Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

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 engaged classroom, even during the tired final months of the school year.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/preventative-classroom-management-strategies/Resources:Why It's Important to Welcome Your Students to ClassHow Tone of Voice Shapes Your Classroom CultureAllermi allergy sprayCeraVe Intensive Moisturizing CreamPre-order our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 124. Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom ManagementEpisode 247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix ThemEpisode 177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management QuestionsEpisode 178. 5 Classroom Management Tips for Taming a Chatty ClassMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 bring as we continue helping teachers elevate what matters and simplify the rest!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-podcast-for-elementary-teachersResources:Luminette 3 Light Therapy GlassesMagnesium L-ThreonatePuzzle TablePre-order our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 200. 200 Episodes Later: These 5 Teacher Approved Tips Still WinEpisode 165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the SeasonEpisode 158. Back-to-School Classroom Management: Are You Working Smarter or Harder?Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 Class Challenge. You can calm spring chatter now, create more mental and physical space, and know that you’ll be ready for next year with systems you’ve already practiced.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/march-classroom-tasks/Resources:Proper Mountain Woman ClubJoin The Teacher Approved Club (free 10-day trial!)Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 60. 6 Simple Spring Cleaning Tips for Freshening Up Your ClassroomEpisode 61. 6 Things Teachers Can Do Now for a Better Back to SchoolEpisode 190. Do These 5 Easy Things in April to Make Back to School Easier!Episode 194. Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things NowMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-day-back-after-spring-break/Resources:Flying Wish PaperDie with zeroJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 181. How To Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks For A Stress-Free Spring BreakEpisode 186. 5 Teacher Tasks You Need to Do Before Spring BreakEpisode 4. Bouncing Back After A BreakEpisode 237. Do These 3 Things Before Winter Break To Make January EasierMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 reset expectations so the environment does more of the work for you. The goal is simple: create structure now so your day requires less of you tomorrow.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/spring-classroom-management-headaches/Resources:Pre-order Structure and SparkStain StrikerClay MooJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple PodcastsLeave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderEpisode 119. Chatty Class Management: 5 Ways to Handle a Talkative ClassMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 effective test prep later.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/test-prep-strategies-for-elementary-teachers/Resources:Powerful Teaching bookBulb subscriptionGrow lightJoin The Teacher Approved Club (power questions included!)Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 185. 6 Easy Tips for Simplifying Your Test Prep SeasonEpisode 183. 2 Smart Test Prep Strategies You Need to Use with Your StudentsEpisode 182. Boost Your Test Prep with These 3 Retrieval Practice ActivitiesEpisode 121. How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters MostMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 building a wardrobe that works for real teacher life.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/how-to-build-a-teacher-wardrobe/Resources:Fashion FixTarte mascaraSticker by numberJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 187. 3 Teacher Approved Episodes, Tips, and Favorites That You Will LoveEpisode 55. Thriving As A Teacher: One Helpful StrategyEpisode 93. Teacher Morning Routine: 10 Tips For Creating Your Perfect PlanMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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’ll actually keep, all so you can head home knowing tomorrow is handled and today is done.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/leave-school-on-time-teacher-tipsResources:A Gentle RainCandle wick trimmerJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)Episode 242. 6 Small Tweaks that Can Save Your February Teacher EnergyEpisode 94. A Great Day Before School Even Starts: Your Perfect Teacher Morning Routine at SchoolEpisode 169. Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for JanuaryMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 about making planning time more productive and sustainable.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-planning-time-strategies/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!February Teacher Survival KitConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 169. Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for JanuaryEpisode 91. Start Your Day Strong: Top Tips for Maximizing Your Morning WorkEpisode 181. How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks for a Stress-Free Spring BreakMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 to refill your tank before the rest of the year ramps up.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/february-teacher-energy-tips/Resources:February Teacher Survival KitJoin the Teacher Approved Club!BlueAir humidifierHinge toppersConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple with Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderEpisode 161, How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved Techniques Mentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 inspiration into action, this episode is your game plan.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-pd-tips/Resources:Grab your FREE ticket to Teacher Winter Talks.Good StoreSun Basin Wooden Wick Candle Monochrome Coloring BookJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 71, The Easy Way Teachers Can Learn This Summer: 10 PD Books We LoveEpisode 236, Your Tired Teacher Guide to January Prep From Your CouchEpisode 240, 7 Quick Teacher Approved Tips For a Better JanuaryMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 just a taste of what’s waiting inside Teacher Winter Talks, so sign up and grab your free ticket today!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/january-teacher-tips/🔗 Resources:Teacher Winter TalksRetractable Gel PensK18 Dry ShampooPodcast: One Tired TeacherJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.