146. They'll Forget the Lesson... But They'll Never Forget How You Made Them Feel

What do your students remember most about their time in your classroom?It's probably not the math lesson or the spelling test. It's how you made them feel.This week, Ashleigh sits down with James to explore one of the most powerful aspects of teaching: building genuine relationships that help every student feel seen, valued and connected.From creative morning roll calls and fun call-and-response routines to greeting every child at the classroom door, James shares the simple strategies that have transformed the culture of his classroom. Together, Ashleigh and James unpack why the smallest moments often have the biggest impact, and how making time for connection doesn't mean sacrificing learning.They also dive into leadership, discussing how school leaders can encourage fun and creativity without adding pressure, and why giving teachers permission to build relationships in ways that suit their own style is so important.In this episode, we chat about:Why students remember how you made them feel long after they've forgotten the learningCreative ways to transform routines into a relationship-building opportunitiesSimple greeting ritualsHow listening to students' interests can completely change engagement, behaviour and confidence.Practical classroom ideas Why teachers need permission to have fun without feeling like they're creating extra work for everyone elseRelationships aren't something you fit in around the curriculum, they're the foundation that makes great learning possible. If you've ever wondered whether those little conversations, silly moments or personalised gestures really matter, this episode is your reminder that they absolutely do.Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode: Listen to our previous episode with James about brain breaks here.APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONAbout Today’s GuestJames is an innovative educator and passionate primary teacher with over 12 years of experience in education, including 6 years in senior leadership. Throughout his career, he has specialised in curriculum implementation, coaching, innovation, creative arts, and wellbeing—always striving to inspire and engage both students and teachers through creative and out-of-the-box approaches. Let's hear from you! Text us!