Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest. Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before. Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, and more.
Episodes
290. How to Read the Room When Student Behavior Feels Off
What if the behavior you’re seeing in your classroom is actually giving you useful information? In this episode, we’re looking at how to read the energy in your classroom, use (you guessed it!) structure and spark to understand what students need, and make small, targeted adjustments instead of changing the whole lesson. We’re sharing real classroom examples and talking about why observing before
289. How to Boost Engagement and Keep Students Thinking with Guided Notes
There’s nothing quite like looking around your classroom mid-lesson and wondering, “Are they learning, or am I just talking?” In this episode, we’re talking about student engagement and how guided notes can keep students thinking during instruction. We break down five steps for creating guided notes that encourage students to make connections and show what they understand, plus ways to use those n
288. Can't Miss Classic: Your Seating Chart Could Fix Classroom Behavior
Once you’ve had a few weeks to get to know your students, it’s the perfect time to take another look at your seating chart. In this replay episode, we’re sharing our best strategies for choosing a seating arrangement, using proximity to keep students on task, and recognizing when a seating setup that worked at first is no longer working for your classroom. We’ll help you make strategic seating cha
287. The Friday Teacher Routine That Makes Monday Easier
Mondays can feel overwhelming when you’re carrying unfinished tasks and trying to remember EVERYTHING that needs to happen! In this episode, we’re sharing a 5-step weekly reset to help you wrap up loose ends, prepare for the week ahead, and create a clearer starting point for Monday. It’s not about getting everything done, it’s about being prepared with a plan!Prefer to read? Grab the episode tran
286. 6 Simple Steps for Smoother Classroom Transitions
Transitions can quietly eat up valuable instructional time, especially when students start moving before directions are finished. In this episode, we’re breaking down a simple framework for making prompted transitions smoother, more efficient, and easier to manage by standardizing your approach. We’ll walk through the key steps and how they can help students know when to listen, when to move, and
285. Positive Classroom Culture is Your Management Secret Weapon
Your classroom culture is what teaches students how to behave, whether you’re the one doing the teaching or not! In this episode, we’re talking about how to intentionally shape a positive classroom culture that makes classroom management easier. We break down five practical steps and explain how social skills, positive peer pressure, and clearly reinforced expectations can help students take more
284. Want Better Classroom Behavior? Start in the Hallway
Hallway procedures might seem like a small part of classroom management, but they can have a much bigger impact on classroom success than you might expect. In this classic replay episode, we’re breaking down how to create effective hallway procedures by planning strategically, responding to disruptions, and teaching and practicing expectations with your students. With a little intentional planning
283. Can't Miss Classic: Why Reaching for a Reward System Might Be the Wrong First Move
Rewards might feel like an easy classroom management solution, but are they actually making your life harder? In this Can't Miss Classic, we’re taking a closer look at when rewards help, when they can backfire, and how to use them more intentionally. We’re sharing why you probably don’t need a reward system from day one, how to use short-term and surprise rewards strategically, and simple ways to
282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations
By the third week of school, the novelty starts to wear off and classroom expectations can begin to slip. In this episode, we explore how to hold students accountable without becoming harsh, using three practical strategies: reteaching procedures, giving clear directions and expecting follow-through, and helping students take ownership of their behavior. The goal is to stay steady, reinforce what
281. Can't Miss Classic: The Two Hours That Shape Your Entire First Day
The first day of school doesn’t have to leave you completely wiped out! In this replay episode, we’re talking about the “back-to-school sandwich” and the often-overlooked moments before and after students arrive. We’re sharing practical ways to prepare emotionally, handle the logistical details, and plan for recovery so you can protect your energy and head into day two feeling a little more ground
280. 4 Teacher Lessons We Wish We'd Learned Sooner
As our book Structure and Spark gets ready to go out into the world, we’re looking back at four lessons we wish we had learned much earlier in our teaching careers. In this episode, we unpack the ideas that changed the way we approached teaching, from building the right systems and staying on the student’s side to protecting time outside of school. We learned the hard way that the real goal isn’t
