The Therapeutic Teacher Podcast with Shahana Knight

Dinner time and break time is a chance for children to blow of some steam and have a run about, right?.. Hang on.. Is that right? Or is it a time where many feel anxious and unsettled? Where the fast pace and demands to join in with games and run about can be the opposite of what they actually need. A time when they find themselves in trouble because they are struggling to manage the chaos that break time brings. The truth is we need to reinvent break and dinnertime and acknowledge that some children need that time to self-regulate. To be calm and gather their thoughts. To refocus and just be still for a moment before the lessons and the pressure starts again. In this episode, we will explore the reasons why free play at break and dinner time don't work for all children and how you can begin to implement ways for the children to use the time to find ways to regulate themselves and process their morning. Ready to move into the afternoon. If you told me after a hard morning to go and run around outside it would be the last thing I needed. I'd want a quiet peaceful cup of tea for 10mins to collect my thoughts. If we can acknowledge that for ourselves then we need to begin acknowledging that for our children.    The Path Meditation is a 7 minute guided Meditation, let me know what your class thinks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACOlnosx8_o

It has been a rough year for our children and sometimes happy hormones have been hard to come by. This week's episode is all about doing random acts of kindness for the children but also with the children for others.   Encouraging kindness is part of developing emotional intelligence and a very important skill for life. This week we will look at specific random acts of kindness to try which will :    1. Increase feelings of happiness, connection, joy and positive mindsets in the children! (Which is what we all need right now)   2. Encourage the children to promote acts of giving and sharing in the joy of others.    We all need a bit of joy right now. Here is how you can help...

Lockdown has been a rough year for us all, we have felt anxious and powerless. We have felt alone and at risk.. many of us have battled with our wellbeing and our mental health as a result. Feeling low, teary or withdrawn, getting angry, frustrated and snappy. We can feel the effects. One year of collective trauma has impacted us all emotionally and mentally. But it is important to remember, we have had one year...just one… what about those children who have had a whole life of trauma? Who feels alone, anxious, powerless and at risk every single day? This is a good opportunity to step into their shoes, drawing comparisons from our own experiences to what it might be like for them. This will help you support them when you go back to school and also for years to come. The impact of trauma is long-lasting and we have all had a taste of it. Let's not forget, not everyone's trauma will end after lockdown. In this podcast, we explore comparisons between lockdown and trauma in relation to: What it feels like to always be disappointed What it feels like to have no control How anxiety can grow Developing a negative mindset We have had this for 1 year and there are so many lasting effects. We now get a small sense of what it might be like for children experiencing trauma all their lives. No wonder things feel so hard!!! We need to utilise these experiences to best support our vulnerable pupils and put their frame of reference at the heart of the day-to-day. When we don't live it, it is hard to appreciate how hard it is – use this as your opportunity to get some insight. Take our free course to help you prepare your support for them in the months to come: https://support.tpcteach.co.uk/free_1111 Take our full therapeutic teaching course and learn how to focus on wellbeing and mental health as part of your embedded practices and core aims: https://www.tpctherapy.co.uk/therapeutic-teaching-course Book on to our wellbeing curriculum platform and use the resources and lesson plans to support the children: https://www.tpctherapy.co.uk/wellbeing-curriculm

This week is children's mental health week and the focus is expressing yourself. It is a great time to do lessons and assemblies on this with the children BUT it goes well beyond that. In order to learn something we have to do it over and over again, it takes time and repetition to really take on a new way of doing something. This is why we spend so much time focusing on handwriting and reading. If we really want children to learn to take care of their own mental health by expressing themselves then we have to teach them how to do that in a multitude of ways to help them truly learn how. A lesson on expressing yourself through art or a drama session isn't enough, in fact, it is more of an introduction.   In today's episode, we are going to discuss 4 key ways that will really teach children to express themselves as a means to support their mental health. 1. Creating a feeling of being comfortable with a creative medium 2. Adding small daily practices into your day with the children in school that promote self-expression 3. Teaching children to use self-expressive tools to regulate themselves when they need it most 4. Modelling self-expression   If we really want to make a difference to children's mental health and give them the tools to express themselves then we must commit to this every single day. If you love today's episode please share it with someone to spread the word and help this podcast reach more people  