🎧 Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 147, Teacher Approved Tips: How to Plan Ahead for Future Problems!Episode 169, Our Best Teacher Tips For Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead for JanuaryEpisode 187, 3 Teacher Approved Episodes, Tips, and Favorites That You Will LoveEpisode 200, 200 Episodes Later: These 5 Teacher Approved Tips Still WinMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 while you’re giving yourself that January jumpstart, be sure to sign up for Teacher Winter Talks - our free summit designed to help you make the second half of the school year your strongest yet!Resources:Teacher Winter Talks SummitSpiral Review: Morning WorkOh Happy Dani Reflection WorkbookLabel makerJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 3, Strengthening the BrainEpisode 6, Morning Meeting: An Essential RoutineEpisode 18, Procedures for Success!Episode 20, Mastering Morning RoutinesEpisode 27, Your One Word Theme for The YearEpisode 28, How to Launch Morning MeetingEpisode 32, 5 Classroom Management Questions to Help Banish Bad Class HabitsEpisode 35, 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for TeachersMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 listened to slowly and casually (hot cocoa encouraged!) so the ideas can simmer until you’re ready to step back into your classroom feeling grounded, focused, and energized for the second half of the year.Resources:Classroom Procedures and Routines Editable SlidesParent Teacher Conference CourseEditable Classroom Seating ChartSpiral Review Morning WorkSpiral Review Homework – 2nd GradeRechargeable ScrewdriverGlass PotJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 3, Strengthening the BrainEpisode 18, Procedures for Success!Episode 45, January Classroom Jump StartEpisode 76, Teacher Approved Tips: Make Time for Spiral Review and Use SOPs to Save Time in the ClassroomMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-reset-before-winter-break/Resources:December Teacher Survival KitAdventures with Friends@Engineerdoeseducation on InstagramJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 27, Your One Word Theme for the YearEpisode 40, 2 Easy Things All Teachers Should Do Before Winter BreakEpisode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks AboutEpisode 217, 3 Things to Do Before Students Arrive and After They Leave on the First DayEpisode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)Mentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/january-prep-tips-for-tired-teachers/🔗 Resources:December Teacher Survival KitClassroom Procedures and Routines Bundle (Tell, Try, Tally, Talk)Digital Seating Arrangement ToolFree Resource: Goal Setting Pages Spin to Survive bookJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.❤️ Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 39, Our Top 20 Christmas Books For Your ClassroomEpisode 146, Never Pick Up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided DiscoveryEpisode 172, The 2nd First Day of School: How to Take Advantage of The Week After Winter BreakEpisode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From The CouchEpisode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)Mentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 highlight how simple festive breaks can add just the right amount of seasonal fun without sacrificing structure, and when a short-term reward system (like the reindeer system that saved one of Heidi’s wildest Decembers) can give your class the boost they need. With the right balance of consistency and intentional fun, you really can stay grounded and enjoy the magic of the season!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/december-classroom-behavior-strategies/Resources:December Teacher Survival KitFestive Break PackReindeer Reward System [December Behavior Help Set]Podcast Playlist: Teaching in DecemberSolar fairy lightsJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 105, Festive Fun in December: Engaging Holiday Activities to Do With Your ClassEpisode 106, The December Survival Kit: 3 Essential Tips to Help Teachers ThriveEpisode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)Episode 234, How to Plan Teaching in December So January Feels EasyMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 creating steady structure!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/december-lesson-planning-for-teachers/Resources:December Teacher Survival KitPodcast Playlist: Teaching in DecemberHerbivore Coconut Milk Bath SoakNexcare Maxhold Waterproof bandagesJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 105, Festive Fun in December: Engaging Holiday Activities to Do With Your ClassEpisode 106, The December Survival Kit: 3 Essential Tips to Help Teachers ThriveEpisode 230, How To Keep Students Engaged Through Every Season Of The School YearEpisode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)Mentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 that help students return refreshed. You’ll learn how small steps, from prepping welcome slides to stocking your snack drawer, can make your first week back feel lighter. Next week, we're talking all about planning December lessons that work with the chaos, so make sure you’re subscribed!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-prep-for-december/Resources:December Teacher Survival KitPodcast Playlist: Teaching in DecemberHero Cheese and Herb Croissant RollsWooblesJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 17, 5 Tried and True Tips For Teaching in DecemberEpisode 107, Get Ahead For January Now With 4 Easy StepsEpisode 105, Festive Fun in December: Engaging Holiday Activities to Do With Your ClassEpisode 169, Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time To Get Ahead For JanuaryMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

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 building connection through gratitude, can make a big difference. These strategies break routines just enough to rekindle excitement, boost engagement, and bring warmth and delight back to your classroom - one tiny shift at a time!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-energy-boosters/Resources:Relax Kids: The Wishing Star: 52 Magical Meditations for Children Relax Kids - Aladdin's Magic Carpet: Let Snow White, The Wizard of Oz and Other Fairytale Characters Show You and Your Child how to Meditate and Relax The BrickInstagram: James Cook @jamescookartworkJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 37, Holiday Behavior Management Tips to Help You Survive Until Winter Break!Episode 51, Teacher Work Smarter Tip: Plan for Inside Recess NowEpisode 53, How Teachers Can Name What Matters to Survive the Mid Year SlumpEpisode 230, How to Keep Students Engaged Through Every Season of the School YearMentioned in this episode:Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get one perfectly timed, research-backed strategy each month—plus support from Heidi and Emily to help you actually use it when it matters most. Start your free trial at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial