Something I noticed about myself as a teacher heading into the last term of the year was that I could get a little negative. I would readily find myself on high alert for risks, issues and problems in the classroom in a way that I wasn’t earlier in the year.
I’d find myself becoming something of a Don’t Monster.
“Don’t use the textas like that.”
“Don’t speak to him that way.”
“Don’t step out of line.”
“Don’t run!”
The problem with my ‘Don’t’ oriented language was that it created a visual in the mind’s eye of my students that they’re more likely to step into behaviourally. It’s the very reason that McDonald’s drive-thru attendants ask if you’d like fries with that order. You hadn’t thought about fries… but now you are… and now you’re ordering them!
Positively priming your students with your language in Term 4 can be a simple way to interrupt your own don’t-ing tendencies. Try:
“Remember the best way to look after our textas.”
“Let’s keep speaking to each other kindly.”
“I’m loving the way this class lines up to enter the room.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you walk casually to your desks.”
Good behaviours in the classroom can be sold just like Macca’s fries. And they’re more nourishing too.
Keep fighting that good fight,
P.S. I know you’ve probably sat through more “anti-bullying” talks, PD days and initiatives than you care to remember. And I also know how deflating it feels when nothing really changes. This workshop is different. It will give school leaders a culture-first framework to reduce bullying at its root.
I’d love you to join me and see what’s possible when culture, not posters, leads the way.
The Bullying Breakthrough Online Workshop
Wednesday 29 October 2025
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