The number of children with some sort of attachment disorder in school is rising. You may well have had many an inset day on attachment over the years but I often find people don't actually know how to support and guide the children in their class who might be struggling. In this podcast episode, we are going to take a close look at 3 specific things that can trigger a child's attachment style behaviour and result in them shutting down or not learning. If you want to know more about attachment disorder. Enrol in our online CPD module - attachment disorder in the context of the classroom for £24.   https://support.tpcteach.co.uk/education

On today's podcast, we are going to look at 4 ways children communicate stress that you might not know.   As a collective, children's stress levels are likely to be higher now than they have been in a long time. This episode explores different factors that can cause higher stress levels in children and then we will unpick how this might manifest itself day to day. When you see a child in the classroom fidgeting or messing with their shoelaces it is easy to assume this child is being silly or even that they are choosing to behave that way. However, if we look a bit closer, there is often more to it than that! Let's look at 4 specific ways that children in your class might be communicating stress and touch on what you can do to help.   Press play now!

"I am not a leader" you might say. But you are!!   It is so easy to forget that we are all leaders in our own unique way. Whether you are an Executive Head, Headteacher or SENCO, whether you are the CEO of a business or employee..a mother or a father.. You are leading. What you say, what you believe and how you communicate influences the people around you. It has meaning.. Imagine you are stood in the sea, what you do creates small ripples around you that extend out and impact others. Those ripples can become waves. What waves are you creating? This year, choose to lead with more intention. What can you do to make a difference? How can you use your unique strengths & interests to inspire those around you? A good leader uses their influence to guide others, create positive change in thoughts, beliefs and practices.. You can do that. In whatever role you are in. Your leading either way. So use your words, stories, passions and unique self to step into a year of inspirational leadership and let's get those waves going! Every one of us has the power to create change..So as Gandhi said - "Be the change you wish to see in the world"

Happy New Year's EVE!!!   Today's episode is really special because we are going to set our new year's intentions together! This year has been rough but it is important that we look back and take stock. Let's think about what we have learnt and how we have grown and then lets set some intentions for 2021.   Did you sign up to take part in this challenge in advance? If so, check your emails – you will have received a workbook from us. You can download this, print it off and join in! If you missed the signup link, then you can download the workbook.   https://support.tpcteach.co.uk/new-year-eve-workbook   What you need:   The workbook (OR a pen and paper) A cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate (with cream and sprinkles) – optional but nice! Somewhere quiet so you can think and concentrate   I can't wait to get into this episode with you today - press play now!

Merry Christmas! This year has been a crazy one, full of ups and downs but as we walk into the Christmas holidays. Let us remember that Christmas is a time of peace and joy. You deserve to laugh, play silly games, eat too much food and focus on yourself for a little while. Forget the news, forget what tier you are in, don't give it the power to ruin this much-needed festive time. You deserve to down tools and rest. We are wishing you lots of happiness in 2021 and we'll see you in the New Year!

Things have been really tricky this last year and you have worked pretty much all year without a proper break. It's been emotionally draining and Christmas is an opportunity to stop and focus on your own wellbeing.  I know everyone talks about ‘wellbeing' and having time to rest and it's so easy to prioritise that last on a long list of ‘to do's' but today we are going to look at why it is so important to focus on your wellbeing this Christmas! I will talk you through 10 easy but impactful ways to help you prioritise you and your own happiness and get yourself emotionally prepared for stepping back into the classroom in January.   Free resources: Written meditation: support.tpcteach.co.uk/free-meditation-resources  Guided meditation:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAaALGLf5vs&t=153s   

Have you ever noticed that some children really struggle with their behaviour and concentration on the run-up to Christmas? Do you find them struggling to follow simple instructions, interact with peers and concentrate? Are they struggling to manage emotions and having more outbursts? This podcast episode looks at why. It's easy to assume it is because children are tired because it's the end of term - but there may be other reasons too, especially for your more vulnerable children. Holidays can often be a source of fear, isolation and trauma.   In this episode, we explore why vulnerable children may be struggling on the run-up to Christmas and what you can do to help increase their feelings of safety and security before they break up for the holiday. We then look at what you can do to help them settle back into school when they return.   Ready to take on our New Years Eve challenge, click the link below to get your free workbook and join us on the 31st December. https://support.tpcteach.co.uk/new-year-eve-workbook