279. Can't Miss Classic: What Every Student Needs to Hear in the First Three Days
The first few days of school set the tone for everything that follows, so how can you intentionally build a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and needed? In this can’t-miss classic episode, we’re sharing practical ways to answer those three questions from day one through clear procedures, meaningful connection, and opportunities for every student to contribute. We’ll walk you through our a
278. Want Better Behavior? Start with Relationships
Strong teacher student relationships are the foundation of effective classroom management! In this episode, we share practical ways to build trust from the very beginning of the school year and explain why cooperation is more powerful than compliance. You'll walk away with simple strategies to build a positive classroom community that supports learning all year long!Prefer to read? Grab the episod
277. Can't Miss Classic: 10 Questions That Make Your Classroom Procedures Actually Work
Ever wonder why some classroom procedures seem to run effortlessly while others constantly need reminders? In this replay episode, we're sharing how a few simple guiding questions can help you plan classroom procedures that actually work...for both you and your students! We'll walk you through 10 benefits of thinking through your routines ahead of time, from preventing common classroom challenges
276. The Real Reason Teachers Are Exhausted in August
Back-to-school exhaustion isn't just about long hours or a heavy workload! In this episode, we explore the surprising reason behind back-to-school fatigue and explain how a lack of automaticity creates extra mental strain. We also share practical systems that help you build external structure, reduce decision fatigue, and free up more of your energy to focus on connecting with your students during
275. Can't Miss Classic: The Most Important Back-to-School Prep Teachers Usually Forget
This week we're replaying one of our favorite back-to-school episodes because it's a reminder every teacher needs: don't just prepare your classroom, prepare yourself. We're sharing simple, practical ways to create a softer landing into the school year by setting up your home life, supporting your teaching self, and planning for rest and recovery before the first day even begins. If back-to-school
274. The Overwhelm Buster: 3 Steps to Beat Back-to-School Stress
We’ve learned the hard way that panic-prepping for back-to-school season isn’t the answer. It can leave teachers feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and still unprepared. In today’s episode, we introduce our simple three-step Overwhelm Buster to help you take back control! Join us as we talk through practical ways to calm your nervous system, prioritize the tasks that matter most, and create a realist
272. Your Free Backstage Pass to Teacher Summer Talks
In this special episode, we share a sneak peek at our upcoming Teacher Summer Talks Summit with quick, practical tips from eight expert educators! From writing instruction and math routines to classroom management and teacher well-being, you'll walk away with fresh ideas to help you prepare for the new school year. We also share one of our favorite productivity strategies for making back-to-school
271. Can't Miss Classic: The 6 Lists That Tell You If You're Really Ready for August
Back-to-school prep doesn't have to feel like an endless, overwhelming to-do list! In this replay episode, we're sharing the six areas we believe every teacher needs to have ready before the first day of school so you can head back feeling calm and confident instead of overwhelmed. We walk through practical tips for preparing your classroom, supplies, procedures, welcome plans, lessons, and even y
270. The Smart Way to Tackle Your Back to School To-Do List
If your back-to-school overwhelm is ramping up, this episode will help calm the stress and tackle those to-do lists. We share a simple framework for prioritizing your endless tasks based on four essential student needs: safety, belonging, competence, and growth. We share why routines and procedures matter so much, how to help students feel welcomed and capable, and why focusing on the right tasks
269. Can't Miss Classic: The Power Hour Trick That Beats Back-to-School Panic
Summer can cause teachers to either put off school prep and then panic when August arrives, or miss out on a restful summer break because they’re too focused on work. In this episode, we’re revisiting a simple, sustainable approach to back-to-school preparation that helps you feel ready without sacrificing your summer. We walk you through our six-step "Teacher Power Hour" system, showing you how t
268. Why You Should Add More Whimsy to Your Teacher Summer
Recovery is about more than just rest, so in this episode we’re making the case for adding a little whimsy to your summer. We share how playfulness can help teachers reconnect with themselves, the science behind why positive emotions matter, and simple ways to create a summer that feels more memorable, meaningful, and fun. Give yourself permission to enjoy things simply because they bring you joy!
