Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

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 really be communicating, and the simple shifts that can turn resistance into engagement.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/student-work-refusal-strategies/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!A Fall Day For BearA Visitor for Bear Vocabulary - Read Aloud Lesson@nococookiecakes on InstagramConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 161, How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved TechniquesEpisode 219, How to Build a Classroom Community That Lasts All YearEpisode 223, The Core 4 Routines Every Classroom Needs to Run Like ClockworkEpisode 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 not) in your classroom systems, and focus your energy where it really counts. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/october-reset-for-teachers/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!Atmosphere, by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love, by India HoltonConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 32, 5 Classroom Management Questions to Help Banish Bad Class HabitsEpisode 94, A Great Day Before School Even Starts: Your Perfect Teacher Morning Routine At SchoolEpisode 176, Our 4 Tried and True Tricks to Reset a Rough Day of SchoolEpisode 223, The Core 4 Routines Every Classroom Needs to Run Like Clockwork

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 engine” lights that signal it’s time to revisit routines. These micro-novelties keep curiosity alive while maintaining the structure students need.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/september-slump-in-the-classroom/Resources:Digital Seating Chart ToolGlass potThe New York Times Game: PipsThe Holiday Headstart PodcastJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 97, 3 Secrets For Using Your Classroom Seating Arrangement to Boost Classroom ManagementEpisode 99, Get Students Engaged with 3 Types of Active Participation StrategiesEpisode 156, Starting the School Year with Surprise and Delight: 5 Easy Ideas

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. By the end, you’ll see that stamina isn’t something students either have or don’t have. It’s a skill that can be taught, nurtured, and celebrated in every classroom.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/building-learning-stamina/Resources:Back-to-School Brain BreaksKindle Page Turner RemoteVisible - Save $20 with our link!Join the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 98, 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve ItEpisode 164, Why You Need a Classroom Carpet And How to Manage Student BehaviorEpisode 191, Get Moving! Simple Movement Hacks That Save Your Sanity AND Boost LearningEpisode 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 routines consistent, and the “Core Four” every classroom needs: calm morning starts, orderly hallway movement, smooth transitions, and efficient end-of-day procedures. With these tools, your classroom will practically run itself, freeing you up to focus on teaching and building connections with your students!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-routines/Resources:Ladystacks Book TrackerJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 48, How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple with Clear Beginning and EndingsEpisode 49, Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50, 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderEpisode 89, Hallway Behavior Management: 4 Essential Plans for Improving Hallway Classroom ManagementEpisode 93, Teacher Morning Routine: 10 Tips for Creating Your Perfect PlanEpisode 94, A Great Day Before School Even Starts: Your Perfect Teacher Morning Routine at SchoolEpisode 95, 4 Must-Have Characteristics of Your Classroom Morning RoutineEpisode 120, Supporting New Teachers with Ashleigh From Rainbow Skies for New TeachersEpisode 160, 4 Dismissal Routine Tips for Teachers to Calm the End-of-Day Chaosa...

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 any other procedure, practice it so students know exactly what to do, and keep it as chill and predictable as possible. With just a little front loading, this strategy becomes one of those invisible tools that makes your classroom run so much smoother!Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teaching-class-consequences/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 21, Guided DiscoveryEpisode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How They Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 92, Teacher Approved Tips: Teaching Recess Games and How to Save TimeEpisode 101, 10 Easy Ways to Prevent Behavior Problems Before They StartEpisode 102, Classroom Behavior Problems: How to Plan Ahead to Handle Them EffectivelyEpisode 155, Mastering the Teacher Look for Nonverbal Classroom Management

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) teaching strategy where high standards and strong relationships go hand in hand.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/warm-demander-teaching-strategies/Resources:Editable Classroom Seating Chart MakerMilk frother with hook whiskJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How They Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 97, 3 Secrets for Using Your Classroom Seating Arrangement to Boost Classroom ManagementEpisode 163, The 6 Key Ways to Boost Student Engagement Every DayEpisode 219, How to Build a Classroom Community That Lasts All Year

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, and give loads of easy, low-cost examples you can use right away. These small, intentional moments don’t just make your students smile, they create a positive classroom climate that lasts all year!Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-surprise-and-delight/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!Website: National Day CalendarConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 148, How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-SchoolEpisode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back-to-SchoolEpisode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back-to-School Episode 35, 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for Teachers

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 left to chance, they’re built with purpose and heart.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-community-building/Resources:All-About-Me Backpack (coming soon!)Book: Our Class is a FamilyBook: The Name JarOh Happy Dani Classroom Posters CluedleJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community At Back to SchoolEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyEpisode 211, The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of SchoolEpisode 215, Here’s EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School

