In The Wrong Room

Lucy Colgan
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Performing Arts
  • Series

If you've ever felt like you're in the wrong room, you are in the right place! This podcast is for teachers stepping beyond their subject specialism. Through drama and practical creative pedagogies, it helps build confidence, embrace the unexpected and discover that some of the best learning happens outside your comfort zone!

Episodes

  1. Jun 5

    Trailer: In the wrong Room

    Have you ever walked into a classroom and thought, "I know how to teach... so why do I feel like I'm in the wrong room?" Welcome to In the Wrong Room - the podcast for Performing Arts Specialists making the leap from secondary into primary and EYFS. I'm your host, Lucy Colgan and this podcast was born from my own unexpected journey into primary education. What started as a career detour became one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my teaching career so far. After 12 years teaching Drama and Dance in Secondary schools, I found myself standing in front of a group of preschool children wondering how on earth you introduce a learning objective when there's absolutely no point writing it on the board. In the upcoming bite-sized episodes, I'm going to be sharing practical advice, insights, lesson ideas and tried-and-tested strategies from my time teaching EYFS - Year 6 Performing Arts. We'll talk about lesson planning, curriculum design, questioning techniques, working with class teachers, teaching Shakespeare to Year 2, writing theatre reviews with KS2 and all the funny, chaotic and brilliant moments that happen when you're teaching younger children. Most importantly, you will feel more confident as you make the transition or perhaps even nudge you to make the leap! So if you've ever felt like you're in the wrong room... you're in exactly the right place. Follow us on socials: Facebook and Instagram

  2. Jun 7

    The career move I didn't see coming

    What happens when a secondary drama and dance teacher steps into the world of primary education and EYFS? In the first episode of In The Wrong Room, I share my journey from secondary performing arts teaching into primary education, exploring what inspired the transition, the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned along the way. We discuss the role of drama and arts education in primary schools, building confidence as a specialist teaching younger learners and how cross-phase teaching can strengthen your practice rather than diminish your expertise. Key topics The importance of creativity and play in primary educationCurriculum mapping and skills progression in primaryThe value of arts and drama in early educationBuilding confidence as a Specialist in a primary or EYFS setting Whether you're a secondary teacher considering a move into primary education, an arts specialist working in EYFS or KS2, or a teacher looking to develop a more creative approach to learning, this episode is for you! Follow us on socials: Facebook and Instagram

  3. Jun 14

    Where do I start?

    In this episode, I discuss how to map unfamiliar curricula, adapt existing resources and build the confidence needed to thrive in a new classroom environment. Whether you're considering the move or already making it, you'll leave with actionable strategies to make the transition smoother and more successful. Key topics: Curriculum mapping and long-term planningReusing and adapting existing teaching resourcesWhy understanding the EYFS framework is key (check out the EYFS ELG one page doc!)Building confidence in primary classroomsProfessional development and continuous learning strategies Useful Facebook groups: https://www.facebook.com/groups/962913737119626 https://www.facebook.com/groups/433350790020369 https://www.facebook.com/groups/386639214731335 https://www.facebook.com/groups/379869912451652

  4. Jun 21

    Creating a teaching space that inspires

    How do you want the children to feel when they enter your teaching space? From EYFS classrooms packed with tiny chairs, role-play areas, carpet kingdoms and the occasional hamster, to dance studios on the other side of the school site, I'm sharing what I've learned about creating an atmosphere where children feel confident, creative and ready to learn. Whether you're teaching in a dedicated Performing Arts studio or a space you're borrowing for the afternoon, we'll chat about making the most of what you've got and why the environment can be one of your most powerful teaching tools. Key topics: Creating a drama room that children genuinely want to be in and how atmosphere shapes learning in drama and dance.Teaching in a variety of primary spaces and ways of creating a child-friendly drama environmentSupporting neurodivergent learners through thoughtful environmental designThe importance of routines, expectations and transitions in primary teaching If you've ever felt like you're in the wrong room, you are in the right place! Follow us on socials: Facebook and Instagram

  5. Jun 28

    Finding your rhythm with routines

    One of the biggest shifts I had to make when transitioning into Primary education wasn't the curriculum, it was the routines and expectations! In this episode, I chat about simple structures that have helped my children in EYFS feel secure, stay engaged and thrive in Dance and Drama. From using music and visual cues to manage transitions, to creating predictable routines that build confidence and independence, you'll gain insights that are rarely covered in teacher training. I also explore how storytelling can transform lessons, using my popular space adventure as an example, and I explain why learning to read the room is one of the most valuable skills you can transfer as a Specialist. Whether you're a secondary teacher considering a move into primary education, an arts specialist working in EYFS or KS2, or a teacher looking to develop a more creative approach to learning, this episode is for you! Follow us on socials: Facebook and Instagram

  6. Jul 5

    Are Drama games wasting your lesson time?

