Empathy in Education: How Words Shape Student Behaviour episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 21, 2026 · 8 MIN

Empathy in Education: How Words Shape Student Behaviour

from Helping Teachers Thrive

DESCRIPTION:In this episode, Tem discusses the critical impact of language when interacting with students, particularly those who are dysregulated or misbehaving. She emphasises that the words educators choose can either escalate or deescalate a situation, significantly affecting the student's emotional state and the overall classroom environment. Tem shares a personal experience where she disagreed with a statement used by educators, which she believes conveys a lack of care and support to the student, and advocates for a more empathetic approach that separates the behaviour from the individual, fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages students to feel safe and understood. Tem elaborates on the importance of trauma-informed practices, highlighting how negative language can reinforce feelings of inadequacy in students. She provides alternative phrases that educators can use to communicate effectively and compassionately, ensuring that students know they are supported. By reframing their language, teachers can help students regulate their emotions and create a more positive learning environment.If you would like to enquire about trauma-informed training, please contact Tem at [email protected] or book a call: https://calendly.com/tem-helpingteachersthrive/60KEY TAKEAWAYS:The language we use can escalate or deescalate student behaviour.Negative statements can make students feel uncared for and unsupported.It's crucial to separate a student's behaviour from their identity.Using supportive language helps students feel safe and understood.Empathy is key in helping students regulate their emotions.BEST MOMENTS:"That just tells me that you don't care about me.""I'm here to help you and support you.""That's telling that child that I don't want to help you."VALUABLE RESOURCES:https://patreon.com/thehelpingteachersthrivehub?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/empowering-language-how-the-words-we-use-shape/id1681843058?i=1000671721042ABOUT THE HOST:Since embarking on her teaching journey in 2009, Tem has been on a mission to empower students to reach their fullest potential. Specialising as a Secondary Physical Education Teacher, Tem also has experience in Special Educational Needs (SEN) as a class teacher in an SEN provision. With an unwavering commitment to helping students become the best versions of themselves, Tem believes in the power of education to shape not just academic prowess, but character and resilience. Having mentored numerous teachers throughout her career, she is not only shaping young minds but also nurturing the growth of those who guide them.ABOUT THE SHOW:The podcast for teachers of many years, trainee teachers or Early Career Teachers (ECTs). Join Tem as she delves into the diverse world of teaching, offering valuable insights, tips, and advice on a variety of teaching strategies to help teachers thrive as classroom practitioners. CONNECT & CONTACT: Email: [email protected]: https://linktr.ee/temsteachingtipsInstagram: instagram.com/temsteachingtipsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tem-ezimokhai-23306a263 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DESCRIPTION:In this episode, Tem discusses the critical impact of language when interacting with students, particularly those who are dysregulated or misbehaving. She emphasises that the words educators choose can either escalate or deescalate a situation, significantly affecting the student's emotional state and the overall classroom environment. Tem shares a personal experience where she disagreed with a statement used by educators, which she believes conveys a lack of care and support to the student, and advocates for a more empathetic approach that separates the behaviour from the individual, fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages students to feel safe and understood. Tem elaborates on the importance of trauma-informed practices, highlighting how negative language can reinforce feelings of inadequacy in students. She provides alternative phrases that educators can use to communicate effectively and compassionately, ensuring that students know they are supported. By reframing their language, teachers can help students regulate their emotions and create a more positive learning environment.If you would like to enquire about trauma-informed training, please contact Tem at [email protected] or book a call: https://calendly.com/tem-helpingteachersthrive/60KEY TAKEAWAYS:The language we use can escalate or deescalate student behaviour.Negative statements can make students feel uncared for and unsupported.It's crucial to separate a student's behaviour from their identity.Using supportive language helps students feel safe and understood.Empathy is key in helping students regulate their emotions.BEST MOMENTS:"That just tells me that you don't care about me.""I'm here to help you and support you.""That's telling that child that I don't want to help you."VALUABLE RESOURCES:https://patreon.com/thehelpingteachersthrivehub?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkEPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/empowering-language-how-the-words-we-use-shape/id1681843058?i=1000671721042ABOUT THE HOST:Since embarking on her teaching journey in 2009, Tem has been on a mission to empower students to reach their fullest potential. Specialising as a Secondary Physical Education Teacher, Tem also has experience in Special Educational Needs (SEN) as a class teacher in an SEN provision. With an unwavering commitment to helping students become the best versions of themselves, Tem believes in the power of education to shape not just academic prowess, but character and resilience. Having mentored numerous teachers throughout her career, she is not only shaping young minds but also nurturing the growth of those who guide them.ABOUT THE SHOW:The podcast for teachers of many years, trainee teachers or Early Career Teachers (ECTs). Join Tem as she delves into the diverse world of teaching, offering valuable insights, tips, and advice on a variety of teaching strategies to help teachers thrive as classroom practitioners. CONNECT & CONTACT: Email: [email protected]: https://linktr.ee/temsteachingtipsInstagram: instagram.com/temsteachingtipsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tem-ezimokhai-23306a263 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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This episode was published on January 21, 2026.

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DESCRIPTION:In this episode, Tem discusses the critical impact of language when interacting with students, particularly those who are dysregulated or misbehaving. She emphasises that the words educators choose can either escalate or deescalate a...

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