The Teaching Toolbox - A Podcast for Middle School Teachers

Do you ever think about what truly drives us to achieve our goals and dreams? Join us as we explore the age-old debate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and uncover the secrets behind what really fuels our actions. Get ready to gain valuable insights that might just change the way you approach your students and possibly your own motivations. Topics DiscussedThe difference between these two types of rewardsHow to foster motivation at the middle school levelFinding balanceResourceshttps://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/pat-on-the-back-recognition-cardsPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Looking for support with Classroom Management?Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form Then take a look at these classroom management resources to see what is a good fit for your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/999965039-CLASSROOM-MANAGEMENT-999965039-1263189This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Classroom seating charts are an art form. Balancing IEP inclusions, student personalities, and the unique group dynamics from one class to the next can present some tricky puzzles. Let's chat about some fresh ideas for middle school seating arrangements in today's episode.Topics DiscussedSurvey results about what's working in other middle school classrooms right nowHow to measure if a seating arrangement is workingWhat to consider when creating a new seating arrangementHow often to change seatsResourceshttps://thecoloradoclassroom.com/2014/08/classroom-seating-chart-strategy.htmlEdutopia article for L-shaped seating: https://www.edutopia.org/article/flexible-classroom-seating-designPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Looking for support with Classroom Management?Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form Then take a look at these classroom management resources to see what is a good fit for your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/999965039-CLASSROOM-MANAGEMENT-999965039-1263189This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable -...

We can learn so much about people and time periods by studying photographs. What a powerful tool to incorporate into social studies units. If you're craving a way to shake things up in your classroom, this episode is for you.Topics DiscussedUsing primary sourcesHow to use artwork from a historical time periodActivities that feature old photographsResourcesTake a look at the French Revolution activity discussed in today's episode:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/9798611?utm_source=TCCBN-POD&utm_campaign=French%20Revolution%20-%20People%20Places%20and%20Time%20through%20Primary%20Sources9798611-ARTPHOTOEP30Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Shop For Hands On Social Studies ActivitiesIf you are anything like me, teaching names and dates in social studies class just didn’t cut it. I couldn’t remember them all, let alone make 11-to 15-year-olds do it as well. There had to be a better way. Making social studies hands-on for students helps it to become more memorable and relevant instead of some distant date in the past. And when you don’t have time to think of all the ways to stand a lesson on its head, that’s where I step in. Hi, I’m Brittany, from The Colorado Classroom, and I have comprehensive lessons that make learning interactive. With folding crafts, note-taking devices, graphic organizers, and coloring to...

Whether you love or hate geography, we all have to know how to get from point A to point B, how to read a map, how to understand others' perceptions, and to value each other's cultures. Geography is important so let's make learning FUN.Topics DiscussedThe benefits of making geography funWhy you'll want to incorporate unusual, weird factsOur tried and true fun activities for learning geographyRelated EpisodesEpisode 16 about beach ballsEpisode 27 about integrating social studies and literaturePlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Shop For Hands On Social Studies ActivitiesIf you are anything like me, teaching names and dates in social studies class just didn’t cut it. I couldn’t remember them all, let alone make 11-to 15-year-olds do it as well. There had to be a better way. Making social studies hands-on for students helps it to become more memorable and relevant instead of some distant date in the past. And when you don’t have time to think of all the ways to stand a lesson on its head, that’s where I step in. Hi, I’m Brittany, from The Colorado Classroom, and I have comprehensive lessons that make learning interactive. With folding crafts, note-taking devices, graphic organizers, and coloring to collaborative research, projects, demonstrations, and simulations; whether you’re looking for world, American, ancient, or state history, geography, and more, I have you covered with lessons that will make your students excited to learn. Check them out at The Colorado Classroom on TPT....

If you want students to remember your classroom for many years, hands-on learning is the way to go. Today we're sharing social studies activities that will help make learning memorable and long lasting.Topics DiscussedWhy bother teaching with a hands-on approach?Our tried and true hands-on activities for social studiesResourcesInteractive Notebooks:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/12821300-WORLD-HISTORY128508-409115Interactive notebook guide:https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/free-interactive-notebook-guidePlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Shop For Hands On Social Studies ActivitiesIf you are anything like me, teaching names and dates in social studies class just didn’t cut it. I couldn’t remember them all, let alone make 11-to 15-year-olds do it as well. There had to be a better way. Making social studies hands-on for students helps it to become more memorable and relevant instead of some distant date in the past. And when you don’t have time to think of all the ways to stand a lesson on its head, that’s where I step in. Hi, I’m Brittany, from The Colorado Classroom, and I have comprehensive lessons that make learning interactive. With folding crafts, note-taking devices, graphic...