    Are you filling your Key Stage 1 drama lessons with games that don't actually move learning forward? In this episode, I share practical, purposeful approaches to teaching drama and dance in Key Stage 1, simple routines and engaging activities that maximize lesson time. This episode offers teachers effective strategies for creating structured, enjoyable lessons that keep every child actively involved. Useful FB groups: Drama Teachers Sharing Group Primary School Dance Network Drama Notebook Sharing Group

  7. Jul 12

    Starting with the end in mind

    Can you really teach breaking the fourth wall to a Year 3 class? When I moved from secondary to primary, I thought drama conventions would need stripping right back. Instead, I discovered that introducing them earlier gives children the confidence and vocabulary to master them over time. In this episode, I share how I mapped a drama curriculum backwards from Year 6, creating a clear progression across KS2, from storytelling and theatre history to masks, pantomime and performance. I also explain why curriculum planning has become one of my favourite parts of teaching and why the secret isn't simplifying drama for younger children, but scaffolding it so they can succeed.

  8. Jul 19

    Is it time to reframe non-specialist teaching?

    Teaching beyond your subject expertise can feel daunting, but I would argue that it's also one of the most powerful opportunities for personal and professional growth. key topics Key discussion points: Reframing non-specialist teaching as an opportunity for growthThe importance of curiosity and enthusiasm in teaching beyond your expertisePractical activities to engage students across key stagesWays to supporting colleagues in teaching outside their subject areaThe role of discomfort in professional development This episode is a refreshing reminder that stepping beyond your comfort zone isn't about knowing everything, it's about being willing to learn alongside your students. If you've ever felt like you're in the wrong room, you're in the right place!

  9. Jul 26

    Are we speaking the same language?

    What if the biggest barrier between education and the creative industries isn't funding or policy, but language? In this episode, Lucy explores the often-overlooked gap between education and the creative industries: language. While teachers and artists frequently share the same goals, they often describe these skills in completely different ways, which can make it tricky for teacher teaching beyond their specialism. Lucy explains how this disconnect can leave individuals feeling out of place and limit opportunities for meaningful collaboration. Key takeaways: Why confidence grows when you understand the language of the roomPractical ways to build stronger collaboration across education and the creative industries.How a shared language leads to better partnerships, improved outcomes and greater long-term engagement. Thank you for listening. Have a question, a story to share, or an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear from you — get in touch and join the conversation. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram too! Lucy brings together creative industry expertise, project management skills, and more than 15 years of experience in education across EYFS, Primary, Secondary, and community settings. She has extensive experience designing and delivering bespoke training that equips teachers to confidently teach beyond their subject specialism. Passionate about fostering meaningful partnerships with individuals and cultural organisations, Lucy champions approaches that teach creatively rather than simply teach creativity. Most recently, she has been invited to contribute to the development of an international curriculum in collaboration with We Teach Drama.

  10. 13h ago

    Fake It? No - Face It!

    Teaching outside your specialism can be daunting! In this episode we talk about the invisible stress educators face when stepping out of their comfort zone and shares actionable strategies to navigate the chaos with confidence and creativity. Lucy draws from her own experience returning to Key Stage 3 drama after four years in primary education, highlighting how teaching beyond one’s expertise can trigger our fight-or-flight response. You’ll discover how to recognise and manage this stress, helping not just yourself but also creating a safe and engaging environment for your students. Why does this matter? Many teachers carry the weight of insecurity silently, affecting their performance and well-being. This episode provides powerful insights into how embracing your vulnerability can foster stronger relationships with your students and ultimately lead to more effective teaching. If you've ever felt like you're in the wrong room, you're in the right place!

  • 10 Episodes

About

If you've ever felt like you're in the wrong room, you are in the right place! This podcast is for teachers stepping beyond their subject specialism. Through drama and practical creative pedagogies, it helps build confidence, embrace the unexpected and discover that some of the best learning happens outside your comfort zone!

Information

  • Creator
    Lucy Colgan
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Lucy Colgan
  • Show Website
    In The Wrong Room