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 also get our best tips for hinge events, time-filler activities, and balancing procedures with fun so your first day flows smoothly and sets the tone for a great year!Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-day-of-school-plans/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 78, Teacher Approved Tips: The Best First Day Arrival Activity and Pre-Writing AssessmentsEpisode 77, 3 Reasons Why a First Day of School Script Will Save Your SanityEpisode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back-to-SchoolEpisode 68, Teacher Approved Tips: Making a Time Filler Kit and Building Sentence Writing SkillsEpisode 22, 3 First Day Truths

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 energy, and recover with intention!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-day-of-school-tips/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!Freebie: Cheers and Chat InvitationGuided Discovery of School Tools Back to School Readiness ChecklistsThe Spellshop, by Sarah Beth DurstConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 144, How to Plug-and-Play Your First Day of School PlansEpisode 145, Our Best Tools for First-Day PlanningEpisode 146, Never Pick Up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided DiscoveryEpisode 211, The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of SchoolEpisode 213, 6 Simple Goals to Make Open House or Back-to-School Night a Success

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. If you’re staring down your calendar wondering how you’ll pull it all off, take a deep breath. We’ve got your back with practical tips, sample timelines, and a free resource to help you cover every tiny detail. Let’s make this first day a calm and confident one—together.Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/3-first-day-truths/Resources:Procedures Planning Guide FreebieFirst Day of School Blog PostFirst Day of School ScriptJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 21, Guided DiscoveryEpisode 20, Mastering Morning RoutinesEpisode 18, Procedures for Success!

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!), and how to keep students calm and engaged while you handle behind-the-scenes tasks. These practical strategies will help you kick off the year with confidence, clarity, and a classroom that feels warm and welcoming from the start!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-day-of-school-teacher-tips/Resources:Pattern Block Activity MatsLego Activity MatsFirst Day of School Lesson Plan GuideBack to School Brain BreaksLaurel Denise Portrait Week + Month plannerJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 98, 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve ItEpisode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks AboutEpisode 211, The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of SchoolEpisode 213, 6 Simple Goals to Make Open House or Back-to-School Night a Success

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 flexible script, you’ll walk away with a clear path forward and the confidence to start strong!Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/plan-your-first-week-of-school/Resources:Back to School Readiness ChecklistsFirst Day of School Planning Guide and Lesson PlanFirst Day of School Pattern Block Activity MatsFirst Day of School Lego Activity MatsGuided Discovery: Introducing School ToolsJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 148, How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-SchoolEpisode 145, Our Best Tools for First-Day PlanningEpisode 140, 8 Steps to Craft a Perfect Daily Schedule for Your Elementary ClassroomEpisode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back to School

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 environment, and why this event is more about connection than perfection. Let’s turn open house into a moment of belonging for students, families, and you.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/open-house/Resources:Open House/Back-to-School Night ResourceFirst Day Wishing Star KitCluedleOh Happy Dani Classroom PostersJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem - Here’s What to Prep While You WaitEpisode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks AboutEpisode 211, The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days 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 up for success. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-goals/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 18, Procedures for Success!Episode 16, Easy Summer PDEpisode 10, What You Can Do Now For Next Year

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 sprinkle in some stories, book recs, and tips you can try tomorrow.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-3-days-of-school-activities/Resources:First Day of School Lesson Plan GuideTell, Try, Tally, Talk Google SlidesDeleteMeOur Favorite Back to School Books: First Day Jitters, When You Go to Dragon School, A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How They Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem - Here’s What to Prep While You WaitEpisode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks About

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 routines, or just trying to choose which planner to buy, we'll help you reduce overwhelm and set yourself up for a calmer school year. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/decision-fatigue-teachers/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 77, 3 Reasons Why a First Day of School Script Will Save Your SanityEpisode 64, Your Summer To Do List – How Teachers Can Choose the Best Tasks for Big ImpactEpisode 19, Your Back to School Goals

The most important back-to-school prep no one talks about isn't about classroom decorations - it's about preparing YOU. In this episode, we reveal the three critical areas that transform your school year: supporting your life, prepping your teaching self, and creating a recovery plan. We'll show you how to go beyond traditional preparation and create systems that support you as a whole person, helping you not just survive, but truly thrive in the classroom. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/the-most-important-back-to-school-prep-no-one-talks-about/Resources:Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and ChecklistsBack to School Readiness ChecklistsLMNT - get a FREE sample pack with your purchase!Tamed Wild door hinge magnetsJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 199, Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher SummersEpisode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the CouchEpisode 203, 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-to-School SeasonEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem - Here’s What to Prep While You Wait

This summer, we're sharing our can't-miss classic episodes, and this week's gem is all about that pivotal moment every teacher experiences: receiving your class list. We dive into the mix of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation that comes with seeing those names for the first time. We've crafted 10 practical tips to help you transform that overwhelming moment into a strategic planning session, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for the upcoming school year!Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-to-do-list/Resources:Seating Chart Planning ToolReady for School ChecklistsDaily Morning Messages SlidesJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back to SchoolEpisode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to SchoolEpisode 148, How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-SchoolEpisode 194, Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things NowEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem—Here’s What to Prep While You Wait