What is childhood trauma and how does it impact the children at school?   In today's episode, we are going to unpick what trauma is and how it presents itself in the children you teach. With everything going on at school it's sometimes easy to forget that a child's reality might be very different from the other children's in your class. It's often so hard to conceptualise what life must be like for children who are experiencing trauma. Often we can reel of what they have experienced but we can't understand it at our core. I have the unique experience of being a child who was living through trauma whilst attending primary school AND then being the professional therapist who got to see children living with trauma come into my playroom every day and literally see their world unfold as they would play out themes and scenarios and feelings every day. I wanted to share that insight with you this week.   This episode is not one to be missed! Are you ready to see beyond the child you see in the classroom? Press play now!   To find out more about play therapy visit our website here www.tpctherapy.co.uk/play-therapy   

I often hear teachers commenting that a child in their school has “Kicked off” and I want to dive in today's episode and unpick how we can help these children. Often when we deal with a difficult behaviour incident we focus all of our attention on the behaviour and we forget that the behaviour has a reason. It's always a sign that a child is struggling with something and instead of trying to stop the behaviour we need to begin to focus on helping guide the child.   Children need to be taught how to manage their feelings and struggles by a caring adult who recognises that they are struggling and need help, they do not need to be punished for having a difficult feeling and learn that their need for support is met with rejection. In this episode, we will explore some key steps to supporting children through a ‘kick off' therapeutically, keeping connection and teaching at the core of the approach.   I hope you love today's episode, please share it with others if you do!  

What does mental health mean for you? I think we all have slightly different takes on it. Some think it means there is a problem in your brain, some link it to brain chemicals and medication. For some, the idea of mental health is out of our control and they may believe mental health issues just happen to us. For me, I take a different stance. I think we have a lot of control and power over our own mental health, it is about our mindset, our thoughts, belief system and perception of things. That is very much in our control. The problem is, we are not taught about it from an early age. What is mental health, why is it important, what are signs that we are struggling to manage it and then how do we learn how to look after ourselves. These are the life lessons we need to begin to teach children in school.   In this episode, we pick apart why it is so important for us to focus on mental health and wellbeing in school. What factors might be influencing our children's mental health and then what you can do to begin to make a difference and teach them the life skills they need to manage theirs!   Sign up for the free resources: https://support.tpcteach.co.uk/free-lesson-plans-and-resources   Get on the Therapeutic Teacher Association waiting list and read more: https://www.subscribepage.com/i3y2q1

As adults, we often talk about the impact of technology on children and young people, after all, it has a huge impact on their development and is part of their experience of childhood. In podcast episode 7 we are going to explore   1. How technology has the potential to unlock an age where children can now take control of their own careers, be creative and innovative whilst creating income that is focused around who they are and what they love- a lesson they are not taught in school.   2. How teaching children about technology is so important- and I don't mean teaching them about staying safe online or limited screen time but more about how they can utilise technology and focusing on what they consume. Mindset is everything, what you allow into your consciousness impacts your wellbeing and your beliefs. That is a lesson worth teaching!   3. What you can do to begin to teach these two points to the children in your care and begin to take action

Let's talk about your classroom! Did you know that children who are stressed, anxious or struggling with childhood trauma find it difficult to learn? Did you know that your classroom might actually be preventing children from learning and adding to their feeling of stress? Children's brains can often be overwhelmed with stress hormone and they need help to feel calmer before they can access their learning brain. Your classroom can play a huge part in this! Join me in this episode to find out how you can use your classroom to cultivate learning,  where you might be going wrong with your classroom and learn some simple tips to make a difference!   Read my article about creating therapeutic environments In the Head Teachers Update Magazine https://www.headteacher-update.com/best-practice-article/a-calming-therapeutic-classroom-environment/167066/    Want to become a therapeutic teacher? – Keep a lookout for updates on my upcoming Therapeutic Teachers Association an become a member

