Reading groups… we love the idea of them. But let’s be honest, sometimes they feel overwhelming, noisy, and just plain stressful.

In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about the challenges teachers face during reading groups!

If reading groups feel chaotic instead of calm in your classroom, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and rebuild with systems that actually work.

We’re sharing practical strategies to help you feel organised, confident, and back in control, without adding more to your plate.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The biggest frustrations teachers face during reading groups (and why you’re not alone)
• How clear routines and expectations can completely transform your sessions
• Why a consistent, predictable timetable reduces stress for you and your students
• The power of starting with a “top five” set of independent activities
• How a dress rehearsal can set your groups up for long-term success
• Planning tips like batching, reusing resources, and using simple templates
• Tools like The Hive platform to streamline your reading group organisation
• A practical guide to help you transform your reading groups step by step

Reading groups don’t have to feel chaotic. With the right systems, routines, and ready-to-go resources, they can become one of the most powerful parts of your literacy block.

You don’t need more ideas - you need a foolproof system. Let’s work smarter, not harder, together!

Rainbows ahead,
Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Transform your Reading Groups (course for teachers)

The Hive - Use the code ASHLEIGH15 for a 15% discount

Ready to print reading group activities for:

• Kindergarten
• Grade 1-2
• Grade 3-4
• Grade 5-6

*Note: These activities are included in Transform your Reading Groups

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Today we welcome back occupational therapist, educator advocate, and all-round legend Dave Jereb to dive deep into understanding and responding to challenging classroom behaviours.

Dave shares practical, teacher-friendly strategies to better connect with students, support regulation, and ultimately create more inclusive and calm classrooms. From quick connection anchors to brain-based regulation tools, Dave reminds us that meaningful change often starts with the simplest actions.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why connection changes the brain—and what happens in just 10 seconds
• Reframing “challenging behaviour” and what’s really going on beneath the surface
• A breakdown of Dave’s ABCIDEAS model for understanding student needs holistically
• Practical co-regulation tools teachers can implement immediately
• Why supporting the adults who support the kids is essential for long-term success
• The “Connected Caregiver Model” and what it looks like in action
• Using rhythm, breath, and music as tools for regulation and attention
• Making lessons meaningful by tapping into student interests

“Everything is downstream from regulation and connection.” – Dave Jereb

Key Takeaways:

• Connection comes first: A simple 10-second moment of eye-level, intentional connection can dramatically impact behaviour and learning readiness.
• Environment matters: You don’t need to “fix the child”—adjusting the activity or environment is often the fastest way to success.
• Behaviours are communication: Looking at what’s behind attention-seeking, oppositional, or sensitive behaviours helps us support rather than react.
• Support the supporters: Dave champions the idea that when we support teachers and caregivers, everyone wins.

Whether you're just kicking off the school year in Australia or you're mid-term elsewhere in the world, this episode is packed with real-life examples, refreshing reframes, and game-changing strategies you can try today, especially with those students who can make or break the energy of your day.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Check out Dave’s Book: Challenging the Story
• Dave’s Online Course: Challenging the Story of Behaviour
• Other courses offered by Move About OT linked here
• Connect with Dave on Instagram
• Say G’Day on Spotify (Dave’s sister Genevieve Jereb)
• Episode 19 - Our first interview with Dave Jereb

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About Today’s Guest: Dave Jereb is a paediatric occupational therapist, author, and co-founder of MoveAbout Therapy Services. With over 20 years of experience, Dave is passionate about helping families and professionals rethink how we understand and respond to challenging

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In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that sits at the heart of our mission: teacher well-being. We’re unpacking the everyday challenges teachers face, like juggling too many tasks, feeling pressure to “do it all,” and navigating leadership expectations, while also offering practical, empowering strategies to help you protect your energy, set boundaries, and find your own rhythm.

We talk honestly about breaking free from the “busy culture,” why multitasking is not your friend, and how small moments of joy can truly be game-changers in a teacher’s week.

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need to do it all
• Boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re essential for long-term impact.
• A notepad, a pause, or even a walk can help clear the clutter.
• Modelling wellbeing helps your students thrive too.
  Saying no today doesn’t mean saying no forever.

Whether you're just starting out or deep into your teaching journey, this episode is your friendly reminder that your wellbeing matters, and you’re allowed to take care of it. Let’s work smarter, not harder, and build a teaching life that brings joy, balance, and longevity.

Rainbows ahead,

Alisha and Ashleigh

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Episode 44: A conversation about Teacher Wellbeing with Amy Green

Episode 106: Real Teacher Wellbeing with Daniela Falecki

Teacher Self-care Journal

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