Consequences in the classroom - where do you even start?
In this episode, I'm diving into one of the biggest questions I get from teachers: "How can I support student behaviour without falling back on punishments?"
I go through what really works (and what really doesn't) when it comes to behaviour, boundaries, and creating a connected classroom.
I know that as educators who are committed to supporting children's wellbeing, there can be a lot of confusion around how to handle consequences, boundaries, and behavioural support without leaning into punitive methods.
Here's what you'll learn:
→ How traditional punitive consequences (think: timeouts, detentions, and taking away recess) affect student teacher relationships
→ Why traditional consequences rarely address the root causes of behaviour.
→ What logical and natural consequences can look like in the classroom, how they differ from punishments, and why understanding a student's unmet needs is key to effective behaviour support.
→ Why boundaries help students feel secure and connected rather than ashamed or anxious.
→ Strategies to set up a classroom that minimises the need for reactive measures by promoting positive behaviour proactively.
→ When and how to use boundaries effectively to create a culture of respect without relying on shame or control.
There are so many proactive behaviour strategies to support students to help make a classroom 'management' feel natural, and not forced
Resources for you
Check out my Creating Conscious and Compassionate Classrooms bundle, which is a 10-part guide to behaviour support grounded in connection and empathy. It's packed with resources to help you create a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming classroom that supports students holistically. Just $47 and full of actionable, real world strategies.
Connect with Em
Website: emmagentle.com.au
Instagram: @em_gentle