267. Can't Miss Classic: 20 Teacher TV Tasks for Your Couch Productivity Era
Are you enjoying your summer lounge time but feel that itch to get ahead for back-to-school? We’re revisiting 20 simple “TV tasks” that teachers can tackle from the comfort of the couch while still protecting their summer rest and recovery. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries around summer work, creating both a summer no list and a summer yes list, and finding ways to make back-to-s
266. 7 Low-Effort Ways to Get Ahead, Whenever You Feel Like It
In this episode, we revisit one of our favorite summer philosophies: recovery and readiness. To focus on the ‘readiness’ side of things, we share seven simple tasks that take 10 minutes or less but can help you feel more prepared for the new school year without turning your summer into a work project. From choosing your first-day outfit and first read-aloud to updating your emergency kit and colle
265. Can't Miss Classic: Your Permission Slip to Skip These 6 BTS Pressures
In this episode, we revisit the six back-to-school pressures we’re saying no to this summer: elaborate classroom themes, laminating everything, chasing every social media trend, overspending on classroom decor, making our rooms look picture-perfect, and comparing ourselves to other teachers online. We share practical reminders for staying grounded during back-to-school season by focusing on meanin
264. From Romance to Research: Our Summer Reading Picks for Teachers
In this special summer reading episode, we’re sharing some of our favorite recent reads that will inspire you to kick back with a good book on your break. From magical realism to historical romance, we discuss the books that have surprised and delighted us this year, and we share recommendations for professional development and classroom inspiration. Plus, we give an exciting update on our upcomin
263. Can't Miss Classic: Stop Letting Guilt and Panic Steal Your Teacher Summer
In this replay episode, we’re exploring why boundaries are the secret ingredient to a joyful, restorative summer and a smoother transition back to school. We walk through practical ways to set healthy boundaries around time, technology, and task load so summer doesn’t turn into “a quieter form of burnout.” Along the way, we talk about balancing recovery with back-to-school readiness, avoiding comp
262. Crashing Isn't Resting: The Summer Teacher Mistake to Skip This Year
In this episode, we explore why crashing on the couch isn’t the same as true recovery and share our four-part framework for summer restoration: relax, refresh, refocus, and recharge. We talk about how to know when you might need each type of recovery, the common traps teachers fall into during summer break, and how to create a more intentional approach to rest so you can head into the next school
261. Can't Miss Classic: Why Teacher Summer Feels So Weird (And What to Do About It)
In this episode, we revisit the 10 emotional stages of summer break for teachers, from the pure joy of the first day of freedom and relaxation, to productivity bursts, procrastination, panic, and finally the excitement of a brand-new school year. We also share relatable teacher stories, practical ways to recover from burnout without drifting through summer, and strategies for avoiding back-to-scho
260. A 7-Day Teacher Decompression Plan for First Week of Summer
The start of summer feels like it should instantly refresh teachers, but too often we find ourselves wondering how to spend our time. In this episode, we share teacher summer break tips for easing into summer without falling into guilty rest or the productivity trap. We walk through a simple seven-day decompression plan designed to help teachers transition out of school mode, reconnect with fun an
259. The Decide Once Strategy That Will Save Your Teacher Brain Next Year
The end of the school year is the perfect time to notice the recurring problems in your work day, and to plan new systems to make next year easier. We’re sharing the “decide once” strategy that helps reduce the decision fatigue teachers face every day by creating simple systems for predictable classroom problems. From behavior management and unfinished work to grading and email boundaries, we talk
258. Can't Miss Classic: 10 End-of-Year Celebration Ideas Your Students Will Love
As the school year winds down, it’s important to find meaningful ways to celebrate the year with intention. Drawing on ideas from our Teacher Approved community, we explore countdowns, theme days, and creative class celebrations that bring both fun and purpose to those final weeks. These strategies will help keep students engaged, create lasting memories, and honor the classroom community you’ve b
257. 5 Smart Switch-Ups for May Classroom Management
May can be a tough stretch for teachers, with high emotions, routine pushback, and packed calendars. In this episode, we share why the mid-May slump feels so challenging and how trying to tighten control can backfire. Instead, we walk through five simple ways to rebalance structure and spark so you can keep students engaged, reduce chaos, and finish the school year feeling more steady and in contr
256. Can’t Miss Classic: How to Save Hours at Back-to-School Time by Prepping in May
May might feel like the worst time to think about next year, but we’re sharing simple, low-effort ways to get ahead while everything is still fresh. In this episode, we walk through five smart back to school prep strategies you can tackle right now using what you’re already doing. These simple ideas will help you save time, stay organized, and ease that August stress before it even starts.Prefer t
