This discussion from inclusiveteach.com offers eight strategies for teaching children the difference between friends and acquaintances. The Podcast details eight different approaches to helping children understand this distinction, including using visual tools like the Friendship Spectrum and Friendship Pyramid, role-playing scenarios, and creating "recipes" for making a friend versus an acquaintance. Additionally, the pod includes a six-week plan for an SEN class to teach friendship concepts, linking each week to a Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) strand. The overall goal is to equip educators with the tools they need to teach children about the nuanced world of social relationships.

This podcast discusses the connection between a child's perception of control, anxiety, and oppositional behaviour at home and school. The author, who has extensive experience working with children with autism, ADHD, and other needs, argues that oppositional behaviour is often driven by a child's attempt to regain a sense of control in an environment they perceive as unpredictable. The article explains how a lack of control over thoughts, emotions, or stressors can lead to anxiety, which in turn can manifest as oppositional behavior. The author also explores the concept of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and provides 13 strategies for reducing the frequency of oppositional behavior.

Read more about Control, ODD and Behaviour.

This podcast is based on the article from inclusiveteach.com. A guide for teachers preparing for job interviews, focusing specifically on delivering a good self-introduction. It provides a framework for structuring this introduction, including sections on relevant education and experience, teaching philosophy, contributions to students' growth, and concluding statements. The article also includes three sample self-introduction scripts and offers additional interview points for making a lasting impression, such as connecting to the school's vision, highlighting relevant accomplishments, and showcasing expertise and passions. Finally, the article answers common questions about self-introductions, including the appropriate length, whether to mention hobbies, and how to address gaps in teaching experience.

In many early years settings, circle time is a cornerstone of early childhood education. This dedicated period brings children together, it is designed to create a sense of community, enhance social skills, and provide a platform for structured learning experiences. We’ll examine the benefits, challenges, and best practices, ensuring that circle time in your class is both engaging and inclusive for all children, including those with special educational needs (SEN).

Based on our Article on circle time and the SEN classroom.

This discussion on Differentiation in Discipline may be one of the more contentious blog posts, School discipline is a constant concern in the press and for teachers. I am the lead for behaviour, mental health and pastoral care in a UK special school for autism and children with communication and learning disabilities.

Part of my role is as a PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) instructor for a network for other special schools across the county.

I hold the view that we support our students best when we provide individualised behaviour support plans for our students, not ones based on anecdotes but based on clear and extensive knowledge of the child, where possible backed up with carefully collected behaviour data. This may be a simple ABC analysis or even a functional behaviour analysis (FBA), looking at what situations trigger the behaviour, how children and adults respond to prevent behaviours from occurring or escalating.

Link to The Transcript of This Podcast on Managing Challenging Behaviour