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Rewards are a staple of many primary classrooms, but how much difference do they really make? In this episode, Emma and Chris take a closer look at everything from stickers and house points to certificates and whole-class reward systems, exploring when rewards can be a powerful tool and when they might do more harm than good. They delve into the research behind rewards, including the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and discuss how reward systems can influence children's behaviour, confidence and long-term attitudes to learning. Along the way, they share honest reflections on the approaches they've embraced, the ones they've questioned and the practical tweaks that have made the biggest difference in their own classrooms. Rather than asking whether rewards are simply 'good' or'bad', Emma and Chris consider how teachers can use them thoughtfully to encourage effort, build positive classroom cultures and help children develop motivation that lasts beyond the promise of a sticker. This week's teacher tip is a simple way to get your class’s attention instantly while not shredding your vocal cords!  Research Hub article: https://my.chartered.college/research-hub/the-dark-side-of-rewards-and-punishments-in-the-classroom-part-i/ Get in touch: [email protected] our sponsors:Tandem Teach: tandemteach.aiClassroom Secrets: classroomsecrets.co.uk   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our second transition episode, Emma and Chris turn their attention to transition from one year group to another beyond Reception into Year 1! From changing classrooms and teachers to stepping into a new Key Stage, they discuss why transition matters and the impact it can have on children's confidence, wellbeing and learning. Drawing on their own experiences, they share examples of transition done brilliantly, a few that didn't quite go to plan and the lessons they've learned along the way. Expect plenty of practical ideas, from end-of-year activities and teacher handovers to simple things that can make a big difference over the summer break. Emma and Chris also reflect on the role transition plays in children's wellbeing, relationships and learning, and share their top tips for making sure September starts on the right foot. This week's teacher tip is all about pupil trays and is GUARANTEED to reduce time looking for a specific pupil’s tray! Get in touch: [email protected] our sponsors:Tandem Teach: tandemteach.aiClassroom Secrets: classroomsecrets.co.uk   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

n the first of our two episodes all about transition, we're tackling one of the biggest milestones in primary education: the move from Reception to Year 1. Emma and Chris explore the shift from the play-based exploratory world of EYFS to the more structured demands of Year 1 and the National Curriculum. They discuss the opportunities and challenges this transition brings for children, teachers and families, and share practical ideas for making the move as smooth and successful as possible. Along the way, they consider what good transition practice looks like and how many of these principles can be applied across other year groups too. This week’s teacher tip is about the ‘secret pupil’ and the power of a handful of lollipop sticks! Get in touch: [email protected] our sponsors:Tandem Teach: tandemteach.aiClassroom Secrets: classroomsecrets.co.uk   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grab your first aid kit, sick bucket and risk assessment; we're heading out on a school trip! In this episode, Chris and Emma explore one of the most memorable parts of school life, sharing their own experiences as both pupils and teachers along the way. They discuss the many benefits of learning beyond the classroom, the types of trips that suit different age groups and the practical challenges schools face when organising them. They also consider some of the barriers to taking children on trips and explore potential solutions. Whether you're a seasoned trip leader or planning your first outing, join the conversation as they unpack the opportunities, logistics and lasting impact of school trips. This week's teacher tip may help combat the issue of missing PE kits! Get in touch: [email protected] our sponsors:Tandem Teach: tandemteach.aiClassroom Secrets: classroomsecrets.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time to get stuck into the pros and cons of homework! After discussing the research in the last episode, Chris and Emma talk about the benefits of homework as well as the drawbacks of setting it. From building independent learning habits and reinforcing classroom content to concerns around workload, equity and engagement, they explore both sides of the debate. Is homework still an essential part of education, or is it time to rethink its role? Join the conversation as they unpack one of teaching’s most enduring topics.This week’s teacher tip is a way to help fight the battle of pupils losing items ofstationery!Schools in England blog discussed during this episode:https://schoolsinengland.co.uk/blog/homework-expectations-primaryGet in touch: [email protected] our sponsors:Tandem Teach: tandemteach.aiClassroom Secrets: classroomsecrets.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s time to talk about all things homework in the first of our two-part discussion! In this first episode, Chris and Emma focus on the research behind homework – what is the impact, how much should be set and how often should it be set? With a discussion about the history of homework along the way, including how the Labour government and the Victorian attitude to homework impact on modern approaches, there’s a lot to get your teeth into!This week’s teacher tip is a lovely plenary idea that will promote oracy and positivityin your classroom! Get in touch: [email protected]  Visit our sponsors:Tandem Teach: tandemteach.aiClassroom Secrets: classroomsecrets.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Emma and Chris tackle how to arrange tables in your classroom! Theydiscuss the pros and cons of the three most common ways of organising tables,such as impact on pupil focus, how social interaction can be affected and hownavigating around the classroom is a key consideration. With anecdotes, personalrecollections and experiences along the way, this will give you food for thought forhow your seating is set out in your classroom!This week’s teacher tip will help shave time off each book that you mark, helpingyour work-life balance!Get in touch: [email protected] our sponsors:Tandem Teach: tandemteach.aiClassroom Secrets: classroomsecrets.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final part of our three-episode deep dive into orthography, morphology andetymology as part of the writing framework, Chris and Emma talk all about excellentetymology! With an explanation of what this is, suggestions for how to teach it withinyour classroom and quick-win games on using etymology to impact spelling, thisepisode will help you understand what etymology is and how you can immediatelystart threading it into your teaching. This week’s teacher tip is an easy one to help your class community too. Hitdownload and enjoy! Get in touch: [email protected]  Visit our sponsors:Tandem Teach: tandemteach.aiClassroom Secrets: classroomsecrets.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second part of our three-episode deep dive into orthography, morphology and etymology as part of the writing framework, Chris and Emma talk all about the marvellous world of morphology! Full of information about how to teach morphology both explicitly and implicitly, strategies for embedding it within your classroom and the linguistic theory behind it, this episode is sure to help you tackle morphemes to bolster your teaching of spelling. With a teacher tip linked to your personal wellbeing, there is lots to discover in this episode so get downloading!Get in touch: [email protected] our sponsors:Tandem Teach: tandemteach.aiClassroom Secrets: classroomsecrets.co.uk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris and Emma kick off a three‑part series exploring the building blocks of spelling, starting with orthography—how children learn what “looks right” in written English.   Chris shares the roots of his love for language, why English spelling is so complex and how phonics, pattern‑spotting and automaticity shape confident writers.   They unpack spelling across EYFS to KS2, touch on Ofsted’s expectations and offer practical ways teachers can support children without overwhelming them.  Get in touch: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Teachers Podcast, Chris and Emma dive into phase one phonics—the playful sound-focused stage that comes before the more official letters and reading.   Emma explains how it’s all about listening, rhythm, rhyme, alliteration and oral blending, giving children the foundations for confident reading later on. From environmental sounds to body percussion, voice experiments, and fun games like I-Spy, they explore practical ways to bring phonics to life in nursery and early years classrooms—and even revisit it with older children when needed.   It’s a happy reminder that phonics is about playing with sounds, building attention, and sparking a love of language.  Get in touch: [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: [email protected]   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.