Pooky’s Weekly Round-Up: Issue 117
Challenging behaviour, co-regulation strategies, and salty shoes
This week's theme? Connection over perfection. Whether it's knowing what to say when a friend is grieving, spotting the difference between back-to-school nerves and autistic overwhelm, or building trust with demand avoidant students, everything I've shared this week is about showing up with curiosity, calm, and compassion, even when you don't have the 'right' words. You'll also find a favourite book recommendation, a fresh set of slides on understanding behaviour, and a silly little seaside smile I can't stop replaying. As always, take what helps, share what resonates, and know that your work makes a difference. Thank you.
PRESENT: Understanding Behaviour
Ever wondered “why did they do that?” These slides explore a compassion-first approach to behaviour, helping you look beyond the surface to understand what’s really going on. You’ll find the PANDA framework, creative tools like emotion art and journaling, and simple ways to build safer, stronger connections.
(To book me or to find out more about my talks and webinars, email me at - pooky@inourhands.com )
DOWNLOAD: Supporting a Grieving Friend
Grief doesn’t come with a manual, but it does call for patience, presence, and a whole lot of kindness. This short, gentle guide shares 10 things that can really help when someone you care about is grieving. It’s not about saying the perfect thing, it’s about showing up, again and again, in ways that feel real and human.
6 in 60: Is it Anxiety or Overwhelm?
Back-to-school nerves or sensory overload? In this quick video, I explore 6 key differences between anxiety and autistic overwhelm so you can respond in ways that truly help.
LEARN: Supporting Demand Avoidant Learners (PDA)
If you’re working with students whose “no” isn’t defiance but distress, this short self-paced course is here to help. Over five clear video lessons, we unpack how to build trust, not pressure, through tools like predictable routines, low-demand communication, and co‑regulation. Each lesson includes companion notes, reflection prompts, and printable resources to support implementation. Whether you're just beginning to understand demand avoidance or facing it daily, this course aims to leave you feeling kinder, more confident, and better connected in your work.
READ: The Teacher Toolbox for a Calm and Connected Classroom
I just finished rereading "The Teacher Toolbox for a Calm and Connected Classroom" by Joanna Schwartz and had to share it with you. This book is like having coffee with that wise teacher friend who really gets it. Schwartz, who's both a classroom teacher and therapist, offers practical tools for creating connection over control, helping us see challenging behavior through a lens of compassion rather than frustration. This gentle, real-world guide feels like a warm hug and a practical roadmap all in one.
UNDERSTAND: Neurodivergent Sensory Needs
This little carousel explores what sensory needs actually are, how they show up in everyday life, and how we can better support ourselves and each other, without shame or judgement
JOIN: Free Webinar on EBSA Morning Anxiety
I'm hosting a live session on Thursday 25th September at 4pm: "7 Quick Wins for EBSA: Morning Anxiety." If morning drop-offs feel like daily battles, this 30-minute session offers practical strategies that work - without adding to your workload.
Perfect for teachers, TAs, and school leaders. The session will be recorded, so even if you can't attend live, everyone who registers receives the recording and supporting notes.
[Register here - completely free - limited spaces]
SMILE: Riding Through the Sea
I keep thinking back with a smile to the time that we rode the tandem until we ran out of beach and had waves lapping around our ankles. It wrought a little havoc with the bike, but has brought a smile to my face so many times in the weeks since. The silly moments filled with laughter are often the ones I turn to.
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Thanks, as always, for reading.
Until next time,
Pooky x
Pooky Knightsmith PhD
Keynote Speaker
Speaking and webinar enquiries: pooky@inourhands.com