Hi friend!
Welcome to the 35th edition of the Teach Outside the Robot newsletter.
Let’s jump in, shall we?
1. A Quote to Think About
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men"
- Fredrick Douglas
Nuff said. This is why I’m a huge fan of early intervention with vulnerable students. Time is of the essence.
2. An Insight Worth Considering
Childhood trauma isn't just about bad memories.
The mental toll on the young person is terrible, but how it will affect their adult life is devastating:
They suffer:
• Constant pessimism about life
• Persistent feelings of isolation
• Self-sabotaging behaviours
• Deep-rooted trust issues
• Chronic anxiety
Trauma does a number on its victims.
These folks struggle to:
• Trust others
• Form lasting relationships
• Feel safe in their environment
• Accept success when it comes
If these kids struggle with themselves, how are they meant to get on with others? How are they meant to learn?
Tragically, these same maladaptive patterns follow them into their adult life and, without intervention, can lead to a very hard and miserable existence.
This is why it is so critical for adults to become trauma-informed practitioners and learn how to:
• Create calm, predictable routines, so students know what to expect and feel safer in the classroom.
Start your lessons the same way each day with a simple check-in or a short task already on the board. Let students know in advance if something will be different — like a schedule change, a test, or a new activity.
One key trait of vulnerable children is hypervigilance. Their nervous system is lighting up like a Christmas tree at any perceived dangers
Even small things, like greeting them at the door or outlining the lesson plan, can help lower anxiety.
• Slow things down in tense moments — lower your voice, give space, and help the student settle before addressing behaviour.
If a fire is raging, you don’t put it out by pouring 10 litres of petrol on it.
For example, if a student becomes frustrated or shuts down, resist the urge to challenge them in front of others. Speak calmly, move closer but not too close, and give them a moment. You might say, “Let’s take a minute, fella. We’ll figure this out.”
Taking a 2-minute breather outside the classroom can do absolute wonders to calm down an amped nervous system
• Check in with students regularly and let them know you are there, listening, and on their side.
A quick “How are you doing today?” at the start of class, noticing when a student seems off, or quietly asking if they need help can be a big help.
Over time, these small check-ins build trust and show the young person that the classroom is a safe place.
While you can’t fix all their problems, this is a good place to start, and that can mean everything in the long run.
3. A Resource to Explore
I’m always trying to upskill myself, and I’ve been looking at family systems in particular, Bowen Family Systems theory, to explain how family shapes an individual’s personality.
If a person belongs to a particularly toxic family, they can develop a condition called Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Most people are familiar with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but C-PTSD is equally important.
This short YouTube video does a wonderful job explaining what the condition is, how it develops and the effects it has on the person. This will help you recognise and mitigate the effects in the classroom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IRhanwkZJE&t=184s
4. The Small Thing That Helped Me This Fortnight
Pistachios – I needed to find creative ways to get more protein into my diet (and wean myself off of crisps and sweets), so after a couple of Google searches, I found pistachios. Packed with protein and ‘good fat,’ they are actually really filling. Just don’t eat too many!
5. A Question to Sit With
Regardless of your political and social beliefs, the events in the Middle East are appalling and frightening. The worst feeling is the utter helplessness of not being able to stop the violence, especially against civilians and children.
The question I ask of you (and myself) is:
“In the face of so much negativity, what small acts can I do to show compassion and understanding to others?”
And one more thing…
I released the first-ever episode of The Maverick School Podcast this week (yay!) – I told you all about it a couple of weeks ago. Starting from Monday, 2nd March 2026, and every two weeks, looking at ways to help young people and their parents thrive in the digital age.
Listen to the first episode here 😎👇🏾
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/maverick-school-podcast/id1881678199
Please look after yourselves.
Take care.
Karl
