🎙️Calm classrooms aren’t created by stricter teachers - they’re designed.

In this episode of Term Talk, we unpack the invisible work that sits underneath calm, safe, and sustainable classrooms. The kind of work that often goes unnoticed but makes everything else possible.

We explore how expectations, class norms, routines, roles, and transitions quietly shape behaviour, reduce decision fatigue, and protect both student and teacher wellbeing.

This episode is about moving away from reactive behaviour management and towards intentional classroom design - so connection can actually hold when things get busy.

If your classroom feels unsettled or exhausting right now, this episode will help you zoom out and rethink what needs to be made visible.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Why behaviour burnout is often decision fatigue in disguise.
2. The difference between expectations and assumptions.
3. How class norms build culture and psychological safety.
4. Why routines create cognitive safety for students.
5. How roles and transitions reduce behaviour before it appears.

If this episode sparked something for you, you’ll find extra resources and practical tools linked in the show notes.

🎙️ Next episode: Planning without panic.

Links referenced in this episode;

• Expectations and Routines eBook
• Canva

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🎙️ Week one sets the tone for the entire school year.

In this episode of Term Talk, I unpack why connection before content isn’t just a nice idea - it’s a strategic choice that shapes classroom culture, behaviour, and learning from the very start.

This week I share five intentional week one strategies that help students feel safe, seen, and ready to learn - without losing valuable teaching time.

These are practical, classroom-tested approaches you can use immediately, whether you’re an early career teacher or a seasoned educator.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Why connection isn’t about games - it’s about safety and predictability.
2. How intentional pre-assessment builds trust, not anxiety.
3. Simple ways to model vulnerability and invite student voice.
4. How structured icebreakers support peer connection.
5. A powerful visual strategy to build belonging from day one.

If week one ever feels chaotic or overwhelming this episode will help you slow down, design connection with intention, and set your class up for smarter learning all year long.

🎙️ Next episode: Routines - not rules (the invisible work that saves you time).

Links referenced in this episode:

1. Canva (free for ALL educators)
2. 5 Week One Strategies E-Book
3. Meet the Teacher Template
4. Welcome Back Slides
5. Letter to the Teacher Template

🎧 Listen now and follow Term Talk for weekly conversations on teaching, professional growth, and the human side of education.

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Keywords: Week one teaching, classroom culture, connection before content, back to school strategies, building relationships in the classroom, teacher wellbeing, classroom routines, student engagement

Term Talk is a teacher podcast focused on wellbeing, reflection and sustainable teaching practice. Through honest reflection on learning, leadership and growth, the podcast explores the messy, human side of teaching. Short, calm episodes support educators to learn, lead and grow across the school term.