One Tired Teacher: Recent Episodes
Trina Deboree
Teachers have important things to say and share about teaching, life, teaching, and learning. A podcast for teachers brings you the stories and inspiration behind the scenes from classrooms around the globe. Honest conversations about teacher tired and passion-filled teaching allow educators to speak their truth on the trials and treasures of being a teacher.
Teacher judgment still matters, even in an age of AI, curriculum programs, and accountability. If you've wondered whether AI can replace teachers, this episode is for you.
Teachers today are surrounded by advice from curriculum companies, social media, administrators, and artificial intelligence. But none of those tools know your students the way you do.
In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about teacher expertise, trusting your instincts, adapting curriculum thoughtfully, and why professional judgment remains one of the most valuable tools in education.
In this episode:
• Why teacher judgment doesn't disappear because of AI or curriculum
• The pros and cons of AI in education for today's classrooms
• Why great teachers adapt resources instead of following them blindly
• How teacher expertise develops over years of experience
• Why flexibility is a sign of professional strength—not failure
• How to trust your instincts while still learning from new ideas
Good teachers don't ignore resources.
They know when to adapt them.
If this episode encourages you, subscribe for weekly conversations that help teachers trust themselves, protect what matters, and remember why they became educators in the first place.
Free Resource
Back-to-School Would You Rather Questions
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Back to School Inspirational Video for Teachers | Trust Yourself This Year is for every teacher who feels overwhelmed before the school year even begins. If you're searching for a back to school inspirational video for teachers or a reminder to trust yourself as a teacher, this episode is your permission to tune out the noise and reconnect with the thoughtful educator you've already become.
Before students arrive, teachers hear advice from administrators, social media, AI, curriculum programs, Pinterest, and everyone else. But what if the most important voice you've forgotten to listen to is your own?
In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about teacher confidence, trusting your instincts, protecting what matters most, and beginning the school year with intention instead of overwhelm.
In this episode:
• Why it's easy to lose yourself during back-to-school season
• How to reconnect with your "why" without toxic positivity
• Three questions every teacher should ask before school starts
• Why trusting yourself as a teacher matters more than following everyone else's advice
• How to begin the year with confidence, purpose, and peace
If this episode encouraged you, I'd love for you to subscribe and join me each week as we bring more humanity back to teaching.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Our Class is a Family Prediction and STEM
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Teachers Planning Next Year Without Losing Yourself: Protect What Matters Epiosde 305
Teachers planning next year without losing themselves start with one question: What is worth protecting? In this episode, we talk about planning with intention, not exhaustion.
Instead of adding one more system, one more routine, or one more thing to your already-full plate, this conversation invites you to pause before the school year begins and decide what matters enough to protect.
A meaningful year is built through intention, not perfection.
In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about how to prepare for a new school year without recreating the exhaustion you're still trying to recover from.
Instead of asking, "What should I add?" we're exploring a different question:
"What is worth protecting?"
We talk about teacher judgment, why there is no perfect system, and how to use tools like AI, curriculum programs, and teacher-created resources without outsourcing your professional expertise.
I also share why STEM became one of the things I intentionally protected in my own classroom—not because it was trendy, but because it created the kinds of moments I wanted more of: curiosity, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, discussion, and joy.
If you're beginning to think about August, curriculum maps, lesson plans, and fresh starts, this episode is a reminder that you don't need to reinvent yourself to have a meaningful year.
In this episode, we'll discuss:
✨ Why adding more isn't always the answer
✨ The difference between planning and overplanning
✨ How to protect what matters before your schedule fills up
✨ Using AI, curriculum, and resources wisely without giving away your judgment
✨ Making time for STEM, read-alouds, science, and other priorities before they get pushed aside
✨ Why a meaningful year is built through intention, not perfection
As you begin planning for next year, remember:
Keep what worked.
Release what didn't.
Protect what matters.
Trust yourself enough to know the difference.
If this episode resonates with you, share it with a teacher friend and follow along for more conversations about bringing joy, humanity, and balance back into teaching.
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
What Data Can't Measure: The Most Important Things Teachers Know Can't Be Measured Episode 304
What data can't measure often matters most in teaching. In this episode, we're talking about the moments, relationships, insights, and student growth that never show up on a spreadsheet but shape learning every day.
The most important things teachers know can't be measured by test scores, data dashboards, AI reports, or reading levels. In this episode, we're talking about teacher judgment, student growth, and the human side of learning that numbers often miss.
I actually like data.
I like information. I like looking for patterns. I like understanding what's working and what isn't. Test scores, assessments, observations, and even artificial intelligence can all provide valuable information.
The problem isn't data.
The problem is when we start believing data tells the whole story.
Because it doesn't.
A test score can tell me whether a child answered correctly. It cannot tell me that this is the first time that child felt confident enough to even try.
A reading level can tell me where a student is performing. It cannot tell me that they finally found a book they love.
An AI report can identify patterns. It cannot tell me that a child walked into school carrying something heavy and needed a little extra kindness that day.
In this episode, we'll discuss:
✨ Why good teaching is more than test scores and data
✨ What teachers notice that dashboards can't measure
✨ The role of teacher judgment in an age of AI
✨ Why belonging, curiosity, courage, and safety matter
✨ The difference between knowing what data says and knowing what data doesn't say
✨ Why relationships remain at the heart of learning
Most importantly, we'll talk about something many teachers already know:
Children are not data points.
They're people.
And some of the most important work we do may never show up in a report, a spreadsheet, or an observation.
That doesn't make it less valuable.
It might actually make it more.
If you've ever felt frustrated by testing pressures, data collection, or the idea that numbers tell the whole story, this episode is for you.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
One Tired Teacher Episode 302: AI Can't Replace Teacher Heart
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Skills AI Can't Teach may be the most important skills our students need for the future. In this episode, we're exploring creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, community, and curiosity—and why human skills matter more than ever.
Technology is changing fast, but the most meaningful parts of teaching have never been about information alone.
They're about people.
In this episode, we'll explore the 5 Cs:
✨ Creativity
✨ Collaboration
✨ Critical Thinking
✨ Community
✨ Curiosity
We'll discuss why AI can generate answers but can't replace human judgment, empathy, relationships, a sense of belonging, or the curiosity that drives real learning.
You'll also hear how STEM challenges, storybooks, and meaningful classroom conversations help students practice the very skills technology cannot teach.
If you've been wondering what role teachers play in an increasingly AI-driven world, this episode is a hopeful reminder:
The future doesn't need fewer humans.
It needs more humanity.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
STEM Bell Ringers
AI Vocabulary K-5
Free Device Free Activity
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
AI Can't Replace Teacher Heart—and that may be more important now than ever. In this episode of One Tired Teacher, we're talking about artificial intelligence in education, teacher judgment, and why human connection still sits at the center of meaningful learning.
This is not an anti-AI episode.
In fact, I use AI.
I've used tools like Magic School to brainstorm ideas, generate vocabulary lists, and support lesson development. I even created an AI vocabulary resource for elementary students using AI as part of the process.
But here's what I discovered:
AI generated ideas.
Teacher judgment made them meaningful.
We'll explore why teaching has never been about information alone and why the most important decisions in a classroom still require something technology cannot provide:
✨ Professional judgment
✨ Developmental understanding
✨ Human connection
✨ Empathy
✨ Relationships
✨ Knowledge of the students sitting in front of us
I share the story of creating age-appropriate AI vocabulary lessons for elementary students and explain why the definitions, examples, activities, and learning experiences needed far more than a computer-generated response.
We'll also talk about:
⭐ AI as a thinking partner, not a decision-maker
⭐ Why teacher-created lessons still matter
⭐ The growing importance of critical thinking in an AI-driven world
⭐ The role of empathy, intuition, and relationships in learning
⭐ Why children need trusted adults now more than ever
As information becomes easier to access, teacher expertise becomes more valuable—not less.
Because great teaching has never been about producing information.
It's about helping human beings grow.
If you've been wondering what AI means for teachers, teacher creators, and the future of education, this episode offers a hopeful reminder:
Technology can support teaching.
But it cannot replace your judgment.
It cannot replace your relationships.
And it cannot replace your heart.
Resources Mentioned:
• AI Vocabulary Resource for Elementary Students
Until next time, remember this:
Trust the thoughtful, experienced, caring professional who has spent years learning how children grow.
Your judgment matters.
It always has.
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Summer break isn’t always ruined by big problems. Sometimes it’s the quiet habits that keep you tense, distracted, and oddly anxious even when you finally have time off. We’re talking about four sneaky mistakes that can mess up your summer mojo and how to avoid them with simple, realistic shifts that actually help teachers recharge.
We start with a practical back-to-school mindset: why having a light plan before you leave for summer can make the next school year feel calmer. Then we get honest about the “all vacation, all the time” approach. Yes, you deserve rest, but ignoring every school task can turn into that looming, late-summer dread. We share a balanced way to protect your time off while still preventing the stress pileup.
We also dig into reading as self-care, not homework. Fiction, feel-good books, audiobooks, and podcasts can refill your tank and bring back curiosity. Finally, we talk structure: when the school schedule disappears, it’s easy to feel formless and reactive. A small, deliberate routine and a few clear goals can give you freedom without the anxiety.
If you want a calmer, more restorative summer as a teacher, press play, then subscribe, share with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more educators can find the show.
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Summer break can look long on the calendar and still feel like you’re carrying school on your back. We’re talking honestly about why so many teachers start June exhausted and then spend the rest of the break “prepping” instead of recovering and feeling joy. If you’ve ever treated staying late as proof you care, or opened your laptop on a holiday because anxiety wouldn’t let you rest, this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way.
We unpack what boundaries really mean for educators: not vague self care, but specific decisions about what will not cross the line anymore. That includes work boundaries you can practise in summer and keep all year, like setting a true no work window, using a simple brain dump notebook so ideas don’t hijack your downtime, and building systems that protect your evenings. We also get practical about grading and feedback, sharing smarter ways to check learning at school so “no grading at home” becomes possible, not just aspirational.
Then we hit the big ones that drive teacher burnout and work-life balance issues: staying hours past contract time, saying yes to every committee and club, and the always-on pressure of school email. We make the case for deleting school email from your personal phone, not only for your peace of mind, but also to reduce stress, distraction, and unnecessary risk. We end by naming one boundary you can adopt immediately and take into the next school year.
If this helps, subscribe for more teacher boundaries and burnout recovery strategies, share the episode with a coworker who needs permission to log off, and leave a review so more tired teachers can find us. What boundary are you committing to this week?
June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions
Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.
Wild Critters with PBS Nature
Take your family on a wildlife adventures with 'Wild Critters' on 'Orbit!' For kids 3-11.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Summer break can start and somehow you still feel like you’re on duty. If your body is home but your brain is still in the classroom, I made this one for you. I keep it simple on purpose, no new system, no productivity plan, just a pause to breathe and reconnect with yourself outside of teaching.
I tell the truth about what it looked like when I let the job become my whole life, starting with a brutal first year in 1997 and years of living in fight or flight. I talk about getting sick, trying to prove myself, and how that constant grind bled into my marriage and my sense of identity. Teacher burnout is not abstract for me; it shows up as anxiety and depression, autoimmune disease, and the kind of exhaustion that makes you wonder if you can even make it to retirement. If you’ve ever felt like school “takes and takes” until there’s nothing left, you’ll recognise yourself here.
Then we turn the corner toward teacher boundaries and teacher self-care that actually matter. Whether you’re in your first five years or you’re a veteran educator, I remind you that you’re a human being with multiple roles and needs, and you deserve to invest in all of them. I also share a gentle nudge for what rest can look like right now, plus a quick update on plans for episode 300 and how I’d love to bring more teacher voices into that celebration.
If this helped you exhale, subscribe to One Tired Teacher, share it with a teacher friend who needs permission to rest, and leave a review so more educators can find it. What is one boundary you want to hold this summer?
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
What would you tell the version of yourself who is trying so hard to do everything perfectly? I’m revisiting a Teacher Truth conversation I recorded years ago and adding what I’d tell myself now, with a clearer view of boundaries, identity, and what it really takes to stay well in this profession.
We talk about why teaching cannot be your whole personality and why staying late should never be a badge of honor. I share the painful reality many educators meet sooner or later: being shamed for work life balance, being “voluntold” into more responsibilities, and feeling like your time is never truly your own. If you’ve ever gone home carrying the weight of the day and wondered why it feels impossible to switch off, you’ll feel seen here.
We also get honest about the systems that can twist good intentions. Standardized testing and test score pressure can damage student confidence and leave teachers with moral distress, especially when kids feel ashamed or defeated. On top of that, we name the practical challenges that drive teacher burnout: low teacher pay, lack of professional respect, paying out of pocket for classroom supplies, and the way teaching can make you feel trapped when you try to transition to a different career.
This is a heavy one, but it’s meant to help you protect your heart and remember you’re not alone. If it resonates, subscribe, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a review so more educators can find this kind of honest support.
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Burnout is brutal enough, but the most disorienting version is the kind that lands even when we set boundaries, do the inner work, and try to teach in a grounded way. We talk about why that happens, why burnout is not an accusation, and how misalignment and masking can quietly drain teachers who genuinely care. I’m joined by Miriam Groom, founder and CEO of Mindful Career, a behavioural career therapist and organisational psychologist who has helped thousands of people navigate burnout, career transitions, and work that actually fits.
We dig into what career alignment can look like for students and for educators who feel trapped in the profession. Miriam explains why many common career assessments fall flat for younger kids, and why observation is often a better starting point: noticing strengths in real time, naming what’s unique about a student, and reframing “negative” traits into clues about motivation and values. We also name the bigger system problem: schools and teachers are expected to do everything, while guidance support is thin and testing pressures crowd out the human side of learning.
Then we get practical with Holland Codes (RIASEC), a research-backed framework that connects interests and “brain types” to career families. You’ll hear simple descriptions of Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional patterns, plus how mixed profiles can explain why someone thrives in one environment and burns out in another. We also share a concrete tool you can use today: O*NET Online, including how to explore job matches, training pathways, salaries, and “similar jobs” that reveal real transferable skills for teachers considering their next move.
If this conversation helps you feel seen, share it with a teacher friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review so more educators can find support when they need it most.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Mindful Career
June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions
Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.
Wild Critters with PBS Nature
Take your family on a wildlife adventures with 'Wild Critters' on 'Orbit!' For kids 3-11.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
What do you do when the part of teaching that scares you isn’t the kids, it’s the adults with power? I’m replaying a conversation that stayed with me for a reason: it names the kind of educator pain we’re often pressured to keep quiet about. My guest (sharing anonymously as “Nancy”) describes what it feels like to be targeted, talked down to, and evaluated through systems that ignore the reality of student needs, classroom complexity, and basic human limits.
We dig into the pressure cooker of standardized testing and teacher evaluations, including how “accountability” gets reduced to one test on one day. We talk about how that mindset can warp how we see students, push teachers into constant self-doubt, and fuel toxic school culture. Nancy shares what happens when administrators refuse to offer support, when improvement plans become surveillance, and when non-union districts leave educators feeling unprotected. I also share my own experience of being written up after advocating for my health and safety at work.
There’s hope here, too. Nancy explains how moving into a technology role helped her breathe again, and how makerspace and STEM learning brought back joy, creativity, and real engagement for students who struggle in rigid, test-driven classrooms. We also get practical about coping strategies: documentation, boundaries, grants, and finding ways to keep doing what’s right for kids even when leadership tries to “reel you in.”
If you’ve felt that knot in your stomach before work, I want you to hear this clearly: you’re not alone, and your worth is not defined by someone else’s agenda. Subscribe for more honest teacher stories, share this with a colleague who needs it, and leave a review with the one line you wish an administrator understood.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Last Week of School Activities 1st & 2nd Grade | End of Year Theme DaysJune Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions
Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.
Wild Critters with PBS Nature
Take your family on a wildlife adventures with 'Wild Critters' on 'Orbit!' For kids 3-11.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
May is when solid routines start to wobble, not because you suddenly forgot how to teach, but because the school calendar turns into a nonstop interruption machine. If your class feels unpredictable right now, I’m here with a calming reminder: you don’t need more end-of-year activities. You need a structure that holds the days together.
I walk through how end of the year theme weeks bring novelty without chaos by keeping your schedule predictable while giving students something exciting to rally around. Think camp week, beach week, western hoedown, superheroes, sports, or even a glow week with black lights and glow-in-the-dark materials. The goal is simple: keep student engagement high, reduce planning stress, and help you get work done at work so the final stretch doesn’t steal your evenings.
We also dig into a practical classroom management approach for theme days: start with everyone included, tie participation to clear expectations, and if a student loses an activity, build in a way to earn it back. That small shift protects you and the child, because when kids think there’s no path back, behavior often falls off a cliff. Predictability plus a chance to recover is a powerful combination in May.
If you’re looking for end of year classroom ideas that actually support learning, reduce decision fatigue, and make the last week feel fun and focused, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more real-life teaching support, share this with a teacher friend who’s running on fumes, and leave a review with the theme your class would love most.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Theme Week End of the Year Bundle
Camp End of the Year Week-Long Unit
FREE Editable Camp Awards
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
May can make even your strongest readers feel done, and that end of school year slide is exactly when reading starts to feel like a chore. I’m sharing a simple reset that keeps classroom reading calm, light, and genuinely enjoyable, so we can finish the year with connection instead of constant pushing. The goal is not to squeeze out one more checklist, it’s to make reading feel like something kids want to return to.
We talk about why read alouds are the fastest way to reignite reading motivation and rebuild stamina when everyone is tired. I also share camp themed ideas that make reading feel special without a ton of prep, including cozy “tent” reading at desks, reading under desks, and even a faux campfire setup for storytelling. You’ll hear specific camp friendly book picks like Bailey’s Camp Out, A Camping Spree With Mr McGee, Not So Scary Stories For Kids Around The Campfire, and more to spark that love of reading again.
If you’re looking for end of year reading activities that still support real literacy skills, we dig into options that tie fun to comprehension and sequencing: decodable reading, compare and contrast, readers theater in an easy to follow format, reading bingo, book recommendations, and student made reading commercials. I also point you to editable camp awards you can grab free, plus a camp themed reading unit that works for whole group, small group, centers, and even summer school.
Subscribe so you don’t miss next week, and if this helped you, share it with a teacher friend and leave a quick review so more tired teachers can find calm reading routines.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Camping Worksheets: Reading Comprehension | Camp Read A Lot
Camp End of the Year Week-Long Unit
FREE Editable Camp Awards
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
The last week of school can make the best teachers feel like everything is coming apart at once: grades due, rooms to pack, routines blown up by assemblies, and kids who are equal parts excited and dysregulated. I’m sharing a practical way to calm the chaos without adding more to your plate, so you can finish the year strong instead of crawling across the finish line.
We walk through a simple “classroom camp” approach for the final week, built around one big idea: keep your normal schedule as steady as possible and drop themed activities into your usual blocks. That structure helps student behaviour, protects your energy, and gives you real time to tackle end-of-year tasks during the school day. You’ll hear literacy options like reader’s theatre for fluency, campfire-style storytelling, journal reflections, and book commercials, plus maths practice, problem solving, graphing, and game-style review that still feels like learning.
We also talk about small, high-impact extras that make the week memorable without being complicated, including a bubbles investigation that blends science and maths while cleaning desks in the process. Finally, I share a behaviour system that uses activities as incentives, a “success spot” for reset time, and the most important piece: letting students earn their way back so they don’t spiral once they’ve made a mistake. If you’re searching for end of school year classroom activities, classroom management strategies, and a realistic plan for the last week of school, this one’s for you.
If this helps, subscribe, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more tired teachers can end the year with calm.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Camp End of the Year Week-Long Unit
FREE Editable Camp Awards
Camp End of the Year (on TpT)
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
The sprint to summer for teachers doesn’t have to feel like a grind. We share a practical, energizing way to turn late-April restlessness into focused learning with themed STEM that honors where students are right now in the classroom. If you’re tired of cramming and watching behavior slide, this conversation offers a humane reset: clear routines, simple materials, and challenges that spark curiosity without creating more work after hours.
We start by calling out a frustrating trend for teachers—pushing next year’s standards onto this year’s learners—and explain why it backfires on confidence and retention. Then we map out a better plan built on the five Cs plus curiosity: collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and the spark that keeps kids leaning in while in the classroom. You’ll hear how to break the engineering design process into short daily blocks—ask, imagine, plan, build, test, revise—so momentum stays high and management stays calm. No fancy supplies needed; cardboard, popsicle sticks, tape, clay, and paper are enough to fuel camp-themed or superhero-themed challenges that feel real and fun.
Along the way, we show how iteration reframes “failure” as progress, building grit that actually helps during testing. You’ll get concrete ideas for roles within teams, quick reflections that make thinking visible, and small recognition rituals that create community inside the classroom. Expect practical examples, from campsite problem-solving to superhero gadgets, plus tips for pacing, storage, and resets that protect your energy. The goal is simple: finish strong without sacrificing yourself, and let joy sit alongside rigor.
Ready to try it, teachers? Grab my free editable Camp Classroom Awards to celebrate unique strengths and end the year on a high note. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review telling us your favorite end-of-year STEM win.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Theme Stem
FREEBIE: Editable Camp Awards
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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The last weeks of school for teachers don’t have to be loud, chaotic, or exhausting. We show how a simple theme week in the classroom can turn spring fever into focused fun, giving students a sense of ceremony while teachers keep learning on track and save their sanity. From campfires and reader’s theater to bubble science that leaves desks spotless, we map out a clear plan that blends excitement with structure.
We start by naming the real tension of late April in the classroom: kids feel like siblings on a road trip and attention is jumpy. Instead of fighting it, we lean in with themes like camp, beach, sports, superhero, western, and glow. Each theme becomes a framework for daily reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, with concrete tasks such as book commercials, opinion writing on favorite reads, memory books, quicksand investigations, buoyancy challenges, and math fluency games. You’ll hear how these activities build fluency, strengthen core skills, and create displays that welcome next year’s class.
We also dig into logistics, including parent letters that split supply lists by last-name range, simple swaps when you’re short on materials, and a posted schedule that keeps everyone anchored. A highlight is the behavior earn-back system for teachers: if a student loses an activity for a misstep, there’s a clear path to regain it through above-and-beyond choices. That single shift prevents shutdowns, keeps momentum, and protects classroom culture. The best part? While students rehearse, write, and create, teachers gain pockets of time to file, organize, and prep without sacrificing engagement.
Ready to finish strong in the classroom without burning out? Grab the free editable camp-style awards, test-drive a theme that fits your class, and let structure carry the load. If this helped, subscribe, share with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more tired teachers can find relief.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Theme Weeks
FREEBIE: Editable Camp Awards
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Spring brings sunshine and chaos in equal measure into the classroom for teachers—testing windows, field trips, allergies, family appointments, and that restless energy buzzing through the classroom. We dig into a practical, compassionate strategy for staying steady in the classroom: building reusable, ready-to-go sub plans that protect learning and your peace of mind. Instead of scrambling at 5 a.m., you’ll have a simple, flexible system that turns absence into continuity and makes time off truly guilt-free.
We walk through what a five-day set looks like for teachers and when it makes sense to expand to ten, especially if health or family demands pop up. You’ll hear how to anchor reading with manageable texts and workbook pages, design math for spiral review, and craft quick writing prompts that deliver standards without needing heavy modeling. We also explore science and social studies activities that run smoothly for a guest teacher, from observation logs to compare-and-contrast tasks. To keep spring energy on track, we share two engaging frames—an April superhero theme and a May camp theme—that transform routines with simple roles, predictable rewards, and end-of-day reflections kids actually enjoy.
Along the way, we name the mindset shift that matters: you’re not planning to be absent, you’re planning to be human. With clear rosters, helper roles, movement breaks, early finisher options, and a behavior plan that rewards on-task work, subs feel supported and students feel secure. The result is a calm classroom, steady instruction, and a teacher who can say yes to real life without fear.
If you’re ready for permission and relief, this guide will help you build a sub-plan safety net that lasts all spring and carries you to the finish line. Subscribe, share this episode with a teacher who needs a break, and leave a review telling us your best sub-day tip.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Sub Plans
FREEBIE: Editable Camp Awards
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Exhaustion doesn’t equal excellence in the classroom. We open up about the quiet message so many educators absorb—that the “best” teachers are the ones who stay late, skip sick days, and shoulder every shortage—and we trade that myth for a healthier, more sustainable practice. From oversized classes to shrinking resources, we name the systemic pressures that push us into martyr mode and offer a plan to step out without guilt.
We get practical fast. You’ll hear how to build five ready-to-go emergency sub days that live in a simple sub tub or digital folder, complete with routines, seating charts, clear norms, and low-prep learning that actually sticks. We talk through the difference between a true crisis and a chronic problem, why working in adrenaline is not a long-term strategy, and how to create boundary audits that help you stop, streamline, and schedule the work that matters. You’ll leave with language to say no, templates to save time, and small habits that return your evenings to you.
Most of all, we make room for joy and humanity in the classroom. Rested teachers plan smarter, connect deeper, and model calm for students who need it. Simple theme weeks, repeatable structures, and end-of-year activities can be engaging without consuming your weekends. You are allowed to leave on time, to take a mental health day, and to be excellent without hurting. If you’re ready to replace burnout with balance and bring back the parts of teaching you love, this conversation is your permission slip.
If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who needs a reminder to rest, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find tools that protect their time and energy.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
April Sub Plans
May Sub Plans
FREEBIE: Editable Camp Awards
Theme Weeks
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
When the culture outside feels loud and divisive, we choose a different tempo inside our classrooms: slower, kinder, more human. We talk candidly about why connection is not extra, but essential, and how teacher judgment beats any script when a room needs care more than coverage. From quick 4C bell ringers that warm up collaboration and curiosity to morning meeting prompts that make respect a habit, we map out simple moves that change the feel of a day without overloading your plate.
We dig into the power of read alouds as a two-for-one: deep standards work and real social-emotional growth. Swapping an anthology piece for a vivid picture book lets us analyze point of view, vocabulary, and visual storytelling while coaching kids to name feelings, spot bias, and practice repair. You’ll hear how think-alouds model inner dialogue, how partner talk turns comprehension into compassion, and why pausing for a story can redirect a tense class better than any consequence chart. Along the way, we keep the focus on student voice, curiosity, and the small choices that build trust.
We also reframe digital citizenship as everyday citizenship. Privacy, tone, empathy, and pause-before-post become habits through quick role-plays and device-free scenarios that travel from screens to group work. In a time that pressures everyone to take sides, we claim leadership by slowing down, noticing more, and protecting space for kids to practice being thoughtful people. If you’re ready for practical, heart-forward teaching that still hits your standards, you’re in the right place. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a lift, and leave a review with one kindness routine you’ll try this week.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Device Free Digital Citizenship Lesson
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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What happens when the loudest voice in education says “use AI” and the quietest voice—the one in your gut—whispers “trust your judgment”? We dig into that crossroads with honesty, naming both the power of new tools and the irreplaceable role of human presence, care, and professional discretion in the classroom. This is a conversation for every teacher who’s felt the pressure to comply when their eyes and data say pivot.
We start by examining how mandates to replace teacher-created resources with AI aren’t really about technology; they’re about trust. When districts prize fidelity over responsiveness, classrooms become compliance labs and teachers become operators. We share a real story of adopting a buzzy conferring model that collapsed under classroom realities, and how choosing to pivot protected learning. From there, we draw a clean line between AI as support and AI as substitute, unpacking the difference with concrete examples.
You’ll hear five smart, time-saving ways to use AI—idea generation when energy is low, fast first drafts, differentiated scaffolds, admin relief, and cross-curricular brainstorming—paired with five real risks: hallucinations, generic lessons, lost nuance, inability to read the room, and the slow erosion of teacher confidence. We walk through a K–5 vocabulary project where AI provided a scaffold, then human expertise rewrote for developmental clarity, added visuals, and built activities that made the words stick. The takeaway is simple and stubborn: technology can accelerate tasks, but only teachers create meaning.
If you’re navigating new tools while guarding your craft, this one’s for you. Come for the practical uses, stay for the reminder that relationships, context, and professional judgment are the real engines of learning. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs backup, and leave a review to tell us where you draw the line with AI in your classroom.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Device Free Digital Citizenship Lesson
June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions
Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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What if STEM wasn’t about bins of stuff, but about the humans in the room? We dig into a human-centered approach that treats STEM as a daily practice of connection—where students learn to collaborate, think critically, and care for one another while they solve real problems. Instead of chasing pricey kits, we start with stories and simple materials, then layer in the engineering design process to make reflection, testing, and revision feel natural and fun.
We share why employers keep naming collaboration, creativity, and community as the missing skills, and how an off-screen STEM block gives kids a safe place to practice those habits. You’ll hear how rising academic pressure—especially in the early grades—can crowd out play, and why slowing down to build belonging actually accelerates learning. Our Five Cs framework (collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, community, and curiosity) becomes the backbone for planning, coaching teamwork, and celebrating inclusive classroom culture.
Looking for concrete ideas? We walk through picture-book pairings that light the spark—think The Amazing Bone, The Day the Crayons Quit, Rosie Revere, Engineer, Stone Soup, and The Curious Garden—then map them to challenges students can own. Use bell-ringer routines to spread the engineering cycle across the week, introduce simple constraints to focus thinking, and offer choice boards to boost voice and engagement. We also share a free, device-free digital citizenship lesson to help students practice presence, empathy, and attention before they go online.
If you want a classroom where kids arrive eager to build, listen, and try again, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe for more human-centered teaching ideas, share this with a colleague who needs a spark, and leave a review to tell us which C your students are growing most right now.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
STEM Bell Ringers Building Thinking Classroom Tasks Creative Curriculum 4CsFree Device Free Digital Citizenship Lesson
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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When the world shouts at teachers to do more, faster, and perfectly, we choose a different anchor: the small humans in front of us. A seven-year-old’s quiet kindness reframed an entire classroom and reminded us why presence matters more than perfection. From there, we unpack a practical roadmap for building connection that holds steady when mandates and programs feel overwhelming.
We dig into the daily rituals that keep empathy alive—especially read alouds that invite big feelings and brave conversations. Rather than chasing checklists, we talk about selecting stories that help kids practice patience, kindness, perseverance, and perspective-taking. You’ll hear how stepping away from rigid scripts to follow a powerful moment can transform comprehension, classroom culture, and trust. Along the way, we share concrete prompts and strategies that make discussion feel safe, purposeful, and deeply human.
Because learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door, we also bring that same care online. We outline a K–3 digital citizenship approach that teaches safety, privacy, and responsibility in ways kids can actually use. Think media balance, kind communication, early awareness of meanness and footprints, and third-grade lessons on empathy, authenticity, and evaluating information—skills every child needs in an AI-shaped world. We balance screens with hands-on STEM story stations to keep collaboration and creativity at the center, and we offer a free device-free lesson to help you start tomorrow.
If you’re ready to trade noise for connection and let one meaningful moment be enough, this conversation is your reset. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a boost, and leave a review to help other teachers find this space. What’s one small moment that reminded you why you teach?
