There are moments in the classroom that can catch us completely off guard.
💭A child says something about another child's skin.
💭Someone uses a racial slur.
💭A pupil makes a comment about someone's culture, hair, lunch or identity.
💭A child says, “That's so gay.”
💭Or perhaps you say something yourself that you immediately wish you could take back.
And suddenly you're standing at the front of the classroom thinking:
What do I actually say right now?
This is something I've heard and seen again and again.
Teachers care deeply about creating inclusive classrooms. They want to respond well. They don't want to ignore harmful comments.
But sometimes the fear of getting it wrong means saying nothing at all.
And silence can feel safer in the moment.
But it doesn't always feel safe for the child sitting in front of us.
So I made something to help.
I've created a brand-new FREE practical phrase guide for primary teachers:
🍎 What Do I Say Right Now? 🍎
A Primary Teacher's Phrase Guide for Inclusive Moments!
Inside, you'll find 10 real classroom scenarios and practical language you can use when you're suddenly faced with a difficult or unexpected moment.
🌱 Not a script you have to memorise.
🌱 Not a long training manual.
🌱 Not a 50-page PDF full of theory.
🌱 Just practical words you can actually use.
Each scenario gives you a few different ways to respond - from “safe and simple” to “a little braver” so you can find language that feels authentic to you and appropriate for the moment.
The scenarios include things like:
→ A child using a racial slur
→ A pupil asking why someone's skin is a different colour
→ “That's so gay” being used as an insult
→ A child being teased about their hair
→ A racist comment repeated from home
→ A pupil being laughed at because of their cultural food
→ A child asking, “Are you allowed to talk about this?”
And one that I think many educators will recognise:
What happens when you say something yourself that you immediately regret?
These are real moments.
And knowing what to say can make all the difference.
Because inclusion isn't about having the perfect response.
It's about being willing to respond.
It's about not letting fear, awkwardness or uncertainty make us retreat into silence.
And sometimes, having a few words ready can give us the confidence to take that first step.
🌱 Download your FREE copy here! 🌱
If you're a teacher, school leader, inclusion lead or someone working with children, I'd love you to have it.
It takes just a moment to sign up, and you'll get the guide straight to your inbox.
And I'd genuinely love to know:
Which scenario in the guide feels most familiar to you?
Hit reply and tell me.
Because the conversations we have after these moments might be some of the most important conversations we have with children.
