In this episode, Chris and Emma celebrate one of the simplest (and most magical) things teachers do: reading aloud to your class. No guided reading, no assessments—just you, a book and your pupils, sharing stories together.  

They chat about why it’s so powerful for building vocabulary, imagination and classroom community, how to make the time for it, choosing books that children actually love and leaning into the joy of storytelling with voices, gestures and pauses.  

Packed with practical tips and teacher anecdotes, this episode is a reminder that reading aloud isn’t an extra—it’s a core classroom experience worth protecting. 

Get in touch: theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk 

In this episode, Chris and Emma celebrate one of the simplest (and most magical) things teachers do:&nbsp;reading aloud to your class. No guided reading, no assessments&mdash;just you, a&nbsp;book&nbsp;and your pupils, sharing stories together.&nbsp;&nbsp;
They chat about why it&rsquo;s so powerful for building vocabulary, imagination and classroom community, how to make the time for it, choosing books that children actually love and leaning into the joy of storytelling with voices, gestures and pauses.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Packed with practical tips and teacher anecdotes, this episode is a reminder that reading aloud isn&rsquo;t an extra&mdash;it&rsquo;s a core classroom experience worth protecting.&nbsp;
Get in touch:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk">theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk</a>&nbsp;

Reading to Your Class

In this episode, Chris and Emma are discussing sustainability and what this looks like in primary schools. 

They break down what sustainability actually means, share real classroom ideas you can try straight away and swap plenty of relatable stories along the way.  

From simple swaps and clever classroom hacks to the bigger challenges schools face, this episode is packed with practical tips, a few laughs and just enough inspiration to help you take that first small step towards a greener classroom.  

Get in touch: theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk  

In this episode,&nbsp;Chris and Emma&nbsp;are discussing&nbsp;sustainability and what this looks like in primary schools.&nbsp;
They break down what sustainability actually means, share real classroom ideas you can try straight away and swap plenty of relatable stories along the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;
From simple swaps and clever classroom hacks to the bigger challenges schools face, this episode is packed with practical tips, a few laughs and just enough inspiration to help you take that first small step towards a greener classroom.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Get in touch: <a href="mailto:theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk">theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sustainability

In this episode, Emma and Chris chat all things AI in the classroom, with Chris sharing his insights while Emma admits she’s still a bit on the fence. They break down what AI actually is, how fast it’s evolving and some of the handy ways it can support teaching—from saving time to creating useful resources.  

They touch on the trickier bits too, like ethics and whether or not we should really be thanking our devices!  

There’s plenty of relatable teacher chat, including report-writing woes and how AI can be really useful for saving time and finding resources that actually fit your class, plus a reminder that the human touch still matters most.  

There is also a super-simple tip with Emma chatting about pens again. 

Get in touch: theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk 

In this episode, Emma and Chris chat all things&nbsp;AI in the classroom, with Chris sharing his insights while Emma admits she&rsquo;s still a bit on the fence. They break down what AI actually is, how fast it&rsquo;s evolving and some of the handy ways it can support teaching&mdash;from saving time to creating useful resources.&nbsp;&nbsp;
They touch on the trickier bits too, like ethics and whether or not we should really be thanking our devices!&nbsp;&nbsp;
There&rsquo;s plenty of relatable teacher chat, including report-writing woes and how AI can be really useful for saving time and finding resources that actually fit your class, plus a reminder that the human touch still matters most.&nbsp;&nbsp;
There is also a super-simple tip with Emma chatting about pens again.&nbsp;
Get in touch: <a href="mailto:theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk">theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk</a>&nbsp;

AI in the Classroom

In this episode, Chris and Emma discuss outdoor learning, with Emma bringing all the passion and experience and Chris admitting he’s still a bit of a beginner in this area. Emma shares why she loves it so much as she talks through its amazing benefits. 

Anecdotes and examples are swapped including how much can be done with potatoes! 

They also address some tricky questions like how do you squeeze outdoor learning into an already packed curriculum? How do you find the space or the right location? How do you get your leadership team on board?   

This week’s useful tip involves Chris discussing an inventive use of a humble cushion. 

Get in touch: theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk 

In this episode, Chris and Emma discuss outdoor learning, with Emma bringing all the passion and experience and Chris admitting he&rsquo;s still a bit of a beginner in this area. Emma shares why she loves it so much as she talks through its amazing benefits.&nbsp;
Anecdotes and examples are swapped including how much can be done with potatoes!&nbsp;
They also address some tricky questions like how do you squeeze outdoor learning into an already packed curriculum? How do you find the space or the right location? How do you get your leadership team on board?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
This week&rsquo;s useful tip involves Chris discussing an inventive use of a humble cushion.&nbsp;
Get in touch: <a href="mailto:theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk">theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk</a>&nbsp;

Outdoor Learning

What makes a school a great place to work?  Explore what really shapes a school’s atmosphere in this episode on climate and culture, as hosts Emma and Chris discuss what really shapes a school’s atmosphere. Drawing on personal stories, they highlight how small details—from staff interactions to leadership behaviour—can make a lasting first impression.  

