#101: My 3 non-negotiables for the first week back at school. How to set strong expectations students follow AND still smile before Easter!

The Unteachables Podcast

Are you heading back to school and wondering how to set expectations that your students will actually follow, all while building a positive classroom culture?

You’re not alone, my friend! This is the top question I’ve been asked by teachers! In today’s episode, I’m tackling how to balance expectation-setting and relationship-building right from the start of the school year. Spoiler alert: yes, you can smile before Easter and still set boundaries that your students respect.

Whether you’re feeling the back-to-school panic or you’re already knee-deep in planning, this episode is full of actionable tips to make the transition smooth, enjoyable, and effective.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• The real goal for your first day back: It’s not just rules and routines. It’s buy-in! Learn why this is the cornerstone of everything you want to achieve.
• Why “Don’t smile until Easter” is bad advice: Discover how strategic use of your non-verbal cues can build credibility and connection at the same time.
• Three non-negotiables for the first week: From learning names to icebreakers and collaborative expectation-setting, I share how to establish a classroom culture that’s safe, seen, and heard.
• How to make expectations a living, breathing framework: Move beyond “stick-it-on-the-wall” rules and create a year-long dialogue around shared values and consequences.

Take the Stress Out of Back-to-School Planning!

• Behaviour Club Members: Access my full library of icebreakers, expectations lessons, and more!
• Not a member yet? Grab my Back to School Bundle for instant access to everything you need to hit the ground running.

Let’s make 2025 the year classroom management feels more human and less like crowd control.

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:

• Shop all resources
• Join The Behaviour Club
• My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management
• The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

Chapters

1. #101: My 3 non-negotiables for the first week back at school. How to set strong expectations students follow AND still smile before Easter! (00:00:00)

2. Classroom Management and Expectation Setting (00:00:01)

3. Building Buy-in and Setting Expectations (00:06:40)

4. Establishing Classroom Expectations and Buy-In (00:16:03)

5. Empowering Transformation Through Weekly Challenges (00:22:26)