255. 4 Smart Ways to Make End-of-School-Year Group Work Actually Work
Late April energy is real, so we’re sharing how to use group work to channel that energy into structured, meaningful collaboration. We break down a simple framework for assigning groups, prepping students with clear expectations, designing tasks that truly require teamwork, and wrapping up in a way that improves future activities. Group work can be the key to keeping students engaged, and might ev
254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)
Transitions don’t have to feel chaotic. In this episode, we share simple classroom transition strategies to reduce chatter by intentionally designing what happens before, during, and after each shift in activity. From clear directions and action cues to managing movement and preventing bottlenecks, we walk through practical ways to keep things running smoothly. These small, thoughtful changes can
253. Can’t Miss Classic: Stop Fighting the Wiggles and Do This Instead
In this replay, we’re circling back to some simple, effective classroom movement strategies that boost focus, improve behavior, and make learning stick, all without adding extra time to your day. Instead of treating movement as&nb
252. Can’t Miss Classic: April Planning That Makes August Easier
We’re taking advantage of April to get a head start on back-to-school prep with five simple, low-stress tasks you can do right now. From creating helpful lists and reflecting on classroom procedures to capturing real-life examples and testing new ideas, these small steps help you stay organized and intentional. Tune in for practical strategies to do now that your future teacher self will thank you
251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for You
In this episode, we share five low-cost, high-yield preventative classroom management strategies that help stop problems before they start. From greeting students at the door to using visual prompts and intentional tone, these simple shifts change the atmosphere in your classroom without complicated systems. When you focus on prevention instead of constant correction, you create a calmer, more eng
250. 250 Episodes Later: Our Biggest Teacher Takeaways
In this special milestone episode, we’re celebrating 250 episodes and four years of the Teacher Approved podcast. We look back at how the show started, the lessons we’ve learned along the way, and some of our favorite episodes and hidden gems. We also talk about the surprising ways the podcast has evolved, what gives us hope for the future of education, and what we hope the next 250 episodes will
249. 5 Easy Teacher Tasks for March That Pay off Big at Back to School
March is chaotic, but it’s also full of clarity. In this episode, we share five small things you can do right now to make teaching easier and set up a smoother fall, from creating a simple next-year parking lot to saving student work as future models. We also talk about using March as a low-stakes time to test-drive that routine you keep putting off, as well as share about our Quiet Your Chatty Cl
248. How Smart Teachers Prep for an Easy First Day Back from Spring Break
Spring break is magical until Sunday night, when you realize you have no plan for Monday. In this episode, we share our “soft landing” strategy for the first day back, built around three simple phases: reunion, bridge, and re-anchor. You’ll learn how to reconnect before academics, use low-stakes review to ease back in, and restore routines in a way that feels calm, flexible, and community-centered
247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix Them
March brings higher energy and lower stamina, and suddenly your classroom feels louder, messier, and harder to manage. In this episode, we explain why spring classroom management isn’t about cracking down harder, but about rebuilding structure. We walk through four common spring trouble spots: transitions, messiness, chattiness, and behavior outside the classroom. We also share practical ways to r
246. Why Your Test Review Isn’t Working (And What to Do Instead)
Test prep doesn’t have to mean packets or pressure. In this episode, we redefine test prep as helping students remember what they’ve already learned through simple, low-stakes retrieval practice and reflection. We share why traditional review often falls short, how strategies like brain dumps and quick recall prompts strengthen learning, and how starting small right now leads to calmer, more effec
245. How to Build a Teacher Wardrobe That Fits Your Life
In this episode, we’re joined by Lindsey from Fashion Fix to rethink the teacher wardrobe from the ground up. We talk about why traditional fashion advice falls flat for educators, how overspending and underbuying leads to closet frustration, and why understanding your body shape and personal style matters more than chasing trends. Lindsey shares a confidence-centered, practical approach to buildi
244. The Teacher-Approved Way to Leave School Earlier and Get Back Your Evenings
We’ve all had those days when dismissal comes and goes, but somehow we’re still at school hours later. In this episode, we break down why teaching work never really “ends” on its own, and how creating a clear system helps you leave work at school. We walk through how to close out the day with intention, reset your brain for focused work, decide what truly needs to get done, and set a hard stop you
