Zines and Emotional Literacy: A Fun and Engaging Path to Better Mental Health
Release Date: 11/05/2025
The Power of Professional Dialogue: Turning Lesson Observations into Meaningful Conversations for Growth
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Angela Myers In this episode, Angela, an educator with 60 years of experience spanning primary, secondary, further and community education shares her thoughts on classroom observations. Having held roles from classroom teacher through to Deputy Principal at Solihull College, Angela brings a remarkable depth of knowledge to one of the most talked-about — and often dreaded — aspects of teaching: the lesson observation. Whether you're a classroom teacher who feels a knot in your stomach every time someone walks through your door with a clipboard, a middle leader tasked with observing...
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Gender Identity Decoded: How Biology and Society Shape Who We Are
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Dr Diana Sorrentino In this episode, Dr. D, an expert on gender diversity and transgender identities with over 40 years of experience, explores gender identity's neurobiological foundations, social influences, and evolving terminology. Dr. D shares her personal journey, explains foetal development and intersex variations, and discusses support strategies for transgender youth. She highlights the critical role of family acceptance, outlines age-appropriate medical guidelines, and emphasises that gender diversity is a natural, biological phenomenon. The episode encourages educators to...
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Changing the Narrative Around Neurodivergence in Schools
Psychology in the Classroom
With Prof Edmund Sonuga Barke and Dr. Susie Chandler. This episode marks the end of the series of podcasts on the RE-STAR project. In this final episode we discuss the four-and-a-half-year research initiative supporting neurodivergent adolescents with ADHD and autism. The discussion covers how the project shifted focus from internal emotion dysregulation to the school environment's role in mental health, introducing the concept of "emotional burden." Key findings include the importance of teacher understanding, consistent accommodations, and moving away from deficit-based language. The...
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How Do Habits Shape Students’ Use of Effective Learning Strategies?
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Ann-Kathrin Krause In this episode, Ann-Katrin Krause, a PhD student in educational psychology at the Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education in Frankfurt, discusses her research on the role of habits in students' learning strategy use, exploring why students often default to ineffective strategies like rereading despite knowing better alternatives exist. The conversation covers how environmental cues trigger habitual behaviours, the distinction between automaticity and effectiveness, and practical strategies like habit stacking and if-then planning. Ann-Katrin also...
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How Can Positive Psychology Transform Wellbeing in Secondary Schools?
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Hannah Brownhill To kick off the summer term, Hannah Brownhill, a positive psychology practitioner and former secondary teacher shares her insights into embedding wellbeing in to schools through positive psychology. Following her Churchill Fellowship research in Australia, Hannah shares how schools can move beyond "wellbeing as an add-on" to create a culture of genuine flourishing. This episode explores the PERMA framework, the power of character strengths, and the systemic shifts needed in UK education. Hannah also offers practical, classroom-ready strategies for teachers, alongside...
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Spring Takeover: Exploring the Multi-Store Model of Memory and the Rise of AI in Psychotherapy
Psychology in the Classroom
Kicking off the summer term, this episode features two brilliant sixth-form students sharing their passion for psychology. Estelle, a year 13 student unpacks the multi-store model of memory, offering teachers genuinely practical strategies around attention, rehearsal, and retrieval practice to support student learning. Then Charlie, a Year 12 student, explores the exciting and thought-provoking role of AI in psychotherapy, examining how technology is making mental health support more accessible and affordable. Together, they demonstrate just how dynamic and relevant psychology is today — a...
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Dilemmas in the Classroom: How to Balance Inclusion and Individual Needs
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Dr Tracy Edwards In this episode, Tracy Edwards, senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University and author of Severe and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties in Schools, explores the ethical and practical dilemmas teachers face when supporting learners with complex needs. Drawing on her experience in both mainstream and special education, Tracy discusses inclusion, differentiation, and the importance of reflective, learner-centred practice. She highlights the value of embracing difference, fostering choice, and maintaining high aspirations for all pupils. This insightful...
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Mental Health Research: Practical Tips for Teachers and Practitioners to Navigate the Evidence
Psychology in the Classroom
...with Andre Tomlin In this episode, Andre from The Mental Elf discusses how we can make mental health research accessible and useful for teachers and practitioners. The conversation tackles the challenges of jargon, paywalls, and misleading headlines, sharing practical tips for spotting reliable studies and avoiding common pitfalls. Andre highlights the power of co-producing interventions with young people, the importance of prevention, and the value of focusing on emotions and relationships in schools. *Trigger Warning* - the discussion is focussed on mental health and there is brief...
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The Power of Voice in the Classroom
Psychology in the Classroom
...With Professor Silke Paulmann In this episode I am joined by Professor Silke Paulmann to discuss why how we sound matters just as much as what we say - the irony, as you will hear, being that my voice this week is far from fine! We often focus on the words we use to support student autonomy—offering choice and avoiding pressure—but Professor Paulmann’s research reveals that our vocal tone is a primary carrier of psychological information. Whether you are teaching Early Years or Secondary, the way you modulate your voice can directly impact a student's sense...
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How Can We Combat Cyber Aggression in Schools Today
Psychology in the Classroom
...With Protyasha Bhattacharyya Kicking off 2026 this episode dives into the latest research on cyber aggression and its effects on young people. We explore new findings about how different parenting styles can influence online behaviour, and why fostering psychological safety in schools is more crucial than ever. Listeners will discover practical, up-to-date strategies for teachers to help students navigate digital spaces safely and kindly. The episode concludes with a curated list of fresh resources for continued learning, setting a positive tone for the year ahead and empowering everyone...
info_outline…with Julie Kane
In today’s educational landscape, supporting young people’s mental health and emotional literacy is more important than ever. We know that many young people are struggling with managing their emotions and this impacts their education in a range of ways.
Julie is a third-year PhD student at Aston University, and discusses her innovative research using zines to support emotional literacy and mental health in young people. Julie shares how her background in psychology and art inspired her to develop creative workshops for primary and secondary students. We discuss the benefits of arts-based approaches, the flexibility and community-building power of zines, and the positive feedback from schools. Julie also highlights practical resources for teachers and her ongoing efforts to adapt and expand this project.
“It’s like reading literacy—you can read words but not comprehend them. Emotional literacy involves both naming emotions and truly understanding them.” – Julie Kane
Zelp on Breath Education: https://breathe-edu.co.uk/zelp/
Key points of the discussion:
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Research on zines as a tool for improving emotional literacy and mental health in young people.
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Julie’s background in psychology and child development, combined with interests in art and creative expression led to this research.
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Definition and importance of emotional literacy in understanding and expressing emotions.
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The role of arts-based projects in enhancing mental health and providing alternative forms of expression.
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Description and characteristics of zines as self-published materials for personal expression.
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The collaborative and solitary aspects of zine-making and its impact on community building.
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Implementation of zine workshops in primary schools and their structure, including psychoeducation lessons.
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Positive feedback from children participating in zine workshops and its effects on their emotional literacy.
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Adaptation of zine workshop materials for secondary school students and the challenges faced.
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Resources and support for teachers to implement zine-making in educational settings, including animated videos and lesson plans.
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