Manage episode 502422489 series 3396568
Ever feel like your class is one brain snap away from absolute chaos… or just asleep at the wheel?
In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most powerful — and wildly underused — classroom management tools in your toolbox: brain breaks. But not just for the sake of fun. We’re talking strategic, rapport-building, energy-resetting magic that actually boosts learning, not wastes time.
This is Day 4 of the Kickstart (catch up on previous days if you missed them!) and today is all about what we do in the meaty middle of the lesson — when things can either hum along… or totally unravel. I’ll share the sneaky strategies I used (without knowing they were even strategies back then) to build connection, shift energy, and keep my most disengaged students coming back for more.
Spoiler alert: it's not about being the "cool teacher" — it’s about being a connected, present, values-led one.
Let’s roll the tape.
What you’ll learn:
- What brain breaks actually are (and aren’t)
- 3 go-to brain breaks Claire used to reset student energy on the fly
- Why these simple strategies work (backed by brain science)
- How to use them strategically to build rapport without losing instructional time
- The “credibility flip” every teacher needs to know when transitioning from playful to teacher-led
- Why this is classroom management gold — not fluff or filler
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
Chapters
1. Introduction to Classroom Management Kickstart (00:00:00)
2. Brain Breaks: Not Wasting Time, Building Relationships (00:04:20)
3. The Science Behind Brain Breaks (00:08:30)
4. Beat the Clock: Engaging Students' Thinking (00:13:40)
5. Rock Paper Scissors and Count to 20 (00:17:15)
6. Finding Joy in Teaching Again (00:21:40)
146 episodes