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Digital Citizenship Cyber Safety Plans & Lessons | Internet & Online Safety K-3Free Device Free Digital Citizenship Lesson
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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The outrage machine is loud, but your classroom doesn’t have to be. We’re pulling the focus back to what you can control: the students in front of you, the relationships you build, and the professional judgment that makes learning human. If you’ve felt crushed by scripts, shifting benchmarks, and the demand to standardize every slide, this conversation is a reset—heart first, performance next.
We unpack the tension between uniform systems and diverse learners, exploring why “a year of growth” can’t mean the same thing for every child. From hallway observations to playground insights, we show how everyday moments reveal who needs connection, who needs safety, and who’s ready for challenge. You’ll hear practical ways to turn down the noise—pausing for regulation, designing from student voice, and redefining rigor as something that follows belonging. Connection isn’t fluff; it’s the runway for cognition and the reason academic gains stick.
Looking ahead, we set a spring theme around trust, simplicity, and energy, including STEM projects anchored in meaning and collaboration rather than just output. We also share a device-free digital citizenship lesson to help students reclaim attention, practice kind feedback, and carry online norms back into real life. If you’re ready to trade comparisons for compassion and scripts for discernment, come sit with us. Subscribe, share this with a teacher who needs a lift, and leave a review with one place you’ll trust yourself more this week.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Device-Free Digital Citizenship Lesson
Artificial Intelligence (AI) ChatGPT Technology Vocabulary Word of the Day
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Testing season and evaluations can make even confident teachers question themselves. In this episode, we talk about how to stay grounded, trust your professional judgment, and teach from your values when pressure and opinions get loud.
The volume gets loud this time of year—tests, evaluations, and opinions from people who have never stood in your classroom. We’re turning that noise down and turning your inner voice up. This conversation is a reset for tired teachers who need both reassurance and a plan: you are already enough, and you can teach from your values without performing for every changing metric.
We unpack why moving goalposts—like demanding a year and a half or two years of growth—strain both teachers and kids, and how to ground your practice in what actually works. From the realities of conferring versus small-group instruction to reading the signals students send when a plan isn’t working, we look at instruction through a humane, practical lens. Your eyes are data. Your calm is an intervention. Your choices, guided by experience and evidence, can outlast trends.
We also challenge the tired myth that public servants should accept less. You are a whole person with a life that deserves margin and dignity. That’s not selfish; it’s essential for a stable classroom. Together we explore boundaries that protect your energy, routines that center learning over performance, and community support that makes the work sustainable when March brings testing and disruptions. Progress grows where pressure gives way to presence.
If you’re ready to trade performative extras for aligned practice, to trust your instincts, and to remember that what you’re doing matters, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a lift, and leave a quick review to help more teachers find this space—we’d love to hear what “enough” looks like for you this week.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
February Freebie- GRIT STEM Story Station
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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Overcomplicated STEM lessons don’t lead to deeper learning—they lead to burnout. In this episode, we unpack why simple, well-designed STEM challenges create stronger thinking, better engagement, and more meaningful classroom moments.
Tired of feeling like STEM needs fancy kits, perfect conditions, and a superhuman level of classroom management? We break that myth and show how simple tools, real problems, and a steady structure can unlock big thinking without the overwhelm. Using the engineering design process as our anchor, we walk through a clear path that keeps creativity high and anxiety low—both for students and for us as teachers.
We start with mindset: reassurance and permission to keep it simple. Then we explore story-based STEM and use After the Fall as a launchpad for force, motion, gravity, and impact. A familiar narrative gives context, builds empathy, and bridges literacy with science so students care about the challenge and ask sharper questions. From there, we move into the practical: cardboard, tape, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, recyclables, and LEGO bricks are more than enough to prototype, test, and iterate. No fancy kits required—just thoughtful constraints and a culture that values iteration over perfection.
Testing and revision get special attention because that’s where learning deepens. We share why splitting the process across sessions helps students reflect, compare, and refine their designs without rushing. Along the way, we highlight classroom strategies that reduce chaos: clear steps, visible goals, and time set aside for reflection. The core takeaway is simple: simple doesn’t mean shallow; it often means safe. And safe environments are where students take risks, embrace productive struggle, and grow real grit.
Ready to try story-driven STEM with minimal prep? Grab the free grit STEM story station inspired by After the Fall and see how far cardboard and conversation can go. If you find value here, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more teachers find calm, creative STEM.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
February Freebie- GRIT STEM Story Station
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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Looking for a simple way to teach growth mindset, productive struggle, and the engineering design process—especially during testing season? This episode shares a real classroom STEM challenge that shows how failure becomes feedback when students feel safe to try.
What if the word failure stopped feeling like a verdict and started sounding like a clue? A chaotic testing schedule pushed us to improvise, and a simple Piggy and Elephant story turned into a full-on design challenge with a big mindset payoff. Fifth graders faced a familiar, human problem—Snake wants to play catch without arms—and discovered how quickly curiosity returns when the stakes are safe and the goal is learning, not perfection.
We walk through the engineering design process in real time: clarifying constraints, sketching ideas, choosing materials, and building the first draft. The catch is that materials are uneven on purpose—cardboard and tape for one group, Legos or Play-Doh for another—because design is about trade-offs, not identical kits. When most prototypes fail on the first test, we resist rescue and reframe: failure is information. Students mine their results for patterns, name what almost worked, and plan precise changes. That shift from judgment to data turns frustration into momentum and makes revision feel like power rather than punishment.
Along the way, we share strategies any teacher can use to turn a read-aloud into a quick, high-impact STEM moment. You’ll hear how to define success criteria kids can own, turn scarcity into creativity, and guide reflections that build metacognition and grit. The best part? None of this requires perfect prep. It only asks for a clear problem, a safe space to try, and the courage to call a failed test what it is: the next step forward.
If you’re craving a practical way to spark engagement on long testing days or want language to normalize productive struggle, you’ll find it here—plus a free grit STEM story station to help you start tomorrow. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a lift, and leave a review telling us how you make failure feel safe for your students.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
February Freebie- GRIT STEM Story Station
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
February burnout hits hard for teachers—testing pressure, evaluations, and the constant push to do more can make even experienced educators question their worth. In this episode, we talk honestly about staying grounded, protecting your values, and teaching authentically during the hardest stretch of the school year.
February can feel like a pressure cooker—testing talk, evaluation season, and the quiet drumbeat of “do more” echoing through the halls. We get real about that weight and share a grounded way to protect your energy, your values, and your classroom community without slipping into performative teaching.
We start by unpacking the scarcity mindset that tells some teachers they’re “second string,” then flip the script: your worth isn’t measured by a rubric or a test window. From there, we reframe observations with a simple shift—think hospitality, not performance. You still teach authentically, but you prepare for “company” so students and you feel ready. We walk through practical moves for pre‑ and post‑conferences, how to bring evidence that shows growth beyond a 45‑minute slice, and language that explains mid‑lesson pivots with confidence.
We also tackle the fidelity trap when big‑ticket programs underdeliver. Instead of grinding through one‑size‑fits‑all tasks, we advocate for principled alignment: meet the requirement briefly, then pivot to what actually serves kids. STEM becomes the spark—hands‑on, standards‑aligned, and community-building. Using a read‑aloud like After the Fall, we model how to turn resilience into an engineering challenge that builds grit, creativity, and collaboration. It’s not “more work”; it’s better work that lights up learners and maps to what evaluators hope to see.
If February feels heavy, let this be your reminder: you don’t have to do it all to matter. Protect what aligns with your heart, document the good, and let your authentic practice lead the way. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a teacher who needs the boost, and leave a quick review—what aligned choice will you make this week?
Links Mentioned in the Show:
February Freebie- GRIT STEM Story Station
Support the show
Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Teacher observations can trigger stress, self-doubt, and overperforming—especially during evaluation season. In this episode, we talk honestly about how to stay grounded, protect your confidence, and remember what actually matters when you’re being observed.
If evaluation season ties your stomach in knots, you’re not alone—and you’re not a score. We take a clear-eyed look at how to stay grounded when someone with a clipboard walks in, and we share a toolkit that turns everyday good teaching into visible evidence without turning your classroom into a performance. You’ll hear why knowing the Danielson Framework inside out changes the power dynamic, how to select and rehearse a lesson that fits your voice, and the specific engagement moves that show learning from every seat.
We also talk about what makes the system feel unfair—how life outside school affects test data, how single snapshots miss the best moments, and why rubrics designed for growth get misused for pay. Then we flip the script. From student roles like a safety captain to essential questions and turn and talk, we outline simple structures that demonstrate culture, rigor, and management in ways observers can actually see. We dig into practical readiness: plan B tech, quick pivots when things go sideways, and calm responses to behavior that still meet the rubric.
Along the way, we challenge leaders to gather better evidence by teaching a mini-lesson themselves and to right-size the frequency of high-stakes visits. Until that happens, we can still advocate for ourselves: bring artifacts to the post conference, cite the rubric language, and narrate your decisions. Most of all, protect your confidence. A label can’t hold your craft, your care, or the spark you light in students long after the clipboard leaves. If you’re ready for strategies that lower stress and raise clarity, hit play—and if this helped, follow, share with a teammate, and leave a quick review so more teachers find it.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Gift of a Day off- Free Sub Plans
Highly Effective LP
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
Looking for Super Bowl reading activities that actually build skills—not just hype? This episode shares practical, low-prep ways to use football culture to strengthen informational text comprehension, media literacy, and engagement for elementary readers.
Big-game buzz is already in the air, and we’re turning that energy into real reading growth. Rather than fighting for attention, we tap into what students are already hearing at home and seeing on TV—Super Bowl storylines, halftime ads, and player talk—to build relevance, stamina, and mastery of informational text skills without adding busywork.
We walk through a practical playbook for teachers who want engagement with substance. You’ll hear how a streamlined Super Bowl reader can anchor close reading, vocabulary in context, sequencing, and author’s purpose, while text features like timelines and fast-fact boxes make complex information easier to digest. We share why updating facts each year becomes a mini-lesson in source reliability and current events, and how quick wins—main idea exit tickets, sequencing card sorts, and short evidence-based responses—create momentum for reluctant readers.
From there, we bring in writing and media literacy that students actually enjoy: player profiles, team predictions backed by evidence, and halftime ad analysis focused on audience, persuasive techniques, and claims. We make space for every learner with choice-driven stations—history of the game, commercial critique, or pop culture angles—so football superfans and non-fans both find an entry point. Along the way, we connect the dots to broader teaching: once you see how to channel this cultural moment, you can replicate the strategy for award shows, local events, or space missions to keep reading instruction timely and alive.
If this approach helps, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend who needs a fresh spark, and leave a quick review telling us which activity your students would try first.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Super Bowl Reader
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👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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The school year restarts, the weather turns wild, and our schedules fill faster than a radar screen during a storm. We’re leaning into a smarter way to teach: integrating reading and science through a focused study on severe weather so every minute pulls double duty. From thunderstorms to hurricanes, we use clear, kid-friendly texts to teach main idea, text features, vocabulary in context, and questioning—while giving students concrete safety steps that lessen anxiety and build confidence.
We walk through how to structure a short severe weather reader so it aligns with standards and still feels human. That means building sections on watches vs warnings, lightning safety, tornado tips, and flood awareness, then layering close reads and partner talk for evidence gathering. Along the way, we open space for feelings: drills can be scary, and kids need words for fear, routines for safety, and practice showing empathy to communities facing storms different from their own. We also tackle author’s purpose and bias, using real passages to show how word choice and structure shape understanding and influence.
If your region sees snow and ice, we turn that gap into inquiry with a simple research blueprint students can follow—definition, formation, risks, safety—so they practice nonfiction skills while expanding the class weather map. And because flu season and admin pop-ins are real, we share how to build reliable sub plans that keep learning moving: a tight reading sequence, a text-feature hunt, scaffolded questions, and a quick-write on safety tips. It’s all about intentional routines that reduce stress and make room for the conversations that matter.
Want the materials we mention? We’re linking the Severe Weather Reader, plus ready-to-use January and February sub plans that blend literacy and science. If this approach helps you breathe easier on stormy days, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find calm in the chaos.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Severe Weather Reader
January Sub Plans
February Sub Plans
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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The first days back after break don’t need to feel like a sprint through fog. We map out a gentle re-entry that keeps your class connected, your planning sane, and your energy intact. Instead of diving headfirst into new content, we focus on three anchors that make the day feel calm and productive: a purposeful morning meeting, a cozy read-aloud that sets tone and focus, and a respectful reset of routines and procedures.
We start by rebuilding community with short shares and simple goal setting that invite students back into voice without draining attention. A few playful “would you rather” prompts create laughter and momentum, while a shared text becomes the day’s steady heartbeat. We talk through choosing a story that highlights perseverance, empathy, or problem solving, then show how to draw out quick comprehension without turning it into a heavy lesson. When students return sleepy and dysregulated, narrative focus and light structure are your best friends.
From there, we walk through a practical routine review: modeling what lining up looks like, clarifying how to ask for help, smoothing transitions, and patching the small systems that frayed in December. We explain why review before new content is not a delay but a performance boost, and how avoiding overplanning protects both you and your students. By the end, you’ll have a simple three-step plan you can run tomorrow: morning meeting, meaningful read-aloud, and routine reset, with optional spiral review if time allows.
If this gentle start resonates, share it with a colleague who needs permission to slow the pace, then subscribe and leave a quick review so more teachers can find the show. Your work matters—and a calm January begins with a single steady day.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Would You Rather
January Sub Plans
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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The holidays are done, the calendar is rolling toward a new year, and your energy tank is somewhere between low and blinking. Let’s make winter break feel like it actually refills you. We pull back the curtain on what a real teacher reset looks like when you set aside perfect plans and choose small, human rituals that restore your mind, body, and heart.
We start with the quiet stuff that matters: not setting an alarm, finishing the book that’s been waiting on your nightstand, stepping outside for a slow walk without turning it into a task. From there, we offer five simple reflection prompts—what worked, what felt heavy, what made you smile, what you want more of, and what lights you up—plus an easy way to use voice memos if writing feels like one task too many. This is reflection for you, not your students, not your admin, and not social media.
Then we take the pressure off January. If prepping a welcome-back routine feels soothing, do it. If not, log off and rest. You’ll hear why presence beats perfection, how a light-touch back-from-break packet can ease re-entry without the Sunday Scaries, and why choosing grace over goals is the most strategic move you can make for your classroom and your own nervous system. Expect practical tips, warm encouragement, and permission to reset without guilt so you return with a clearer mind and a steadier heart.
If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teacher who needs a gentle nudge, and leave a quick review. Your support helps more tired teachers find a softer, saner way back to school.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Welcome Back From Winter Break Packet
Free Sub Survival Guide
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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If January has ever felt like educational whiplash, this conversation is your warm landing pad. We walk through a practical plan to protect your peace after winter break, built on a few high-impact moves you can set up before you unplug: print-ready sub plans, a back-from-break packet that rebuilds community, and plug-and-play units that spark engagement without draining your energy.
We start by naming why the return feels so jarring—students arrive in holiday mode while new standards wait on the board—and then map out a calm reentry. You’ll hear how five-day sub plans focused on review can save you from sickness, delays, and surprise meetings. We share what to include in a sub binder, how to structure time-stamped blocks, and why “familiar, not new” content keeps classes on track. From there, we unpack a $3 back-from-break kit full of reflection prompts, “find someone who” social mixers, gratitude pages, and a quick snow globe craft that nudges kids back into routines while giving you space to breathe.
For content, we line up two easy wins: force and motion or severe weather for science, and fairy tales, folktales, and fables for ELA. These choices pair naturally with reading comprehension, anchor charts, and short texts that build stamina and invite rich talk about theme, structure, and evidence. Copy what you need now, label a few folders, and walk into January with a plan you can run on low battery—because calm, consistent structure beats last-minute hustle every time.
Want the resources we mention? Grab a free day of sub plans, a Sub Survival Kit, and January-aligned plan packs you can print today. If this helped you feel lighter about the return, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more tired teachers can find their soft start, too.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
January Sub Plans
Monthly Sub Plans
Free Sub Plan Survival Guide
Force and Motion
Winter Force and Motion
Severe Weather
Back from Winter Break Packet
Fairytales, Folktales, and Fables
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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December doesn’t have to be a stress test. We unpack five blissful, low-prep strategies that keep kids learning and let you breathe, so you can walk into winter break proud, present, and not wiped out. We start with Elf Diaries, a creative writing approach that turns classroom elf hype into voice, perspective, and narrative skills without the daily setup grind. From there, we pivot to Holiday Would You Rather—fast, funny prompts that spark movement, debate, and opinion writing, with easy extensions like quick writes and class graphs that take minutes to run and deliver big engagement.
When the energy spikes, we lean into Christmas STEM story stations that transform chaos into purposeful collaboration. Pair a seasonal read-aloud with design challenges—free Santa from a chimney, build a sleigh that moves without reindeer—and watch force, motion, iteration, and teamwork click with cardboard, tape, and recyclables. For the days when your bandwidth is gone, we talk sub plans as self-care: printable, standards-based packets that cover you for a mental health day, a longer staff-lunch window, or a simplified week that still moves learning forward.
The heart of the conversation is permission to pause. You’re allowed to do less. Say no to extras that drain you, lean on backup plans, and trust that rest is a teaching strategy—one that helps you show up better for your students. As a bonus, we share why Readers Theater is December’s sweet spot: group rehearsals that build fluency and expression while giving you time to finish report cards, prep January, or finally clear that closet shelf. You’ll leave with practical, joyful ideas and the confidence to protect your energy when it matters most.
If this helped you feel lighter, subscribe, share with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review. Tell us: which idea will you try first?
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Elf Diaries
Christmas Would You Rather
Christmas STEM
December Sub Plans
Christmas Plays and Readers Theater for 2nd Grade
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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December doesn’t have to be glitter storms and lost learning. We share a practical, story-driven way to turn holiday energy into real science with a Christmas-themed matter unit that keeps kids focused, curious, and proud of their work. Think stockings and balloons for inferring solids, liquids, and gases. Think hot cocoa tests that make temperature, dissolving, and fair experiment design click. The result is joyful rigor: standards met, mess managed, and students begging for “one more test.”
We start with the real problem—tired teachers, sugar-fueled classes, and lessons that feel cute but shallow. Then we map a simple structure that works: characters who pose questions, low to mid prep stations, clear roles, and data sheets that guide talk and writing. Randy Reindeer anchors states of matter with hidden items in balloons. Santa explores solubility and rate of change using cocoa and controlled temperatures. A snowman station tackles floating and sinking with familiar treats, gently introducing density concepts. An elf narrator nudges property observations—texture, size, weight, volume, and temperature—so students use accurate vocabulary while they explore.
To knit it together, we fold in short nonfiction reading and claim-evidence-reasoning writing, so science time stretches into ELA without breaking your schedule. Behavior improves because each station has a purpose, a reveal, and a shared goal; setup stays sane thanks to reusable stockings, simple supplies, and a ready-to-send family letter. You can run it all in a day or spread it across a week, and the format adapts to other units like force and motion with “sleigh tests,” keeping the seasonal spark while protecting content.
Want to try it without the heavy lift? Grab the free Randy Reindeer experiment at TrinaDeboriTeachingandLearning.com/ChristmasMatter, then decide if you want the full unit with anchor charts, prompts, and more labs in our TPT shop. If this approach helps, subscribe, share the episode with a teammate who needs a December win, and leave a quick review so more teachers can find it.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Randy Reindeer Explores Matter FREEBIE
Christmas Science Matter Unit
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review.” Thank you!
December doesn’t have to be survival mode. We’re sharing ten Christmas read‑alouds that bring the room to a cozy hush while still nailing essential skills like character analysis, sequencing, vocabulary, point of view, and fluency. Each pick comes with a clear teaching angle and simple prompts you can use tomorrow, so you can steer into the season’s energy without losing rigor.
We break down why holiday books work so well during the chaotic weeks before break and pair every title with high‑impact strategies. Turkey Claus becomes a mini‑lesson on perseverance and how illustrations build meaning. Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus opens rich conversations about perspective, story structure, and author’s purpose, complete with a free five‑day close reading unit. Hurry, Santa! and Santa Is Stuck are tailor‑made for sequencing and problem–solution, and they double as quick STEM challenges—design a morning routine, prototype a rescue device, then write the steps.
We also lean into inclusion and visual literacy with Are You Grumpy, Santa?, where unexpected illustrations spark empathy and careful noticing. Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett invites close reading of borders and background details, while Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh supports character comparison across a beloved series. The Polar Express serves as a mentor text for theme and vocabulary with a film comparison to analyze medium and tone. Finally, The Night Before Christmas turns into a fluency workshop and a gentle lesson on multiple‑meaning words.
If your December feels like glitter in a wind tunnel, let these stories do the heavy lifting. Grab the free Yes, Virginia unit from the show notes, explore our STEM Story Stations for easy extensions, and subscribe to get more cozy, standards‑aligned ideas each week. Share your favorite holiday read‑aloud with us and leave a review to help other teachers find the show.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus Companion Unit Freebie
10 Christmas Read-Aloud STEM Story Stations
Christmas Trolls Comprehension Companion
Christmas Trolls STEM and Comprehension
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh STEM Challenge
Polar Express Comprehension Companion
Books Mentioned:
Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus by Chris Plehal
Hurry, Santa! by Julie Sykes & Tim Warnes- so cute
Santa’s Underwear by Marty Rhodes Figley
Are You Grumpy, Santa? by Gregg & Evan Spiridellis
Santa Is Stuck by Rhonda Gowler Greene
Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! by Mo Willems
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg<
June Reading Comprehension 2nd Grade | Summer Reading Passages & Questions
Perfect for end-of-year learning, summer school, or preventing summer learning loss, these short, engaging reading passages help students continue to practice comprehension skills.
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Need a fully developed STEM Curriculum for 2nd grade with a heavy focus on reading and science? I've got you covered.
👉 2nd Grade STEM Curriculum | NGSS Science Units & Lesson Plans
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The week before Thanksgiving can feel like a carnival on wheels—school-wide feasts, cupcake drop-offs, half the class rehearsing for a turkey play, and attention spans migrating toward grandma’s pie. We lean into that reality with a grounded plan that keeps learning meaningful without draining your last nerve. Instead of cramming a full unit or launching new systems, we focus on survival with purpose: low-prep, high-engagement activities that create calm structure, protect your energy, and still spark joy.
We start with one anchor text—think Molly’s Pilgrim or any gratitude-themed read—and build simple, reflective responses that reinforce comprehension and connection. Then we channel restless energy into hands-on STEM story stations using easy materials like cardboard, tape, and craft sticks. From designing parade floats after Balloons Over Broadway to quick engineering challenges, students collaborate, iterate, and share, while you finally take a breath. To cap it off, a short reader’s theater provides a shared goal with big payoff in fluency, expression, and classroom community—assigned Monday, practiced Tuesday, performed Wednesday with zero busywork.
Along the way, we share a ready early-finisher kit, guardrails that keep transitions smooth, and a firm list of what to skip: tests, parent conferences, new behavior systems, and any guilt about reusing resources. The core message is simple—reuse what works, download what’s ready, and give yourself grace. You’re a good teacher even when you choose rest and ease. Want ready-to-use materials? I point you to Thanksgiving Readers Theater, Thanksgiving STEM story stations, Molly’s Pilgrim activities, and even Christmas STEM options if you want to pivot early.
If this helped, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend who needs permission to breathe, and leave a quick review telling us your favorite short-week strategy. Your future self—post-pie—will thank you.
Links Mentioned in Show:
Thanksgiving Time and Sanity Savers
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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.
👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]
Subscribe and Review:
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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What if the most meaningful lesson in a noisy month is the quietest one? I share the story of a short read-aloud—Molly’s Pilgrim—that shifted my classroom from scattered to centered, and why one complete book can spark more empathy and insight than a week of themed activities.
November often pushes teachers into survival mode: short weeks, sugar crashes, and last‑minute crafts that fill time but not hearts. I walk through how a single, well-chosen chapter book reframed Thanksgiving around identity and belonging, and how one child’s whisper—“That’s like my grandma”—opened the door to a deeper conversation about journeys, culture, and home.
You’ll hear a simple framework you can lift tomorrow: light pre-reading prompts that invite personal connections, gentle pauses during the text to name feelings and evidence, and a post-reading reflection that turns insight into action. I talk candidly about the trend toward excerpts and quick hits, and why finishing a complete story builds stamina, joy, and a shared sense of accomplishment. Instead of politics or platitudes, I focus on language that honors nuance and humanity: a pilgrim as a seeker of home, identity as an asset, and story as a safe place to practice empathy.
If you’re tired, overbooked, or just craving calm, this is your reminder to trust the power of a good book. Let the room breathe. Let the story do the heavy lifting. Then tell us what happens when your students see themselves on the page. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review—your notes help more educators find a little quiet and a lot of heart.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Molly's Pilgrim Companion Resource
Molly's Pilgrim on Amazon (Affiliate Link)
Support the show
🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.
👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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The pre‑Thanksgiving stretch can feel like a sprint you didn’t sign up for, and we’re done pretending it’s fine. This candid bonus drop is for every tired teacher who needs permission to step off the hamster wheel, set healthier boundaries, and protect hard‑won peace. We name the pressure points—grading through the parade, last‑minute bulletin boards, “extra PD” masquerading as team building—and swap them for choices grounded in truth and sustainability.
We walk through a November “not‑doing” list that rejects toxic positivity without rejecting hope. That means saying no to performative joy and yes to real joy, the kind that fits into your day without stealing your energy. It looks like keeping the break a break, using emergency sub plans when you’re sick, and choosing light‑lift, purposeful activities that actually support learning. If you want something festive, we talk about gratitude prompts and a Molly’s Pilgrim reader response—both engaging, standards‑aligned, and kind to your bandwidth. Along the way, we remember what we still love about teaching, even if we don’t love the system, and we find solidarity in the beautiful, messy reality of the work.
You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. You get to choose less guilt, more truth, and only what truly matters. If you’re planning to not plan over Thanksgiving week, grab the free sub plan day mentioned, breathe, and let yourself rest. If this resonated, follow for more real‑talk teacher support, share it with a colleague who needs it, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. Your peace matters—and you’re not alone.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Thanksgiving Teaching Ideas
Support the show
🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.
👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Tired of being told to “just be grateful” while you’re juggling a crowded class, endless testing, and a to-do list that never ends? I open up about gratitude without the guilt—how to honor real exhaustion and real care at the same time—so you can model emotional health without faking it. Instead of platitudes, I break down the difference between a scarcity mindset and actual scarcity in schools, and why empathy—not forced positivity—is the thing that helps.
I share classroom-ready ways to make gratitude meaningful: a quick daily journal that trains students to notice specifics, hands-on craft reflections that slow the pace and deepen thinking, and story-driven STEM stations that weave kindness and empathy into problem solving. You’ll hear easy discussion prompts that hold two truths at once—“What felt hard?” and “What are you still grateful for?”—so kids learn to name the mess and the meaning without pressure to produce silver linings. Along the way, I talk about boundaries, breath, and the right to want systems that work while still showing up for students with a full heart.
If you’re craving practical, human-sized steps that build connection and calm in November and beyond, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with simple routines, kid-friendly language, and a new lens on gratitude that doesn’t erase the hard parts. Subscribe for more honest teaching talk, share this with a colleague who needs permission to rest, and leave a review telling me one small thing you’re grateful for today.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Gratitude Journal for Kids
Gratitude Craft for Kids
Thanksgiving STEM Story Stations
Kindness STEM Story Stations
Support the show
🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.
👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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The quiet snap of November hits hard: the adrenaline fades, the sinuses throb, and suddenly “powering through” isn’t noble—it’s costly. We open up about the annual crash so many teachers face and lay out a calm, practical path to protect your peace without sacrificing your students’ progress. No fluff. Just a clear system for calling out with confidence, and a reminder that rest is part of the job, not a privilege you have to earn.
We walk through how to build reliable emergency sub plans that actually match your pacing in November—seasonal but standards-aligned, low-prep yet high-clarity. You’ll hear simple structures that help a guest teacher keep your room steady: time-stamped agendas, predictable routines, and tasks that reinforce learning rather than introduce fragile new content right before a break. We also cover how to reduce behavior friction with transparent student roles, quick-reference norms, and a single flow a sub can run across multiple sections. Think five days of coverage that preserve momentum, manage materials, and keep expectations consistent.
Along the way, we challenge the guilt narrative around sick days. A reactive, exhausted teacher isn’t a superhero; they’re a human running on empty. Preparation is the professional move: a sub binder with ready-to-go lessons, clear objectives, and built-in checks for understanding. We share free resources to help you start today and explain how to tailor plans for uneven attendance, end-of-term fatigue, and seasonal engagement. If your throat feels like sandpaper or your energy’s tanking, you deserve a plan that lets you step back and heal while your classroom keeps learning.
If this helped you breathe a little easier, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more educators can find practical support when they need it most. Your rest matters—let’s plan for it together.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Sub Plan Guide
November Sub Plans
Support the show
🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.
👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Send us a text
The birth of "The We Do Not Care Club: Teacher Chapter" might be the most honest conversation about educator burnout you'll hear this year. After discovering a hilarious TikTok creator who gave women permission to stop caring about societal expectations during menopause, I realized teachers desperately needed the same liberation.
What started as a few casual videos quickly erupted into a movement. Teachers everywhere began contributing their own "we do not care" statements—powerful declarations of boundaries that challenge the normalized absurdities of our profession. "We do not care if someone calls in sick. You did not hire us to teach two classes at once." "We do not care about every single data point. We're teaching children, not numbers."
This isn't about abandoning our dedication to students or education—quite the opposite. It's about reclaiming our humanity in a system that too often treats teachers as endless resources to be depleted rather than professionals to be respected. When we say "we do not care" about unpaid summer work, pointless meetings, or using our own money for classroom supplies, we're creating space to deeply care about what truly matters: our students, our teaching practice, and yes, our own wellbeing.
The laughter and validation flowing through this community reveals something powerful—we're not alone in our frustrations. For too long, toxic positivity has forced teachers to smile through impossible demands while questioning our own right to feel overwhelmed. The We Do Not Care Club offers a different path: one where humor becomes survival, community becomes resistance, and saying "nope" becomes an act of professional self-preservation.
Ready to join the teacher chapter? Download free sub plans from the link in the show notes, then share what you no longer care about. Together, we're building a more sustainable vision of teaching—one where educators can thrive, not just survive. Because you're doing enough, you are enough, and you absolutely belong in the We Do Not Care Club.
We Do Not Care Club Teacher Chapter on TikTok
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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.
👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Feeling the October teaching slump? When attention spans dwindle and classroom routines grow heavy, fairy tales, folk tales, and fables offer the perfect remedy. These timeless genres breathe fresh life into your curriculum while delivering powerful standards-based instruction wrapped in enchanting narratives.
Traditional tales work magic in the classroom because they naturally teach moral lessons through engaging stories. "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" demonstrates the value of honesty while "Stone Soup" celebrates community and sharing. The countless cultural variations of tales like Cinderella create natural opportunities for compare and contrast activities while introducing students to diverse perspectives. When children begin recognizing patterns across these stories independently, they're developing critical thinking skills that transfer to other texts and subject areas.
