You know those moments when suddenly everything makes sense? That was the feeling I had when I read Graham's new book 'Changing Perceptions'. Why? Because the book unpicks challenging behaviour. Not only what causes it and motivates it, but how best to respond in a difficult situation whatever the problem is. When I was a teacher and headteacher I did lots of things instinctively, as there was little research into how the human brain works. Graham's book has enabled me to understand why the approaches I developed during my career often worked much better than the more authoritarian teacher approach I started with. It is the first book I have read that truly demystifies the complex business of working with children. It explains how we must teach children how to behave so that they can get the most from their learning and we can get the most from your teaching. This is a must listen!

In this podcast we discuss ...

• The 2 key components we need for young children to achieve to their potential in school - love and safety.
• Children must feel safe in order to access their thinking brain - they won't learn successfully if they can't do this.
• Love is essential - children must know they are loved.
• The importance of nurturing children at the start of school ... and after break ... and after lunch. This gets them in the right mental space to learn.
• What do most parents want for their children? To be emotionally and physically safe. This is not always a school's priority as academic progress, tests and league tables often come first. But it should be at the top of the list if schools are to achieve the highest standards possible.
• The 'catch up' narrative post Covid is troublesome. How does doing more English and Maths help if children's brains aren't in the right place to learn. Its like trying to fill a cup with the lid on. Nothing goes in; it just pours all over the floor.
• Pressure for academic progress is misplaced until children's brains are ready to process learning.
• Ask a group of people, 'What do you fight fire with?' They will often reply, 'Fire!' But then you've got more fire haven't you? Is that the best way to manage an angry child?
• Is the authority teacher figure important? Essential?
• The importance of not ignoring low level behaviour for those children who present challenging behaviour. This could lead to a crisis.
• Most children can self-regulate but those who can't do this must be co-regulated by an adult. But can all adults self-regulate?
• The thinking part of the brain is often under-developed in children with the most challenging behaviour. We must recognise this when a child is in crisis.
• When a child is in crisis they can't process language. Therefore the use of appropriate body language is essential. Think what you do with a crying baby - be calm, soothe, smile.
• Do angry, abusive, awkward children also need soothing? Yes they do!

All this and more in this podcast. You won't regret listening.

Changing Perceptions by Graham Chatterley - Crown House Publishing - ISBN: 978-178583675-6