With honest reflections on teaching life, they discuss how to create a positive school environment, including shared values, trust, collaboration, wellbeing and recognition.  

The episode wraps up with a simple but clever classroom tip to stop those ever-disappearing pens! 

Get in touch: theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk

What makes a school a great place to work?&nbsp;&nbsp;Explore what really shapes a school&rsquo;s atmosphere in this episode on climate and culture, as hosts Emma and Chris discuss what really shapes a school&rsquo;s atmosphere. Drawing on personal stories, they highlight how small details&mdash;from staff interactions to leadership behaviour&mdash;can make a lasting first impression.&nbsp;&nbsp;
With honest reflections on teaching life, they discuss how to create a positive school environment, including shared values, trust, collaboration, wellbeing and recognition.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The episode wraps up with a simple but clever classroom tip to stop those ever-disappearing pens!&nbsp;
Get in touch: <a href="mailto:theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk">theteacherspodcast@classroomsecrets.co.uk</a>

School Culture and Climate

This week I chat with Jane James, the founder of Little Voices, about mental health, children’s activities and performing arts.

In this episode, Jane shares:
Why she is so passionate about performing arts being taught in schools.
The benefits and skills children will get from learning performing arts and how they will be useful in the future.
Tips to help teachers who may not have the confidence to teach the performing arts.

If you’d like to learn more about Jane and Little Voices, you can visit:
littlevoices.org.uk

This week I chat with Jane James, the founder of Little Voices, about mental health, children&rsquo;s activities and performing arts.
In this episode, Jane shares:
<ul>
<li>Why she is so passionate about performing arts being taught in schools.</li>
<li>The benefits and skills children will get from learning performing arts and how they will be useful in the future.</li>
<li>Tips to help teachers who may not have the confidence to teach the performing arts.</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;d like to learn more about Jane and Little Voices, you can visit:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.littlevoices.org.uk">littlevoices.org.uk</a></li>
</ul>

Mental Health and Children’s Activities: Jane James, founder of Little Voices

In this episode, I talk with Alice Westbury about bringing coaching tools and strategies into the classroom. Alice is an education coach who works primarily with young people but a lot of what she shares in this episode is so valuable to those who teach in primary settings.

In this episode, Alice shares:
Why she believes using coaching tools can help pupils in the classroom and beyond.
Why now is the time to start thinking about using coaching tools with pupils.
Real actionable tips teachers can use now to start implementing coaching tools in the classroom easily.

If you’d like to find out more about Alice, you can visit:
cluedupcoaching.co.uk
alicewestburycoaching.co.uk
linkedin.com/in/alicewestbury

In this episode, I talk with Alice Westbury about bringing coaching tools and strategies into the classroom. Alice is an education coach who works primarily with young people but a lot of what she shares in this episode is so valuable to those who teach in primary settings.
In this episode, Alice shares:
<ul>
<li>Why she believes using coaching tools can help pupils in the classroom and beyond.</li>
<li>Why now is the time to start thinking about using coaching tools with pupils.</li>
<li>Real actionable tips teachers can use now to start implementing coaching tools in the classroom easily.</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;d like to find out more about Alice, you can visit:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cluedupcoaching.co.uk">cluedupcoaching.co.uk</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.alicewestburycoaching.co.uk">alicewestburycoaching.co.uk</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/alicewestbury">linkedin.com/in/alicewestbury</a></li>
</ul>

Bringing Coaching Tools into the Classroom: Alice Westbury, education coach

In this episode I am joined by Annabel Jeffcoate, the founder of Balance for Teachers. Balance for Teacher aims to reduce the amount of stress related illness in the education sector and one of their strategies for doing so is empowering their clients to say ‘no’.  

In this episode, Annabel shares:
Why curiosity and asking questions can be a powerful tool in changing perceptions of how other teachers/colleagues work.
Why breaking down the reasons why you’re feeling a certain way in your job can help you work out the solution.
Why saying ‘no’ to yourself is just as important as saying it to external influences.

If you’d like to find out more about Annabel and Balance for Teachers you can visit:
www.worklifebalanceforteachers.com
https://www.instagram.com/teachersworklifebalancecoach/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/balanceteachers
https://www.facebook.com/balanceforteachers

In this episode I am joined by Annabel Jeffcoate, the founder of Balance for Teachers. Balance for Teacher aims to reduce the amount of stress related illness in the education sector and one of their strategies for doing so is empowering their clients to say &lsquo;no&rsquo;. &nbsp;
In this episode, Annabel shares:
<ul>
<li>Why curiosity and asking questions can be a powerful tool in changing perceptions of how other teachers/colleagues work.</li>
<li>Why breaking down the reasons why you&rsquo;re feeling a certain way in your job can help you work out the solution.</li>
<li>Why saying &lsquo;no&rsquo; to yourself is just as important as saying it to external influences.</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;d like to find out more about Annabel and Balance for Teachers you can visit:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.worklifebalanceforteachers.com">www.worklifebalanceforteachers.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/teachersworklifebalancecoach/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/teachersworklifebalancecoach/?hl=en</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/balanceteachers">https://twitter.com/balanceteachers</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/balanceforteachers">https://www.facebook.com/balanceforteachers</a></li>
</ul>

How to say ‘no’ without the guilt: Annabel Jeffcoate, coach and founder of Balance for Teachers

In this episode, I talk with Dr Keith Watson, an educational consultant and personal development coach who has over 30 years of experience working in education. Keith chats about creating cognitively challenging classrooms and how teachers can provide a challenge for all pupils.

