Feb 20, 2025 · 28 minHi Besties! We missed you! In this episode we are so honoured to interview the wonderful Marie Gentles OBE. Marie is a renowned behavior expert and former headteacher with nearly two decades of experience in education.
She led an outstanding primary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) and Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provision, where her innovative approaches to behaviour management garnered national recognition.
Marie gained wider public attention through the BBC Two documentary series "Don't Exclude Me," where she collaborated with Milton Hall Primary School to address challenging student behaviors and reduce exclusions.
In June 2023, she published the book "Gentle Guidance: How to Understand, Inspire and Empower Your Kids," offering practical advice for parents and caregivers on managing children's behavior.
Throughout her career, Marie has been a strong advocate for viewing behavior as a form of communication, promoting strategies that prioritize emotional safety and well-being for children and young people.
In PART 1 we dig into:
You have been an inspirational champion for children. Fighting against a culture of exclusion. What is the impact of exclusion on our young people and why should this be avoided at all costs?
A child swears, throws a table, shouts, climbs on a wall…Big behaviours are present in our classrooms and you have been head on live and direct. What do you think all adults need to know about big behaviours?
TES news recently shared that 1 in 4 educators have restrained a child. I’d love to hear your perspective on this. What is your opinion on what we are missing in behaviour training to avoid this?
I love your mantra: No blame no shame. Can you shed some light on why blaming and shaming strategies are so damaging in schools?
You share many amazing strategies, but I wanted to hone in on emotional connection. Why is that so vital for big behaviours?
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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/morning-coffee
License code: LPGUERTEIIKDUYT4
