#148: If I had a totally unmanageable class, I'd do these 4 things immediately.
This episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most common questions I get from Behaviour Clubbers, and honestly, it’s one we’ve ALL asked at some point: “What do I do with a class that is just... chaotic?”We’re talking cultural chaos. The kind of class that leaves you emotionally wrung out, standing at the board yelling instructions to a sea of disengaged students while your nervous system quietly screams.In this episode, I’m not going to throw another vague strategy at you or tell you to “build relationships” (you’re already doing that). Instead, I’m breaking down exactly what I would do if I had that class and had to make changes immediately.This one’s especially for you if you’re:Constantly waiting for quietFeeling frazzled by the end of every lessonDreading certain classesQuestioning whether you’re even cut out for teaching anymoreWe’re stripping it all back and starting with what actually shifts classroom culture: ROUTINES.What You’ll Learn: The first thing I’d do if I had a chaotic, chatty, unmanageable class Why teacher regulation trumps any routine or strategy The 4 core routines you NEED in place to turn the chaos around The sneaky behaviour triggers you might be missing How to get your students started before the lesson even begins My go-to early finisher system that doesn’t rely on “busy work” What to do in the last five minutes of class that’ll save your sanityResources Mentioned:🎁 The $1 Behaviour Club Kickstart:https://www.the-unteachables.com/kickstart🧠 Early Finisher Task Bundle:https://the-unteachables.shop/products/early-finishers-activity-bundle-choice-board-packet-worksheets-reflection?_pos=1&_sid=f45b530cb&_ss=r🪄 Exit Doors Routine (the viral one):https://the-unteachables.shop/products/exit-task-bundleHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources 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 Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website
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#147: Why your classroom transitions are chaotic (and how to fix them)
The messy middle of a lesson can make or break your classroom calm.You’ve nailed your entry routines. Your exits are solid. But those in-between moments, like shifting from group work to silent writing, that’s where chaos sneaks in.If transitions have ever left you saying:“I had them… and then I lost them.”This one’s for you.In this episode, I walk you through my three essential “Ps” for smooth transitions, plus five of my favourite practical tools to bring novelty, structure and just the right amount of fun into those mid-lesson wobbles.Whether your students are bouncing off the walls or just dilly-dallying, you’ll walk away from this one with new tricks (and a taco) up your sleeve.What you’ll learn:Why group work isn’t the problem — it’s the gap between tasksMy 3-part “P” framework to diagnose & fix messy transitionsHow to boost structure and student buy-in (without nagging!)Easy, repeatable tools for transitions that students actually respond toFun little things like the “Tardy Taco” and “Fast Track Fajita” that build community while managing chaosHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources 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 Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website
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#146: Why classroom compliance isn’t the win you might think it is
Ever found yourself sitting at your desk mid-lesson, staring at the wall while chaos erupts around you… thinking “I cannot teach like this”?Same.In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most eye-opening classroom experiences I had as a baby teacher—and how it accidentally dropped me straight into something called the pedagogy of poverty.You’ll hear the story of a student called “Nathan,” how I unintentionally leaned into compliance-based teaching just to survive, and the big, uncomfortable lightbulb moment that changed everything about how I teach now.This episode isn’t here to guilt you, because I’ve been there. It’s here to show you what’s actually going on when students appear settled but disengaged... and how to shift out of survival-mode strategies without throwing your whole self under the bus.What you’ll learn:The sneaky signs you’ve slipped into the pedagogy of poverty (and why it feels like it’s “working”)Why busy work, copying off the board, and chalk-and-talk can be so seductive in tricky classroomsHow trauma, stress responses, and feelings of failure are shaping your students' behaviourWhat true differentiation actually looks like (no colour-coded ability groups required)Simple scaffolding tools you can start using this week that support learning AND behaviourHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources 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 Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website
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#145: The Halloween classroom management mistakes that turn your class into a horror movie (and what to do instead)
Ah yes, spooky season. The sugar. The chaos. In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to exactly how to lean into the festive vibes of Halloween (and any holiday season) without your classroom descending into a full-blown free-for-all.This episode is packed with practical ways to keep your routines, keep your calm, all while adding just the right sprinkle of spooky magic to make it fun and functional.From Halloween-themed SEL check-ins to brain breaks that actually regulate, I’m sharing the exact routines I don’t ditch (and how I just theme them instead). You’ll walk away with fresh ideas and feel-good strategies that will keep your students engaged without sacrificing your classroom management game.So if you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I do something fun for Halloween without losing control of my room?” - this one’s for you.Let’s roll the tape. 👻What you’ll learn in this episode:Why festive behaviour spirals are so common (and how to avoid them)The biggest mistake teachers make when planning fun holiday lessonsHow to add novelty without losing structureExactly what to swap and what to keep during spooky seasonHalloween-themed routines and brain breaks that workHow your non-verbals are sending louder messages than your instructionsResources Mentioned:🎃 Grab the Halloween Mega Bundle!Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources 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 Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website
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#144: How to actually support students with additional needs... in a mainstream classroom... with zero support...
How do you actually manage special needs in a mainstream classroom (when you’re not getting the support you need)?Ever looked around your classroom mid-lesson and thought:“How the heck am I supposed to meet 30 different needs all at once?”Yeah. Me too.This week, I’m kicking off a new mini-series answering your most-asked questions, starting with one I get all the time: “How do I support students with special needs in my mainstream classroom? There has to be more help out there.”Spoiler alert: There should be more help. But in the meantime, I’m walking you through what you can actually control, without burning yourself out or playing superhero.I’ll give you a front seat to:The real talk I wish I got at uni about inclusionWhy “just differentiate” is the most unhelpful advice everThe classroom systems and routines that actually make a differenceAnd the role your own nervous system plays in it allThis one’s not about perfection. It’s about doing what’s possible—in a way that’s human, sustainable, and actually helps kids thrive (including you).Let’s dive in.What You’ll Learn:Why you can’t meet every need, and why that’s not failureThe power of systems over individualised strategiesWhat real inclusion looks and feels likeThe two biggest game-changers: routine + regulationHow to support neurodiverse and neurotypical students at the same timeHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources 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 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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