The Unteachables Podcast
Claire English
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#172: Starters CAN be your classroom management superpower (here's how to do them right)
If you can grab them in the first five minutes, everything feels easier. That's the magic of a great starter activity — and this episode is Claire's full Q&A on how to do them well. Starter tasks are one of Claire's absolute favourite things (her words). Done right, they communicate your expectations before you've said a single word, shift whatever energy students are walking in with, and create the kind of consistency and predictability that makes your classroom feel safe — for your students and for you. In this episode, Claire covers: Why starter activities are classroom management magic — not just a nice-to-haveThe guard dog analogy — why routines are "friends for the amygdala" and what that means for your most dysregulated studentsThe most frequently asked questions about starter tasks: Do they have to relate to the lesson? Claire's honest answerWhat if students don't take them seriously? How to get buy-in by explaining the whyWhat actually makes a quality starter? Claire's criteria — achievable for every student, no extra input from you, pen to paper, three to five minutes, no prior knowledge requiredFive starter activities you can try this week: Resources mentioned: 📦 [Routines Bundle]— entry routines, transitions, exits, early finishes, starters, and more — every routine your classroom needs in one placeHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text! RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resourcesJoin The Behaviour ClubMy book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management The Low-Level Behaviour BootcampFree guide: 'Chats that Create Change'Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachablesCheck out my website
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