These short, accessible narratives offer remarkable versatility—from explicit comprehension instruction to writing extensions, social-emotional learning connections, and even STEM challenges. Imagine students designing a better bed for Goldilocks or building bridges to help the Billy Goats avoid the troll! Best of all, implementing this genre study in October provides an alternative celebration opportunity that works even in schools with Halloween restrictions. Conclude your unit with a reader's celebration where students dress as story characters, creating memorable experiences while honoring reading achievement.
Ready to bring these magical stories to your classroom? Download free anchor chart posters to help students distinguish between these three genres at trinadeberyteachingandlearning.com/fairy-tales, or find the complete standards-aligned unit on TPT. These classic stories still have so much to teach us and our students—step into a world of magic beans, clever foxes, and enchanted forests, and let these timeless tales do the heavy lifting for a while.
Free Fairytales, Folktales, and Fables Genre Posters
https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/fairytales
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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.
👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Ever found yourself torn between Halloween excitement and curriculum demands? You're not alone. That tension between creativity and standards alignment represents a false choice we don't need to make.
Remember that administrator who once told me schools shouldn't have crayons and children should practice sight words during recess? That mindset risks creating environments where children learn to hate learning. The truth is, creativity isn't expendable—it's essential. Crafts develop crucial fine motor skills (especially important for today's digital natives), provide visual learners opportunities to shine, inspire meaningful writing, and build classroom community.
The transformation happens when we add a STEM lens to traditional crafts. Instead of prescribing exactly what to create, we present open-ended challenges that encourage critical thinking: "Your ghost needs to hide at a crowded party without being recognized. How might you solve this problem?" This shift from directed crafting to problem-solving allows for diverse solutions and authentic engineering processes.
What's fascinating—and troubling—is how children's problem-solving abilities often diminish after third grade as test preparation increasingly dominates the curriculum. By continuing to provide design thinking opportunities, we can counteract this trend and nurture innovation.
Halloween offers perfect opportunities for meaningful creative learning. From ghost disguises to "Spookly the Square Pumpkin" STEM challenges, October activities can develop critical thinking while honoring creativity. These aren't just seasonal distractions—they're powerful learning experiences developing tomorrow's innovative thinkers.
Ready to transform your October classroom? Grab my "Disguise a Ghost" and "Spookly the Square Pumpkin" resources in my shop for complete, ready-to-implement activities that balance joy with learning. How will you say yes to creativity this Halloween season?
Disguise a Ghost Template Halloween Door Decor Opinion & Narrative Writing Paperhttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Disguise-a-Ghost-Template-Halloween-Door-Decor-Opinion-Narrative-Writing-Paper-14382857
Spookley/Spookly Graphing & Activities | Pumpkin Patterns, Bookmarks, Retelling & Sequencing
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Feeling that mid-fall classroom fatigue? You're not alone. The back-to-school adrenaline has faded, student behaviors are surfacing, and those carefully crafted routines are starting to fray at the edges. It's the perfect storm of teacher exhaustion that hits just as the calendar turns to October.
This episode tackles the very real phenomenon of "teacher fog" – that overwhelming fatigue that creeps in when the novelty of the new year wears off but the holidays still feel distant. I'm giving you full permission to recalibrate without guilt. Whether you need a mental health snow day or simply strategies to protect your dwindling energy reserves, we've got practical solutions to help you shake the fog.
The reality is that sustainable teaching sometimes requires a pause. We explore simple systems for regrouping your classroom routines, transitioning kids back into structure, and building in predictable activities that reduce decision fatigue. From emergency sub plans (including a free downloadable day) to creating "smart stations" that engage students while giving you breathing room, these strategies will help you navigate the messy middle of fall without burning out.
This season doesn't have to derail your teaching joy or your wellbeing. Take it one day at a time, celebrate small victories, and remember – it's okay to prioritize sustainability over constant innovation. Your classroom (and your health) will thank you. Ready to shake the fog and reclaim your teaching energy? Listen now and join our community of educators who are tired of pretending teaching isn't exhausting sometimes.
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October Sub Plans:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/October-Sub-Plans-2nd-Grade-Emergency-Sub-Plans-2nd-Grade-Sub-Tub-Sub-Binder-11981267
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Sugar highs, costume talk, and boundless energy—October's Halloween excitement can quickly derail even the most carefully planned lessons. But this seasonal shift doesn't have to steamroll your learning objectives or your sanity as a teacher.
This episode dives into practical strategies for maintaining classroom stability during the Halloween season. We explore why October presents unique challenges—from increasingly distracted students to disrupted routines and schedules filled with assemblies and special events. Rather than dreading this time, you'll discover how thoughtful preparation can transform your experience.
The key to October success? Strong anchors that keep your classroom steady. Maintaining consistent routines provides the stability students crave, especially those with special needs. Cross-curricular Halloween themes allow you to acknowledge the season while continuing meaningful instruction. And having backup plans ready—whether you need them or not—gives you flexibility when October exhaustion hits.
Most importantly, you'll learn that fun doesn't have to equal chaos. Students don't need elaborate celebrations to enjoy the season; they need engagement. Simple activities like Halloween-themed "Would You Rather" discussions that incorporate movement and opinion writing, spooky STEM challenges, and character analysis through costume themes can create memorable learning experiences without sacrificing classroom management.
Ready to embrace October's energy rather than fight it? Listen for practical ideas to keep learning both fun and focused during the Halloween season. And if you're looking for ready-made resources, check out Trina's TPT store for seasonal activities that maintain educational value while acknowledging students' Halloween excitement.
Halloween Resources
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Ever feel like science gets pushed to the back burner because reading and math dominate your teaching schedule? You're not alone. The struggle to fit everything in is real, especially when administrators sometimes suggest cutting science altogether.
Let me introduce you to a different approach: seamlessly weaving science into your ELA block. This isn't about adding more to your plate—it's about making what's already there work smarter. Your informational text standards (text features, cause and effect, visual literacy, main idea identification) pair perfectly with science content. Instead of teaching these skills through random topics, why not use the science curriculum you're supposed to cover anyway?
This integration works brilliantly because science naturally engages students, particularly those who might be reluctant readers. When kids are exploring force and motion, states of matter, or habitats, they have authentic reasons to read informational text. Science experiments create purpose for reading, which significantly boosts comprehension. The hands-on nature of science investigations gives students something concrete to write about, making writing tasks more meaningful and accessible.
Getting started is simpler than you might think. Choose one science standard, find a short nonfiction text that introduces the concept, pair it with a simple investigation, and use it during your reading block. Have students write about their observations and learnings. That's it! You've just taught reading standards, writing skills, and science content in one efficient, engaging lesson.
Ready to try this approach? I've created a free resource integrating informational text with the practice of science. Download it at trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/sciencefreebie and take your first step toward making science part of your daily teaching rhythm rather than an afterthought. Because we're all part of the "We Do Not Care Club: Teacher Edition" when it comes to skipping what students truly need to learn!
Free -The Practice of Science
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Remember the days when getting kids to focus in class didn't feel like competing with a digital circus? Today's students—even third graders—are coming to school with phones in hand, already accustomed to constant digital stimulation and instant gratification. The result? Classrooms filled with children struggling to transition, wait, focus, and fully engage with real-world learning.
As teachers, we're facing unprecedented challenges. The dopamine-driven digital world has rewired how our students engage with information, making traditional teaching methods feel increasingly ineffective. But here's the good news: we don't need to perform circus acts to capture attention. What we need are intentional strategies that help students rediscover the joy of being fully present.
Focus isn't automatic—it's a skill that must be taught, practiced, and modeled. When we incorporate short moments of mindfulness, deep breathing, or simple yoga poses, we help students develop awareness of what being "tuned in" actually feels like. Remember that our own behavior sets the tone; if we're constantly checking our phones, we're modeling distraction rather than presence. By creating device-free activities and presenting unplugging as an opportunity rather than a punishment, we can gently guide students back to meaningful connection.
The most powerful moments in learning still happen when students connect with each other and with content in ways that feel engaging and playful. Try implementing no-tech mornings or device-free partner tasks that encourage real-world interaction. Help students develop the language to describe how they feel when fully present versus distracted. These small shifts can make a tremendous difference in classroom culture and learning outcomes.
Want to start immediately? Download my free device-free activity that helps students notice their habits and practice presence without shame at trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/device-citizenship. Let's reclaim our classrooms from digital distraction—because connection beats control every time.
Free Device- Free Lesson
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Ever found yourself sacrificing read-aloud time for pre-assessments and curriculum demands? You're not alone. In this heartfelt exploration of keeping reading routines strong, we dive into why those beautiful reading structures we create in August often crumble by September.
The paradox of early-year teaching hits hard when faced with pre-assessments that seem designed to highlight what students don't know. "No kidding they're not on level—they just started second grade!" This frustration resonates with teachers everywhere who see reading time compressed as curriculum demands intensify. But here's the truth we must remember: reading isn't fluff—it's foundation.
Through personal stories, including a memorable moment when students were shocked to see their teacher actually reading alongside them, we explore three powerful strategies to protect and enhance your reading block. First, establish predictable structures that incorporate interactive elements like turn-and-talk discussions. Second, maximize read-alouds by using them for character work, social-emotional learning, and cross-curricular connections. Third, choose depth over breadth—one rich discussion trumps five rushed activities every time.
Remember what matters most: the goal is connection, not checking boxes. The magic happens during reading time, when students laugh until they cry over Junie B. Jones' latest adventure or sit spellbound by a powerful story. You became a teacher to share stories and spark a love for learning. Your reading time isn't extra—it's essential. Need a reset? Grab the free four-week read aloud unit mentioned in the episode and reclaim the joy of reading in your classroom.
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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A worried watermelon might be exactly what your students need to navigate their big feelings this year. Meet Wally – the adorable protagonist of author Erin Waters' new children's book that's transforming how we approach anxiety in the classroom.
Drawing from her seven years as a first-grade teacher and her personal journey with worry, Waters has crafted a story that resonates deeply with both children and adults. "I've been a worrier since I was a kid," she shares, "and now that I have kids of my own, I see that same side of them." This authentic connection to anxiety makes Wally's journey particularly meaningful for young readers ages 4-8 who are learning to identify and manage their emotions.
What sets this book apart are Waters' innovative paper collage illustrations. Creating characters from colorful paper, household items, and even aluminum foil, she's developed a visual language that's both accessible and enchanting. The vibrant vegetable characters each offer Wally different coping strategies – from Teddy Tomato's "soup breaths" to other practical techniques children can easily remember and apply. One parent already reported her daughter successfully using "Teddy tomato soup breaths" during a stressful softball game, proving these strategies transfer seamlessly from page to real-life application.
Teachers and counselors will appreciate the extensive support materials Waters has created to accompany the book. By scanning the QR code inside the cover, educators can access free printable posters for calm-down corners, bookmarks, worksheets, and digital slides that make implementation seamless. Whether used during back-to-school season to ease transition anxieties, during testing periods, or as part of regular social-emotional learning, Wally's story provides children with concrete tools for managing worry.
Grab your copy of "Wally is Worried" on Amazon today, and visit ErinWatersEDU.com/Wally to access all the free companion resources. Help your students discover that while worries may never completely disappear, they can learn strategies to make those big feelings more manageable – one soup breath at a time.
Wally Is Worried: A Book About Worrying for Kids
ErinWatersEDU.com/Wally
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Christine Devane takes us on her journey from classroom teacher to published children's author, revealing how patience and persistence led to the publication of her book "Elephant Beach" after nearly a decade of waiting. What started as a manuscript written during her teaching years perfectly aligned with her current life as a mother of three, creating a beautiful full-circle moment where she now shares her creation with both students and her own children.
Drawing from personal experience with shyness, Christine crafted a story about an elephant who needs time before feeling comfortable joining others in play—a universal childhood experience that resonates with many young readers. The book's gentle approach to social anxiety provides teachers and parents a valuable tool for discussing different comfort levels and emotional needs. As Christine shares, "I wanted to write a book about somebody that's shy and it takes her a little while to want to join the elephants... she learns that she can have fun joining a group."
Her classroom visits transform simple readings into immersive experiences complete with beach towels, sunglasses, and beach ball discussions—all while honoring children's different participation preferences. This thoughtfulness extends to Christine's approach with her own middle child who needed six weeks of attending soccer before feeling ready to play. "I didn't force him to do anything... it's just funny because sometimes when it clicks with kids, he was so excited to go last night." With a grief-centered book on the horizon and dreams of expanding the Elephant Beach series, Christine demonstrates how teachers bring unique insights to children's literature by understanding the emotional landscapes of young readers. Find "Elephant Beach" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Archway Publishing.
Elephant Beach on Amazon
Elephant Beach | Christine Devane
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Struggling to establish reading routines that don't leave you exhausted? Discover the magic of sustainable reading practices that transform your classroom culture while building essential literacy skills.
The most powerful reading routines aren't complicated—they're consistent, joyful, and purposeful. In this episode, we explore how simple structures like read-aloud, turn-and-talk, and quick response activities create safe spaces where comprehension flourishes naturally. You'll learn why post-lunch read-alouds can completely reset classroom energy, turning potential chaos into calm, focused learning moments.
We dive deep into practical implementation, showing how character-driven stories naturally incorporate social-emotional learning without forcing connections. Books featuring characters like Junie B. Jones, Ramona, or Trixie from Knuffle Bunny create opportunities for rich discussions about emotions, perseverance, and problem-solving. These conversations build comprehension more effectively than multiple rushed activities ever could.
The true value of reading routines extends beyond literacy—they're relationship builders that strengthen your classroom community. When we slow down and enjoy stories together, we create shared experiences that bond students together while developing listening skills, discussion etiquette, and genuine reading joy. As you implement these routines, remember that quality trumps quantity every time.
Ready to transform your reading instruction? Grab our free four-week reading unit focused on establishing routines and exploring character development. Next week, we'll tackle another pressing classroom challenge: helping students re-engage with real life beyond screens.
What reading routine has made the biggest difference in your classroom? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments!
Free Reading Unit for Setting Up Routines and a Focus on Characters
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Ever found yourself cringing through yet another awkward icebreaker activity? You're not alone. As teachers, we know building classroom community is essential, but finding engaging ways to do it can be challenging. The good news? Creating meaningful connections doesn't have to be painful or embarrassing for you or your students.
When students feel safe, seen, and connected, everything improves dramatically. Behavior management becomes easier, learning deepens, and the classroom environment transforms into a space where everyone thrives. This episode explores practical, low-pressure ways to build authentic classroom community without the eye-rolling or uncomfortable silences that sometimes accompany traditional icebreakers.
From simple but effective "Would You Rather" questions that get students moving and sharing opinions to "Find Someone Who" activities that create natural conversation starters, we dive into options that work across grade levels. I share my experiences implementing these in both elementary classrooms and virtual settings during the pandemic, along with tips for making connection a daily habit rather than a one-time event. The episode highlights how teacher vulnerability plays a crucial role in building trust and creating a classroom where students feel comfortable being themselves.
Ready to create a classroom that feels joyful from day one? Download the free Would You Rather: Back to School Edition resource mentioned in this episode and transform how you approach community building this year. Your students (and your classroom management plan) will thank you! Subscribe for next week's episode on setting up strong reading routines without adding more to your plate.
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Every teacher knows the feeling: waking up with a scratchy throat or fever, but dreading the thought of writing sub plans while sick. What if you could eliminate that stress with some smart planning now?
The beginning of the school year brings excitement, fresh starts, and, unfortunately, exposure to countless classroom germs. As someone who battled chronic sinus infections throughout my teaching career (later diagnosed as an autoimmune condition), I learned the hard way that emergency sub plans aren't just helpful—they're essential for your well-being and peace of mind.
Think of emergency sub plans as your teaching insurance policy. They might be tedious to create, but they're invaluable when needed. Most districts require at least five days of emergency plans stored where colleagues can access them. The best plans keep it simple with review activities rather than new learning, clear instructions, and print-ready materials that don't require technology navigation. Your substitute—who might range from an experienced former teacher to a new college graduate—will thank you for the clarity.
Creating a dedicated sub-tub or binder with clearly labeled materials makes implementing your plans seamless, even if you can't communicate directly with your replacement. Start by preparing just one day of plans; this gives you breathing room to add more gradually. Store everything where a designated buddy teacher can access it if needed.
You deserve to rest when sick without the weight of classroom guilt. Your students will be fine for a day (or more) without you, especially with thoughtfully prepared activities keeping them engaged. Whether you're managing laryngitis from teaching, caring for a sick child, or simply needing a mental health day, having emergency plans ready is your gift to your future self.
Ready to get started? Download my free day of ready-to-use emergency sub plans at the link in the show notes, and check out my complete sub plan bundles if you want comprehensive coverage for the entire year. Your future sick self will thank you!
Free Day of Sub Plans
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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The back-to-school jitters aren't just for students—teachers face them too! As summer winds down and classrooms beckon, even the most experienced educators find themselves wrestling with familiar questions about those crucial first weeks.
This episode dives into three universal teacher concerns. First, we explore which classroom routines deserve immediate attention during those precious opening days. Beyond just covering the basics of lining up and supply management, you'll discover the game-changing "Three Before Me" strategy that transforms student independence while saving your sanity from endless interruptions. You'll learn practical ways to make routine practice engaging rather than tedious, and why focusing on just a few key procedures initially yields better results than overwhelming students with every classroom rule at once.
Next, we tackle the delicate balance of behavior management. Forget the outdated "don't smile until Christmas" advice—you can establish clear boundaries without becoming the feared disciplinarian. The secret lies in mutual respect and consistent kindness. Students who feel genuinely seen and appreciated naturally rise to meet expectations, creating a classroom culture where learning thrives. Discover specific language and strategies to redirect behaviors while preserving student dignity and strengthening your classroom community.
Finally, for those feeling overwhelmed before the first bell even rings, there's reassuring perspective about classroom readiness. The perfectly decorated, meticulously organized spaces showcased on social media represent an unrealistic standard. Real teaching happens in spaces built with flexibility, authentic connection, and responsiveness to the actual students who walk through your door. Your presence and relationship-building skills matter infinitely more than picture-perfect bulletin boards.
Whether you're stepping into your first classroom or your twenty-first, these honest, practical answers will help you approach the new year with confidence and calm. Remember—you bring the magic that transforms four walls into a place of growth and discovery. Here's to finding joy in the journey!
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Feeling that end-of-summer anxiety creeping in as the new school year approaches? Take a deep breath – you're not alone, and there's a better way to start the year.
The transition from summer relaxation to classroom chaos doesn't have to leave you exhausted by September. In this episode, we explore three gentle, practical approaches that will help you ease back into teaching without burning out in the first few weeks. Rather than diving headfirst into curriculum, discover why a "soft launch" focused on relationships and routines creates a stronger foundation for the entire year. Learn how to transform your classroom into what I call a "calm command center" with simple personal touches that energize rather than deplete you.
Most importantly, we discuss the power of gradually implementing classroom systems instead of trying to perfect everything on day one. I share specific examples from my own teaching experience, including how I made learning procedures fun and engaging through movement and collaboration. These strategies aren't just about making the first week easier – they're about setting a sustainable pace that will carry you through the entire school year with more joy and less exhaustion.
As we prepare to welcome students back, remember this truth: "Kids benefit the most from a teacher who is grounded and not frazzled." Your well-being directly impacts your teaching effectiveness. So give yourself permission to start gently and intentionally this year. Your future self (especially that mid-October version who's usually running on fumes) will thank you!
Ready to make this your most balanced school year yet? Listen now, and don't forget to subscribe for more practical teaching wisdom delivered with honesty and heart.
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Ever noticed how some kids love science and building but turn away from books? That disconnect isn't just frustrating—it's a missed opportunity for deeper learning. What if we could harness their natural STEM enthusiasm to ignite a love for reading?
In this episode, we dive into three exceptional STEM-themed books that captivate reluctant readers by connecting directly to their curiosity and creative instincts. Ada Twist, Scientist shows children that reading can be part of the investigation process, encouraging them to develop their own experiments inspired by Ada's adventures. What Do You Do With an Idea? transforms abstract concepts into hands-on building opportunities, allowing children to explore and express their own ideas through making. And Iggy Peck, Architect bridges engineering challenges with literacy, getting kids moving, building, and thinking critically while engaging with text.
These aren't just reading recommendations—they're complete learning experiences. For each book, we break down exactly why certain children resist reading, how these particular stories address those barriers, and step-by-step activities that extend the reading experience into meaningful STEM challenges. You'll discover how to transform reading from a passive activity into an active, creative process that honors how these children naturally learn and engage with the world.
Whether you're a teacher planning for the upcoming school year or a parent trying to keep learning alive during summer, these strategies require minimal prep while delivering maximum engagement. The secret lies in starting with books that connect to your child's natural curiosities, then giving them opportunities to create something meaningful from what they've read. Ready to make reading irresistible? Grab our free "After the Fall" building challenge in the show notes and subscribe for more practical ideas that blend literacy with hands-on learning.
🎁 Bonus! Download my STEM Story Connection Focusing on Grit in After the Fall
👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/grit
👉https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/for-the-love-of-reading
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Ever watched a reluctant reader disconnect from a book before they've even given it a chance? There's a powerful solution hiding in your classroom supply closet.
Today we're diving into the transformative world of hands-on learning for literacy, especially for those students who struggle to see themselves as readers. When we shift from asking children to recall information to inviting them to solve story problems through making and building, something magical happens. Their focus moves from what they can't do to what they can create.
Take a book like "After the Fall" - instead of traditional comprehension questions, ask students what they would build to help Humpty Dumpty. Maybe it's a softer landing zone or a specialized climbing tool. This approach gives them time to sketch, question, build, test, and revise - all while engaging deeply with the story. The beauty is that it works with any book you already have in your classroom library.
Another game-changing strategy is announcing a makerspace extension before you begin reading. When students know there's a hands-on challenge coming after the story, they stay engaged through the entire book. With "The Three Little Pigs," they might design a better wolf-proof house, or after "Diary of a Worm," create a communication device for a creature with no hands. These projects don't require fancy supplies - just everyday materials like cardboard, tape, or Play-Doh.
Reluctant readers often thrive on movement and creativity. By providing projects that validate their ideas and contributions, we help them see that reading isn't about being right - it's about being engaged. If your students don't feel like readers yet, let them build their way into books. Download the free "After the Fall" challenge from the link below and watch how hands-on activities can reframe how students see themselves as readers and thinkers.
🎁 Bonus! Download my STEM Story Connection Focusing on Grit in After the Fall
👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/grit
For the Love of Reading
https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/for-the-love-of-reading
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Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Ever watched a child struggle to connect with a story, only to see their eyes light up when they get to build something with their hands? There's magic in that moment when reading transforms from a passive activity into an adventure of problem-solving and creation.
In this episode, we dive into practical ways to blend beloved children's books with STEM challenges, creating powerful learning experiences for all types of learners. For active kids and reluctant readers especially, these hands-on activities provide the perfect bridge to deeper comprehension and genuine engagement with stories. When children step into the shoes of characters like Mo Willems' Pigeon or Humpty Dumpty from "After the Fall," they're not just reading – they're feeling, thinking, and creating alongside these beloved characters.
We explore two primary approaches: building solutions for character problems and creating STEM story extensions. What would help Pigeon want to go to school? How could Humpty safely get back on his wall? These open-ended questions spark critical thinking and empathy while honoring each child's unique perspective. The beauty lies in the simplicity – these activities require nothing more elaborate than basic building materials like blocks, paper, or Legos, yet they yield remarkable results in comprehension and retention.
Most importantly, storybook STEM challenges help preserve the creativity that too often diminishes as children progress through elementary school. When we combine stories with hands-on exploration, we're not just teaching reading or science – we're nurturing imaginative problem-solvers who see possibilities beyond the page. Whether you're a classroom teacher, librarian, or parent looking to make stories come alive, these playful approaches will transform story time into an unforgettable journey of discovery and joy.
🎁 Bonus! Download my STEM Story Connection Focusing on Grit in After the Fall
👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/grit
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Reading becomes an adventure when students get to build, design, and create alongside their favorite stories. For too many children, books remain distant collections of words rather than doorways to imagination – but that changes when we introduce makerspace elements into our literacy instruction.
The magic happens when we invite students to physically recreate story settings using simple materials like cardboard, pipe cleaners, and recyclables. Suddenly, Mr. McGregor's garden from "Peter Rabbit" or the shifting homes in "The Three Little Pigs" become tangible spaces students can explore with their hands. This transformation from abstract text to concrete creation helps struggling visualizers connect with literature in ways traditional reading approaches simply can't match.
Beyond settings, challenging students to solve character problems through design thinking creates powerful story connections. When faced with designing a way for Jack to safely descend from the giant's castle, students aren't just passive observers – they become active participants in the narrative. These open-ended challenges foster empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while making reading a collaborative, engaging experience. The third approach – extending stories by redesigning endings – ensures engagement doesn't end with the final page, encouraging students to see themselves as co-creators rather than just consumers of stories.
What makes these approaches so valuable is their accessibility. Using simple materials already found in most classrooms, these projects transform reading from a potentially intimidating experience into a joyful adventure that meets diverse learning needs. For reluctant readers especially, this hands-on connection creates pathways to comprehension and enjoyment that traditional approaches might never unlock. Ready to bring this magic to your classroom? Grab my free list of story-stem book ideas perfect for makerspace extensions in the show notes, and let's transform reading instruction one creative project at a time!
🎁 Grab my FREE Story STEM Book List here 👉 https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/elabooksformakerspace
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Ever wondered why your child resists reading time, despite your best efforts? The solution might be simpler than you think. Rather than completely overhauling your reading routine, small, thoughtful shifts can create breakthrough moments where resistance transforms into excitement.
In this episode, I share three powerful yet incredibly simple tweaks that can revolutionize your child's relationship with books. First, we explore how shifting what we celebrate – from quantity of pages to qualities like persistence and courage – builds intrinsic motivation and a growth mindset about reading. When we acknowledge a child for sticking with a tricky word or choosing their own book, we're celebrating the reader, not just the reading.
Next, we dive into how physical environments dramatically impact reading engagement. That kitchen table with its distractions and clinical feel? It might be undermining your efforts. Discover how creating a designated cozy space – even just a corner with pillows and personal touches – can make reading feel like a special treat rather than an obligation. When children read in spaces they've helped create, ownership and enjoyment naturally follow.
Finally, I reveal how adding a "makerspace twist" to required reading transforms passive consumption into active exploration. By inviting children to solve story problems through building and creating, books become springboards for imagination rather than items to check off a list. This approach deepens comprehension as children must truly understand characters and conflicts to design meaningful solutions. Using simple materials like cardboard, Legos, or recyclables, children engage with stories in ways that build critical thinking alongside reading skills.
The beauty of these approaches is their simplicity – you don't need special training or expensive materials to implement them. Try just one this week and watch for shifts in your child's attitude toward reading. And don't forget to download my free STEM Story Station resource to get started with story-based creation activities. Together, we're creating joyful, confident readers, one gentle tweak at a time.
🎁 Grab my FREE Communication STEM Story Station to Bring a Book to life!
👉 https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/280adbdf11
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly tips to help kids love reading—for life!
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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What if your child's biggest reading obstacle isn't their skills, but their belief about themselves as readers?
Many children struggle with reading not because they lack the fundamental abilities, but because they've developed a negative reading identity. When kids say "I'm not good at reading" or "books aren't my thing," they're revealing something profound about how they see themselves in relation to text. This identity shapes everything—their willingness to try, their persistence through challenges, and ultimately, their reading success.
This episode dives deep into three transformative strategies that rebuild a child's reading confidence from the inside out. First, we explore the surprising power of genuine book choice—why letting children select anything that excites them (yes, even those "too easy" graphic novels or Minecraft manuals!) creates the autonomy essential for developing reader identity. You'll hear a poignant bookstore story that demonstrates how well-meaning adults can inadvertently crush a child's reading enthusiasm, and learn how to create a "Yes Shelf" that rebuilds reading confidence through easy wins.
We also challenge the myth that read-alouds should stop once children can decode independently. Continuing to read to older children provides them with rich language exposure without the pressure of performance, creates positive emotional associations with books, and strengthens your connection. The final strategy transforms reading from something kids passively endure into something they actively do through makerspace thinking—building, creating, and problem-solving their way into stories.
Ready to help your child discover the reader within? Download our free STEM story station resource and join us on this journey to create joyful, confident readers—one page at a time. Subscribe for weekly tips that bring connection and confidence back to reading, because helping a child believe they're a reader doesn't start with fluency—it starts with how they feel about books.
🎁 Grab my FREE Communication STEM Story Station to Bring a Book to life!
👉 https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/280adbdf11
🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss a thing!
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Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Reading battles don't have to be your nightly reality. Behind every "I hate reading" declaration, focus struggle, or mechanical page-turning lies an opportunity for transformation.
Remember that little girl who proudly announced she hated all books? Two years later, she left my classroom as an enthusiastic reader. What changed wasn't her ability—it was her experience. When children resist reading, they're rarely rejecting stories; they're avoiding feelings of inadequacy or failure. The shift begins when we respond with "I get it, reading can feel hard sometimes" instead of frustration or disappointment.
This episode walks you through practical solutions for three common reading frustrations. For the reluctant reader, we explore how offering choices (graphic novels, joke books, audio books) creates low-pressure wins. For the fidgeter who can't sit still, learn how breaking reading into micro-chunks, allowing intentional movement, and changing environments (reading forts, park visits, trampoline bouncing) can dramatically improve engagement. And for children going through the motions without connection, discover how makerspace thinking transforms passive reading into creative adventures.
The beauty of these approaches lies in their simplicity. You don't need special materials or educational degrees—just a willingness to shift perspectives and prioritize joy. Try tonight's challenges: read anything your child chooses with zero corrections, build a reading fort with a flashlight and snacks, or turn a story into a hands-on project using the free Communication STEM Story Station resource.
Reading struggles aren't roadblocks—they're invitations to try something different. Your child deserves to love books, and you deserve peace at story time. One small change today could spark the reading breakthrough you've been waiting for.
🎁 Grab my FREE Communication STEM Story Station to Bring a Book to life!
👉 https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/280adbdf11
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly tips to help kids love reading—for life!
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Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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What if raising a reader didn't require battles, bribes, or boredom? What if the secret wasn't about forcing more reading minutes, but about transforming how your child feels about books?
This eye-opening episode reveals three deceptively simple daily habits that turn reluctant readers into book lovers. As both an experienced teacher and parent, I share research-backed strategies that make books a natural, joyful part of children's lives rather than another task to check off their to-do list. The approach focuses on creating environments and rituals that foster a love of reading, helping children develop lasting reading identities that extend beyond school assignments.
We examine how traditional approaches often backfire, rendering reading a chore rather than a pleasure. I share personal stories from my classroom and home that demonstrate the power of no-pressure reading rituals, modeling genuine reading enjoyment, and making books interactive experiences. Parents frequently tell me they are primarily concerned with test scores and academic performance. Still, I challenge this perspective by showing how children who love reading naturally excel without the relationship-damaging battles that can arise from forcing them to read.
You'll learn specific, actionable strategies you can implement today, including creating cozy reading moments without rigid rules, making books visible and accessible throughout your home, and transforming reading into a social and interactive experience rather than a solitary task. I also share my "Five-Minute Reading Fix" for busy parents who need quick solutions that actually work.
Ready to raise a child who reaches for books by choice? This episode provides the blueprint for growing readers who not only know how to read but genuinely want to do so. Subscribe now and join our community of parents creating confident, joyful readers one page at a time!