243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)
In this episode, we break down why teacher planning time so often gets wasted and what actually helps protect it. We share a simple two-pillar framework focused on guarding your prep from interruptions and directing it with intention, so you know exactly what to work on when you sit down. From setting boundaries to choosing tasks that make the rest of your week smoother, this conversation is all a
242. 6 Small Tweaks That Can Save Your February Teacher Energy
January is tough, but February can be a surprisingly powerful reset if you know how to use it. In this episode, we share why this month often feels draining, how hidden energy leaks show up across your day, and how a simple February energy audit can help you make small, strategic shifts that protect your time and capacity. Our goal is to help you stop drifting through February and start using it t
241. What Smart Teachers Do Before a PD Event (So It Actually Sticks)
Inspiration is fun, but momentum is what really matters! In this episode, we share how to use Teacher Winter Talks to spark change you can carry back into your classroom. We walk through what to do before, during, and after the summit so great ideas don’t end up in the "forgotten idea graveyard". If you want to reconnect with what’s working, focus on strategies that fit your classroom, and turn in
240. 7 Quick Teacher Approved Tips for a Better January
January hits differently, and we want this episode to feel like a deep exhale as you head back into the classroom. We’re sharing a sneak peek of Teacher Winter Talks with seven incredible educators and quick, practical ideas to help you reset after winter break. You’ll hear simple shifts to reconnect with students, strengthen thinking across subjects, and make January feel more manageable. This is
239. Can't Miss Classic: January Classroom Jumpstart
This can’t-miss classic is the cozy January reset teachers love coming back to. We walk you through four simple, low-stress ways to refresh your routines, tighten up procedures, make mornings work better, plan ahead for test prep, and still leave room for the fun that makes teaching joyful. It’s gentle, practical, and perfect for easing back into the classroom feeling confident and grounded. And w
238. Can't Miss Classic: 8 Reflection Questions to Help Teachers Start the New Year Strong
We’re bringing back a can’t-miss Teacher Approved classic episode to help you ease back into school with intention and clarity. In this replay of our January Reset Reflection, we guide you through eight thoughtful questions designed to help you reflect on what’s working, identify what needs a refresh, and keep that fresh-start energy alive long after winter break ends! This episode is meant to be
237. Do These 3 Things Before Winter Break to Make January Easier
Looking for a smoother January? In this episode, we share our three favorite strategies for a classroom reset before winter break so you can return feeling calm, prepared, and confident. We walk you through simple ways to spark excitement for the new year, set up future you for success, and plan a gentle, soft start that makes the transition back feel easier for you and your students.Prefer to rea
236. Your Tired Teacher Guide to January Prep from Your Couch
Ready to make January feel like a gentle start instead of a cold plunge? In this episode, we’re sharing our January launch plan, designed so you can get prepped for the new term from the comfort of your couch. Whether you’re catching up on Hallmark movies or just sneaking in a bit of planning before the break, these tips will help you go back with confidence and calm!Prefer to read? Grab the episo
235. 4 Teacher-Approved Ways to Manage Classroom Behavior in December
December has officially arrived, and we’re sharing the December classroom behavior strategies that help keep things calm when student energy is sky-high. In this episode, we walk through the routines and mindset shifts that make the biggest impact, from daily expectation check-ins and protecting your mornings to using our “swiss cheese strategy” when the schedule is full of holes. We also highligh
234. How to Plan Teaching in December So January Feels Easy
December in the classroom brings joy and chaos in equal measure, and in this episode we share a smarter way to navigate it with your sanity intact. We walk you through choosing your “stop new content” date, mapping out your December must-do’s, and using unpredictable pockets of time for meaningful review and reflection so December lesson planning becomes less about surviving and more about creatin
233. The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)
Feeling stuck in that mid-November limbo? This episode kicks off our Smooth December Series so that you can head into January feeling calm and confident. We break down four core focus areas (pockets of prep, classroom reset, student engagement hook, and a teacher comfort plan) along with simple ways to find small windows of time, organize materials with easy systems, and plan meaningful activities
232. 5 Ways Teachers Can Spark Joy When Classroom Energy Tanks
November can feel gray and sluggish in the classroom. This episode shares five simple classroom energy boosters to re-energize both you and your students. We walk through the five Cs of classroom re-energizing: Change, Connect, Create, Celebrate, and Center. Each C is full of practical ways to add small sparks of novelty. You’ll learn how tiny shifts, like tweaking your classroom ambiance or build
