Social & Emotional Mental Health | Karl Pupe

In this episode, Clare looks at how we can support social and emotional mental health (SEMH) needs in schools with guest expert, Karl Pupe.

Karl is a teacher with a decade of experience across primary, secondary, and further education. He specialises in behaviour. Karl has worked with young people who are not in education, employment or training, and those with social and emotional health issues. He has designed rehabilitation classes for children who have been excluded from school.

In this episode, Karl recommends the book Black and British by David Olusoga. There is also an illustrated version for children. Karl’s own book is called The Action Hero Teacher and he has a website with the same name.

Karl also shares three top tips with us:

1: Have a social contract: Have ground rules and talk with them to negotiate what those ground rules will be. This helps them feel in control and shows you value what they think.

2: Use tactical praise: People tend to live up to what you expect of them. Give them a vision to aspire to so your child knows they are capable of achieving.

3: Use “LAST”: Help your child calm down and reflect on a difficult situation using this simple code. L is for Listen. Use mirroring to repeat back what they are saying. A is for Acknowledge. Understand how they feel and label the feeling. S is for Solve. Think about what you can do to stop this from happening again. T is for Thank. Thank your child for talking with you about the problem.

You can find Karl on social media:

• Instagram: @actionheroteacher

My Family Coach is a podcast about factors that influence behaviour in education, all in handy 15 minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips on behaviour.