Five Minute Reading Fix
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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What if the pages of a book could literally come to life in a child's hands? That's the transformative power of combining makerspace activities with reading—a strategy that's changing how kids experience stories.
When I first became a school media specialist, I inherited a neglected library where students dreaded their visits. Books were piled high, the space was uninviting, and enthusiasm for reading was non-existent. My goal wasn't just to get kids reading; it was to make them beg to come to the library. The solution? Letting them play. By introducing Legos, building materials, and creative supplies, I created a gateway to literacy that worked like magic. Kids who came to tinker soon became kids who came to read.
This episode explores three powerful makerspace projects that turn passive reading into interactive adventures. First, engineering a story setting allows children to build the Three Little Pigs' houses or Mr. McGregor's garden from Peter Rabbit using simple materials. Second, character-inspired design challenges have kids creating solutions for story problems—like designing a raft for the Gingerbread Man or the perfect chair for Goldilocks. Finally, stop-motion animation brings storytelling into the digital age as children create mini-movies of their favorite tales.
These hands-on approaches work because they engage multiple learning styles, foster empathy, strengthen comprehension, and preserve imagination. When children physically interact with story elements, reading transforms from a chore into an exciting creative process. The subtle shift from "have to read" to "get to read" makes all the difference.
Ready to try these activities with your own young readers? Download my free Makerspace Story Guide from the description for book recommendations perfectly suited for these projects. Then share your experiences in the comments—I'd love to hear how your children respond to these hands-on reading adventures. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss future episodes where we'll continue creating joyful, confident readers, one page at a time!
Freebies:
Makerspace Book List:
https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/elabooksformakerspace
Makerspace Start-Up Kit:
https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/msstartupkit
5-Minute Reading Fix For Parents:
https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/500af75f4b
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Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Does your active child struggle to sit still during reading time? You're not alone. That constant fidgeting, restlessness, and apparent disinterest in books isn't a sign they don't like reading—it's their body telling you they need to move to learn effectively.
I share the story of my son Jackson, who walked at nine months and was physically advanced but struggled with traditional sit-still activities like reading. Many children—especially those with ADHD or sensory needs—process information better when movement is incorporated into learning. Science confirms what many parents observe: physical activity activates brain functions that improve focus, memory, and comprehension.
The heart of this episode reveals three game-changing strategies that transform reading from a dreaded chore into an exciting adventure. First, try yoga poses tied to story elements—like superhero stance when characters make brave choices or jumping jacks when settings change. This mind-body connection dramatically improves retention while making books feel interactive. Next, create story-based scavenger hunts by hiding objects that match elements in the book, turning reading into an active treasure hunt that kinesthetic learners love. Finally, act out parts of the story using movements and different voices, bringing characters to life and deepening understanding.
These simple techniques require minimal preparation but yield powerful results—children who not only comprehend better but actually enjoy reading. Best of all, these movement-based approaches create joyful connections between you and your child rather than reading battles. Ready to transform reading time? Download my free Five-Minute Reading Fix and try just one strategy tonight. Share how it works in the comments, and subscribe for more practical ways to raise confident, enthusiastic readers who love books their way.
The 5-Minute Reading Fix for Parents!
🚀 Want a simple, stress-free way to build your child’s reading confidence?
🎁 Grab my FREE 5-Minute Reading Fix!
📌 Quick, actionable strategies to help your child enjoy reading—without frustration.
📌 Perfect for busy parents who want real solutions fast!
👉 Download it here:
https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/500af75f4b
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Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
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Reading doesn't have to be a battleground. After a long hiatus, I'm back with a critical message for parents and educators alike: we may be unknowingly turning kids away from books through three common mistakes.
The first mistake is forcing children to read only "just-right" books. When kids can only access books at their exact reading level, reading becomes a constant test rather than a joyful experience. The solution? A 60-40 approach where most reading time is spent with books they genuinely love, with the remainder dedicated to skill-building. Let that dinosaur-obsessed child explore paleontology books, even if they're technically "too easy" or filled with pictures. Their enthusiasm will naturally lead to growth.
Next, we often make the devastating error of using reading as a punishment or obligation. "No screens until you finish reading" transforms books from treasures into chores. Instead, reframe reading as a special activity: "Let's have a cozy reading break!" Create reading picnics, try flashlight reading under blankets, or listen to audiobooks while drawing. These simple shifts make reading feel like a privilege rather than a penalty.
Finally, our obsession with reading speed over comprehension damages understanding and enjoyment. Rather than counting words per minute, encourage children to "read like you're telling a story." Pause to discuss characters' choices, make predictions, and connect stories to their lives. Echo reading—where you model expressive reading and they repeat—builds confidence without pressure.
Download my free five-minute reading fix in the show notes for quick, actionable strategies that will transform your child's relationship with books. Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschool parent, or caregiver, these research-backed approaches will help children discover the true magic of reading.
The 5 Minute Reading Fix for Parents
The 5 Minute Reading Fix for Teachers
Readers in the Making Newsletter
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Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread some holiday cheer than with a good old-fashioned Christmas story?
Forget about stuffing yourself with mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for a moment because we're going on a literary feast.
Hi, I'm Trina Deboree from Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning and the podcast One Tired Teacher. I create engaging content for elementary teachers focusing on Science, reading comprehension, STEM, and Makerspace. My passion lies in giving teachers back a fraction of their time so they can put first things first. My ultimate goal is to offer creative content that helps teachers inspire students to learn, dream, think, and wonder.I will help you move from drudgery teaching, where you feel like you are going against your core values and teacher soul, to an explosion of teaching, where you fulfill your purpose and your ultimate dream of teaching.
In the bustling realm of creators and innovators, a singular call echoes, enticing every curious mind to venture beyond the ordinary.
Unleash student creativity without breaking the bank! Learn how to start a meaningful makerspace on a budget and foster hands-on, collaborative learning.
Discover 3 quick and easy Thanksgiving-themed STEM activities for teachers to use in makerspace - perfect for a 40 minute class!
Discover the transformative power of makerspace in education. Dive into hands-on, collaborative learning that boosts creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork in the classroom.
Explore the importance of digital citizenship in today's tech-driven world. Learn why it's crucial for teachers to equip students with online etiquette and safety skills. Knowledge is power in the virtual realm!
Dive into the essentials of digital citizenship! Learn why it's crucial for students to navigate online communities responsibly, understand privacy, and promote positive virtual interactions.
As Halloween approaches, teachers search for creative ways to engage their elementary students while embracing the spooky spirit.Look no further than the makerspace in your classroom! This innovative space promotes hands-on learning and allows students to explore their imaginations and tap into their inner mad scientists during Halloween. So why not blend the fun of Halloween with the educational power of STEM and a Makerspace Extension or Two? We've conjured up five imaginative ideas that will make your students howl excitedly as they bring their eerie creations to life. So play a spooky Halloween tune or two and prepare for a hair-raising adventure in the makerspace world this Halloween!
Halloween, the spookiest time of year, is upon us once again. And while little goblins and witches roam the streets searching for candy, why not bring some educational magic into your elementary classroom for elementary students? Forget about the typical Halloween crafts, pumpkin carving, and a spooky Halloween tune; it's time to take small steps toward giant leaps with thrilling Halloween STEM activities! Transform your classroom into a makerspace activity filled with fun and discovery as students embark on spooky scientific adventures based on some Halloween story favorites. So grab your cauldron and broomstick because we're about to brew up some wickedly witty Halloween Story Stations that will have your students screaming for more Makerspace moments!
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it's time to embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween in your classroom.
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it's time to embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween in your classroom.
But why settle for boring old candy and costumes when you can infuse STEM magic and so much fun into this Halloween season? Get ready to turn your classroom into a makerspace filled with spine-tingling experiments, hair-raising challenges, and ghoulishly fun activities that will have your students shrieking with delight while learning valuable STEM skills through fun STEM challenges, a Makerspace extension and spooky chemical reaction or two. In this blog/podcast, we'll explore three wickedly awesome ideas for integrating seasonal STEM activities into your curriculum, ensuring that this Halloween is anything but ordinary.
Why STEM Activities are Important for Halloween
Halloween may be known for costumes, creepy crawlies, and candy, but it's also the perfect time to incorporate STEM activities into elementary students' celebrations. Makerspace moments can take a spooky twist as kids use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build haunted houses or create creepy crawlers using various materials. By engaging in these hands-on activities, students develop their critical thinking abilities and foster a sense of collaboration as they work with their peers to bring their terrifying visions to life.
Additionally, Halloween-themed STEM activities offer a unique opportunity for focused close reading. While children may eagerly devour Halloween stories from cover to cover, incorporating science or math-related texts related to the holiday can provide a valuable interdisciplinary approach. For instance, exploring the oozy goo and thick eyeballs is an excellent way for kids to explore matter during this holiday and enhance their reading comprehension skills on the topic of solids, liquids, and gases. Educators can captivate young minds by seamlessly integrating these subjects into the Halloween spirit while encouraging them to connect STEM concepts with real-world applications.
So this Halloween season, let's unleash our little scientists' inner monsters! Combining makerspace moments with focused close reading opportunities on spooky subjects like bats or cauldron chemistry can spark a love for STEM that lasts far beyond October 31st. Who knows? One day, these very same students will become inventors of ingenious gadgets that make trick-or-treating even more thrilling or discover innovative ways of tackling ghoulish problems like ghost repellents or zombie-proof shelters!
Idea 1: Halloween States of Matter Experiment for This Time of Year
With Halloween just approaching, it's time to start thinking about spooky activities to get into the festive spirit. Look no further than a Halloween matter unit explicitly created for 2nd graders - the perfect way to combine science and scares fo
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Are you tired of the same old monotony in education?
Get ready to have your socks blown off because we will introduce you to Dr. Yen Verhoeven – the fearless leader of rebel teaching and the ultimate status quo disruptor. With her unyielding wit and unparalleled passion for teaching transformation, Dr. Verhoeven is on a mission to revive education from its slumber and breathe new life into classrooms across the globe while showing you new ways to transform your teaching. Buckle up, folks, because this alliance educator will take us on a wild ride toward a future where students are engaged, teachers are empowered, and education is anything but ordinary.
Whether you are a public school teacher from high school to pre-K, you will want to hear what Dr. Verhoeven says. Think of this episode as a rallying call to shake things up in the classroom. Dr. Verhoeven shares the best ways to reach kids taking small steps along the way to make a significant impact on the learning environments for kids. If you consider yourself a rebel teacher, you will LOVE this episode.
Rebel teachers- Join us.
Past Rebel Teaching Episodes with Dr. Yen Verhoeven:
OTT 73: Distance Learning, STEM, and Educational Reform
OTT 117: How Do We Start an Educational Rebellion in the Current System?
OTT 161: How to Successfully Use STEM to Teach Social and Emotional Learning
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Discover five intriguing genre studies for second graders that promote effective reading comprehension and foster a love for literature. Dive into mysteries, fairy tales, nonfiction, and more!
Are your second graders struggling to comprehend what they read?
Are you tired of the same old comprehension questions that elicit only one-word answers? Do you want your students to take reading to the next level and also profoundly fall in love with reading? Keep reading or listening for five genre studies to pique your students' curiosity and strengthen their reading comprehension skills. Plus, your students will fall deeply in love with literature and informational text.
From mysteries to fairy tales, these genre studies will encourage your students to delve deeper into the text. So, buckle up and prepare for a wild ride through the literary world with these five intriguing genre studies for young readers. And don't worry; we will be looking at more than reading comprehension worksheets; we will be delving into fascinating books on essential events or using an old faithful favorite book or two along the way.
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Oh, second grade. A time of innocence, wonder, and... you guessed it- reading comprehension?
Yes, you heard it right. Understanding what we read is essential for success in almost every aspect of life and is honestly the whole point of reading. Yet, comprehension can get lost in a world where we focus a great deal on WPM (words per minute). And as much as we'd like to believe that kids naturally "get it," the truth is that effective reading comprehension needs to be taught and nurtured.
So, if you're a teacher or a parent wondering how to impart this oh-so-important skill to your little ones, get ready because here we go! In this blog post or podcast episode, depending on whether you are reading or listening, we'll explore the best way to promote adequate reading comprehension in the second-grade classroom. We've covered you, from identifying the main idea to tackling those pesky comprehension questions.
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Are you tired of feeling like there aren't enough hours in the day to teach all the necessary subjects?
Do you find yourself wishing you could merge science and reading lessons to save time? Well, my friend, you're in luck. In this episode/blog post, we'll explore nine science topics and science units that can be integrated into your reading curriculum to make your teaching more efficient while covering information text standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.
Gone are the days of frantically trying to cram in both science and reading instruction before the final bell rings. By merging these two subjects, you will save precious time, and your students will benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of both areas by focusing on a specific science topic.
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Are you tired of teaching science and reading comprehension separately?
Do you feel like a two-headed monster trying to balance both subjects in your already-packed lesson plans? Well, fear not, my fellow educators, because there is a solution that kills two birds with one stone (metaphorically speaking, of course). Integrating science into your reading block saves valuable time and enhances student learning by making connections between the two subjects. So why not give it a try and see the magic happen? Let's dive into how to make this integration work seamlessly.
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Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Ah, the joys of teaching! The laughter of children, the thrill of imparting knowledge, and the exquisite pain of preparing for every imaginable scenario.
We're talking about sub plans - those magical documents that ensure your students don't go off the rails when you're out sick or stuck in a traffic jam, or worse, have a family emergency.
Now, if you're an elementary school teacher, you know all too well that sub plans aren't something you can whip up in five minutes. Oh no. They must be detailed enough to cover multiple subjects and flexible enough to accommodate different levels and personalities. And if you teach 2nd grade? That requires some extra creativity (and maybe a dash of caffeine) and some extra luck to write just the right plan for even the pickiest of subs.
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
There are five astonishing reasons every classroom needs a makerspace. Join me today to hear how classrooms can utilize engagement, critical thinking, discovery, and more with a makerspace.
So this is when you might be thinking “What is a Makerspace?”
A Makerspace is a place where students can gather to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. In a nutshell, it is an astonishing place to think and learn!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Makerspace Start-Up Kit
Sponsored:
Back to School Theme Units
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today we take a closer look at six attributes to create an amazing makerspace to include all types of learners. Come take a listen.
6 Attributes:
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Tailored to Your Community
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Embrace Critical Thinking
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Inclusive
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Differentiated
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Clear Vision
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Inspiring
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Makerspace Masterclass: Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Sponsored:
Back to School Theme Units
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today we are talking all about getting your makerspace up and running in your learning space. We will discuss storage ideas, labels and signs, procedures to have in place, and student expectations all-around a makerspace.
This week concludes our series on makerspace. So if you aren’t sure why you need one visit episode 30 and if you need some tips and tricks on things you need to know before you launch a makerspace go to episode 31.
Today we will talk about the nitty-gritty of makerspace. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Makerspace Start-Up Kit
Sponsored:
Free Makerspace Masterclass: Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today we talk all about the 5 fundamental steps you need to launch a makerspace in your learning environment. I hope you stick around.
Sponsored:
Free Makerspace Masterclass: Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
There are some wonderful lessons learned as a teacher. I hope you will join me as I share the positive side of teaching.
Sponsored:
End of the Year Camp Bundle
Free Makerspace Masterclass
Today's episode is very hard and very upsetting. It also rings true for so many teachers. And for that, the story must be told.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Sponsored:
Sponsored by: End of the Year Camp Bundle
Free Makerspace Masterclass
So as I mentioned at the end of episode 213, I will be taking a little break this summer, but I will still drop content each week. Just like our favorite series on Cable or even Netflix, sometimes it is fun to rewatch and, in this case, relisten to some of our favorite episodes.
So this week, we will take a walk down memory lane with episode 176 where Leigh Langton and I talk about how terrific teachers set boundaries over the summer.
I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Sponsored by End of the Year Camp Bundle
It's that time of the year again - when teachers count down the days until the last week of school and into the much-needed summer vacation.
With the last days of school in sight, it can be hard to keep your sanity intact as a teacher. That's why some awesome colleagues and I have compiled this list of sanity-saving ideas for teachers who want to make it through to the end of the year unscathed. These ideas are a great way to make it to the last day of school. So stay tuned!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Memory Book
The Applicious Teacher
Amanda from Mrs. Richardson’s Class
Saddle Up for 2nd Grade
A Teacher’s Wonderland
The Simple Classroom
Lucky Learning with Molly Lynch
Amy Lemons
Apples and ABC’s
The Daily Alphabet
Sponsored: End-of-the-Year Camp
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
The Camp themed unit provides an excellent opportunity to help make the last weeks of school exciting and meaningful and will help celebrate the past year with so much fun
As the end of the school year rapidly approaches, educators seek ways to keep their students engaged and excited about learning until the last bell rings, whether with STEM challenges, STEM projects, or another fun way to help busy teachers get to the end.
As teachers enter the final weeks of school, your thoughts are likely shifting from academic tasks to the anticipation of the last days of school and of summer break. But don't give up just yet! There is still a fun way to make the most of this school year and end on a high note.
The importance of science in our elementary classrooms cannot be overstated. So how can we make sure that we are fitting in the all-important standards while still engaging our students and hooking them on the content?
There are plenty of ways to create a meaningful makerspace on a shoestring budget. All you need is some creativity and a little bit of elbow grease. Keep listening for tips on how to get started.
Today I sat down with a fellow teacher, and we had a hard conversation about teaching and administration. I want to warn you that this may be triggering. If you would like to share your story, please reach out.
CTA: Reach out to me at tdeboree@trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com.
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
This interactive game encourages students to practice place value skills while having a blast.
If you've been thinking about adding "being brave with makerspace" to your New Year's resolution list, then this episode is for you!
Today we are looking back at episode 57 of One Tired Teacher. This episode is all about teaching solids, liquids, and gases using a Christmas theme.
Today we are celebrating 200 episodes with clips from some of my favorites. I hope you will stick around.
Today’s show is with an incredible 2nd-grade teacher from Florida, Melanie Redden. Melanie is here to share her truth about building rapport with kids.
If you've been thinking about adding "being brave with makerspace" to your New Year's resolution list, then this episode is for you!
In today's episode, we'll discuss some of the ways that you can get started with making in your classroom or library. We'll also provide a few tips to help make your experience with makerspace as successful as possible. So, if you're ready to explore the world of making, keep listening!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Freebies:
Makerspace Start-Up Kit Freebie
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today, we look back at episode 59 of One Tired Teacher. In this episode, we discuss new habits for the new year. That year I was talking about the year 2020! Even though the world went crazy in February of that year, these habits are still relevant to this year, 2023.
Come take a listen.
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today, we look back at episode 58 and determine a holiday mindset. Come take a listen.
5 Blissful Ways to Make This Holiday Spectacular:
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Leave work at work!
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Know it is okay to feel your feelings and know you are NOT alone and spend time in nature.
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Focus on one thing that brings you joy.
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Choose at least one day for yourself.
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Say no.
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today we are looking back at episode 57 of One Tired Teacher. This episode is all about teaching solids, liquids, and gases using a Christmas theme. So fun! I hope you will join me.
Links:
04: Surviving the Weeks Before Winter BreakReindeer Explore Matter FREE Matter Lesson
Christmas Symbols
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
My Favorite Memories of the Podcast
Today we are celebrating 200 episodes with clips from some of my favorites. I hope you will stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Freebies:
Yes Virginia Unit
Reindeer Matter Investigation
Links to Episodes Mentioned:
08: Team Rapport: The Power of Team Work14: Teaching A Love of Reading15: Engaging Students With Chris Kesler23: 5 Reasons Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace97: 7 Dreadful Ways to Kill the Love of Reading98: 13 Remarkable Ideas to Help Kids Fall in Love With Reading110: All About Choice Boards in the Classroom117: OTT: How Do We Start an Educational Rebellion in the Current System?OTT: 152: Is Play an Essential Aspect of a Child's Learning Process in School?154: 5 Magnificent Benefits from an Elementary MakerspaceOTT: 159 Inspiring Play in Young Children: A Conversation with Carla GullOTT: 160 How to Successfully Fit STEM into Small Time FramesOTT 170: What's Really Wrong With the School System From the Eyes of a MillennialOTT 174: Is Two Tired Teachers More Than One Tired Teacher?Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on
Today I am talking all about some excellent books to use for December to help tame the crazies. Because we know how insane this time of year can be!
I hope you will join me.
Below is a list of books I recommend. This list does contain affiliate links, which means that the price stays the same for you, but I earn a few pennies on the dollar to help support the production of this podcast. I appreciate your support.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Freebies:
Yes Virginia Unit
Reindeer Matter Investigation
Resources for December:
Full Christmas Matter Unit
Do you need some FUN science activities to do before Winter Break or Christmas Vacation? These FOUR Christmas science labs are engaging, educational, and the most fun your students will have this year! Easy hands-on, engaging experiments leave kids excited and motivated to learn all about the properties of matter! Students will learn about solids, liquids, gases, floating and sinking, properties of matter, and changing properties. Emphasis is placed on how matter changes from one form to another. Learning posters, science vocabulary, teacher directions, and close reading with questions are included.
Christmas Makerspace Story Stations
Would Your Rather Christmas Edition
More Christmas Resources
Books for Christmas:
- Bear's Christmas Star by Mireille D'Allance
- Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett
- Santa's Stuck by Rhonda Gowler Greene
- Are You Grumpy Santa? by Gregg & Evan Spiridellis
- Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus by Chris Plehal
- Hurry, Santa! by Julie Sykes
- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
- The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett
- Santa's Underwear by Marty Rhodes Figley
- The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Monday, November 28th
OTT: 198: 5 Tips to Get to Winter Vacation
The end of November marks the beginning of the countdown to winter vacation. For students, this is a time to start thinking about what they'll do with their time off. But for teachers, it's a time to start thinking about how to get through the last month of school without losing their minds. Listen in to hear 5 tips if you're a teacher who's looking for some tips on getting through December.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Engineering Design Process Posters
OTT 185: 5 Brilliant Read Aloud Title for the Primary Teacher
It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing color, the weather is cooling down, and families are coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving. This holiday is a time to reflect on the things we are thankful for, and there is no shortage of things to be grateful for. From our families and friends to fellow teachers and listeners, many people and things in our lives make it richer and more meaningful. Let's take a moment to appreciate them all!
Free Engineering Design Process Posters
OTT 73: Distance Learning, STEM, and Educational Reform
OTT 117: How Do We Start an Educational Rebellion in the Current System?
OTT 161: How to Successfully Use STEM to Teach Social and Emotional Learning
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Teaching science is important. Why? Science is actually a vital part of our everyday lives, and it's important that everyone has at least a basic understanding of it. That's why teaching science is so important. By providing people with a basic understanding of science, we can help them to make more informed decisions about the world around them. We can also help them to develop critical thinking skills and cultivate a sense of curiosity. When we teach science, we give children the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Free Engineering Design Process Posters
OTT 162: Why is it so Important to Teach Students About Careers in STEM? Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Art and science may seem like two completely different subjects, but they actually have a lot in common. Both art and science involve creative thinking, careful observation, and the ability to communicate ideas. As a result, integrating art and science into the reading block can be a great way to engage students and encourage them to think critically about the text. Listen in to hear five easy ways to do it.
Free Engineering Design Process Posters
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
You know that moment during the day when everything seems to click and things just seem to work? Your lesson falls into place, your kids are engaged, and you feel like a total rockstar teacher. That's what I'm talking about. Sure, there are days when things don't go as planned – but those days shouldn't overshadow the great ones. And let me tell you, integrating arts into your teaching can take your lessons from good to great in an instant. Seriously – it's that powerful.
Here's how you can get started. Join Kathryn Patricia and myself as we have an inspiring conversation that will leave you motivated and ready to take action.
Kathryn Patricia is a performing artist, composer, and educator from Canada's capital. Kathryn is a Loop pedal violist, who brings interactive concerts, and workshops to schools, community centers, and concert halls both virtually and in-person.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
OTT 170: What's Really Wrong With the School System From the Eyes of a MillennialKathryn Patricia Workshops and Performances
Button Join Mastering Makerspace: From Zero to Amazing
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
One of the best ways to get kids excited about learning is by incorporating music into classroom activities. Studies have shown that music has a positive effect on cognitive function and memory recall, so it makes sense to use it as part of our lesson plans whenever possible! There are endless possibilities when it comes to using music in class.
Today, I sit down with Elizabeth Peterson, the creator of SEAL, Social-Emotional Artistic Learning, a unique method of integrating the arts with SEL that empowers teachers to truly reach and teach their students.
You won't want to miss this episode.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
The Inspired Classroom
teachseal.com
Button Join Mastering Makerspace: From Zero to Amazing
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
So, not all teaching experiences are horrible. In fact, there are still some special things to celebrate about teaching.
And today, I am featuring TDTL Listies, who are teachers just like you, who shared the things they STILL LOVE about teaching. Come join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Become a TDTL Listy and receive a Free Makerspace Masterclass- Why Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Halloween Makerspace Task Cards: STEM Challenge Cards Halloween Activities
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today we are talking about states banning books in the classroom and the impact this is having on teachers and students. I hope you will join me.
Teachers often feel alone in their troubles, but they are not alone. We are all in this together.
Nobody understands a teacher's woes like a teacher. TDTL Listies have one another.
If you are a TDTLs Listy or not, I want to support teachers when they feel like things are hard and when they love teaching and everything in between. When a teacher struggles, it's important to reach out to others for support. There is comfort in knowing that you're not the only one experiencing the ups and downs of teaching.
So, if you're feeling alone, remember that you're part of a community of teachers who are here for you. Today on the show, I want to share how NOT alone you are!
And if you want to become a TDTL Listy, join my email list for support, encouragement, tips and tricks, and an occasional freebie at Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning.com.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Makerspace Masterclass- Why Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
97: 7 Dreadful Ways to Kill the Love of Reading98: 13 Remarkable Ideas to Help Kids Fall in Love With ReadingOTT 170: What's Really Wrong With the School System From the Eyes of a MillennialHalloween Makerspace Task Cards: STEM Challenge Cards Halloween Activities
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
iMOM Podcast
If you need a mom friend right now, you’ve come to the right place.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Today we are talking about states banning books in the classroom and the impact this is having on teachers and students. I hope you will join me.
Teachers often feel alone in their troubles, but they are not alone. We are all in this together.
Nobody understands a teacher's woes like a teacher. TDTL Listies have one another.
If you are a TDTLs Listy or not, I want to support teachers when they feel like things are hard and when they love teaching and everything in between. When a teacher struggles, it's important to reach out to others for support. There is comfort in knowing that you're not the only one experiencing the ups and downs of teaching.
So, if you're feeling alone, remember that you're part of a community of teachers who are here for you. Today on the show, I want to share how NOT alone you are!
And if you want to become a TDTL Listy, join my email list for support, encouragement, tips and tricks, and an occasional freebie at Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning.com.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Makerspace Masterclass- Why Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
97: 7 Dreadful Ways to Kill the Love of Reading98: 13 Remarkable Ideas to Help Kids Fall in Love With ReadingOTT 170: What's Really Wrong With the School System From the Eyes of a MillennialHalloween Makerspace Task Cards: STEM Challenge Cards Halloween Activities
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
iMOM Podcast
If you need a mom friend right now, you’ve come to the right place.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Today is a bit of a heavy episode. So hold on to your hats.
My heart breaks for teachers right now. And it brought back a lot of trauma I experienced when I left teaching. But I promised you all from the start that I would share the trials and the treasures of teaching.
So please join me today as I open up about the insanity that teachers face day in and day out. And then next week, we will jump back on the solution track.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Makerspace Masterclass- Why Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
iMOM Podcast
If you need a mom friend right now, you’ve come to the right place.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
In this episode of the One Tired Teacher podcast turned Two Tired Teacher podcast, we share our tips for building classroom community for the entire year.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
John Wooden's Pyramid of Success
Kagan Cooperative Learning
Tools for Citizenship and Life
Leader In Me
Leigh's Tips and Resources for The Leader in Me
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Mornings can be tough for both kids and teachers. Learn about some of the best ways to start your day so that everyone is ready to learn!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Makerspace Masterclass- Why Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
48: How to Avoid Behavior Issues with a Soft OpenerWould You Rather Back To School Freebie
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
As a teacher, you are constantly looking for ways to help your students succeed. And while academic skills are important, social and emotional skills are just as vital. Here are five compelling reasons why you should teach social and emotional skills in your classroom.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Makerspace Masterclass- Why Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Yoga Cards For Kids: Yoga Sequences, Yoga Games, and Yoga Posters
Cool-Down Corner: Social-Emotional Activities Self-Regulation
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
We've all had our share of awkward moments, but there's something especially cringeworthy about school-related awkwardness. Whether it's a teacher embarrassing themselves in front of the class or a student saying something they shouldn't, these stories always seem to stick with us. Here are three of our favorite awkward school stories from our years of teaching.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Leigh Langton The Applicious Teacher
The Applicious Teacher on TpT
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning on TpT
Back-to-School Would You Rather Freebie
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
As a primary teacher, read-alouds are an essential part of your teaching repertoire. Not only do they help to engage your students in reading, but they also provide an opportunity for you to model good reading habits. But with so many read-aloud titles out there, it can be hard to choose the right ones for your students. To make things easier, stick around to hear five brilliant read-alouds for the primary teacher!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
First Day Jitters
First Day Jitters Activities Print and Digital
First Day Jitters Makerspace Activity
Describe Character, Setting, & Major Events in a Story Interactive Read Aloud
Makerspace Task Cards: Piggie and Gerald Open-Ended Challenges
The Book with No Pictures
Books By Standards Great for Makerspace Extension Freebie
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
The first week of school is always an exciting time for teachers. After a long summer break, it's back to the classroom and a chance to start fresh with a new group of students. However, the first week can also be a bit overwhelming, especially for new teachers. To help you make the most of the first week back, here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Leigh Langton The Applicious Teacher
The Applicious Teacher on TpT
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning on TpT
Back-to-School Would You Rather Freebie
Back to School Centers
Back to school packs
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
It's that time of year again! Teachers across the country are dusting off their desks and preparing for another year of teaching. And with a new school year comes a fresh batch of back-to-school stories. From hilarious to heartwarming, these stories always seem to bring a smile to our faces. So if you're in need of a little pick-me-up, take a break from your back-to-school preparations and enjoy these funny teacher stories.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Leigh Langton The Applicious Teacher
The Applicious Teacher on TpT
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning on TpT
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
For every teacher that leaves the classroom, there are a thousand reasons why they did it. From the never-ending paperwork to the unruly students, it's no wonder that so many teachers are throwing in the towel. However, there are also a number of reasons why teachers should stay in the classroom, despite the challenges. First and foremost, teaching is an incredibly rewarding profession. Every day, teachers have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of their students. They also get to play a role in shaping the future of their community. In addition, teaching is a unique profession that offers a variety of challenges and rewards. No two days are ever the same, and each classroom is a mini-adventure. So, for all the teachers out there struggling to keep their heads above water, remember that your classroom is your oyster. Let's talk. about all the reasons you shouldn't be throwing in the towel just yet.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Leigh Langton The Applicious Teacher
The Applicious Teacher on TpT
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning on TpT
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Two seasoned teachers discuss the how and why of deciding whether or not to leave the classroom.