231. What's Not Working in Your Classroom? Time to KISS Those Problems Goodbye!
If the school year’s starting to feel a little messy and your routines aren’t hitting like they used to, this episode is your cue to pause for a mid-year classroom reset! We’re using the K.I.S.S. Retrospective (Keep, Improve, Stop, Start) to help you reflect on what’s working in your classroom and what needs a refresh. From routines and student behavior to differentiation and teacher workload, you
230. How to Keep Students Engaged Through Every Season of the School Year
This episode is a little bit of a Frankenstein...in the best way possible. Between Halloween chaos and a behind-the-scenes project you’ll hear hints about, we’re revisiting one of our most-loved conversations on student engagement strategies. We’re breaking down how to balance structure with novelty (aka spark) through the seven “seasons” of the school year, with practical tips for keeping student
229. How to Keep the Halloween Chaos in Check and Still Have Fun
Halloween in the classroom can feel like wrangling a troop of caffeinated squirrels, but it doesn’t have to be chaos! In this episode, we share our top Halloween classroom management tips to keep students engaged, routines intact, AND the fun alive. From the lead-up to the big day and the reset afterward, we cover strategies like the “candy rule,” visual schedules, brain breaks, and backup plans,
228. The Simple 6-Step Plan for Resetting After a Sub
There’s nothing quite like that moment when you stand outside your classroom after being out. Will you walk into calm or chaos? In this episode, we’re sharing six simple strategies to get your classroom back on track after a sub day, whether you’ve been gone for a few hours or a few weeks. You’ll learn a step-by-step approach for resetting routines, reconnecting with students, and addressing behav
227. 5 Smart Ways to Respond to Student Work Refusal
You’ve just wrapped up an engaging lesson, given clear directions, and most of your class is happily working…except for that one student who just will not pick up a pencil. We know how discouraging it feels when this happens, so this week we’re sharing our best strategies for handling those tough moments with empathy and intention. Discover why work refusal isn’t just defiance, what students might
226. The October Reset Every Teacher Needs
Do you feel like you’re stuck in back-to-school survival mode while the rest of the year flies by? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re talking about an October Reset for teachers - our favorite way to shift from the September sprint to a sustainable teaching routine. We’ll share five essential strategies to help you recover from the post-September crash, evaluate what’s working (and what’s no
225. 5 Easy Ways to Reignite Student Engagement During the September Slump
The back-to-school honeymoon is over, and if your once angelic class is now fidgety and distracted, don’t panic. You haven’t lost your classroom magic! In this episode, we break down the September slump, why it’s normal, and how to use it as an opportunity to boost engagement without burning yourself out. You’ll learn five simple, low-prep ways to bring back the spark, plus how to spot the “check
224. How to Help Students Build Learning Stamina After Summer Break
Ever planned the perfect lesson only to watch students’ focus vanish? In this episode, we dive into building learning stamina, including why it matters, how to teach it, and 5 key strategies to help students stick with challenging tasks. We share a classroom story showing the power of starting small, celebrating progress, and using tools like timers, breaks, and goal setting to build lasting focus
223. The Core 4 Routines Every Classroom Needs to Run Like Clockwork
Wouldn't it be nice if your classroom could run like clockwork, with students knowing exactly what to do without constant reminders? In this episode, we’re showing you how to connect your procedures into seamless routines that stick, so everything from morning arrival to end-of-day chaos feels easier. You’ll learn our three-step process (anchor, expand, and reinforce), fun strategies for keeping r
222. Can’t Miss Classic: How to Calm Classroom Chaos with One Simple Cue
This week’s can’t-miss classic is all about one of our favorite simple tools every teacher needs: a nonverbal behavior signal. Disruptions are going to happen, but instead of stopping your whole lesson to give a lecture (or raising your blood pressure), you can use a calm little 1-2-3 finger cue to redirect behavior in a low-key, non-shaming way. We’ll walk you through how to teach the signal like
221. 5 Ways to Have High Expectations and Still Have Strong Connections with Your Students
Are you constantly swinging between being the “fun teacher” and the “strict teacher”, all before lunchtime? In this episode, we’re tackling one of the trickiest balancing acts in teaching: how to hold high expectations for your students while also making them feel genuinely seen and cared for. We’re diving into the concept of being a “warm demander”, the (unfortunately named but totally essential)
220. Can’t Miss Classic: 5 Fun Ways to Start the Year with Surprise and Delight