If you'd like to make the most of your instructional minutes while also helping students understand how different subjects connect in real life, then you'll love this episode about blending history and literature in the middle school classroom.Topics DiscussedWhy you might want to integrate subjectsHow to pair language arts and social studies topicsSome of our favorite books that lined up with the history curriculumResourcesTake a closer look at Brittany's History Minutes here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/128216HISTORY-MINUTES-409113Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Shop For Hands On Social Studies ActivitiesIf you are anything like me, teaching names and dates in social studies class just didn’t cut it. I couldn’t remember them all, let alone make 11-to 15-year-olds do it as well. There had to be a better way. Making social studies hands-on for students helps it to become more memorable and relevant instead of some distant date in the past. And when you don’t have time to think of all the ways to stand a lesson on its head, that’s where I step in. Hi, I’m Brittany, from The Colorado Classroom, and I have comprehensive lessons that make learning interactive. With folding crafts, note-taking devices, graphic organizers, and coloring to collaborative research, projects, demonstrations, and simulations; whether you’re looking for world, American, ancient, or state history, geography, and...

The home stretch is here! Whether you're seeing a lack of engagement or behavior challenges are on the rise, this episode is packed full of quick tips to make the end of your year a little bit smoother.Check out Ellie's class expectation wheels here:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Expectations-and-Class-Rules-Wheel-and-Template-for-Back-to-School-3886499Check out Brittany's class expectations and rules resource here:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Rules-and-Regulations-Lesson-Plan-Print-and-Digital-1331085You might also enjoy Episode 4 about behavior and discipline and Episode 12 about classroom economy systems.Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Looking for support with Classroom Management?Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form Then take a look at these classroom management resources to see what is a good fit for your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/999965039-CLASSROOM-MANAGEMENT-999965039-1263189This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable -...

The research about math manipulatives really makes us reflect on HOW we are using these tools in the classroom. Pull a chair up to our teacher table and let's chat about this topic together!Topics DiscussedWhat are math manipulatives?Why are they effective in the middle school math classroom?How to use them effectively (and not use them effectively)Math teacher preparation programsThe role of exploration and demonstrationPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Take these MATH WHEELS for a spin!Hey, math teachers, have you found that it can be tough to get students excited about taking notes in math class? I have an easy solution for you! You can use math wheels for guided notes and for practice! Math wheels are graphic organizers that add structure to notes but at the same time add visuals and color, which helps students engage with the content and retain concepts more successfully. Students can add these one-page note sheets to their notebooks to refer to all year. And you can even use the math wheels as anchor charts in your classroom! From fractions to decimals to algebraic equations to divisibility and even test-taking strategies, you can easily find a wheel for your current math topic…or even for a few language arts topics! Check them out in the Cognitive Cardio Math shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cognitive-Cardio-Math/Category/128315-Math-Doodle-Wheels-303188 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

The sky is the limit when it comes to number lines. They can be effective hands on tools, useful classroom decor options, or even a reference sheet for the student's workspace. This episode will help you think about number lines in a new way.Topics DiscussedOpen number linesFraction, decimal, percent number linesPositive and negative integer number linesDouble number linesRatiosVertical number linesResourcesGrab your own copy of the FREE number line resource Ellie mentioned in this episode:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Converting-Fractions-Decimals-Percents-Number-Line-526609See these number line examples visually in this blog post:https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/fraction-decimal-and-percent-number-line/You might also enjoy Episode 22 about Pi DayPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Take these MATH WHEELS for a spin!Hey, math teachers, have you...

