The Hidden Curriculum: Behaviour They Learn from You

We teach more with our tone, facial expressions, and reactions than with any lesson plan. In this powerful solo episode, Andy Baker explores the concept of the hidden curriculum—the silent lessons we teach every day through our behaviour, body language, and boundaries.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, carer or support worker, you're constantly delivering messages—about safety, empathy, trust, and identity—without even realising it. So what are people really learning from you?

This episode will help you become more intentional about your presence and model the values you want to pass on.

💙 Sponsored by:

www.ablehub.uk – Free 14-day trial for carers and educators

Andy Baker’s Book: Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge

💡 Three Key Messages:

1. Behaviour is curriculum. Every sigh, smile, or boundary teaches something. Children and adults alike copy what they see, not what they’re told.

2. Emotional safety is taught through presence. Calm body language, empathy, and clear boundaries teach regulation, identity, and self-worth.

3. Reflecting on our own hidden lessons is essential. Understanding what we unintentionally learned—and may still be teaching—helps break cycles and shape better futures.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

• 00:00 – What is the hidden curriculum?

• 00:27 – Sponsor: Carers Card UK

• 01:47 – We teach with more than our words

• 02:36 – How stress, tone & facial expressions model behaviour

• 04:50 – Mirror neurons, empathy, and emotional contagion

• 06:30 – Auditing your tone and actions

• 07:54 – Subtle shaming: schools, police, and healthcare narratives

• 09:02 – Stigma, ageism, and unconscious bias

• 09:16 – Naming the learning out loud

• 09:38 – “Do you want a hug, help, or to be heard?”

• 10:30 – Aligning boundaries with compassion

• 11:07 – Emotional literacy and modelling empathy

• 11:59 – What hidden curriculum are we passing on as a team?

• 12:46 – Final thoughts: What are YOU teaching without knowing?

🎯 Why Listen to This Episode?

This episode is essential listening for anyone who works with or supports others—especially parents, teachers, carers, and leaders.

You’ll walk away with:

• A deeper awareness of the emotional messages you send daily

• Practical tools to model calm, empathy, and safety

• Insight into how to reflect and adjust the unspoken lessons you teach

Whether you’re raising children or leading teams, the hidden curriculum you deliver shapes lives.

📲 Stay Connected: 📲 Instagram: @AbleTraining 📲 LinkedIn: Able Training 📲 TikTok: @AbleToCarePodcast 🌐 Website: able-training.co.uk/podcast