Many people believe that being a teacher is one of the most rewarding professions. After all, what could be more gratifying than shaping the minds of tomorrow's leaders? However, teaching is not always easy. In fact, it can be downright difficult at times. Teachers often have to deal with challenging classroom situations, unruly students, and demanding parents. As a result, it's not surprising that some teachers eventually decide to leave the classroom. But how do they make this decision? Some teachers may feel that they have simply reached their breaking point and can no longer take the pressure. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding whether to stay in the classroom or leave. It's a decision that each teacher has to make based on their own individual circumstances, join us as we discuss what the right decision might be for you.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Leigh Langton The Applicious Teacher
The Applicious Teacher on TpT
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning on TpT
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today two tired teachers sit down and discuss the five helpful things you must try this school year. We hope you stick around!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Link to 176 and 178
Yoga in the Classroom (Inside Cool Down Corner Kit)
HeadSpace
Go Noodle
Reading Comprehension for Science
Thematic Units
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today two tired teachers sit down and talk about the dreaded clip chart. Don't worry we BOTH have used them. AND we have very different ideas of what works and doesn't. So you are going to want to stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Why I Broke Up With My Clip Chart
Back to School Packs
Whole Brain Teaching Resources
Brian Mendler Behavior Expert
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today two tired teachers sit down and discuss the powerful do less and get more theory! We hope you will join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
176 How do Terrific Teachers Set Boundaries Over the Summer? Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today two tired teachers sit down and discuss setting up a classroom while on a budget. I mean let's get real. Setting up a Pinterest-worthy classroom is EXPENSIVE and takes A LOT of time. So come get some tips on making it a whole lot easier!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Emergency Sub Plans for 2nd Grade
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today two tired teachers sit down and discuss the necessity of setting boundaries this summer. Teachers work so hard. Every time you say yes, you are saying no to something else.
Who are you saying no to?
Come sit down with Leigh and I to hear ideas for setting boundaries. We get it! We are people pleasures, too!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
One Simple Way to Avoid Teacher Burnout
Join Trina's Free Summer Workshop on Makerspace and Reading
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today two tired teachers sit down and discuss the magic of reading, Makerspace, and innovation! I hope you will join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free ELA Book List By Standard for Makerspace
Join Trina's Free Summer Workshop on Makerspace and Reading
Mastering Makerspace: Easy-to-follow game plan that takes you from zero to AMAZING!
Makerspace Moments in Literature Year-Long Bundle
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today I welcome a special co-host making this Two Tired Teachers!
Leigh Langton The Applicious Teacher will be joining me on the podcast for the entire summer! I hope you will join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Leigh Langton The Applicious Teacher
The Applicious Teacher on TpT
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning on TpT
Today we are talking all about 4 sneaky mistakes that can steal our summer mojo.
-
Not having a plan for next year prior to leaving.
-
Treating your whole summer as a vacation.
-
Refusing to read anything.
-
Not being deliberate.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free End-of-the-Year Reader's Theater Superhero Themed
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Hey there! Happy Memorial Day! As I know many teachers are spending time with family and celebrating this National holiday, I will make this episode short and sweet.
Today we will discuss three tweaks that made the end of the school year different.
- Tweak number one:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again-
Theme weeks, people!
- Tweak number two:
Work at Work- that's right. Do school work at school.
- Which takes me to tweak three- Set Boundaries!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free End-of-the-Year Reader's Theater Superhero Themed
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
So I've seen the idea of 4 day school weeks come up a lot. I started wondering what teachers think of this. So I did a little digging, and I found out the scoop. Come take a listen!
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
In today’s episode, I have my daughter, Emily talking about what is wrong with the education system. Emily and I get deep and shed a few tears in this vulnerable discussion about education. We touch on a few things; What is wrong with education, what can be done differently in schools, and our perspectives on how education has hurt not only us but is not benefiting students today.
I think this episode is a meaningful conversation to be had by all of us as teachers and educators. I hope you will join us in listening to what a millennial’s perspective is and join the conversation by letting us know your thoughts.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
27: Teachers, Is College for Everyone?
How The Current Education System and I Failed My Child
Emily Renée VA
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
The end of the year can be super stressful. There is just so much to do and get done before the year wraps up. Plus, most of us are already feeling the pressure or possibly the enthusiasm of starting to plan for next year.
For today I want us to focus on finding ways to make more time for ourselves at the end of the school year. I hope you stick around.
Let's look at the first way to buy back time-
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Keep the kids busy!
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Batch end-of-the-year items.
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Use podcasts or audiobooks to do your read-aloud for you!!
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End of the year theme weeks.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
https://trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/endoftheyear
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
OTT 168: How Do Teachers Really Feel About Required Team Planning?
Today we are taking a closer look at how teachers REALLY feel about required team planning.
First, let's better understand what teams are asked to do.
Grade level teams are asked to plan for weeks or months of lessons to help students master the standards.
I want first to clarify that a lesson plan is the instructor's road map of what students need to learn and how it will be done effectively during class time. Before you plan your lesson, you must first identify the learning objectives. Then, you can design appropriate learning activities and develop strategies for checking for understanding. In other words, how will you know if a student understands and can perform the objective? A successful lesson plan addresses and integrates these three key components:
- Objectives for student learning
- Teaching/learning activities
- Strategies to check student understanding
Now I'm not going to lie; lesson plans take a LOT of time. Especially if you are in a school or district that has mandated a specific set of LP expectations. Here are just a few from my district:
Standards/objectives/essential questions/assessment/ materials/ gradual release model evident/ high engagement strategies used/ ELL strategies/ IEP accommodations used/ higher-order thinking questions prepopulated, and the list goes on.
Teams are expected to work collaboratively on creating these plans down to outlining the objectives, determining the intro or hook, planning the specific activities, creating a common assessment for the grade level, developing a conclusion and reflection, and creating a realistic timeline.
I asked teachers, and here is what they said:
Pros:
-Take the load off
-a lot of jigsaw the plans
-I like to hear others' ideas
-New teachers get help or are new to the grade level
-Some feel it keeps them consistent
-Gives a good big picture
-Easy to share
Cons:
-Lose autonomy
-Strive for mediocracy
-Another reminder that we can't be trusted
-Fear-based
-Peer pressure to conform
-When you go rouge, you have to hide
-Do differentiation
-Noisy
-Ineffective waste of time
-On our own time, not compensated
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 167: 5 Detrimental Reasons Why Lesson Plans Should NOT Be Required a Year in Advance
Interactive Read-Aloud Lesson Plans: Reading Units Comprehension for 2nd Grade
End of the Year Superhero Unit
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in
OTT 167: 5 Detrimental Reasons Why Lesson Plans Should NOT Be Required a Year in AdvanceA bill was proposed in Indiana - posting lesson plans a year in advance. This bill was created out of fear and scarcity. Here are my main points about this insane proposal;
- The Bill is too Rigid: does not allow for flexibility and response to students' needs in your class.
- It shows an outrageous expectation of our teachers: Would we ask any other professional to do this even with marketing plans and health management plans? The depth of specificity is asking too much. If they wanted a general outline, that might be different.
- It's Repetitive: Curriculum maps created by School Districts already exist. They give a broad view and big picture idea. LP is narrowed in and focused down to the minute in a classroom.
- This bill shows a distrust of the professionals who live out the plan- micromanaging, lack of respect,
- Is this just busywork? Who the hell is really going to look at this?
- Who are the intended readers of this bill? This concept is not healthy or sustainable. A basic outline of the lesson plans is sufficient. They are a tool for teachers to be organized, not for others to pick apart and decide whether or not they are worthy.
Parents who want to know what their child is learning already have this access. Google your state standards. You can already see it. Teachers use these standards to plan the lessons. Standards are what the child will learn, and there is some grace in the how [unless you live in Florida in Manatee county where you are asked to do the same thing as your entire team]. Even then, what is the goal mediocrity? I'll save that for another episode before my blood pressure goes off the rail.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
End of the Year Activities Beach Day Theme Activities BUNDLE for 1st and 2nd
STEM Con Details and Sign Up
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today’s show takes a look at the impact of school administrators on the culture of schools. Rachel, a 2nd-grade teacher from Missouri, shares her truth about being a part of a school culture that values empathy and kindness towards one another, and it all starts with the leader of the school.
2:04 Introduction to Rachel
5:23 Rachel’s Amazing
9:46 Rachel’s Teacher Tired
10:43 Principal Perks
11:43 Community Service Project Idea
14:14 Whole School Morning Meeting
15:20 Moral Building
17:53 The Power of Implementing Trauma Informed Care
18:42 Emphasis on TEACHERS!
19:00 Tap Out
19:35 Building a Family at School
19:54 How Important is the Administrator to a Teacher’s Happiness?
21:00 Evaluations
22:50 The Right Admin.
26:53 Thoughts on Changing the Current Climate
30:02 Hard Pills to Swallow
36:02 Key: CARING FOR THE TEACHERS
37:18 Emergent Engineering- Ideas for dynamic school cultures
I would love to hear from you. Leave a review on iTunes or comment below. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show.
Sweet dreams and sleep tight!
Trina
P.S. Rachel’s amazing principal can be followed on Twitter @leighmragsdale.
OTT 166: 2 Fantastic Ideas for Adjusting Your STEM LessonMary Jo is here to discuss adjusting your STEM lesson for your classroom that isn't too hard or too easy; they are just right!
Mary Jo gives us a taste of her excellent STEM con presentation on making adjustments when it comes to all things STEM.
We talk about adding or taking away constraints, finding inspiration, making it the appropriate grade level, and adding related content.
If you are interested in the plethora of information on STEM adjustment, it's not too late to join and get all the incredible information STEM Con has to offer!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Stem With Ms. M. On Instagram
STEM Con 2022 Details and Sign Up
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
OTT 165: 3 Essential Reasons to Attend STEM Con and Beyond This YearDid you happen to catch STEM Con 2022 this past weekend?! It was AMAZING!! If you did I would love to hear about it in the feedback.
If you missed it, my friend, you are in luck! It is STILL available on replay until the end of April. So hop on over to Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning.com/stemcon22!
Because I am so jazzed up, inspired, truly motivated, and on fire, I am going to share with you 3 essential reasons to attend STEM Con. I hope you stick around!
Reasons to Attend STEM Con 2022:
Essential Reason One: Camaraderie
Essential Reason Two: Inspiration
Essential Reason Three: Hope
Links Mentioned in the Show:
End of the Year Activities Camping Week Unit BUNDLE with STEM for Second Grade
STEM Con 2022 Details and Sign Up
160 How to Successfully Fit STEM in Small Time Frames
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
How Elementary Teachers Start With Project-Based LearningRenee Heinrich & I put our heads together on this podcast to talk about project-based learning.
What is project-based learning, and what does it look like in the classroom?
Renee tells us how project-based learning differs from STEM and how to stretch the band-with of what we are teaching our students to go deeper in their projects & challenges. Renee explains an actual project that she has going on with her students currently!
Links mentioned in the show
STEM Con Details and Sign Up
Science School Yard
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
How Does STEM in Elementary School Teach Collaboration and Cooperation?What do collaboration and cooperation look like in the classroom when we incorporate STEM? Loren Thorp & I discuss "cooperation over competition" using STEM in the classroom.
Is competition ever a valuable tool, or is it just a scarcity mentality on our students?
When Loren and I talked, we discussed why it is essential for us as teachers to shift our mindset from the competition to build an environment where students learn to collaborate. We want to give them the tool to go forth in life with valuable social skills like working together.
Links Mentioned in the Show
Blue Sky Designs by Mrs. T TpT Store
Blue Sky Designs by Mrs. T Facebook Page
Loren’s website (The Musings of Mrs. T)
More on this topic with The Musings of Mrs. T here!
STEM Con Details and Sign Up
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Why is it so Important to Teach Students About Careers in STEM?
Erin Twamley is joining us today about STEM careers and allowing them to imagine what that may look like for them. Today on the podcast, we will discuss ideas and ways to motivate students to get excited about their future in the STEM workforce!
Erin tells us about "The everyday Superheros," a series Erin has written about some of the careers we do not touch on in the classroom. Erin & I talk about some of the incredible opportunities for students to learn about new careers solving current real-world problems.
Links Mentioned in the Show
Erin Twamley
Everyday Super Heroes
STEM Con Details and Sign Up
How to Successfully Use STEM to Teach Social and Emotional Learning
Have you wondered HOW you can cover EVERYTHING AND focus on social and emotional learning?
Well, guess what my friend I have a very special guest and friend (who happens to be a genius and a learning theorist), Dr. Yen Verhoeven, who is on the podcast this week sharing how to use STEM to teach social and emotional learning. You have got to hear this! It will change your teaching. It is that good. Then join Dr. Verhoeven and me at STEM Con in April! We hope to see you there.
Links Mentions In the Show:
Culturally Responsive Minds
STEM Con 2022 Details and Sign Up
160 How to Successfully Fit STEM in Small Time FramesOH, the agony of not having enough time! If you are a classroom teacher trying to teach STEM or you are a special area teacher with a limited schedule then you know what I am talking about!! It is brutal. How can we get to the best part of the revision and learning from failure if we have to constantly stop due to time constraints?!
Today, my brilliant guest Kerry Tracy from Feel Good Teaching and STEM Con is here to talk to us all about how to successfully fit STEM into small time frames. I hope you stick around! Then join us at STEM Con in April. It is going to be INCREDIBLE!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Kerry Tracy at Feel Good Teaching
STEM Con 2022 Details and Sign Up
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
159 Inspiring Play in Young Children: A Conversation with Carla GullYou have hit the jackpot in teaching when a child is actually having fun while learning! When learning feels like play the world makes more sense for children. Come join Carla Gull and me for a conversation around learning and playing.
Links Included in the Episode:
Loose Parts Learning in K-3 Classrooms on Amazon
Loose Parts Nature Play Podcast
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
158 5 Fundamental Ways for Teachers to Be a Good Friend to ThemselvesTeachers need good friends now more than ever before. Times are difficult in the world of education. Teachers often feel alone and bogged down with pressure and judgment. Learning to be your own best friend can offer at least some reprieve in a world that feels like it is against you.
Today we are continuing our discussion on mindset and self-care. And we are going to get a little uncomfortable.
Being a friend to others is often pretty easy. We listen. We are kind. We offer help and support. Most teachers are naturals with these kinds of behaviors. Yet, we often don’t show ourselves the same love and support.
Today, I’ll talk about how teachers can be their own BFF. Because who doesn’t need another friend?! I’ll break it down into 5 fundamental ways to be your own best friend.
One way is to take the load off. Allow me to help you be the best version of yourself. Plus, take back some of that time to focus on other areas where you can treat yourself with a little more kindness. Join my email list and receive updates, tips, advice, deals, and more. Start with my free Makerspace Moment in Literature. This fun activity is great for Close Reading and includes a Makerspace extension. and it is yours for free as a thank you for joining my world.
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
157 How Can Schools and Administrators Reduce and Prevent Teacher Burnout?Teacher burnout is something we hear a lot about these days. Burnout is real and is existing at a crisis level. How can schools, admins, and teachers themselves prevent or reduce burnout? Come take a listen.
The most important message for teachers to hear is that burnout is not their fault. Yes, there are things we can do to help ourselves, and my guest Jennifer Rafferty talks all about this today. But there is also a great deal of pressure and stress on teachers that is a result of poor systems and expectations.
Being a teacher in 2022 often feels demoralizing and as if we are functioning in a system of oppression. When every decision you make is constantly questioned and you are often told to do things that go against what is best for children, it begins to wear you down and burnout is inevitable.
Jennifer Rafferty, the creator of the Empowered Educator, shares some very specific and helpful things that we can do to help teachers. Let’s dive in.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
JenRaferty.com
The Empowered Educator Program
The Empowered Educator on Facebook
Jenraffertymusic on Instagram
Lessons for Busy Teachers
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
156: Why Mindset Matters for Teachers and Why You Should Change Yours
Today we are talking about mindset for teachers. This can be really tricky as we often think about the mindset of our students and we disregard our own. Today, I want to talk about your mindset and why you should change it. I hope you stick around.
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
OTT: 155: How Can 2nd Graders Celebrate Black History Month?
Black History Month is an annual celebration of the heritage and achievements of African Americans. It is also a time where we recognize the key roles our black and brown brothers and sisters played in U.S. history.
Today we talk about ideas for the 2nd-grade classroom. I hope you will join me.
Not only does black history month promote diversity, but it also celebrates diversity.
Promoting diversity is bringing awareness to the idea that we are all diverse and we all have something to contribute. But when we celebrate diversity, we are conveying the idea that diversity is beautiful.
One idea is to study a specific person. I created a Black History Month Lap Book for several influential African Americans such as Jackie Robinson and Harriet Tubman. I have bundled this in my store. There is also an option to choose a person of color that means something to your second grader. I love this option the most. As this can be anyone. This lap book takes students through the research and writing process and allows them to have a creation to display that can be used to teach others.
Links Mentioned In This Show:
Black History Month Lap Book Bundle
Black History Month is about sharing and celebrating the stories of countless men and women who made a difference in our world. Some achievements are noted more than others. But all of their stories reveal how they changed the world...and how we can, too.
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
154:5 Magnificent Benefits from an Elementary Makerspace
Today we take a further look at the magnificent benefits of an elementary Makerspace.
Today we are continuing our talk about Makerspace. As you may know, I just finished 4 days of live Makersapce Masterclasses. So much fun. I love talking to educators who are interested in the wonder of Makerspace.
I also want to take this moment to let you know that my Makerspace course Mastering Makerspace: From Zero to Amazing is open and accepting enrollment. In this 4-week step-by-step game plan, you will learn how to create a meaningful Makerspace with standards-based activities that foster collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity without breaking the bank or (losing) your sanity! I hope to see you inside!
To enroll go to Mastering Makerspace on Kajabi.
5 Magnificent Benefits of Makerspace:
Benefit #1 Standards-Based
Benefit #2 Develops Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making Skills
Benefit #3 Foster Imagination, Curiosity, Creativity, and Wonder
Benefit #4 Resiliency
Benefit #5 Improve Communication Skills and Social Interactions
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Mastering Makerspace: From Zero to Amazing
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
OTT: 153: 5 Myths that Most Teachers Believe to Be True About MakerspaceLately, I've been hearing a lot about ideas, or myths if you will, around Makerspace. You know the ones where teachers say that Makerspace is just for play, or where the materials or loose parts are too expensive, or even worse Makerspace takes up too much time and is too messy.
And while most educators who believe in teaching outside of the box push through these myths, there are often times that we end up believing myths about something, and it stops us right in our tracks.
Today we talk all about how to debunk those myths and how to replace them with some truths. So that you can try new and exciting things inside of your classroom. I hope you stick around.
I totally get that now is NOT the time to try new things. Survival is the goal. I get that. Teaching is hard. We are tired.
But what if teaching could be fun again? What if kids were excited and behavior problems vanished? What if we started to LOVE our jobs again? Makerspace might just be THE thing that accomplishes these goals.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace: 5 Ideas to Integrate Makerspace Into Your Classroom (Free Masterclass)
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
OTT: 152: Is Play an Essential Aspect of a Child's Learning Process in School?
Today we are talking about play. You see, most educators have a love-hate relationship with the word “play”. We are often told to add more rigor to our lessons. And to be on the same page at the exact same time as our co-workers down the hall. (Oh, how I despise that!)
We are also often told that play in school is a bad thing. Not TRUE. There is a real-world value to play. Through play, children have the opportunity to make sense of the world around them. Plus, it is developmentally appropriate. Playing has also been known to bring joy. Who doesn't need more joy in their lives? I know I do.
The idea that children learn best through play, is one of the reasons I love Makerspace so much. Makerspace feels like play. Yet, it is so much more involved. Kids are learning, thinking, creating, exploring, and yes, playing.
Skills learned through play:
Problem-Solving
Creativity
Imagination Building
Innovation Skills
Social and Emotional Skills
Principles of Play:
- Limit restrictions
- Involve students
- Blur the lines between inside and outside
- Create the right environment
- Solve real-life problems
- Allow children to learn through experimentation
- Use a variety of materials
- Add water
- Use what you already have
- PLAY!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Loose Parts by Carla Gull, Suzanne Levenson Goldstein, and Tricia Rosengarten (affiliate link)
Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace: 5 Ideas for Integrating Makerspace Into Your Instruction
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
OTT: Episode 151: What Do Loose Parts and Makerspace Have to do with the New Year?
What do Loose parts and Makerspace have to do with the new year? They are both all about having a mindset of exploration, adventure, innovation, critical thinking, and creativity. How will you bring that to your classroom? Listen to get started.
Over Christmas break, I started reading Loose Parts by Carla Gull, Suzanne Levenson Goldstein, and Tricia Rosengarten. It is amazing! It is also completely aligned to what I believe- that kids should be learning in a play type of atmosphere where innovation, exploration, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity are at the forefront.
Come take a listen to how loose parts and Makerspace relate to the New Year!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Makerspace Thinking and Learning on Facebook
Trinadeboreet&l on Instagram
Loose Parts on Amazon (affiliate link)
OTT Episode 124: The Most Memorable and Impressive Take-Aways From STEM Con 2021
Makerspace Start-Up Kit Freebie
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
150 OTT: It's Time for a Break
It's time for a small break. One Tired Teacher is taking a snooze. I will be back in January 2022. Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Standards-Based Assessment
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
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149 OTT: 3 Interesting Ideas for Halloween in Your Primary Classroom
Are you ready for Halloween in your classroom?
If you have been opening your emails or listening to OTT, you will know that I have shared some great Halloween literature with you to spook up your classroom on Episode 148: More Halloween Books to Love and way back in Episode 50: 7 Sensational Halloween Books Kids Will Love.
I also talked about 3 Tactics to Breath New Life Into Science in October on Episode 147.
Idea # 1: Adding Halloween into Science With a Halloween Matter LapBook
Idea # 2: Makerspace Moments in Literature for Halloween
Idea # 3: Halloween Rhyming Bundle
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 50: 7 Sensational Halloween Books Kids Will Love.
Episode 148: More Fun Spooky Halloween Book to Use in Your Primary Classroom
Episode 147: 3 Secret Tactics to Breath New Life Into Science in October
Halloween Science (Matter Lapbook and Unit)
Halloween Makerspace Bundle
Halloween Rhyming Bundle
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Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
148: OTT: How to Use More Spooky Fun Halloween Books in Your Makerspace Primary Classroom
Last week's episode shared 3 secret tactics for breathing new life into your science block. This really sparked my interest in fun Halloween stories that inspire science, STEM, and Makerspace. So today I want to share some more fun books to use for the month of October.
Come take a listen as I share three more spooky fun Halloween books.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 147: 3 Secret Tactics to Breathing More Life Into Your Science Block
Episode 50: 7 Sensational Halloween Books Kids Will Love
The Halloween Tree by Susan Montanari
The Last Train on Halloween by Cindy Jennings
The Secret Halloween Costume by Sophie Vaillancourt
Halloween Makerspace Bundle
Subscribe and Review:
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Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
147: OTT: 3 Secret Tactics for Breathing New Life into Science in October
So it is that time of year again! Fall has officially begun. Even if that means you just have fall decorations in your house in Florida as I do.
So, today we will talk about 3 secret tactics for breathing new life into science in October.
Secret Tactic #1
Incorporate Halloween or Fall Into Your Science Topics
This first tactic is one of my favorite things to do. You look at your standards according to your pacing guide. (And if you are on my email list, you got my STEM unit pacing guide for several weeks in a row. So I hope you were able to grab that.) So if you are following that you may see that at this time of year we are focusing on Matter.
Secret Tactic #2
Add Hands-On Activities with Makerspace
I actually spoke all about this on the podcast in episode 96: Halloween and Makerspace in Elementary Classroom, which I will link to in the show notes.
Makerspace and Halloween can go hand in hand with just the right literature to set the stage. Finding books that engage students and encourage students to think can be half the battle. The creation of solutions is the fun part!
Working through engineering standards and literature standards helps teachers justify Makerspace for admins who are wondering if standards-based learning is occurring. This seriously drives me crazy. But if they need evidence we can give it to them!
I talk through several really fun stories. You can hear more on episode 96: Halloween and Makerspace in Elementary Classroom.
Finally, let's look at secret tactic #3.
Introduce Fun Literature to Hook Students
This is another one of my favorites. I love to find Halloween books that can be used to hook students. I talk about several fun titles in Episode 96. So I won't get too involved here. You can find that anywhere you are listening to podcasts.
I will also talk more about Halloween books to use in your classroom next week on the podcast. So stay tuned.
I hope that gives you a jumping-off point. Be sure to take a listen to episode 96 for full details on Halloween and Makerspace.
Speaking of Makerspace my free Makerspace Masterclass Replay is available for viewing
Links Mentioned in the Show:
96: Halloween and Makerspace in Elementary Classroom
Free Makerspace Masterclass Replay: Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Subscribe and Review:
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Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
146: OTT: 3 Easy Tips for STEM Planning for the Elementary ClassroomSo last week we talked about strategic steps for planning STEM units across the year. Today, I'm going to give you three tips to make it an easier and faster process. I hope you stick around!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
STEM Units Pacing Guide for Second Grade
STEM Units for Second Grade
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Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
145: OTT: 5 Strategic Steps to Teaching STEM Throughout the School YearToday I am going to break down 5 strategic steps to help you teach STEM throughout the school year. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
STEM Pacing Guide
STEM Units of Study
Halloween Matter Unit
Christmas Matter Unit
Subscribe and Review:
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Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
144: Why Are Makerspaces Important in the Elementary Classroom?Today we are talking about WHY classrooms might want to include a makerspace. Come join me.
Makerspaces are more than a dedicated space. They are a mindset. One of innovation, creativity, collaboration, community, and critical thinking.
Makerspace should exist in every elementary classroom. Do you have a Makerspace?
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Fall STEM-stravaganza
Free Makerspace Moments in Literature
Mastering Makerspace Course: From Zero to Amazing
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
143: OTT: 3 Sensational Survival Tips for Back to SchoolBack to school can be a hectic time for teachers. It is important for teachers to take care of themselves so that they in turn can take care of their students. Stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Back to School Resources
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
42: OTT: How to Create a Labor Day Activity With Kids
Celebrating holidays and teaching children the history of special days in America is a great way to get kids excited about history and holidays! Today, we talk all about Labor Day. I hope you will join me.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
All About Labor Day Interactive Reader Bundle (Print and Digital)
Labor Day LabBook
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Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
141: OTT: 3 Tips to Help Students Avoid Back-to-School AnxietyIn today's episode, I will share three tips for helping students avoid back-to-school anxiety. I hope you will join me.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
140 OTT: 2 Tips to Rock Back-to-School
Back to School Packs on TpT
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Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
140: OTT: 2 Tips to Rock Back-to-SchoolToday I will share two tips to get your school year started. I hope your year is excellent!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
139 OTT: How to Rock the First Week of School: Back-to-School Tips
Back to School Decor, First Week Team Builders, and More…
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
139: OTT: How to Rock the First Week of School: Tips for Back-to-SchoolBack to school can be a struggle for sure. But not if we have just the right procedures in place AND we have the winning mindset. Join me today as I talk to you about rocking the first week of school!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Trina Deboree Thinking and Learning on TpT Back to School
One Tired Teacher Episode 43: First Week Activities for Back to School
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
138: OTT: How to Successfully Integrate Science Into the Second Grade ClassroomIt is so easy to feel like there are not enough hours in the day to cover all the standards that we need to cover as 1st and 2nd-grade teachers. Often primary teachers in general feel like their number one task are to teach children how to read and how to add and subtract. We know that is priority number one.
So what does that mean for our content areas like science and social studies? This is where integration makes a lot of sense and can honestly be the only way to ensure that these major subject areas are covered.
Today I’m focusing on science as I am passionate about science and STEM. In fact, the very basics of STEM are an integration of multiple disciplines and how they naturally interweave. So let’s talk about how we can successfully integrate science into our second-grade classroom. I hope you will join me.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Science Bundle for the Year
STEM Units Across the Year
Holidays Matter (Christmas Matter Unit)
Holidays Matter (Halloween Matter Unit)
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
137: OTT: How to Plan Your Meet The Teacher Night Using Digital and PrintTake some notes from your virtual meet the teacher night and bring them into your face-to-face Open House. Today we are talking about preparing for Meet the Teacher Night. Save some valuable time, and join me.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
89: How to Plan a Virtual Meet the Teacher Open House
Meet the Teacher Digital and Print
Virtual Open House Meet The Teacher Packet on TpT
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
136 OTT: Three Non-Negotiables For An Effective Makerspace In Your ClassroomToday we talk about the 3 non-negotiables you will want in your classroom or school Makerspace. Come and join me.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace: The 5 Fundamentals to Getting Started (FREE Masterclass)
Mastering Makerspace: From Zero to Amazing
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
135: OTT: Makerspace Tinkering: How Tinkering Works Like Magic in Your MakerspaceToday I am thrilled to have three very special guests, Lisa Oden, Angela Stanford, and Julie Quast authors of Tinkering With Tales sit down with me and talk all about how tinkering and makerspace can make a significant impact on learning and thinking. Come take a listen.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Save My Seat Inside Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace (Free Masterclass for Teachers)
Tinkering With Tales by Lisa Oden, Angela Stanford, and Julie Quast
{Amazon Affiliate Link}
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
OTT 134 What is Makerspace and Why Does It Matter in the Classroom?Most Makerspaces are spaces where kids can investigate, tinker, discover, create, and build. And yes, they can be anything and anywhere. They don't just have to be in a special space in your school like a media center or a Makerspace room. Often Makerspace is tied to things like STEM, but it doesn't have to be limited to just these subjects. It can exist to deepen the experience with literature, practice soft skills, and even focus on social and emotional learning. (You can catch my session on SEL with Makerspace at the Whole Teacher Eclecticdon.
Whole Teacher EclecticCon 2021
No matter the objective Makerspace can be a space in your classroom, in a closet, in a tub, on the playground, or even on a cart with the goal that kids can explore creativity through engaging activities. The best part of creating a Makerspace in your own classroom is you can customize your space to cater to the specific needs of your students, their age range, and their interests, or even based on the standards you need to cover.
Makerspaces matter in our classrooms because they allow students to hone in on their own unique strengths and interests to practice valuable future-ready workforce skills such as cooperation, collaboration, empathy, determination, perseverance, and more. These are vital skills for the future, and we need to help students practice these skills.
Ultimately, unstructured learning leads to the pursuit and strengthening of important skill sets, including critical thinking, creative problem solving, self-motivation, and even SEL skills, such as productive struggle and managing failure.
Makerspace engages today’s students in a way that few traditional classroom experiences allow. For teachers, creating and promoting these spaces ensures that their learners are truly prepared to explore, ask questions, collaborate with others, and ultimately solve the challenges they will meet when they leave these schools.
So what do you think? Do your students have a makerspace in their future?
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
OTT Episode 133
Whole Teacher EclecticCon 2021
To hear more about why every classroom needs a makerspace, come join my free Masterclass- Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace: 5 Fundamentals to Getting Started.
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
133 OTT- 3 Crucial Reasons to Create a Makerspace in Your Classroom Post PandemicToday on the podcast, I share 3 crucial reasons for creating a Makerspace in your classroom now that the restrictions have been lifted. Come join me...
