - ‘It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management

Freebies and support:

• Download the free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
• Download 3 free regulation breathing cards
• Follow me on Instagram
• Connect with me on LinkedIn

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 students process information internally, while others think out loud. Those who need time to reflect often don’t feel comfortable speaking up if we don’t allow enough pause. By waiting longer, we create space for all students to formulate their thoughts and questions.
• The impact of extended wait times: Studies indicate that 5-15 seconds of silence can significantly enhance student engagement and response quality. For example, when giving instructions, you can say, “Okay Year 8, before we get started, what questions do you have? I’ll give you 10 seconds to think.” This approach encourages deeper reflection and more meaningful contributions.

This week, challenge yourself to extend your pauses when asking questions or giving instructions. Tune in to how much time you currently provide and consciously increase it. Observe how this impacts your students' clarity and the depth of their responses during discussions.

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 about your classroom management?

Join The Behaviour Club for no-fluff monthly training, a supportive community of like-minded educators, and done-for-you resources.

Browse my resources on TPT - All things SEL made with love.

The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp! - Strengthen your teaching presence and tackle low-level behaviours!

Purchase my book - ‘It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management

Freebies and support:

• Download the free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
• Download 3 free regulation breathing cards
• Follow me on Instagram
• Connect with me on LinkedIn