The Unteachables Podcast
Claire English
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#160: The 10 quick community builder activities that will become your classes favourite
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 MENTIONED 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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