Makerspace is more than space or materials and tools that exist within the area, it is a mindset. The maker mindset embraces creation, collaboration, critical thinking skills, and communication. And after social distancing and masks and soooo much screen time, our kids need this makerspace now more than ever!
Links Mentioned In the Show:
Free Makerspace Start-Up Kit
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
132: 7 Steps to an Easy Big-Picture Plan for Second Grade TeachersOn today's podcast, I share 7 steps to big-picture thinking to help balance detailed oriented planning. Make planning easier and more efficient by using both picture-picture and details in your planning this school year.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
131: 5 Energizing Ideas for Hard-Working Teachers to Fully Disconnect From School
Reading Across the Year for Second Grade
Science Across the Year Digital and Print
STEM Units for the Entire Year for Second Grade
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
131: OTT: 5 Energizing Ideas for Hard-Working Teachers to Fully Disconnect From SchoolDo you need some energizing ideas to help you disconnect from school? I know it is so hard to let go of the school year. I was recently in a FB group where a third-grade teacher was feeling GUILTY about not working in the summer! I wanted to take that sweet teacher by the hand and give her a huge hug and then send her on a cruise!
Is this you? Are you struggling to disconnect? It can happen to us all. I too spent years working right through the summer. I missed years of my children's young lives to the guilt of working for FREE over the summer.
It is time to disconnect, my friend. It will actually make you a BETTER teacher in the end. Come take a listen and then share one way you disconnect in the comments.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 126: 5 Captivating Themes for Your End-of-the-Year Bonanza
Episode 128: 5 Genuine Reasons Teachers Should Plan a Vacation THIS Year
Makerspace Thinking and Learning Facebook Group (Summer Series starts June 14th.)
Mastering Makerspace Wait List
Whole Teacher EclecticCon 2021
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
130: OTT: 3 Tremendous Reasons to Include Makerspace This Summer
Summer makerspace for kids can encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration during the summer. Come join me to talk about makerspace ideas for the summer.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Summer Makerspace/STEM
Whole Teacher Eclectic Con 2021
Ricky the Rock That Could Not Roll Makerspace Moment
Ricky the Rock That Could Not Roll on Amazon
Roller Coaster Makerspace
Roller Coaster on Amazon
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
129: OTT: How to Create a Memorable Masterpiece for Father's DayCreating a Father's Day craft for Father's Day can be fun and memorable for kids and dads. Come join me as I share how to create a Father’s Day lap book.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Father’s Day Lap Book
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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
OTT: 128: 5 Genuine Reasons Teachers Should Plan a Summer Vacation THIS YearTeaching during a pandemic was ROUGH. Teachers have shown up in a big way. Now is the time for teachers to take a much-needed vacation. Where will you go this summer? Come take a listen to why teachers SHOULD plan a vacation this summer!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Whole Teacher EclecticCon
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
OTT: 127: How to Avoid End of the Year Meltdown for Teachers
Meltdown can happen to us all. Especially at the end of -the year! Things are hectic. Our to-do list is overflowing. So how can we avoid the embarrassing meltdown that can sometimes happen at school?! Come take a listen and save your end-of-the-year sanity!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
One Tired Teacher Episode 126: 5 Captivating Themes for Your End-of-the-Year Bonanza
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
126: OTT: 5 Captivating Themes for Your End of the Year Bonanza
Getting to the end of the school year comes with a mixture of feelings. I know I’ve experienced overwhelm with all the looming things that need to be done. I’ve felt frustration at the lackluster attitudes my kids have displayed, and I’ve even felt a deep sadness as the days counted down. Other years, I have to admit, I’ve felt relief. Some years you are just ready to end. There are just so many feelings.
So how do you combat the feelings that pop up? Especially the feelings of frustration and overwhelm? You use a captivating theme for an end-of-the-year bonanza! (Yes, I promise you this actually helps with overwhelm and frustration!)
Join me on today’s episode of One Tired Teachers as I share how using a theme can actually leave you feeling accomplished, relieved, and joyful! You won’t want to miss this episode.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
OTT 125: How Elementary Teachers Survive the End of the School Year
End-of-the-Year Camp Theme
End-of-the-Year Surf Theme
End-of-the-Year Sports Theme
End-of-the-Year Western Theme
End-of-the-Year Superhero Theme
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
How Elementary Teachers Survive the End of the School YearAs the school year winds down, teachers find themselves with a laundry list of things to do and not a lot of energy. So how do teachers end the year while celebrating learning and getting to all the tasks required of them? They have to get creative! That’s for sure.
It’s not an easy time. Teachers and students are tired and feeling like the last day of school can’t come soon enough. How do teachers manage to keep kids learning until the end while also having a little fun? Take a listen and find out how elementary teachers survive the end of the school year.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
End of the Year Themes for the Classroom
A to Z Countdown to Summer
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
124: OTT: The Most Memorable and Impressive Takeaways From STEM Con 2021
STEM Con 2021 was just as incredible as I had imagined! In fact, some might say it was just as amazing as last year. And some might say better! Join me for the big moments from the conference.
The good news is STEM Con 2021 is available for just a few more days! You will certainly want to get your hands on it.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
STEM Con & Beyond
117: OTT: How Do We Start an Educational Rebellion in the Current System?
118 OTT-How to Teach Simple STEM for Independent Learners For Maximum Engagement
119 OTT: Why should teachers include inspiring Read Alouds in the STEM classroom?
120 OTT- 5 Surefire Organizational Tips to Maximize Your Sensational STEM Classroom
121 OTT: How to Get to Real World Thinking Through Long Term STEM Projects
122 OTT-Help Kids Learn to Fail- A Path Towards Unwavering Resilience
123 OTT-How to Jumpstart Your STEM Classroom with Genius Ideas Using Building Bricks with Anita Goodwin
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
123 OTT-How to Jumpstart Your STEM Classroom with Genius Ideas Using Building Bricks with Anita GoodwinToday fellow STEM Con 2021 presenter and I sit down to talk about the genius ideas that can be used with building bricks. I hope you will join us!
Links Mentioned in the Show:STEM Con 2021
Anita Goodwin on Instagram Goodwinnovate
Goodwinnovate
Anita Goodwin on TpT
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
122 OTT-Help Kids Learn to Fail- A Path Towards Unwavering ResilienceFailure is success in progress. Yet, many teachers and students don't feel that way. Today, I sit down with Kerry Tracy from Kerry Tracy Feel Good Teaching and talk all about the gift of failure. I hope you will join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
STEM Con 2021
Kerry Tracy Feel Good Teaching TpT Shop
Kerry Tracy Feel Good Teaching
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
121 OTT: How to Get to Real World Thinking Through Long Term STEM ProjectsToday we are talking about how to get to real-world thinking and problem-solving through the use of long-term STEM projects with Claire M from Vivify STEM. Clair is an Engineer educator. She is a real engineer who found a passion for reaching children through STEM. She is incredible and brilliant. But she is also down to earth and has a passion for sharing her love of engineering and science with children. If you have ever thought about how am I going to motivate my students to care about the problems in the world or inspire them to solve real-world problems then you will definitely want to stick around.
Question for the week: How will you use a long-term STEM project OR What are the barriers to using a long-term STEM project? Share in the comments. (Rate the show while you are at it!)
Links Mentioned in the Show:STEM Con 2021
Vivify STEM
Vivify STEM on TpT
Podcasting School for Teachers
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
120 OTT- 5 Surefire Organizational Tips to Maximize Your Sensational STEM ClassroomOn today’s show, I sit down with Carol Davis from Teachers Are Terrific to talk all about organization! Organization is a surefire way to maintain your sanity in your STEM Classroom. Carol talks about doing a classroom edit The Home Edit way! You won’t want to miss these sensational organizational tips.
Links Mentioned in the Show:STEM Con 2021
Teachers Are Terrific
The Home Edit
15 Items You Need From the Dollar Store for STEM
Bargains For Your STEM Class
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
119 OTT: Why should teachers include inspiring Read Alouds in the STEM classroom?Finding stories that inspire students is the goal of primary teachers around the world. What you do with them after you have found the perfect books is where the magic lies. Today Brooke Brown from Teaching Outside the Box sits down with me to talk all about literature and STEM. You won't want to miss it!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
STEM Con 2021
Teaching Outside the Box
Makerspace Moment in Literature Freebie
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
118 OTT-How to Teach Simple STEM for Independent Learners For Maximum Engagement
Very often as we start our journey into teaching with an interdisciplinary mindset such as STEM, we get overwhelmed with how to integrate a variety of disciplines. The key really is to just start somewhere. Renee Henrick from Science Schoolyard talks to us about simple STEM ideas and how to nurture independent learners. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
STEM Con 2021
Episode 76: The Biggest Takeaways from STEM Con 2020
Science Schoolyard
Science Schoolyard on TpT
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
117: OTT: How Do We Start an Educational Rebellion in the Current System?
Isn't it time for an educational rebellion? Today I sit down with Dr. Yen Venverhoeven to talk about transcurricular STEM integration and we wind around to the most important topic of all- an educational rebellion. Come join the movement!
And I have to say this, teachers, you're not pawns in this game, no matter what the system tells you, you are the most highly trained and qualified players in that game. You are queens.
-Dr. Yen Verhoeven
The problem was stem and steam. The problem even thinking cross-curricular, is that we still have this assumption that science, technology, engineering, math, art, all of those subjects are subjects that can be tackled independently of each other. But the real-life situations and problems are not siloed into these subjects, right. The difficult problems that we face in our society now require a complex three-dimensional approach where and here's the difference in how We think about, like, how we approach things trans curricular.
- Dr. Yen Verhoeven
When we look at a trans-curricular approach. It's about putting the skills in the center, the 21s- century skills in the center. And then from those skills, drawing upon what kinds of tools are going to be most appropriate in the service of solving a question or problem?
- Dr. Yen Verhoeven
But in order to teach students how to learn anything, I'm going to say this, if you can teach them the skills to learn anything, anything at all, they will be able to accomplish everything that you give them.
- Dr. Yen Verhoeven
Links Mentioned in the Show:
One Tired Teacher Episode 73: Distance Learning, STEM, and Educational Reform
Rebel Teachers Group on Facebook
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Episode 116 - OTT: How to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing in the Classroom with Natasha Nurse Clarke
Natasha Nurse Clarke has so much to share with us today! She talks about her past as a nurse and how it has prepared her for college-level teaching. She also reveals many methods to get her students to open up and get the creative juices flowing. She stresses the importance of getting students involved in class and how it can lead to a future passion for them. Whether you teach elementary or college, you don’t wanna miss this episode!
Meaningful Quotes:
There's a process to that, yeah, there's this whole kind of warming up the process and building rapport and getting to know each other. It's the same thing with teaching, you know, you have to first even before I get into all of my fun things, and activities and assignments, even before that you have to begin to build a relationship.
~Natasha Nurse Clarke
You have to build that rapport, you have to build those connections, or you're not gonna have time and kids won't do what you need them to do.
~Natasha Nurse-Clarke
Okay, so that first step is trying to get them to make that connection with you, then you get them making connections with each other.
~Natasha Nurse Clarke
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Natasha Nure-Clarke
The Online Educator
WREN Mills Pear Approach
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
115: Why Every Classroom Needs a MakerspaceMakerspace is an excellent way to engage kids in thinking and learning. Today I give you a peek into my free Makerspace Training- Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace. Then we talk about the 5 fundamentals to getting yours up and running. I hope you stick around.
The doors are officially open to Mastering Makerspace: From Zero to Amazing. Bring a Makerspace to your learning environment and help your students fall in love with learning.
Links Mentioned in the Show:Mastering Makerspace: From Zero to AmazingSubscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
114: OTT: All About Running a Makerspace in a SchoolThis week Gretchen Campbell shares with us how to create a Makerspace STEM Lab! She asked one question and it led to the creation of a school-wide Makerspace. She even reveals her own mobile STEAM Makerspace, STEAM on Wheels! Stick around, you won’t want to miss it!
Links Mentioned in the Show:Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace: The Five Fundamentals to Getting One Up and Running
Makerspace Thinking and Learning With Trina Deboree
STEAM on Wheels
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the
113: OTT: A Conversation About Makerspace
Join me today as I speak to a fellow educator and a Makerspace teacher from Arkansas. We talk all about Makerspace- the mindset, the materials, the barriers, and the enthusiasm they bring to schools. I hope you will join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Makerspace Masterclass: Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace: The 5 Fundamentals to Getting Started
STEM Con 2021
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
112: OTT: All About Makerspace Materials in the Classroom
Short on materials for your Makerspace? No worries! There are several inexpensive ways to gather materials for your classroom. From asking those who are willing for donations to keeping simple arts and crafts on hand, the possibilities (and supplies) are endless!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 111: How Not to Allow Space Define Your Makerspace
Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace - The Five Fundamentals to Getting Yours Up and Running
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
How Not to Allow Space Define Your Makerspace in the Classroom
Many educators can get hung up on the lack of space they have for a Makerspace in their classroom. But you don't have to! There are several solutions to your space issues. So don't allow your space (or lack of it) to define your Makersapce in your classroom. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Register for STEM Con 2021
Free Makerspace Start-Up Kit
Episode 30 - Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Episode 31 - Launching a Makerspace
Episode 100 - 5 Genuine Components of Developing a Maker Mindset
Episode 101 - 6 Attributes for Creating an Amazing Makerspace
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
110: All About Choice Boards in the Classroom
Loren Thorpe joins us today all the way from Australia! She is sharing her ideas for choice boards and shares her “50 Ways of Using Choice Boards in your Classroom.” She also shares the different options you could use on your choice board for different grade levels. Join us as we explore the benefits of choice boards!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
MakerSpace Thinking and Learning FB Group
Blue Sky Designs by Mrs. T TPT
Blue Sky Designs by Mrs. T Facebook
Loren’s website
'How to Use Student Choice Boards for ELA Assessment' blog post:
'50 Free Activity Ideas for Student Choice Boards' link:
'Student Choice Board Set' (for upper elementary) resource:
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
109: Mindset in the Classroom: What This Means for Teachers
What does having a growth mindset mean in your classroom for you as the educator? We talk about growth mindset for our classroom with the terms of our students and what we want for our students, but what about ourselves? We want to teach our kids to see the big picture. We want them to better understand where they are in their learning process. We want them to learn from their mistakes and to see failure as a success turned inside out. Join me as I talk about what the growth mindset means for students and educators in the classroom!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 13: Growth Mindset
Maybe by Kobi Yamada
Tryingby Kobi Yamada
Getting Started with Makerspace Kit
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
108: 5 Teacher Goals for the New Year
Happy new year. It is 2021. It's hard to believe that we are actually in the new year. I know there are so many teachers out there that are feeling so thankful that we have ended 2020, and we are now moving into 2021. There's a lot of expectations for this year and a lot of hope. We are ready for something new, change, something different.
Goal #1:
I want you to take care of yourself. I want us all to be kind to ourselves and to really take care of ourselves this year. And whether that means that we're going to exercise more, or relax more, or we're going to have fun or we're going to create memories. Think of those things, because life is really short. You just don't know how much time you're going to have in this lifetime. And we want to make sure that we're embracing it to its fullest.
Goal #2
Let go of the guilt. We've got to let go of the guilt. We're in this vicious guilt, shame cycle. And we shame one another. We see another teacher leave on time. And we think- What are they doing? They're not working as hard. Or we see somebody else doing a job, and we're like, oh, they don't have to work as much as I do. And we judge. And we shame. It's like this vicious cycle, and it happens because we are in a system of lack.
Goal #3:
I want to go back to number two for a second because I want to talk about a habit that you can change. I want you to think about leaving work, at least 50% of the time. Or maybe you're going to start with 40% of the time. But make a change. Make it even if it's 10% of the time. Maybe you only leave on time, one day a week. Just make a small change.
Goal #4
Practice gratitude. I talked about this at Thanksgiving because I think it's so important. But when we practice gratitude, it helps us to not focus so much on the negative things. Practicing gratitude can make big things seem more relative.
Goal #5:
Feel your feelings. So I think it's important for us to feel our feelings. You don't have to just brush them under the rug. I get so irritated when people say just be positive. You know, it's really hard to be positive, especially when you have depression and anxiety, which I do. And so it's hard to just be positive. It's not like I'm walking around being depressed on purpose.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Goal Setting Task Cards
Gratitude Journal Digital and Print Bundle
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
107: 4 Important Things Every Teacher Needs To Do Before Winter Break
Today we talk all about the 4 necessary things to do before you leave for winter break. These items will ensure your 2021 starts off on the right foot and prevents you from going into January with a feeling of dread and overwhelm. I hope you will join me.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Download Free New Year's Task Cards
7 Christmas Books Kids Will Love
Episode 58: 5 Blissful Ideas to Make This Holiday Spectacular for Teachers.
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
106: OTT: 7 Christmas Books Kids Will Love
Today I sit down and share 7 of the most engaging children's Christmas books. Finding the right book to read the last few weeks before Christmas can be tough when you are wiped out. So let me help you find the perfect stories to tell your students. Sit back and enjoy the show, will you?
The Top 7 Christmas Books Kids Will Love:
(These are affiliate links that do not change the price for you.)
Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus by Chris Plehal
T’was the Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore
Christmas Trolls by Jan Brett
The Gift of the Magi by O’Henry
Are You Grumpy Santa by Gregg Spiridellis
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 105: Countdown to Christmas
Christmas Trolls Makerspace and Close Read
Are You Grumpy, Santa Makerspace
Polar Express Close Reading Unit
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus Close Reading Unit
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
105: Countdown to Christmas
The last few weeks before Christmas can be tough in the Elementary Classroom. Today we talk all about ways to make the last few weeks meaningful and fun! We are counting down to Christmas. I hope you will join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar Activity
Christmas Makerspace
Christmas Around the World Lapbook
Holidays Matter- Christmas States of Matter
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
104: Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! On today’s show, I want to tell you how grateful for you and your support. I hope you are surrounded by loved ones and are getting so much-needed rest.
If you are in need of some Christmas activities, check out my Christmas section in my shop on TpT:
Christmas Activities
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
103: Systems and Organization in the ESE Classroom with Sabrina Crews
Today we have s special guest, Sabrina Crews from Ms. Crews Classroom Creations. Sabrina has been teaching students with special needs for eight years. Ms. Crews has two MEd’s in curriculum and instruction with a focus on special education and literacy.
Sabrina shares a wealth of information on organizational systems for the ESE classroom. However, these systems are relevant for all classrooms. Systems help teachers better manage time, materials, and overload, as well as help to make sure everything is running smoothly. I hope you will come take a listen.
Sabrina also talks about systems that could be implemented in a Makerspace. And you know how excited I am about Makerspace.
Speaking of systems for a Makerspace. Have you considered instituting jobs in your makerspace? This is an extremely beneficial system to have in place. Jobs help children know what is expected and how they can buy in to the process. You can grab my Makerspace job description posters below.
You can also grab Sabrina’s Instructional Matrix below. Thanks, Sabrina!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Instructional Matrix Freebie
Makerspace Job Posters Freebie
Ms. Crews Classroom Creations
IG: @Mscrewsclassroomcreations
TpT: Ms. Crews’ Classroom Creations
Pinterest: @Mscrewsclassroomcreations
Facebook: Ms. Crews’ Classroom Creations
Molly’s Pilgrim Unit
Thanksgiving Makerspace
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
102: How to Embrace Thanksgiving in Your Makerspace
How do you bring Thanksgiving and the attitude of gratitude to your makerspace? Today we talk about the practice of gratitude and creating moments for kids to think and build based on literature with a Thanksgiving theme. All the activities discussed in this episode take a closer look at growth-mindset elements like working through challenges, practicing being thankful, believing in the power of yet, and so much more.
Thanksgiving is a great time of year to focus on being grateful as well as celebrating each other’s differences. Being in the classroom with children who better understand productive failure and showing appreciation for the things we have builds a solid loving community. I hope you will join the conversation.
How do you practice gratitude? How do you celebrate Thanksgiving in your classroom or makerspace? (Share in the comments below.)
Links Mentioned in the Show:
100-5 Genuine Components of Developing a Maker Mindset
101: 6 Attributes for Creating an Amazing Makerspace
Gratitude Journal for Kids Digital VersionGratitude Journal for Kids
Makerspace Moments in Literature for Thanksgiving
A Turkey for Thanksgiving on Amazon
A Plump and Perky Turkey on Amazon
The History of the Thanksgiving Day Parade Digital and Print
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
101: 6 Attributes for Creating an Amazing Makerspace
Today we take a closer look at six attributes to creating an amazing makerspace to include all types of learners. Come take a listen.
6 Attributes:
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Tailored to Your Community
-
Embrace Critical Thinking
-
Inclusive
-
Differentiated
-
Clear Vision
-
Inspiring
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Piggie and Gerald Makerspace Challenge Cards
Piggie and Gerald Books on Amazon
Makerspace Moments in Literature
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
100-5 Genuine Components of Developing a Maker Mindset
Today we are talking all about the genuine components of developing a maker mindset. A maker mindset begins with believing in the possibilities of making. Most importantly we need to remember that the space and tools don't define a makerspace. It is actually the ability to see the possibility.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Makerspace Start-Up Kit and Procedure Bundle
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
99- How to Reframe Our Understanding of Why Children Act Out
Teaching is at an all-time level of difficulty. Throw behavior challenges into the mix and you have a recipe for disaster. How can teachers keep their sanity and also better understand where these behaviors are coming from and why they are occurring. Join Leslie Belvins and I for a conversation on behavior function and how to look at the behavior with empathy and grade while also taking care of the rest of the class and yourself. I hope you will join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
To learn more about Dr. Blevins or to watch her child development and behavior videos each week, go to EnildaClinic.com/learning.
She just started an interactive group on Facebook, Positive Parenting Q and A. You can ask her questions there and she'll answer them every Wednesday in a Facebook Live. Follow Dr. Blevins at YouTube (@enildaclinic), Instagram (@enildaclinic) and Facebook (@enildaclinic).
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
98: 13 Remarkable Ideas to Help Kids Fall in Love With Reading
I've sadly seen a lot of children resisting reading in the past 5 years. It has been heartbreaking. When we lose the passion for something, we stop doing it. I believe there are things we can do to create passionate lovers of reading. I hope you stick around.
13 Remarkable Ways to Help Kids Fall in Love With Reading:
- Read to them!
- Model a passion for reading
- Give them lots of choices.
- Bring them to the Media Center/Library
- Give them time to read.
- Read for the fun of it!
- Theme out your book nook.
- Display books.
- Stop testing them every second.
- Conquer the log and the summary.
- Start a book club.
- Ask them questions.
- Treat books like they are magical.
If you treat books like they are magical, kids will grow up believing that they are.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 97: 7 Dreadful Ways to Kill the Love of Reading
Makerspace Moments in Literature
Bundle of What Do You Do? Makerspace
By Kobi Yamada:
What Do You Do With an Idea?
What Do You Do With a Problem?
What Do You Do With a Chance?
Maybe
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
97: 7 Dreadful Ways to Kill the Love of Reading
Today we are talking about the ways in which we kill the love of reading in our children and students. This episode is based on a very upsetting incident that occurred when I was reading with a group of fifth-graders recently. I hope you will join me.
The Seven Ways that We Unintentionally Destroy the Love of Reading for Children:
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Test Everything
-
Eliminate Choice
-
Use Reading as a Punishment
-
Force Kids to Read
-
Require Kids to Keep Reading Logs or Summaries
-
Use Borning Programs
-
Eliminate libraries
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Bring Back the Joy of Reading With a FREE Makerspace Moment in Literature
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
96: Halloween and Makerspace in the Elementary Classroom
Makerspace and Halloween can go hand in hand with just the right literature to set the stage. Finding books that engage students and make them think is half the battle. The creation of solutions is the fun part!
This episode takes a closer look at several different books that can be used in October or for Halloween. Students work through literacy standards and then extend their understanding by having them work through the engineering design process by asking questions about the problems in the story, making a plan or a blueprint of possible solutions, getting to work creating and testing these solutions, refining them as necessary, and reflecting upon the solution. Students also should have the opportunity to share and showcase solutions. Comparing and contrasting solutions helps students see how important iterations are in finding solutions that work.
We want students to ask questions about the problem and about possible solutions, and we want students to use this inquiry-based learning to better understand how they can create a model of a solution. Another option is to take an already existing solution and revise and refine it.
Working through engineering standards and literature standards helps teachers justify Makerspace for admins who are wondering if standards-based learning is occurring.
I talk through several really fun stories. You can hear more by clicking the play button above.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Makerspace Moment in Literature Halloween Bundle
These links are affiliate links which means the price is the same for you, but I earn a very small commission on your purchase. This helps me run the podcast.
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
Somethin' Pumpkin by Scott Allen
This is the House that Monster Built by Steve Metzger
Skeleton for Dinner by Margery Cuyler
Halloween Makerspace Bundle
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
95: How to Incorporate Piggie and Gerald Into Elementary STEM
Using literature to inspire children to think and create is a powerful way to integrate STEM into the classroom or media center.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Elephant and Piggie Makerspace Challenge Cards
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
94: Three Important Reminders for Teachers
Today I want to take this time to remind teachers of three important life habits that they cannot let go of during challenging times. I hope you will join me.
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
93: Which LMS works the best for my Elementary Classroom?
Choosing an LMS, a learning management system during e-learning can be difficult. There are so many things to consider such as the end-user experience, assignment submission, the ease of the platform, and organization, and so much more. Today, we take a look at three popular platforms and break down the pros and cons of each. I hope you will join me.
What is an LMS?
An LMS is a learning management system that delivers content for the learner and offers a type of virtual classroom experience.
Today we will discuss the pros and cons of Schoology, Edmodo, and Google Classroom. Google Classroom is not an official LMS, but it is a content deliverer. Tune in for more.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Schoology
Edmodo
Google Classroom
Google Slide Resources on TpT by Trina Deboree
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
92: The Truth About Elementary STEM Club: A Sneak Peek Behind the Scenes
Elementary STEM Club is a group that includes over 800 educators and STEM experts who believe in learning and growing together around STEM topics. If you are not a member, you are missing out. Join me for an in-depth look at Elementary STEM Club.
What’s included in Elementary STEM Club:
- Support and connections to educators and STEM experts
- Resources and lessons based on three themes- Teambuilding, The Engineering Design Process, and Growth Mindset and Failure
- Live Panels
- Book Talks with outstanding STEM picture book authors
- Collaboration
- Motivation
- High energy
- Fun
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Elementary STEM Club
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
91: A Teacher's Perspective on the New Normal
Teaching during a pandemic is difficult. It comes with many challenges such as public criticism, concerns over health and safety, teaching barriers, and pure exhaustion. Today I share my own perspective on what it means to teach during this new normal.
What can we do to move forward?
Take care of yourself. Get the proper rest you need, set boundaries, leave on time, stop judging one another, strive for a win-win, make connections with others, join groups that support you and inspire you, and be honest about your feelings. All of these things can help you persevere during difficult times. Another suggestion is to keep a gratitude journal. Gratitude journaling can help a great deal. Most of all, believe in yourself and what you are doing.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Elementary STEM Club
Gratitude Journal Paper Pencil
Gratitude Journal on Google Slides
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
90: 5 Reasons to Teach Digital Citizenship
Building a community of students that treat one another like family is part of a normal start-up during back-to-school time. During this time of distance learning and blended learning, it is now more important than ever to teach children how to be responsible digital citizens.
I hope you will join me as I share the 5 reasons why teaching digital citizenship is so important. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Virtual Open House Meet the Teacher Pack
Digital Citizenship (Options for K-3rd grade)
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
89: How to Plan a Virtual Open House Meet the Teacher
During this time of social distancing, many schools are going online with their open house. In this episode, I talk all about what you need to keep in mind to hold a virtual meet the teacher. I hope you stick around.
Whether you are going back to school full-time face-to-face, hybrid, or virtually, you will most likely need to do a virtual open house. Why not have everything all thought out in advance?
Hopefully, this episode will help you think through pieces that you will need to run a successful virtual open house. I also have created a virtual open house meet the teacher packet to make life just a little bit easier. Link below.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
78: Adding Flipgrid to Your Distance Learning Strategy
79 Flipgrid 101
Virtual Open House Meet The Teacher Packet on TpT
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
88: Problem Solving in the Math ClassroomToday Meg Anderson from The Teacher Studio talks all about the power of problem-solving in the math classroom. Students often struggle in the area of problem-solving. Their go-to response is- I don’t get it. So how can we get them to stop and create a mental image and push through with critical problem-solving skills? Tune in to find out how we can get kids to start solving problems on their own.
Links Mentioned in the Show:Meg Anderson from the Teacher Studio on Facebook
The Teacher Studio on TpT
The Teacher Studio
You Cubed
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
87: The Power of Integrating Writing Into Science AND Science on a BudgetIntegrating content areas into the ELA block allows more science to be taught to students using valuable skills such as writing. That still leaves teachers with hands-on science activities to accomplish. How can you include all the materials you need? That's where science on a budget comes in.
Today is part two of last week’s episode with Kristin Muse from Samson’s Shoppe. Today we talk all about science and writing and science on a budget. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:Kristin Muse from Samson’s Shoppe on TpT
Samson’s Shoppe
Samsonsshoppe on Instagram
Whole Teacher EclecticCon 2020
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
86- Three Spectacular Tech Tools for Remote Learning
Kristin and I met in a presenter group for Whole Teacher EclecticCon that begins July 27th. After listening to Kristin’s session titles you are going to want to join us! Click here to join WTE.
Kristin is a teacher from New York who shares her passion for technology and science. Kristin shares some excellent tools to take with us into remote or distance learning. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Edpuzzle
Insert Learning (Google Extension)
Webpane (Google Extension)
Kristin Muse from Samson’s Shoppe on TpT
Samson’s Shoppe
Samsonsshoppe on Instagram
Whole Teacher EclecticCon 2020
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
85-Increasing Social and Emotional Learning Through STEM
The social and emotional components in learning are such an important part of the whole child. Today Claire Meschkat from Vivify STEM and I sit down to talk about how to cover these important SEL elements through STEM instruction. I hope you will join us.