Do you know that child in your class who struggles with their behaviour and gets angry or volatile at the smallest thing? Sometimes you find yourself saying “But there was no trigger for that?”, sound familiar? In this podcast, we will explore what a trigger actually is and how they can impact the children's responses and behaviours. I share some of my own story in this episode and some examples of triggers I have developed over the years. I will also explore what you can do to identify when a child has been triggered and how to approach this. Most importantly, I will touch on how you can help the children become aware of their own triggers - because after all, they are going to have to manage them for the rest of their lives. Another episode where we redefine what ‘teaching' really means. Do you want to learn more about triggers? Take the first module of the Therapeutic Teaching Course completely FREE!!!! https://support.tpcteach.co.uk/free_1111 Do you want to train your staff in this approach? Learn more and enrol the whole school on the Therapeutic Teaching Course https://www.tpctherapy.co.uk/therapeutic-teaching-course or email us at info@tpctherapy.co.uk

I am going to let you into the BIGGEST and most important piece of science about the brains of your children. If you understand and apply this simple bit of neuroscience to your teaching, it will make a huge difference. Let me teach you all about the children's developing brain, what fight, flight, freeze is and why it is the reason for most of the behavioural incidents, outburst and emotional struggles you find children have in school. Most importantly let me teach you how to harness this little bit of science to tweak your approach to behaviour management strategies. This episode is so important so share it with everyone you know!  Do you want to learn more about the brain? Take the first module of the Therapeutic Teaching Course completely FREE!!!! https://support.tpcteach.co.uk/free_1111 Do you want to train your staff in this approach? Learn more and enrol the whole school on the Therapeutic Teaching Course https://www.tpctherapy.co.uk/therapeutic-teaching-course or email us at info@tpctherapy.co.uk

I love talking about mindset and the power of thought. In this episode we will explore how powerful mindset is and how being aware of our mindset can set us apart in the world. Does having a positive mindset impact your outcomes in life? Does it change what is possible for you? Are we in control of our thoughts and our beliefs? The answer is yes! Let's explore that together today and look at how thoughts play a huge part in our lives and most importantly how you can teach the children to be aware of them, take control of them and use them to get the best from their lives! We are in control of our life, we get to decide what we think and believe. Let's teach our children that!   Looking for resources to help you teach your class about the power of mindset? You will find an online mindset lesson with me on the wellbeing curriculum, you will also find lesson plans too!   Don't have the wellbeing curriculum? Learn more here https://mailchi.mp/5aafc40442c4/wellbeingcurriculum    

What is a therapeutic teacher? How can you develop your skillset to embed a therapeutic, child-centred approach to education? How can you ensure positive outcomes for the children in your class, regardless of their academic achievement? How can you inspire positive mindset and ethics in the children in your class, even if they struggle with maths? In today's podcast, I will talk about what makes a therapeutic teacher so unique. We will explore how the ethos of a therapeutic teaching approach includes these three aims for children: 1. Academic achievement 2. Personal skills and achievement 3. Emotional skills and achievement Tune in and let's explore how teachers of 2020 can make a huge difference to every child in the class, starting with these three concepts that make up a therapeutic teaching approach. This is only a very early introduction of a therapeutic teacher. I will be unpicking therapeutic teaching throughout podcast episodes to come. Did you love this podcast? Do you want to learn more about therapeutic teaching? Take module one of my therapeutic teaching course completely FREE here https://support.tpcteach.co.uk/free_1111    Read more about therapeutic teaching in my article in Head Teachers Update https://www.headteacher-update.com/best-practice-article/the-therapeutic-teacher/195018 Sign your whole staff team up to our online therapeutic teaching modules and embed a therapeutic approach across your school now https://www.tpctherapy.co.uk/therapeutic-teaching-course Latest from Shahana Read my latest article in Head Teachers Update “Supporting children who have to self-isolate” https://www.headteacher-update.com/best-practice-article/supporting-pupils-who-have-to-self-isolate-coronavirus-lockdown-covid-19-wellbeing-mental-health/231029/ Download a FREE black history online lesson about Rosa Parks here https://support.tpcteach.co.uk/black-history-month-free-lesson-rosa-parks

Welcome to my first ever episode! I am so excited to share this with you. In this episode, I am going to share some of my own stories with you before exploring how teaching children about their mental health and wellbeing is more important than academic learning at the moment and how this is the perfect time to re-define what schools should be teaching and what sort of impact we want to have on children as a result of being in school.