If you want to kick off the school year with a classroom full of joy, connection, and just a little magic, this can’t-miss classic is for you! We’re revisiting one of our most-loved episodes, all about the simple but powerful “surprise and delight” strategy for building strong student relationships from day one. In it, we share five teacher-tested ways to sprinkle unexpected fun into your routines
219. How to Build a Classroom Community That Lasts All Year
By October, some classrooms feel like a true team while others still feel like a group of strangers. In this episode, we’re sharing our five-phase approach to classroom community building (Spark, Surface, Shape, Strengthen, and Sustain) so yours becomes the first kind. These are realistic, doable strategies you can use even during your busiest weeks, because strong classroom communities aren’t le
218. Can't Miss Classic: Plug and Play Your First Day of School Plans
The first day of school doesn’t have to leave you frazzled and running on fumes! In this can’t-miss classic, we’re sharing our simple plug-and-play framework to help you plan a calm, confident start to the year. We’ll walk you through setting ATTABOY goals (affirming, training, teaching, and assessing), then plugging activities into your schedule around fixed events like lunch and recess. You’ll a
217. 3 Things to Do Before Students Arrive and After They Leave on the First Day
We want you to think of your back-to-school experience as a sandwich (stick with us here!). That first day with students is the flavorful filling, but the real secret to a successful start is what happens before and after. In this episode, we’re sharing our Back to School Sandwich framework filled with first day of school teacher tips to help you prepare emotionally and logistically, protect your
216. Can’t Miss Classic: The 3 Truths Every Teacher Needs for Day One
The first day of school can feel like a whirlwind, so in this can't-miss classic episode, we’re walking you through our three first-day “truths” to help you feel grounded and prepared. We’re sharing how to script out your entire day (yes, script, not just plan!) so you know what’s happening minute by minute, you’re over-prepared without panicking, and you’re not talking yourself hoarse by 10 a.m.
215. Here's EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School
Just like a football coach scripts the first few plays of a game, you can script the first 20 minutes of your classroom, and in this episode, we’re walking you through exactly how to do that. We’re sharing our top first day of school teacher tips, including five essential goals to guide your opening moments: how to greet students, which procedure to teach first (hint: not your attention signal!),
214. Can’t Miss Classic: The 3 Lists Every Teacher Needs Before Day One
If your brain is spinning with classroom setup and first week plans, this can’t-miss classic is the perfect episode to bring some calm to the chaos. In it, we walk you through our simple 3-list approach to planning an intentional and impactful first week of school. From scheduling fixed and hinge events, to using the ATTABOY framework to align your goals, to prepping time fillers and writing a fle
213. 6 Simple Goals to Make Open House or Back-To-School Night a Success
Back-to-school season is here, and that means it’s time to tackle one of the most nerve-wracking events of the year: open house! In this episode, we’re sharing a strategic, stress-free approach to help you skip the Pinterest overwhelm and focus on what really matters. You’ll learn six essential goals for a successful open house, how to use simple stations to create a welcoming and engaging environ
212. Can't Miss Classic: The ATTA BOY Way to Plan a Better First Week of School
We’re bringing back a listener favorite that’s just as relevant now as when we first aired it! In this classic episode, we’re diving into the why behind your first week of school plans with a simple yet powerful framework called ATTABOY—affirming, training, teaching, and assessing. Instead of getting caught up in flashy Pinterest activities, we’ll help you focus on what truly sets your classroom u
211. The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of School
Your first 3 days of school activities do so much more than check boxes. They set the tone for the entire year! In this episode, we’re talking about how to use those first few days to answer the three big questions every student is asking: Am I safe? Am I seen? Am I needed? We’ll walk you through how to build your classroom culture from day one, share our favorite ways to teach procedures, and spr
210. Can’t Miss Classic: 4 Ways Teachers Can Lighten Their Mental Load This School Year
We're bringing you a summer replay that's all about decision fatigue - that overwhelming feeling when your brain is running on empty from making 1,500 decisions before lunch. In this episode, we break down why teachers are uniquely susceptible to mental exhaustion and share four practical strategies to lighten your decision-making load. Whether you're mapping out your classroom, planning new routi
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