Highlights from the Show:
So I think the thing that I've learned is that with STEM, like in my background, I love space exploration and figuring out how airplanes fly and all that stuff. And I thought oh, then I should be designing them and everything. But what I really loved was telling other people about it. I love talking about those things, and that is what teachers do. They help others do the things that they're passionate about and get to share that passion with them. So I'm so excited to now be in this role, and see how Kids can achieve so much when you inspire them with something. ~Claire Meschkat (Vivify STEM)
And I think that we need that. We need that for kids, especially our kids, you know, now when they have such a world available to them, but sometimes I don't think they realize that they do have all these different options. ~Trina Deboree
You know, that's what I really like about STEM is that STEM skills are really life skills. You know, that teamwork, the problem solving the critical thinking, and perseverance. So, you know, before I get ahead of myself here, but even with the social-emotional learning, like all of that wrapped up into STEM is just such an amazing practice for what kids are going to experience beyond the classroom. ~Claire Meschkat (Vivify STEM)
Links Mentioned in the Show:
82: The Magic of Hands-On Integrated Units in the Classroom
83: How to Engage Students Online and How to Ensure Equal Access
84: How to Add More Science Into Your Online or Physical Classroom
Space Landing Challenge
Vivify STEM
12 Ways to Boost Social-Emotional Learning with STEM
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
84: How to Add More Science Into Your Online or Physical Classroom
Welcome to One tire teacher, Episode 84- How to Add More Science Into Your Online or Physical Classroom with Rene Heinrich. I'm excited today to have Renee on the show. She is a wealth of information. She is coming from the store Science schoolyard. So Renee does a lot of focusing on science. She is very passionate about science. I love to talk to people that are passionate about the subject in which they are speaking. It's just awe-inspiring and motivating. It's exciting. So I hope that you will find value today as we talk about specifically what it is like for elementary school teachers and how sometimes we have such a hard time really getting to those content areas. Science is so important, and Renee gives us some really, really good strategies to fit in science time and hands-on learning. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Whole Teacher EclecticCon 2020
Flipgrid
Seesaw
Boom Cards
Google Slides
iPad
Chromebook
Next Generation Science Standards
Science Schoolyard on Instagram
Science Schoolyard on TpT
Science Schoolyard
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
83: How to Engage Students Online and How to Ensure Equal Access
Today I sit down with Brian from the dynamic duo Wise Guys. Brian and I talk about how to engage students while online with connections, games, fun technology, and more. We also have a great discussion about the importance of providing equal access to education for all students. I hope you will join us.
Key Moments in the Show:
Kids aren't a test score. Kids are not based on assessments. Kids are creative. Kids are unique, and they need time to be able to have that. If you start a school year by just going full core, It's going to be disastrous. From day one, you're going to lose kids right away and the kids that are doing okay are going to be stressed out from the workload. And I really worry for districts that just want to go back and throw everything at students right away. That's not what they need right now. If you look at childhood trauma that's going on right now it is really increased significantly. And we need to be there for the whole child. Yes, academics are important. I think we all want our students to succeed. But in order to get there, you have to have that commitment to community and that commitment to caring. If you don't have caring and community, you can't succeed. ~Brian Wiltgen
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Whole Teacher EclecticCon 2020
Kahoot
Canvas
Gimkit
Online Scavenger Hunt
Distance Learning Bundle with 18 Resources
25 Culturally Responsive Teaching Cards
Oregon Trail Simulation
US Constitution Detectives
Wise Guys TPT Store
Would You Rather
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
82: The Magic of Hands-On Integrated Units in the Classroom
Today I have a special guest Amy Mezni from Teaching Ideas 4U. And we are going to talk all about the magic of hands-on integrated units. Hope you stick around.
I met Amy because we both are presenting at Whole teacher Eclecticcon 2020, which takes place at the end of July. July 27 Is the start date. This conference is going to be an amazing experience. It is focused on the whole teacher and all parts of teaching. We very often talk about focusing on the whole child, we now are focusing on the whole teacher so every part of teaching will be addressed. We can sit back in our pajamas or by the pool and really take in this intentional focused professional development. It's also available for a full year, so you don't have to listen to all 60 sessions at once. That's a lot of sessions! You can kind of pick and choose what is appropriate for you and what's going to motivate and inspire you before the new school year. You can then save a couple for the next month and have some throughout the school year. You can have professional development all year, that would be pretty cool, wouldn't it? So I hope that you will join us at Whole teacher EclecticCon 2020.
Immediately upon enrollment, you will receive my free download of podcasting exit tickets for distance learning. So I'm really excited to offer that. Not to mention, you also receive over $125 worth of freebies when you register for Whole teacher EclecticCon 2020. So that's really cool. It is a $38 training and basically, you more than triple your investment for the materials that you receive. So hopefully you will join us. So let's get on with the show.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Whole Teacher EclecticCon 20
Teaching Ideas 4U
Teaching Ideas 4U on TpT
Teaching Ideas 4U on Facebook
Teaching Ideas 4U on Instagram
The Teacher’s Lounge (A Facebook Group for Upper Elementary Teachers)
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
81: 5 Big Benefits of Using Podcasts in the Classroom Podcasts are a great piece of technology that you can incorporate into your blended learning environment. Podcasts are engaging and informative in the physical classroom as well as online from a distance. I hope you will join me today as I discuss the 5 benefits of using podcasts in the classroom. Links Mentioned In the Show:
80: Black Lives Matter Movement in Education
Whole Teacher EclecticCon 2020
Bundle: Mysteries (Genre) Unit of Study Unit 3 AND A Mystery Celebration Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today's show is uncomfortable. It is in the uncomfortable that we will disrupt white fragility and increase our capacity to sustain the discomfort of not knowing. I hope you will join me.
I know for me I want to do and be better in terms of being anti-racist. It isn’t enough to not be a racist. I need to be anti-racist. We don’t have to be a racist to benefit from the system of racism.
This is a hard conversation, but one that must occur to eliminate barriers for our students of color. I know I struggle to start this conversation, but it is one I hope will impact the necessary change we need in our educational systems and classrooms.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
Educating the Educator Facebook Group (Book Study)
Unconscious Bias in Schools: A Developmental Approach to Exploring Race and Racism by Tracey A. Bensen and Sarah E. Fiarman
What Educators Should and Should Not Do in Response to George Floyd’s Death (Education Week Teacher)
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
79 Flipgrid 101
Fllipgrid is a free video response platform that allows kids to show what they know through a video. Flipgrid makes it fun and engaging. I hope you will join me.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Flipgrid
78: Adding Flipgrid to Your Distance Learning Strategy
Subscribe and Review:Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
78: Adding Flipgrid to Your Distance Learning Strategy
Flipgrid is a FREE video response platform where educators can have online video discussions with their students and is a powerful platform for which to engage kids and offer alternative options for showing what you know. Today I talk all about Flipgrid and the power behind the video.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Flipgrid
77: End of the Year Distance Learning Activities
Would You Rather Digital Game
Digital Exit Tickets for ELA
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
77: End of the Year Distance Learning Activities to Excite Your Students
The end of the year in the classroom can be stressful. Add distance learning to the mix and watch out! Today we talk all about ways to keep your students engaged, learning, and coming back for more. I hope you will join me.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
7 Ways to Survive and Thrive at the End of The School Year
A to Z Countdown to Summer for Distance Learning
Would you Rather On-Line Game
End-of-the-Year Distance Learning Surf Themed Unit for 1st and 2nd Grade
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
76: The Biggest Takeaways From STEM Con 2020
Over 4,000 educators came together to learn and grow around STEM education. The result was motivated, enthusiastic, inspired teachers ready to make a change in education!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
STEM Con 2020 Second Chance
72: All Things STEM With Kerry Tracy
73: Distance Learning, STEM, and Educational Reform Dr. Yen Verhoeven
74: The T in STEM with Anita Goodwin
Makerspace Moment in Literature
STEM Units of Study Grade 2
Elementary STEM Con 2020 was a 28 session conference based on STEM topics such as The Three Levels of STEM, STEM challenges, STEM assessment, Podcasting in the STEM Classroom, Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace, STEM Across Time, Green Screen, Coding, Stop Motion, and so much more! Plus, there were BONUS panels with experts in the education field, interviews, children’s book authors, and so much more.
If you missed this epic adventure, you have a SECOND CHANCE to snatch the content. Join today and download a free Makerspace Moment in Literature BUNDLE upon registering.
75-Virtual Classroom Management
An e-learning environment can be a shift for teachers who are used to a traditional classroom setting. Yet, there are some things that we need in both- classroom management. I hope you will join Leslie Dunn and myself as we talk about virtual procedures and routines.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Gratitude Journal for Kids for Distance Learning
Would You Rather (Team Building) For Distance Learning
Attention Getters by Leslie Dunn (Teaching Dunn Simply)
Instagram: @teachingdunnsimply
Facebook: Teaching Dunn Simply
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
74: The T in STEM
Today we are talking all about the T (technology) in STEM. So much fun! Anita Goodwin and I sit down and talk about the power of integrating meaningful technology.
Anita Goodwin on Instagram
Goodwinnovate on Facebook
Goodwinnovate on Twitter
Goodwinnovate on Pinterest
Goodwinnovate
Anita Goodwin on TpT
Podcast Response Mega Bundle by Trina Deboree
STEM Con 2020
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
73: Distance Learning, STEM, and Educational Reform
This powerful episode discusses the significance of knowing the difference between distance learning and in-school learning as well as the importance of teaching STEM through either platform and how all of this thinking can and should lead to the realization that we need to knock it all down and build something new and extraordinary. Join Dr. Yen Verhoeven and I as we discuss these three important subjects.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
STEM Con 2020
Episode 72: All Things STEM
Your Teacher’s Distance Learning Toolkit by Yen Verhoeven
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
72: All Things STEM
The world of STEM is exciting and engaging for students and teachers alike. Today Kerry Tracy sits down with me and talks all things STEM. We also discuss the super exciting STEM Con 2020. I hope you will join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Kerry Tracy on TpT
Kerry Tracy on YouTube- Feel Good Teaching
Stemchallenges.com
Makerspace Moments in Literature
STEM Units of Study for Second Grade
STEM Con 2020
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
71: Distance Learning: What are the Trials and Treasures?
The best/worst thing all at once is it shows how American teachers and students can turn on a dime and revolutionize education delivery in A WEEK! Wow! We have adapted so quickly so that is the best! Teachers have come together and worked to make creative solutions! The hard part is we did it without budgets, training, or materials. This is a tremendous amount of stress on teachers and students
Links Mentioned in the Show:
18: One Tired Teacher: Integrating Technology Into the Primary Classroom
66: Google Classroom With Bethany Rodgers
Mosaic Church with Erwin McManus
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning on TpT
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning Learn At Home
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning.com
Podcasting School for Teachers
Podcasting Academy for Teacherpreneurs
Trina Deboree on Instagram (Trinadeboreetandl)
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning on Facebook
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
70: Remote Learning Suggestions
Today we are talking about tips and strategies for distance learning, remote learning, e-learning or whatever you call this time in history where teachers are asked to teach from home. We are all in this together, and we will persevere. I hope you will join me.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Week-long plan for E-Learning 2nd grade
At home Section of my website for Read Alouds
Distance Learning Section of my Store on TpT
Gaming devices - how to get on Xbox
Graming Device- how to get on PS4
Zoom
Skype
Google Hangouts
Google Classroom
Schoology
Edmodo
Google Resources for Distance Learning
Google Drive
Free Parent Directions
Virtual Field Trips
Kidrex.org
Podcasts for Kids
Podcast exit tickets
Podcasting School for Teachers to start a podcast for your class (Discounted currently)
Brain pop
Scholastic at home
Read Alouds with Standards
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
The Coronavirus is causing schools to shut down and put learning on-line. Teachers are scrambling to put together plans for weeks of distance learning and hoping to keep their kids and families healthy.
In order to help teachers make the transition a little easier to e-learning, I have created a week of plans for second-grade teachers that are available in my store on TpT for FREE. I hope this helps just a bit. I have also gathered some great digital resources, as well. Grab that below.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Free Week of Lessons for E-Learning in Second Grade
Free E-Learning Resources
Resources on Google Drive
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
68: Emergency Sub Plans and Germs
When you just can’t make it into work, having an emergency set of sub plans is the answer to a prayer! At my school, we were required to have a week’s worth of sub plans. I couldn’t be happier to have 2 sets! That took me through all 10 of my sick days. And you never know when you need them!
And since it is that time of year where yes I am sick, I thought you might be interested in my little reader- Germs, Germs, Germs: A Problem With Germs. Here’s to YOU not having a problem with germs! Stay healthy and keep teaching and learning.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Emergency Sub Plans- 5 Days of Plans
Emergency Sub Plans- Winter Theme 5 Days
Germs, Germs, Germs: The Problem With Germs
How to Put My Emergency Sub Plans Together Video Tutorial
Here is what teachers are saying about My Emergency Sub Plans:
My school requires 5 days of sub plans (due by the first week of school). We are all teachers here.. we know how hectic the beginning of the school year can be. 5 days of sub plans on top of it all? A couple of hours ago.. I was sitting trying to figure out how I was gonna get it all done by tomorrow (procrastination at it's finest..) I decided to get on this handy dandy website and WHAM.. 5 days done after a click of a button. You are a lifesaver. This is the best $10 dollars I ever spent. THANK YOU! :)
This was the best $10 I have spent all year! Thank you so much for putting in all of this work! You made creating my emergency sub plans a snap.
This is great! While I hope I don't have to use them...just knowing I have them ready is so helpful! It was so easy to put together my emergency sub folder using your product!
I love these emergency sub plans. I'm currently a new teacher for a second grade class and having an unplanned sick day can be killer if I have to go in and prepare for a sub. Thus, I was easily able to add my plans via adobe (or you can manually write). It also provided age appropriate lessons for all subjects for 5 days, if needed. Thank you so much again for this awesome product!
Here are what teachers are saying about the Germs reader:
This came in really handy once the flu season started!
Left this for the substitute and she said they loved it and sparked many conversations.
This is great! I can't wait to use it with my students! Our health curriculum is so poor. Thank you!
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Standards-based grading and standards-based report cards can be a complete shift from taking grades for primary teachers. I know when we first started doing standards-based grades my team of second-grade teachers and I had to have a lot of discussion around what this would look like. We were no longer taking an average. We were monitoring how well our students were moving along in the standard.
Today I sit down with a third-grade teacher Erin Julius from South Dakota to get her take on al things standards-based assessment. I hope you will join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show and Standards-Based Assessment for Second Grade:
Standards-Based Assessment ELA Bundle for 2nd Grade
Exit Tickets for ELA 2nd Grade
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
66: Google Classroom With Bethany Rodgers
Today I sit down with 6 grade ELA teacher, Bethany Rodgers as she shares loads of tips for using Google and Google Classroom. Talk about a highly engaging environment! You will definitely need to take notes during this episode.
Bethany shares so many Google strategies and ways to integrate technology in a meaningful way. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Every Kid Needs a Champion TED Talk by Rita Pierson
Mrs. Rodgers’ ELA Class on Instagram and Facebook
Mrs. Rodgers’ ELA Class on TpT
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
65: Stories From Podcasting School for Teachers
Educators share their success stories about podcasting in the classroom and utilizing podcasts to share content with students. Podcasting School for Teachers was a live training that was shared on February 17th. Educators from a variety of levels joined to hear how to implement podcasts and podcasting into their classrooms. Today we talk about the take-aways from this training. I hope you will join me.
From creating podcasts with 2nd graders and audio exit tickets for first graders to listening to literature-based podcasts at the high school level, teachers, media specialists, and home school moms share their successes and adventures after going through Podcasting School for Teachers. These stories inspire the integration of this powerful technology into the classroom and learning spaces all over the country. Thank you for sharing!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Podcasting School for Teachers (Replay Virtual Training + Goodies) Available until the end of February
Podcast Exit Tickets for Story-Telling Podcasts
Podcast Exit Tickets for Informational Podcasts
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today we will talk all about the most practical and engaging application of having technology in the classroom being the ability to empower your students to take charge of their learning by using podcasting in the classroom. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Podcasting School for Teachers Virtual PD
61: 3 Powerful Reasons Why Teachers Should Be Podcasting
62: 3 Ways to Increase Engagement in the Classroom With Podcasting
63: Podcasting for Teachers: Where Do I Start?
Podcast Exit Tickets for Story-Telling Podcasts
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
63: Podcasting for Teachers: Where Do I Start?
Integrating meaningful technology that enhances your instruction can sometimes be difficult to find. Podcasts and podcasting can be the very tool you need to cover standards, integrate technology, motivate learners, and get kids thinking and learning!
Today I talk all about the first steps teachers take to get their students creating podcast episodes that share what they know and utilize standards and meaningful technology to cover content, offer access to all students, and inspire a love of learning. I hope you will join me.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning/Podcasting-School-For-Teachers
Episode 61: 3 Powerful Reasons Why Teachers Should Be Podcasting
Episode 62: 3 Ways to Increase Engagement in the Classroom With Podcasting
Top 10 Podcasts for Kids Free Download
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Today we discuss the ways that podcasting can be used to engage students in the classroom. Getting students to participate can be difficult at times. Teachers are continually competing with the fast pace of video games and instant gratification that exists in our world today. That's why podcasting can be such a useful tool to grab the attention of your students. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
One Tired Teacher Facebook Group
Makerspace Thinking and Learning Facebook Group
Podcast Exit Tickets for Fictional Podcasts
The Highly Engaged Classroom by Robert Marzano, Debra Pickering, and Tammy Heflebower (affiliate link)
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Podcasting is such a powerful medium on which to share your message. So why not put that in the hands of kids? Kids these days are constantly sharing their messages on social media. Yet, our children are feeling heard less and less. Why not give them a platform to speak up and be heard?
Today on the show I will share 3 powerful reasons teachers should be utilizing podcasts in their classroom. Whether you are finding or recording podcasts, you have the opportunity to engage your kids!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Teacherpreneurs, Raise Your Hand
Top Ten Podcasts for Kids
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
60: How Teachers Can Make Smart Moves With Money
Teachers don't go into teaching for the money. In fact, we often know there won't be a lot of that. So how do we not only survive a teacher's salary but thrive instead? Today Rob Phelan from Fi Educator and I sit down and have some hard conversations about money. I only wish I had this conversation 20 years ago! I hope you will join us.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
The Simple StartUp: A Beginner’s Guide To Starting Your Own Business
ChooseFI K-12 Financial Literacy Curriculum
Fi Educator on TpT
New Blog (coming Feb 2020)
ChooseFi Facebook Group
Recommended Podcasts for learning how to manage your money:
ChooseFI
Afford Anything
Stacking Benjamins
Teach and Retire Rich (teacher-specific)
One Million Apples (teacher-specific)
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Implementing New Habits in the Classroom for the New Year
Today we will be talking about the power of habit building and the impact habits can have on your results. We will talk about an excellent book titled Atomic Habits by James Clear. You will find that just a 1% change can have a compounded interest on your desired result. I hope you'll join me.
Creating new habits in the classroom can be just as beneficial as they are in your personal goals. Surprisingly, it only takes a small amount of change to your habits to create a massive result.
You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems. ~James Clear
Think about the habits in your classroom that you currently have in place. How are they working? What would you like to see improve?
Recap of what James says is the best way to change a behavior: {Make your habits…}
Obvious
Attractive
Easier
Satisfying
If you want to break a habit…
Make it invisible
Make it unattractive
Make it harder
Make it unsatisfying
I hope to hear about your habit changes in our new One Tired Teacher Facebook group. Join today!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
One Tired Teacher Facebook Group
Atomic Habits by James Clear
{This is an affiliate link. It doesn’t change the cost to you, but it does give me pennies on your purchase.}
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Welcome to One Tired Teacher Episode 58: 5 Blissful Ideas to Make This Holiday Spectacular for Teachers. Today we are focusing on our holiday mindset. So often teachers go from frazzled hectic classrooms right before Christmas to frazzle hectic holiday households. So today let’s talk about 5 blissful ideas to help make your holiday spectacular and get you in the holiday mindset. I hope you will stick around!
Blissful Idea #1: Leave Your Work at School!
Blissful Idea #2: You are Not Alone and Spend Time in Nature
Blissful Idea #3: Find a Reason That Motivates or Inspires You and Focus on That
Blissful Idea #4: Choose at Least One Day for YOU
Blissful Idea #5: Say No
I hope you have a restful, recharging break. And that your time brings you some peace and joy. One Tired Teacher will be back in the new year! So I hope to see you in 2020. Until then Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, sweet dreams, and sleep tight.
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
57: Christmas Around the World in the Classroom
Welcome to One Tired Teacher episode 57: Christmas Around the World in the Classroom. You can probably tell from all the Christmas decor that Christmas is just around the corner. And if by chance you are traveling to work with blinders on I’m 100% positive you can feel it in the energy in your classroom.
Today we are going to talk about taking a cultural adventure through 7 different countries to ensure learning, high engagement, and holiday fun is being covered in these last few weeks until the big day. I hope you stick around!
Links Mentioned in the Show: Hands-On Christmas Science Episode 56
Christmas Around the World
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Hands-On Christmas Science
Today we are focusing on getting our students to love learning and science at a time of year when they just want to play and open presents! In this engaging activity, they can feel like they are playing, opening presents, and learning all about solids, liquids, and gases.
Grab my Christmas science freebie below. Enjoy!
Links Mentioned in the Show:How to Guarantee Survival the Weeks Before Christmas Vacation Blog
One Tired Teacher: Episode 4: Surviving the Weeks Before Winter Break
Holidays Matter
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
From One Tired Teacher, Happy Thanksgiving!
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Celebrating one year of One Tired Teacher.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
01: One Tired Teacher: An Introduction to One Tired Teacher
02: One Tired Teacher: Building Student Rapport
03: One Tired Teacher: The Tired of ESE
05: One Tired Teacher: An Administrator's Impact on School Culture
08: One Tired Teacher Team Rapport: The Power of Team Work
13: One Tired Teacher: Growth Mindset
15: One Tired Teacher: Engaging Students With Chris Kesler
18: One Tired Teacher: Integrating Technology Into the Primary Classroom
21: One Tired Teacher: Building a Community of Teachers With Jamie Sears
26: One Tired Teacher Welcome Graduating Teachers
27: One Tired Teacher: Teachers, Is College for Everyone?
30: One Tired Teacher: Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
35: What Would I Do If I Wasn't a Teacher?
36 Integrating Play and Music Into Literacy and Learning
44: OTT: The First Step in Behavior Management: Building Rapport Part One
Subscribe and Review:
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
7 Excellent Thanksgiving Books That Every Kid Will Love
Fall is in the air! Well, actually not here in Florida. Fall doesn't come until the end of December. LOL
What I do love here in my home state is that we get the entire week off at Thanksgiving. When I first started teaching, we only got 4 days off. It was so hard to get everything done! {Cry me a river, right?!}
So here we are for fall. And this week I am trying to give you some Thanksgiving ideas well in advance. So I hope you will join me.
{The following books contain affiliate links. This means that nothing happens to the price for you, but I earn a tiny commission on the sale if you choose to buy through my link. Thank you in advance!}
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Blog Post How to Create a Gratitude Activity for Kids
A Turkey For Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting
Makerspace Moment in Literature: A Turkey for Thanksgiving
A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman
Makerspace Moment in Literature: A Plump and Perky Turkey
'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen
Molly’s Pilgrim Week of Activities
Let's Celebrate Thanksgiving by Trina Deboree
The History of the Thanksgiving Day Parade by Trina Deboree
This First Thanksgiving Day: A Counting Story by Laura Melmed
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
8 Mindful Tips for Teaching Children Gratitude
Gratitude is a practice. It results in positive thinking. In a difficult time and world, the one true factor that can make the most impact is exercising gratitude. It is complex, yet very simple. The cause of resentment and poor behavior is a direct result of feeling undervalued, not worthy, not heard, and not cared about. When we focus on the things in which we do value and are the most grateful for, we can change resentment into gratitude and love. Recognizing and expressing gratitude towards children can change everything. Expressing gratitude is a simple answer to a complex problem. We need to stop thinking about gratitude as emotion and begin to live it as an action. Living your life as an expression of gratitude is the greatest give you can give a child and yourself.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Gratitude Journal for Children
Free Gratitude Journal Sample
Gratitude Lap Book for Primary Children
Subscribe and Review: Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Halloween is one of the major celebrations that kids love! I mean what kid doesn’t love candy and to dress up as their favorite character or person?!
But man can it be rough on the teacher! I recently posed a question in a few Facebook groups I am in for elementary school teachers. I asked them how they survive Halloween. The results were pretty funny and some were quite brilliant! I hope you will take a listen.
It’s that time of year! Time for spooky and silly, candy and dressing up. Halloween can be super fun in the elementary classroom or it can be a hot mess. Either way, here are some great books and Makerspace Moments in Literature to get your spook on!
Being a teacher can be so difficult, especially when it comes to behavior problems. Kids throwing tables and chairs and acting aggressively has increased significantly in the past five years. Sadly, we are seeing a dramatic increase in younger children who exhibit these behaviors, as well.
So what is a teacher to do? That is the question. How can teachers teach when they are continually being interrupted by one behavior issue after another?
One of the critical ingredients for fixing the behavior nightmare is relationship building. But even after we have worked to ensure we are creating a culture in our classrooms for children to learn and feel loved and valued, there is still work to be done on our own mindsets around behavior.
The teaching profession often attracts professionals who are strict rule followers by nature. Strictly following rules often leads to very black and white thinking. But should all rules apply to each situation? What does it mean when we are dealing with such a variety of issues? What happens when mental health is involved, or a child has experienced trauma or been born drug depended? Is it all precisely the same?
Rules are created so that we can all exist peacefully in society. But are they always black and white? And what about the role of empathy and differentiation?
Today’s episode will test your boundaries around the topic of behavior. And I realize that this is a touchy subject. I myself had extreme feelings about what should be allowed and not allowed in the classroom. However, I have had a paradigm shift in the past five years. I’ve learned a great deal about long-term vs. short-term behavior fixes. I’ve also seen and heard a different side of the equation. It turns out it isn’t all black and white. In fact, there are quite a variety of greys. I hope you will join me with an open mind, and then feel free to let me know how you think about this episode.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Tools for Teaching by Fred Jones
Gratitude Journal
Gratitude Lap Book
Calming Corner Kit
How to Avoid Behavior Behavior Issues with a Soft Opener
What is a soft opener? A soft opener is an easy transition into the school day. This unique start to the day allows kids to come in and make some choices about how they want to start their school day. The choices range from reading to drawing, to STEM activities, and more. Talk about an eliminator of behavior issues!
Alyssa Young is a second-grade teacher from New Jersey and she shares her incredible teaching choices and how she utilizes the soft start opener to set the stage for a day of learning and engagement. I hope you stick around.
I’m hoping to build wonderful people this year. ~Alyssa Young, Second-Grade Teacher
Links Mentioned In the Show:
Cool Down Corner Kit
Makerspace Moments in Literature (Makerspace activities might make a great choice for a soft opener.)
Soft Start Choices Coming Soon!
How to Handle Behavior Issues in the Classroom
On today’s show, I have expert ESE resource teacher, Nichole Maas talking all about behavior and how to proactively manage the classroom and provide tools for ALL children to learn and co-exist. Nichole is a wealth of information and has the most incredible heart for children. I hope you will join us as we talk about behavior, classroom management, building rapport, and helping children find their best selves.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Cool Down Corner Kit used to prevent behavior issues
Yoga for the Classroom
Making Social and Emotional Learning a Priority Is a Proactive Response to Behavior
Mary Anne and I spoke several months ago about a very important topic- social-emotional learning. Our conversation was very special to me, as Mary Anne shares her raw uncensored responses to teaching, learning, and her very first steps into the world of being a teacherpreneur. (I chose to do very little editing. Mary Anne worked very hard to move past the language barrier. But I love her sweet way of trying to figure out exactly what she wants to say. She is endearing in her raw vulnerability. I know you will find this to be true.) Mary Anne creates resources on TpT that focus on the social and emotional aspects of learning. She has a true heart for this topic, and I feel it is the perfect time to share this with you during our series on behavior.
Focusing on the importance and the value of social-emotional learning is the key to reaching children where they are and seeing the whole child. When teachers are able to see children, baggage and all, we are better equipped to handle the behavior that may be a result of deeply upsetting circumstances. Understanding kids truly makes all the difference. I hope you will join me as I speak to a very special teacher turned teacherpreneur, Mary Ann from Brighter Day Classroom.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Bright Day Classroom on TpT
Empathy and Kindness Bundle
Calming Corner Kit
The First Step in Behavior Management: Building Rapport Part Two
This week we are continuing the conversation on classroom management with a focus on proactively building rapport. In the next few weeks we will cover classroom management, behavior management, and discipline. We will cover it all!
It’s a tough topic for many teachers. We are seeing more and more behavior issues in our schools, and they are even leading to some life and death events. How can we be part of the solution and not part of the problem? That is the main question we will answer over the next month or so. I hope you will join me.
Episode 45 is a continuation from Episode 44: The First Step in Behavior Management: Building Rapport Part One.
Links Mentioned in The Show:
Tools for Teaching by Fred Jones
Character Unit of Study for Second Grade
Character Unit of Study for Third Grade
Classroom Mystery
Gratitude Journal
Gratitude Lap Book
Mindset Readers
The First Step in Behavior Management: Building Rapport Part One
This week we are jumping into classroom management, building rapport, behavior management, and discipline. We will cover it all!
It’s a tough topic for many teachers. We are seeing more and more behavior issues in our schools, and they are even leading to some life and death events. How can we be part of the solution and not part of the problem? That is the main question we will answer over the next month or so. I hope you will join me.
Episode 44 is the intro to the conversation on behavior. The first step is building rapport, building a loving classroom community. It is vital to the success of your classroom.
We will continue with rapport building next week. Don’t miss it!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
3 Behind-the-Scenes to Digital Course Success
First Week Activities for Back-to-School
Now if getting ready for school was really as easy as listening to 5 podcasts life as an educator would be so much better! Let's get real. You and I both know it isn't. We know that it takes more than the time given us to get everything all set. Most teachers I know have to go back weeks before school actually begins. It's a lot to ask, and we are often not thanked for doing it. So I want to say on behalf of children across the world- THANK YOU! Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to excellence. Even if you do it to save your own sanity, THANK YOU! You continue to make a difference in the lives of others.
This week’s episode is all about the first week of school. I know for me planning for the first week was always the last thing I had the chance to do with all the classroom set up, organizing for open house, and fun filled meetings. So by the end of the week we went back, I was finally ready to plan! Talk about exhausting.
Links Mentioned In The Show:
Amy Porterfield’s What Type of Course Should I Create Quiz
Amy Porterfield’s Masterclass- The 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Digital Course Success
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning on Teachers Pay Teachers
Back-to-School Flip Book
Classbuilders
Teambuilder
Character Unit of Study (Second Grade)
Character Unit of Study (Third Grade)
Organizing Your Classroom
Today we will be talking about all things organization. This topic can be pretty tricky for those of us who are not necessarily gifted in this area. {I do like to keep the following quote in mind when my space gets less than tidy. LOL}
If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk? ~ Albert Einstein
On the other hand, when you have to spend your time looking for things, it is less time you have to be productive. So here are some suggestions of things you will want to keep organized and how to accomplish that task.
On today’s show we will talk all about how to keep track of your to-do list and get your room organized and read to run smoothly. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned In The Show:
Airtable.com
Trello.com
Planbook.org
Classroom Set Up
Classroom set up requires a great deal of intentional thinking. Where is your furniture? Can you get around quickly? Do you offer an alternative seating option? Do you have a cool down spot? Remember that proximity is the key.
Start with how you plan to set up your classroom. You will want to keep two major issues in mind.
You will need to be able to see all students at all times. If you want nooks or private spots in your classroom, you will want to make sure you have a procedure in place for those areas and that you can get to them quickly. This takes a lot of practice and trust with your students. So if you feel leery of that, then open them up. Things can happen in a blink of an eye.
You want to be able to get anywhere in the room with lightning speed. So have open pathways to every area.
