6: The Getting Real with Hilary Show with Hilary Burns and guest Anderson Manuel6: The Getting Real with Hilary Show with Hilary Burns and guest Anderson Manuel
UK Health Radio Podcast
Teacher Anderson Manuel shares how he shifted from law ambitions to a lifelong calling in education, creating classrooms where every child feels seen and supported. The conversation highlights social and emotional learning, practical tools for dysregulated kids and the power of community in shaping responsible citizens.
41:25•6 Jun 2026
Building Responsible Kids: Anderson Manuel’s Classroom of Belonging
Episode Overview
- Strong classroom management starts with genuine relationships and making every child feel seen and valued.
- Many so-called “bad” behaviours stem from dysregulation, so children need simple, taught strategies to calm their bodies and minds.
- Clear choices and gentle language help children take responsibility for their emotions while staying part of the group.
- Early teaching of cooperation, listening and asking for help lays the foundation for future learning and citizenship.
- Reflective practice, learning from mistakes and sharing knowledge with other teachers are key to long-term success in education.
“There’s no dummy in my class. You are all brilliant. Some of you are brilliant in some areas, and some of you need a little help to become brilliant.”
What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? On this occasion, the focus shifts to classrooms rather than cravings, as teacher Anderson Manuel shares how he builds a generation of responsible, emotionally aware children. Speaking with host Hilary Burns, Anderson traces his journey from Haiti to Massachusetts, from aspiring corporate lawyer to award-worthy primary school teacher.
A chance law-school summer placement showed him, in his words, that “these are not my people,” while a grant for a master’s in education opened the door to a career he calls “the best decision that I’ve ever made.” Anderson talks about creating a classroom where every child feels seen, heard and valued. He explains how his own early years, feeling invisible as a foreign student, shaped his pledge to know each child personally.
That promise shows up in his approach to social and emotional learning, classroom management and daily routines built around kindness, respect and play. A big part of the conversation centres on helping “dysregulated” kids – those who are stuck in fight-or-flight and branded as “bad” elsewhere. Anderson calmly teaches them to recognise what’s happening in their bodies and offers clear choices: quiet space, a short walk, movement exercises.
As he puts it, “When you teach it, kids get it.” He also shares how tools like the Kikori app support him in building cooperation, shared responsibility and teamwork, turning a class into a genuine community where children help each other rather than compete. This episode speaks strongly to teachers, parents and anyone in recovery who cares about emotional safety, structure and belonging – the same foundations that support sobriety.
If kids can be taught early that they’re valued, supported and allowed to ask for help, what might that mean for their adult lives? Maybe it’s time to ask: who helped you feel seen, and how can you pass that on?
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