In this episode, Keith shares:
What a cognitively challenging classroom can look like.
Why he is so passionate about creating classrooms that challenge all pupils.
Some tips on how to create this challenge culture in the classroom.

If you’d like to find out more about Keith and his work, you can visit:
keithwatsoncoaching.com
https://twitter.com/DrKeithWatson1

In this episode, I talk with Dr Keith Watson, an educational consultant and personal development coach who has over 30 years of experience working in education. Keith chats about creating cognitively challenging classrooms and how teachers can provide a challenge for all pupils.
In this episode, Keith shares:
<ul>
<li>What a cognitively challenging classroom can look like.</li>
<li>Why he is so passionate about creating classrooms that challenge all pupils.</li>
<li>Some tips on how to create this challenge culture in the classroom.</li>
</ul>
If you&rsquo;d like to find out more about Keith and his work, you can visit:
<ul>
<li>keithwatsoncoaching.com</li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/DrKeithWatson1">https://twitter.com/DrKeithWatson1</a></li>
</ul>

Creating Cognitively Challenging Classrooms: Dr Keith Watson, consultant and coach

This week, I chat with Kim Griffin, an occupational therapist who is currently based in Australia. Kim has been working with pupils with SEN for almost 20 years and is on a mission to help teachers and educators understand the ‘why’ behind the way children behave when they have sensory processing difficulties.

In this episode, Kim shares:
How choice can have an impact on the way children with sensory processing issues behave.
Why it is important educators understand how sensory processing can affect behaviour.
Why she is so passionate about educators learning more about sensory processing.

 

If you’d like to find out more about Kim and her work, you can visit:
GriffinOT.com
https://www.facebook.com/kim.griffin.71697092
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-griffin-ot/
https://twitter.com/Griffin_OT

 

Kim also shared some texts that anyone who wishes to learn more about sensory processing may be interested in reading:
Sensory Processing Challenges – Effective Clinical Work with Kids and Teens by Lindsey Biel (2014)
Sensational Kids by Lucy Miller (2014)
100 Ideas for Primary Teachers - Sensory Processing by Kim Griffin (2020)
For Parents: The Everything Parent’s Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder by Terri Mauro (2014)

This week, I chat with Kim Griffin, an occupational therapist who is currently based in Australia. Kim has been working with pupils with SEN for almost 20 years and is on a mission to help teachers and educators understand the &lsquo;why&rsquo; behind the way children behave when they have sensory processing difficulties.
In this episode, Kim shares:
<ul>
<li>How choice can have an impact on the way children with sensory processing issues behave.</li>
<li>Why it is important educators understand how sensory processing can affect behaviour.</li>
<li>Why she is so passionate about educators learning more about sensory processing.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;d like to find out more about Kim and her work, you can visit:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.griffinot.com/">GriffinOT.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kim.griffin.71697092">https://www.facebook.com/kim.griffin.71697092</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-griffin-ot/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-griffin-ot/</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/Griffin_OT">https://twitter.com/Griffin_OT</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Kim also shared some texts that anyone who wishes to learn more about sensory processing may be interested in reading:
<ul>
<li>Sensory Processing Challenges &ndash; Effective Clinical Work with Kids and Teens by Lindsey Biel (2014)</li>
<li>Sensational Kids by Lucy Miller (2014)</li>
<li>100 Ideas for Primary Teachers - Sensory Processing by Kim Griffin (2020)</li>
<li>For Parents: The Everything Parent&rsquo;s Guide to Sensory Processing Disorder by Terri Mauro (2014)</li>
</ul>

Sensory Processing: Kim Griffin, occupational therapist

Welcome!

This is a space for everyone working in primary education. Whether you're in the classroom, leading a school, or supporting learning this is your place to hear real, honest and relatable conversations about school life.

Originally hosted by Claire Riley for the first three seasons, Season 4 introduces new hosts Chris and Emma, bringing a fresh energy and plenty of staffroom-style chat.

Created in association with Classroom Secrets and proudly sponsored by them, the podcast is backed by research-informed, ready-to-use lesson content that supports adaptive teaching—helping you save time and focus on what matters most.

Grab a brew, pop your headphones in, and join us for a chat!

Welcome!
This is a space for everyone working in primary education. Whether you're in the classroom, leading a school, or supporting learning this is your place to hear real, honest and relatable conversations about school life.
Originally hosted by Claire Riley for the first three seasons, Season 4 introduces new hosts Chris and Emma, bringing a fresh energy and plenty of staffroom-style chat.
Created in association with Classroom Secrets and proudly sponsored by them, the podcast is backed by research-informed, ready-to-use lesson content that supports adaptive teaching&mdash;helping you save time and focus on what matters most.
Grab a brew, pop your headphones in, and join us for a chat!

The Teachers' Podcast

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