 |
The Unteachables PodcastAuthor: Claire English
Welcome to 'The Unteachables Podcast', your go-to resource for practical classroom management strategies and teacher support. Im 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, Ive become a confident, capable teacher ready to reach every studenteven 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, well 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 youre 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 dont miss an episode packed with classroom tips and inspiring conversations that make a real difference! Language: en-au Genres: Courses, Education, How To Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
Listen Now...
#160: The 10 quick community builder activities that will become your classes favourite
Monday, 23 February, 2026
What if I told you that you could build connection, boost buy-in, reset the vibe, AND reduce low-level behaviour… in five minutes flat?No prep. Just you, your class, and a little bit of magic. ✨In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to 10 of my favourite grab-and-go community builders, the ones that get students laughing, talking, connecting, and (without even realising it) building the kind of classroom culture that makes behaviour easier.A couple of episodes ago, we talked about the foundations of community, routines, predictability, felt safety, clarity, differentiation. All the behind-the-scenes cogs that make your classroom feel like a home.Today?We’re getting tangible (and fun as heck).Because here’s the thing… Community building isn’t just a “start of the year” gimmick.It’s how you:Reset a tense classFill five minutes of dangerous dead-air timeReconnect when you’re feeling resentfulHelp students feel safe enough to shareInvest in their emotional piggy bank (so you can make withdrawals later)And yes — it also helps you fall back in love with your class when things feel a bit… blah.So if you’ve ever thought: “They don’t deserve fun right now.” “They should just come in and learn.” “I don’t have time for this fluff.”This episode might lovingly challenge that. 💛Because connection isn’t fluffy. It’s proactive classroom management.Inside This Episode:Here are the 10 no-prep community builders I walk you through:Transformer Triangles – Turn a simple triangle into something creative in 2 minutes. Gallery walk optional. Laughter guaranteed.The Stare Down – Face off, no touching, no breaking eye contact. First to laugh loses. (Use your professional judgment with this one!)Teacher Portrait – Students draw you. Risky? Yes. Hilarious? Also yes. (PS: Only if you’re not sensitive about your ears like I was.)Class Debate – Throw out a juicy “Would You Rather” or controversial question and let them argue it out.Racing Rhymes – Fast-paced rhyming battle in a circle. If you can’t rhyme, you’re out. Chaos in the best way.Coin Toss Battle – Heads or tails showdown. Whole-class energy. No gambling involved, promise.Sticky Slam – Interview your partner for 1 minute, then write down everything you remember. Fact-check. Compete. Connect.Count to 20 – Whole-class challenge: count to 20, but only one person speaks at a time. Two at once? Back to one. Frustrating. Brilliant.What’s Changed? – One student leaves, something in the room changes, they guess what it is.Apple Pie – Guess who said the mystery word in a disguised voice. Year 11s LOVE this one.RESOURCES MENTIONEDHave 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
