Have we made teaching children to read more complicated than it needs to be?

Phonics, decodable readers, handwriting, spelling, creativity... with so many approaches and opinions competing for attention, it can be difficult for teachers to know where to focus. But what if we cut through the noise and returned to what we know helps children learn to read?

In this episode of The Better Question, James Lister is joined by Lauren Thorpe, one of Twinkl's Education Content Leads, to explore the evidence behind effective phonics teaching and how the different elements of literacy work together.

Lauren explains why understanding the pure sounds is such an important starting point, how decodable readers build confidence, and why even the best phonics programme depends on knowledgeable teachers who understand their students. They also discuss the importance of professional development, adapting the pace of teaching to learners’ needs, and bringing joy, creativity and storytelling back into literacy lessons.

Because teaching children to read isn't about choosing sides or following a programme blindly. It's about bringing together evidence, great teaching and a love of reading.

The better question isn't which literacy approach wins... it's how we help every child become a confident, capable reader.

What if we stopped managing behaviour and started teaching it?

When a student disrupts a lesson, refuses to work or struggles to follow classroom expectations, our instinct is often to correct the behaviour. But what if the better question is: what does this student need to learn, and how can we help them succeed?

In this episode of The Better Question, James is joined by Dr Erin Leif from Monash University to explore behaviour education, a proactive approach that treats social, emotional and behavioural skills as skills that can be explicitly taught, practised and supported.

Drawing on her research and experience, (read the full research paper here) Erin challenges common assumptions about behaviour in schools and explains why understanding what sits beneath a behaviour is essential to finding effective solutions. From teaching predictable routines and reinforcing positive behaviours to maintaining high expectations and building whole-school support systems, she shares practical ideas educators can put into action.

Because behaviour education isn't about lowering expectations or abandoning boundaries. It's about helping students develop the skills they need to participate, learn and thrive.

The better question isn't simply how do we manage behaviour... it's what are we teaching instead?

A child can be sitting in the same classroom as their peers and still feel overwhelmed, disconnected or unable to learn. So what does genuine inclusion really look like for an autistic student?

In this episode of The Better Question, James Lister is joined by Rowena Perrett from Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), who shares insights from nearly 40 years working across autism education, early intervention, mainstream schools and specialist education leadership.

Together, they challenge common assumptions about autism and explore how teachers can create environments where autistic students feel safe, understood and supported to succeed. From recognising individual strengths and communication needs to managing transitions, responding to behaviour and building a genuine sense of belonging, Rowena offers practical advice for educators and school leaders.

Because inclusion isn't simply about putting a child in the classroom. It's about understanding what they need to participate, learn and thrive.

The better question isn't how we fit a child into our classroom; it's what needs to change so every child can genuinely belong.

Walk into a modern school, and innovation can seem impossible to miss: screens, devices, robotics, virtual spaces and AI. But does more technology actually mean better learning?

In this episode of The Better Question, James Lister is joined by Anthony England, Director of Innovative and Learning Technologies at Pymble Ladies’ College in Sydney, to challenge some of our assumptions about technology, innovation and education.

Anthony explores why true innovation requires courage, trust and the freedom to fail - and why sometimes the most innovative thing a school can do is return to something simple. Together, they explore AI, creativity, curiosity, efficiency and the danger of making convenience the goal of learning.

The conversation asks a bigger question: are we using technology to amplify human potential, or are we allowing it to replace the thinking, struggle and curiosity that make learning meaningful?

Because, as Anthony says, real innovation isn't about the technology you can see. It's about the spark you can see in a student's eyes.

A child refuses to work. Another explodes over something that seems tiny. Another withdraws completely. As educators, we see the behaviour - but what might we be missing beneath it?

In this episode of The Better Question, James Lister is joined by Sarah Forgan, Senior Consultant with the Berry Street Education Model, to explore trauma-informed education and what it can teach us about behaviour, regulation, relationships and learning.

Sarah challenges some common assumptions about trauma-informed practice, explaining why understanding behaviour doesn't mean excusing it, why teachers don't need to know a child's entire trauma story, and how we can maintain high expectations while giving students the support and skills they need to meet them.

From consistent routines and relational safety to practical approaches for regulation and de-escalation, this conversation asks educators to look beyond behaviour and consider the unmet needs beneath it.

Because sometimes, the better question isn't “How do I stop this behaviour?” it's “What does this student need to re-enter the learning space?”

What does it really mean to be “good at maths”? Hayley Sommeling, Twinkl’s Maths Educational Content Lead, explores how confidence, mistakes, struggle and creative thinking can transform the way students see themselves as mathematicians. 

From teacher confidence and gender gaps to assessment, technology and the future of maths, this episode challenges the idea that maths is simply about getting the right answer - and asks how we can create classrooms where every student feels confident enough to have a go.

Learning to read is only the beginning. So how do we help children move from “I can read” to “I am a reader”? Rebecca Burrows, former primary teacher for over 20 years and now Twinkl’s Educational Content Lead for its popular Originals storybooks series, explores how teachers and families can build a genuine love of reading.

From reading aloud and giving children choice to supporting reluctant readers, discover how small moments can create lifelong readers - and open the door to curiosity, imagination and possibility.

How can teachers confidently teach Indigenous perspectives with authenticity, curiosity and respect? Michael Evans, a proud Aboriginal educator and advisor to Twinkl Australia on Indigenous resources, explores why the fear of getting it wrong can become a barrier to getting started.

From building meaningful relationships with local Aboriginal communities to recognising Indigenous knowledge across the curriculum, this episode challenges teachers to move beyond tokenism, build their confidence and make Indigenous perspectives part of everyday learning.

The Better Question is a podcast for educators who want to think more deeply about teaching, learning and the future of education.

Hosted by James Lister, Twinkl’s Head of Curriculum, each episode explores the ideas shaping education; from curriculum and pedagogy to inclusion, technology, wellbeing and the changing role of teachers. Through conversations with teachers, school leaders and experts, we go beyond easy answers to challenge assumptions and uncover new perspectives.

Grounded in expertise and driven by curiosity, The Better Question connects big ideas with practical insight to help educators think differently and make a difference.