Today we talk about intentional classroom set up with areas that are non-negotiable and areas that would be nice to have. Thinking spaces through will help everything run smoother.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Amy Porterfield’s Digital Course Quiz What Type of Course Should I Create
Amy Porterfield’s Digital Course Starter Kit
Cool Down Corner Kit
Makerspace Start Up Kit
Why Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Episode 30: OTT: Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Episode 38: OTT: Why Back-to-School Decor Matters in the Classroom
Back-To-School Packs
Back-to-School Procedures, Procedures, Procedures
Procedures and routines are such a vital part of a well-run classroom. Without them, everything falls apart. For real! Every time I have ever disliked a time in my school day it has all come down to what procedure I had in place during that time. Systems really are that crucial.
Classroom routines train students to carry out procedures with a minimum of wasted time. Less wasted time allows for more time to teach and learn.
Taking the time to set up routines and procedures in your classroom is THE most important thing you can do in your school year. Whether this is your first year or your 20th, day two will help you put in place practices that will save you tons of instructional time, decrease disruptive behavior, and allow you to create an environment that is ideal for learning.
"The rules in any classroom are defined by reality- “whatever any student can get away with.”" -Fred Jones
Links Mentioned In the Show:
Tools for Teaching by Fred Jones
How to be an Effective Teacher: The First Days of Schoolby Harry K. Wong & Rosemary T. Wong.
Amy Porterfield’s Digital Academy Starter Kit Freebie!
Back-to-School Motivation
Today we talk all about getting into the right mindset for back-to-school. When we know that what we do has a purpose, we have to find ways to motivate and inspire ourselves to do the job well.
In today’s episode, I share my God driven moments in teaching as well as some inspiring quotes from some brilliant people. I hope you will join me
Also, I would love to hear all about your back-to-school journey. Leave a comment or shoot me an DM on Facebook or Instagram. I would love to hear from you.
Links Mentioned in the Show
Amy Porterfield’s Digital Course Academy Start Up Kit FREEBIE
Every Kid Needs A Champion ~Rita Pierson
Do Schools Kill Creativity ~ Sir Ken Robinson
How to Escape Education's Death Valley ~ Sir Ken Robinson
Reimagine Learning That Can Change the World~ Sir Ken Robinson
3 Surprising Reasons Back-to-School Decor Matters Big Time
Getting your classroom ready for back-to-school can often feel like a daunting and overwhelming task. I mean you have back-to-school decor and decorations to figure out, open house, beginning of the year essentials and back-to-school printables to prepare and copy. The list could go on and on! But you get my point.
However, there is a reason why our classrooms need to be ready. Join me for 3 surprising reasons back-to-school decor matters!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Back-to-School Superheroes Theme Pack
Back-to-School Ocean Theme
Back-to-School Camp Theme
Back-to-School Space Theme
Back-to-School Olympics Theme
Back-to-School Surfing Theme
Back-to-School Western Theme
Taking time to recharge is vital for teachers. It clears our minds, nourishes our soul, and prepares us for the year ahead. Today, I gathered answers from teachers on what they do over the summer. I hope you are reminded to take a breath.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 33: One Tired Teacher: How to Recharge in the Summer for Teachers
Monday Makerspace FaceBook Live 12:00 pm EST on Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning
Virtual Learning Party for Teacherpreneurs
Free Podcasting for Teacherpreneurs Master Class: How to Quadruple Your Traffic Without Blogging
Makerspace Moment in Literature Using Oliver by Birgitta Sif
Oliver by Birgitta Sif
Speakpipe Link (Share your thoughts on getting ready for back-to-school)
Mystery Unit of Study for 2nd-3rd Graders
Classroom Mystery
FREE 5 Day Back-to-School Tips and Tricks Email Course
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Highlights From the Show
Today I am talking with Jackie Waldman about recharging over the summer. She asks us to think about recharging over the summer for teachers as a way to get back what we have lost or let go of through the year that has left us depleted. What can we do to get just a little of that back. So powerful! I hope you’ll join us.
“As we grow and change, all these other things come out from within you. And you shouldn’t have to feel like we have to wait for the right time. Because not everyone gets the gift of time.” -Jackie Waldman
In response to not determining parts of ourselves while teaching. “I didn’t allow those parts of myself to come up.” ~Trina Deboree
“When we are so busy and you are trying to figure out how to basically spend your day. And you blink your eyes and your time has been taken.” ~Jackie Waldman
“Don’t look backward. Always look forward. In any given moment, the decisions we make are based on the information we have at the time. As we grow and change, how we see the world and the circumstances change. “ Jackie Waldman
“Taking that big dream and breaking it into the tiniest of pieces so you can keep moving forward. That is they key.” ~Jackie Waldman
“Get really clear on what you truly want and what is missing, and figure out how you are going to work that into your life.” J~ackie Waldman
Links Mentioned in the Show
Jackie Waldman - jwaldmancoaching@gmail.com
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Today we are talking all about getting your makerspace up and running in your learning space. We will discuss storage ideas, labels and signs, procedures to have in place, and student expectations all around a makerspace.
This week concludes our series on makerspace. So if you aren’t sure why you need one visit episode 30 and if you need some tips and tricks on things you need to know before you launch a makerspace go to episode 31.
Today we will talk about the nitty gritty of makerspace. I hope you stick around.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 30 Why Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Episode 31 Launching a Makerspace
Makerspace Start-Up Kit And Makerspace Jobs, Procedures, Design Process, and Maker Mindset BUNDLE
Makerspace Moments in Literature
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Grab a free Makerspace Moment In Literature by signing up below.
Today we talk all about the 5 fundamental steps you need to launch a makerspace in your learning environment. If you missed episode 30: Why Every Teacher Should Have a Makerspace, then check that out first.
Links Mentioned in the Show
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning for Makerspace Monday {FB Lives- show up to be eligible to win a free makerspace moment in literature.}
Teacherpreneurs, Raise Your Hand
5 Astonishing Reasons Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace (with links to resources)
Makerspace Moment in Literature
Grab your free makerspace materials list to help you get started.
There are five astonishing reasons every classroom needs a makerspace. Join me today to hear how classrooms can utilize engagement, critical thinking, discovery, and more with a makerspace.
So this is when you might be thinking “What is a Makerspace?”
A Makerspace is a place where students can gather to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using a variety of tools and materials. In a nutshell, it is an astonishing place to think and learn!
Links Mentioned in the Show
How the Current Education System and I Failed My Child blog post
Teachers, Is College For Everyone? Episode 27 One Tired Teacher
Blog Post: 5 Astonishing Reasons Every Classroom Needs a Makerspace (with direct links to quotes from this show)
Makerspace Moments in Literature
Listener Spotlight of the Week
Shea Dreaden A week ago · 0 Likes
I’m a fellow TpT’er(CoScine) and I agree strongly with this podcast and blog. Main main job is that of private tutor for math, chemistry, SAT, ACT, and grad school entrance exams. I meet with wonderful students all the time that are doing these great things, but don’t quite have the score. There is SO much I wish parents and students knew about college, career, SAT vs. ACT, and academic life. I use my tutoring platform to teach as much as possible on this subject so that students and parents can decide if college really is the answer.
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Talking curriculum, professional development, and building a community of teachers is one of my favorite things to do. That probably explains why Deedee Wills from the Facebook group Primary Collaborative and I speak for over an hour! It's a long one, but I loved every moment of it.
Teachers need other teachers. It's in the people who get you that you often find comfort. When I left the classroom several years ago, I lost a powerful connection to my team of second-grade teachers. The loss was pretty significant for me. So when Deedee agreed to be a guest on One Tired Teacher, I was very excited to pick her brain on building a community of teachers, as she is an expert on the topic. The conversation took many twists and turns, but in the end, it was a talk I thoroughly enjoyed. I often find kindred spirits in the most unexpected places, but the moment she choked up thinking about being in the classroom with her Kindergarteners, I knew there was something special about Deedee. Join us as two forever teachers talk curriculum, teaching, and building a community.
Links Mentioned in the Show
Primary Collaborative Facebook Group
Deedee Wils Store on Teachers Pay Teachers
Teacherpreneurs, Raise Your Hand (Sneak Peak- Launches June 4th)
{Blog Post for Show Notes: https://trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/one-tired-teacher-blog/28}
There is a love hate relationship with the end of the school year for teachers. We often hate all the tedious tasks we are asked to do like pack up our entire classroom just to unpack 2 months later, create class lists, and say goodbye to our kids and co-workers. We also love the idea of starting fresh in August, organizing our things, and getting a much needed break from the daily grind.
In episode 28, I ask teachers from all over the world what they love and hate about the end of the year. Take a listen to find out what they said. You may be surprised!
Notes from the show:
Makerspace Moments in Literature
One Tired Teacher Episode 24: Seven Ways to Survive and Thrive At the End of the Year
7 Ways to Survive and Thrive at the End of The School Year Blog Post
End of the Year Activities
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Episode 27: Teachers, Is College for Everyone?
Today’s show takes a look at a system that is holding children to standards that are causing them to believe that their worth resides only in being college and career ready. Is this the message we should be sending to the next generation? Preparing kids to think and learn and problem solve is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be in college. I hope you will join me as I share a letter that I wrote to my daughter when she didn’t get into the colleges she chose due to the message we sent her based on a test score.
I’m sorry that you came to school with me every day and watched me fight against what I knew was so very wrong for kids. I’m sorry that you had to be a part of the testing and standardization era of education. A system where children are told that they are a test score. Where your teachers are evaluated according to factors that they cannot always control. I know that has impacted you greatly. I know the heaviness you have felt and carried as you knew your educators' salaries depended upon how well you performed on a test. I know you had to witness the achievement charts hung in the room for the world to see where you and your peers were performing. I know you had to believe they thought they were doing you a favor by telling you it was to help you achieve your goals. I’m sorry you had to believe that you were less than you are because you don’t work as quickly as others. Yet, you still succeeded throughout your journey. You overcame the obstacles and you never once gave up. Your advanced classes and your intense schedules only increased your level of commitment and encouraged your drive. But in the end, the test was the one thing that held you back, because the system in which you have been a part of all comes down to that- the test.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
OTT: Episode 26: Welcome Graduating TeachersSubscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Recent graduates in the field of education have a significant role to play in the lives of future students. And this role is essential. After graduation, the path into the classroom can be a bit overwhelming. That is why new teachers, all teachers, need to practice self-care, as well. Taking care of yourself leads to taking care of your students. In episode 26, Andrea Knight from Creating Readers and Writers and I take our combined 40 years of experience in teaching and offer advice and tips for new teachers. We want to take this moment to welcome new teachers to education!
One Tired Teacher Episode 23: 5 Reasons EVERY Classroom Needs a Makerspace
Makerspace is a rapidly growing trend in schools across the country. Most makerspaces can exist in Media Centers or Libraries. However, teachers can utilize the power of makerspace in their classrooms, as well. So why not have a makerspace in your classroom?
Today, on One Tired Teacher I share my adventures creating a makerspace in a media center that needed a 911 makeover. While finding so much value in creating a makerspace in the media center, I realized that all classrooms should have a makerspace, as well.
What is a Makerspace?
A makerspace is a place where students can gather to create, invent, tinker, explore, and discover using a variety of tools and materials. This can be an astonishing place to think and to learn!
Highlights From the Show
Makerspaces come in all shapes and sizes, but they all serve as a gathering point for tools, projects, mentors, and expertise. A collection of tools does not define a Makerspace. Rather, we define it by what it enables: Making
~The Makerspace Playbook
I feel like this happens by accident. I love moments when kids are learning, and they don’t even realize it! Yes, metacognitive thinking is vital, but sometimes you have to hook them. Makerspaces do that. They draw kids in. Kids want to think critically, and problem solve. They love being challenged when it feels like play.
Makerspaces haven’t integrated into the classroom, as much as I think it should. Makerspace can be anything. And that is the beauty of it. There are no limits. It is a wonder of discovery. THAT should be happening in all classrooms.
Makerspace mixes all aspects of STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and sprinkles it with hands-on experiences, imagination, and discovery. It truly can be engaging to the senses.
Motivating children who don't love to learn is one of my favorite reasons for why classrooms deserve to have a Makerspace. Children have become reluctant learners. Their natural curiosity makes them a lover of learning. Yet, sometimes this love is stifled in the way in which learning is presented and assessed.
The beauty in a Makerspace is we move away from competition and move more to collaboration. Societies thrive on collaboration. We are constantly putting kids in situations where they are competing. Why not take a closer look at how kids think, learn, and live? Makerspace is a powerful catalyst for synergy.
~Trina Deboree
What do you do in a Makerspace? The simple answer is you make things. Things in which you are curious. Things that spring from your imagination that inspire you. The informal, playful atmosphere allows learning to unfold, rather than conform to a rigid agenda. Making, rather than consuming is the focus. It is the craft, engineering, technology, and wonder-driven.
~Thinkers and Tinkerers
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Notes from the show:
I want to share to speak directly to teachers and teacher author’s who need to hear how important it is to find value in yourself. Too often teachers are silenced or told to do and be exactly the same as everyone else in the building. This is demoralizing. When we silence people we are literally wounding their spirit and robbing the world of their possibilities. So today I hope you stick around and soak in a why you should reach beyond the average to who you are and who you are meant to be. I’m going to warn you this isn’t light and fluffy, this is One Tired Teacher speaking my truth. I hope you stick around.
People are drawn to education because they desire contributing to the future generation of mankind. We are already beyond average. We are extraordinary. Yet, so many times we are told we are not.
Yet, I was unable to express it due to the intense fear that exists when you are a teacher teaching in a district that threatens your job at every turn.
I think experiences like this are meant to push us to do something different. Something better. Whether that is to become a change agent in our classrooms, our schools, our districts, or our states, the nudging is a message that we must do something.
So I hope that you have heard me. I hope that you feel promoted to share who you are. Your story. Your perspective. Whether that is your teaching thoughts, your ideas, or your feelings. ~Trina Deboree
Links Mentioned in the Show:
The Last Arrow by Erwin McManus
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning Learn With Trina
So today I am talking to Jamie Sears a teacher, who is currently out of the classroom, doing some fantastic things for teachers, From teaching tips to moral support that teachers need to thrive in the classroom, Jamie serves teachers by creating content and doing professional development. The Not So Wimpy Teacher has an amazing way of building a community of teachers that support one another in meaningful ways. Jamie is also gifted in determining what teachers need and then delivering it to them. She recently dove into podcasting for teachers, as well. Knowing that teachers have little extra time, she felt compelled to share her message in a manner that was convenient to her audience. You know how I feel about podcasting! So I am super excited to talk to Jamie about one of my favorite topics- podcasting. I love that! If you like Jamie and I, decide to take the bold leap into podcasting, I have a podcasting format freebie you will definitely want to get a hold of. You can grab it below.
Highlights From the Show:
When asked why Jamie started a podcast-
“And I felt like I needed to give teacher this convenience. I really value their time so much and reading a blog post, reading an article, reading a book. These things take way too much time. Teachers love, love, love to learn. But they have to balance that with their lack of time, So I thought a podcast would be a good alternative.” ~Jamie Sears, Not So Wimpy Teacher
“I thought that a podcast would really reach more educators and answer the questions that they are constantly asking me in my email or Facebook groups.” Jamie Sears
“Podcasting is professional development on the go.” ~Trina Deboree
“I love the idea that a teacher is showing up to school after listening to a podcast, and she is feeling pumped up to try something new in her classroom. And she is excited to get into the classroom.” Jamie Sears
“Podcasting is very intimate. You are in a person’s ear. It is like you are having a conversation with someone. That can be really special. Especially with a person who is rooting for you.” ~Trina Deboree
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Not So Wimpy Teacher Website
Not So Wimpy Teacher on Facebook
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning Format Freebie
Episode 19: Podcasting in the Classroom: 10 Ways to Grow Your Audience
Today I share the value of podcasting in your classroom or teacher business and how this extends your reach. I offer 10 ways to build an audience better. This episode will give you valuable resources that will help you further share your message. From knowing your audience to using social media to promoting your show, you will gain insight into thinking through your audience. Knowing our audience is critical when we are talking or writing to anyone. It helps us serve our tribe or our kids in a much more meaningful manner. I hope you will join me.
Highlights from the show:
Podcasting is a great way to expand your message in your classroom or in your teacher business. The possibilities are endless.
Knowing your audience will help you serve them better. Whether your listeners they are teachers or the parents of your students, or kids, knowing who you are speaking to is vital. If you are using podcasting in the classroom, you want your kids to know who they are talking to. Their language needs to be different if they are speaking to their parents, or other kids, or you!
Listen to what your audience wants and needs. Learn more about who they are.
If kids are listening to your podcast and recommending it to other kids, you are reaching even more kids. And parents! If parents are talking about you, and they are, then why not let it be about your amazing podcast.
Inspire your guests to WANT to share your show.
It’s just the best feeling to know that you have somebody out there listening to what you have to say. I see a lot of times teachers don’t feel heard and sometimes kids don’t feel heard. So think about the possibilities of giving someone a voice. They really are endless.
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Listener Spotlight of the Week
Thank you Lucy, for sharing your thoughts! I’m so glad you liked this episode with Melanie Redden. And I’m sorry you felt unsupported. You deserve much better!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
My Ideal Audience for My Podcast
One Tired Teacher Episode 8: Building Team Rapport
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning Podcasting Equipment
One Tired Teacher Episode 15: Engaging Students with Chris Kesler
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning/ One Tired Teacher
Hi there! Welcome to One Tired Teacher Episode 18 Integrating Technology into the Primary Classroom. On today’s show, I sit down with Brandi, a second-grade teacher from a Title One school in Oklahoma City Public Schools. Brandi shares an inspiring story about how Apple has come into their school and transformed it into a one-to-one school K-6th grade and has included 3 years of professional development support and beyond. Now THAT is how you integrate technology. The tools and strategies she has learned through 3 years of PD with Apple, are going to blow you away. You won’t want to miss a minute of this. So press play, and let’s start talking about technology in the classroom.
Brandi shares some great getting started tech tools, as well as some more advanced ideas to enhance learning in the classroom. I have attached links to all the tools mentioned in the show.
Thanks for Listening!
To share your thoughts:
Leave a comment below
Leave a review on iTunes
Find me on Instagram (tdteaching) and Facebook (Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning)
To help out the show:
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Subscribe on iTunes.
Some of my favorite parts of the show:
How do you want to show me you know this? And they have a variety of apps and tools and they can just show us what they know and be able to display their learning with digital technology.
The internet was down, and I was like that changes everything that we were going to do that morning. There were certain programs they couldn’t do. It is such an integrated part of our learning that when something happens and we don’t have the Internet, there is so much that we do that it can be a big problem.
We are all using different apps and doing things differently. We always have someone to reach out to.
Every year we do digital citizenship before they even touch the iPads. iPads don’t become a part of our life until we have done our digital citizenship work. ~ Brandi Criminger
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Digital Resources That Will Work on Google Classroom, One Drive, and Any Learning Management System (2nd-3rd grade focus)
Chatter picks
Flip Grid- a good one to start
iMovie
Clips
Should students be allowed to bring their phones to school? That is the question I am asking teachers on this week's show.
What would happen if we turned the stigma on its backside, and we embraced cell phones as a strategy for engaging our students? Maybe, just maybe, we would reach more disengaged students. Join me on this hot topic.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning/ One Tired Teacher
Polls Everywhere
Kahoot
Quizlet
Flipgrid
One Tired Teacher Episode 16: Making Learning Fun and The Value of Opening Our Doors to One Another
Links From the Show:
Episode 15: Engaging Students with Chris Kesler
Episode 8: Team Rapport: The Power of Team Work with Melanie Redden
Math Mojo on TpT
Engaging students in learning can be challenging, but once we figure out how to do it, we can make a significant impact on how kids learn and think about education. Highly engaging activities can make learning meaningful and fun!
On today’s show, I sit down with Chris Kesler from Kesler Science to discuss the impact of highly engaging teaching. Chris shares his story and background that have led to creating content that wows and amazes teachers and students all over the globe.
If I can get you or almost trick you into having fun and in an engaging experience without you thinking that you are learning about science, then I have won. I have won the day. You are learning and having fun. ~Chris Kesler
When I asked Chris about his popular escape rooms. He had a lot to say.
You’re instantly engaged within the first 45 seconds of class. Kids love it. And they are talking about science, and they don’t even realize it. That’s the best part. ~Chris Kesler
We also discussed the value of turning students onto learning. If we can make learning fun and meaningful, they are more likely to engage, and this is when the magic happens.
I was disengaged as a kid and uninterested. When I got into the classroom as a teacher, I was like I'm after THAT kid. Because I know who that is. I know what that kid looks like. And that's the kid I'm going to attack, and that's the one I'm going to get. ~Chris Kesler
Gotta love that guy!
Until next time,
Sweet dreams!
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Kesler Science
Kesler Escape Rooms
Kesler Science Professional Learning Network
Makerspace Moments in Literature
Inspiring children to fall in love with reading can be one of the most rewarding gifts you can receive as a teacher. Sometimes it can be quite tricky. Reluctant readers often struggle to find books they love due to fears they have about themselves as readers. This is why it is so crucial to introduce kids to fantastic books. Because there is a book for everyone! We just need to find the one to hook them.
In today’s episode, Corrina Allen from Books Between Podcast shares her infectious love for reading and all things books. Corrina shares the value of matching students to books they will love and cherish. She also shares her thoughts on hard copies of books vs. digital readers. I hope you stick around.
Click below to grab K-5 Must, Read List! Also, check out a Makerspace Moment in Literature for primary kids.
The role of the school counselor has evolved from the days where scheduling and test coordinator were once the main job performances. Many states across the country are realizing the necessity of having school counselors focusing on social and emotional learning along with academics and college and career readiness. It couldn’t be a better time to start focusing on the mental health of our children as we see the numbers of anxiety and other mental challenges increase.
In today’s episode Florida School Counselor of the Year, Larissa Bennett shares her thoughts on the value of the role of school counselors as well as the impact of developing a growth mindset. Larissa goes beyond the growth mindset language and gets to the heart of the matter- helping kids learn to understand how their brains work.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Episode 2: One Tired Teacher: Building Student Rapport with Melanie Redden
Episode 12: One Tired Teacher: Anxiety in Our Schools with Leslie Croissant
Anxiety in our schools seems to be a growing problem. Some evidence suggestions that we may be over diagnosing. Other reports say that we have just gotten better at identifying the issues. Whether you subscribe to either point, the number is high. There are a lot of reasons blamed for the increase including the rising expectations of kids. This week’s episode takes a deep dive into the signs of anxiety and some possible solutions to helping our children who struggle.
We have a responsibility as educators, to help our students learn to better manage the world around them. This will require all school employees to understand better what we are dealing with and to learn to equip students with the necessary tools to help themselves.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Leave a comment below or a review on iTunes.
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Website with show notes
Calming Corner Kit
Yoga Cards for the Classroom
Makerspace Moments in Literature based on What Do You Do With a Problem, Idea, and Chance
This week on One Tired Teacher, I sit down with Amanda a 2nd-year teacher who has begun her teaching journey in an alternative school 6th-8th grade. Amanda shares some of her challenges with students who are often feeling left behind or overlooked. The ESE population is substantial, and many students struggle with ADHD and or Anxiety. We as listeners, get a brief look at a challenging situation.
I have always believed that no matter what part of your teaching path, we can still learn from one another. I also think that listening to teachers who are at the beginning of their journey helps season teachers better understand perspective and next steps in regards to professional development. It becomes clear that new teachers and veteran teachers need more tools in their toolbox in regards to how to help children who struggle with all types of learning barriers. So I hope you will join me as we listen in to this conversation between myself and Amanda.
Links Discussed in Episode:
02: One Tired Teacher Building Rapport With Students
Finding Your Idea Audience for Podcasting
School-based yoga programs are sweeping the nation, and studies show that students of all ages are reaping significant benefits. Yoga can be a meaningful team builder for classrooms, as well as help children learn to self-regulate, concentrate, and become more mindful in their practice and in their daily lives.
In episode 10, I share five revolutionary benefits to doing yoga in the classroom. I hope you’ll join me.
Links Mentioned in the Comments :
02:OTT: Building Student Rapport
Cool Down Corner Kit for Self-Regulation and Behavior Management
Finding co-workers who have your back and that you trust and care about like family can be an exceptional experience. I know that I have been fortunate to have found my tribe through the years. I started off with an excellent example of teamwork when I was a young teacher in 1997. That sense of team continued to grow through most of my career. I think it has a lot to do with the leadership on the team and the leadership from the top.
In my school, we were taught to work as a team and care as a family. It was powerful.
Without the support and benefit of teamwork, you can often feel lost or even hurt. Sadly, not every team I encountered was like family. In fact, my last experience on a team was one of the worst team experiences I have ever faced. I was not welcome and treated like a complete outsider with little to offer. It was heartbreaking.
In today’s show, I’ll share my story. We will also hear about the value in going out and searching for your tribe. I hope you take me with you on your commute, jog, or even as you clean your house or classroom. So press play and join me as we conclude our series on teamwork and the value of having a team.
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here and subscribe in iTunes.
Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!
Links mentioned in this episode:
Episode 7 One Tired Teacher Teacher Stories: The Power of Co-Workers
Episode 8 One Tired Teacher Team Rapport: The Power of Team Work
Facebook Private Group: Makerspace Thinking and Learning at Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning
Teacher Thank You Notes FREEBIE can be found on my website.
Show notes are available on my website due to error in iTunes. I hope to see you there!
https://trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/one-tired-teacher-blog/08-one-tired-teacher-team-rapport-the-power-of-team-work
Teaching can be a lonely field in which to work. Besides the kids, it is so vital to have co-workers who have your back. In episode 7, I speak with Stefania, a middle school art teacher who shares the beauty of working with people who are the family we choose. Stefania also discusses the difficulty leaving behind a school family when making the jump from elementary school to middle school.
How essential are co-workers to you? Visit my blog and let me know.
https://trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/one-tired-teacher-blog/
Sweet Dreams,
Trina
Self-care is one of those topics that we know is so important for our mental well being, yet we feel like we never have enough time. It’s kind of like I need gas in my car, but I don’t have time to stop! Eventually, we run out, and we are left stranded on the side of the road.
So I thought this week was crucial to talk about how you can give yourself a refill over the winter break. Yes, I know all the holiday hoopla is occurring, and winter break is not usually the best of the breaks. But how about taking a different approach this year?
Sweet dreams, and sleep tight!
Gratitude Journal (for kids and adults)
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gratitude-Journal-for-Kids-for-New-Years-1628687
Today’s show is all about how to get through the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas! We all know how exhausting this time can be. The kids are totally off the chain. I don’t about you, I’ve got a lot going on at this time, as well. It can make for one tired teacher!
Check out my blog post How to Guarantee Survival the Weeks Before Christmas Vacation for more tips.
Show Notes:
6:50 Embrace the Season
7:48 Ideas to Survive: Idea One: Readers Theater
8:20 Idea Two: Hands-on Activities
8:45 Idea Three: To Reward or Not to Reward
9:33 The impact of Classroom Consequences
12:01 Idea Four: Holidays Around the World
12:42 Idea Five: Christmas STEM/Makerspace
Christmas MakerSpace Bundle
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bundled-Christmas-MakerspaceSTEM-Moment-In-Literature-4215795
16:00 Idea Six: Party/Game/Movie Day
Polar Express Response with Movie vs. Book Compare and Contrast
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Close-Read-with-the-Polar-Express-2234142
Yes, Virginia Response and Movie vs. Book Compare and Contrast
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Close-Read-With-Yes-Virginia-by-Chris-Plehal-425157
17:26 Admin Please!
18:46 Idea Seven: Kindness During Christmas
Christmas Kindness Project
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Activities-Secret-Santa-Kindness-Project-4205595
21:06 Back Up Plans
21:25 Idea Eight: Holiday Theme Keeping to Your Regular Schedule
22:00 Testing During Weeks Before Christmas!
24:00 Idea Nine: Personal Time
24:04 Idea Ten: Smartest Idea EVER!
25:20 Wine!
26:00 Quiet Ideas
27:30 Wish for You!
27:50 HILARIOUS Research Findings!
28:55 My Holiday Fantasy
Let me know what you think! Be sure to subscribe and like this episode.
Take care and Sweet Dreams!
Today’s show explains a little bit about why teaching can be difficult with tracking data, excessive testing, and determining eligibility. In today’s episode, we also listen to the excellent tired, where Nichole works ever so hard to hear, “Thank you, Mrs. Maas.” You will want to stay tuned.
2:16 Nichole’s experience
5:27 Most Rewarding Part of Teaching
7:32 Kids who need something different- how important is it to follow accommodations?
10:38 Keeping it manageable for the classroom teacher
12:00 Have we lost sight of why we are tracking data?- The Bad
14:11 How can we fix the data collection system/ Identification of needs
15:08 Explaining why it is difficult for ESE kids to be over tested
17:20 Possible solutions for ESE Kids in Terms of Assessment
19:30 Reasons we feel tired - The Ugly
21:21 Good Parts
22:00 Do People Get it?
27:24 Glimmers of Hope- The Good
30:00 It’s the small things that make it all worth it. - The Beauty
32:08 Suggestions to build rapport with kids with disabilities
33:54 Greatest Success
Sweet Dreams!
Show Notes:
Today’s show is with an incredible 2nd-grade teacher from Florida, Melanie Redden. Melanie is here to share her truth about building rapport with kids.
Today you will hear great ideas on how to build rapport with kids, a powerful example of classroom management, and how to celebrate one another through reflecting on mistakes and failures.
Rapport building is the most critical aspect of teaching. When kids know they are heard, loved, and cared about they are more open to learning and holding a higher value towards you and your expectations.
3:00 Melanie’s background experience
4:03 Building Rapport with kids- Secret handshake
5:33 Remember that they are kids first
6:35 Remember not all kids come with a great school experience
7:05 Balancing act
7:55 There is a reason kids are acting out
10:00 Behavior Chart Goes in the Planner (Celebrating mistakes and brave learning) Not moving clips
11:23 Calming Corner
14:57 We learned from mistakes
15:54 Kid example
17:15 Celebration Station
19:30 Thoughts on PBS vs. PBIS
20:54 Thoughts on Consequences
21:46 Step into My Shoes Conflict Resolution System
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Conflict-Resolution-and-Bullying-Poster-and-Activity-Pack-1521329
26:22 Reflecting On My Behavior for kids
Something they learned
Success They Are Proud of
Challenge- something they worked through that they learned from
27:22 Makerspace on What To Do With a Problem
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/MakerSpace-Moments-in-Literature-What-Do-You-Do-With-a-Problem-3707690
29:54 Reflecting on Our Practice
30:54 Tired Years and Moments
Sleep tight!
Welcome to the launch of One Tired Teacher! I’m so excited to be up and running. In this first episode, you will find out why I believe teachers should have a voice. Want to read more about it? I recently wrote a blog post called 3 Genuine Reasons Teachers Should Speak Their Truth. Check it out when you get the chance.
One Tired Teacher takes the trials of teaching and the treasures or best parts of being a teacher or educator and tells it like it is. Yes, I got tired of the politics and the brokenness of a system that seems to have lost their way. But what I didn't get tired of was actually educating children. Inspiring, motivating children and fellow teachers is what fueled my passion for solving the problems in education. Or at least I hope to be a part of the solution. So let’s wake up this system and start talking!