Just because we see a new strategy on social media, doesn't mean it's the best teaching method for our students. Let's deep dive about the controversial butterfly method today and perhaps take this approach OUT of our teaching toolboxes.ResourcesCheck out Ellie’s free fraction training, Three Fraction Shortcuts to Avoid: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/3-common-mistakes-teachers-make-when-teaching-fractions-and-how-to-fix-them/Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Take these MATH WHEELS for a spin!Hey, math teachers, have you found that it can be tough to get students excited about taking notes in math class? I have an easy solution for you! You can use math wheels for guided notes and for practice! Math wheels are graphic organizers that add structure to notes but at the same time add visuals and color, which helps students engage with the content and retain concepts more successfully. Students can add these one-page note sheets to their notebooks to refer to all year. And you can even use the math wheels as anchor charts in your classroom! From fractions to decimals to algebraic equations to divisibility and even test-taking strategies, you can easily find a wheel for your current math topic…or even for a few language arts topics! Check them out in the Cognitive Cardio Math shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cognitive-Cardio-Math/Category/128315-Math-Doodle-Wheels-303188 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable -...

How will you be celebrating Pi Day with your mathematicians? Today we're sharing our tried and true favorite activities for this important celebration.Topics DiscussedWhat is Pi and Pi Day?Ideas for Celebrating Pi Day in the Math ClassroomResourcesCircle and Pi Category https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cognitive-Cardio-Math/Search:circlePi Day Math Activity Bundle https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pi-Day-Math-Activity-Bundle-1708456Pi Day Color by Number https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Circles-Pi-Day-Color-by-Number-Math-Activity-Print-and-Digital-Resource-2408831Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy NeuschwanderPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Take these MATH WHEELS for a spin!Hey, math teachers, have you found that it can be tough to get students excited about taking notes in math class? I have an easy solution for you! You can use math wheels for guided notes and for practice! Math wheels are graphic organizers that add structure to notes but at the same time add visuals and color, which helps students engage with the content and retain concepts...

It's time for your observation. How do you feel?Is your stomach quesy or are you calm as a cucumber?Are your palms sweating or are you happy to see your administrator enter your room?Today we're going to chat about teacher evaluation time, share some of our experiences, and give actionable tips to help you survive this stressful season.Topics DiscussedTypes of evaluationsTips for navigating your next observationResourcesTake a look through our past episodes to find tons of tips about building smooth routines and transitions in your classroom as this makes a world of a difference during observation season.Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Looking for support with Classroom Management?Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form Then take a look at these classroom management resources to see what is a good fit for your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/999965039-CLASSROOM-MANAGEMENT-999965039-1263189This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

When you hear the words ‘multiplication facts,’ what is your first thought? If it’s similar to many of the comments I’ve read in math teacher FB groups, it might be something like,  ‘oh my gosh, kids don’t know their facts, ‘ or ‘my students can’t find least common multiple because they don’t know their multiplication facts’ or something along those lines.Today we'll be talking to Danna Rodebush all about strategies to improve math fact fluency.Topics DiscussedWhat is math fact fluency?Why are math facts and fluency important?Why Danna is passionate about this topicHow teachers can improve math fact fluency in their classroomsConnect with today's guest:Register for Danna’s Free Masterclass at!  https://teachertechstudio.com/masterclasshttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083630413078https://www.facebook.com/groups/998895697939207 IG Handle - @teachertechstudio https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZI4I4vuY81a7XBbH1LRASghttps://teachertechstudio.com/mathfacts/ Related EpisodesCheck out episode 9 to hear more about math facts and memorizationPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on a...

How many times have you walked into your classroom with the thought “I just can’t do this today?” You’re feeling sad, burned out, or just generally REALLY blah.Have you ever felt that way? Today we’re talking about burnout and depression, and how we can deal with those feelings.Topics DiscussedYou certainly aren't aloneWhere to turn for helpCoping strategies you can try todayResourcesHere is the research study mentioned in today's episodeYou can learn more about teaching with depression in this blog postDon't forget to explore the 3 apps we chatted about today: Daylio, Headspace, and CalmPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Looking for support with Classroom Management?Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form Then take a look at these classroom management resources to see what is a good fit for your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/999965039-CLASSROOM-MANAGEMENT-999965039-1263189This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Is that extra time spent leading clubs even worth it? Should we fight to keep clubs in the picture at our school? Tune in for our take on this topic!Topics DiscussedHow the offerings have evolved over timeWhat the research saysIdeas for clubs that you might consider adding at your schoolResourcesCheck out this blog post about clubs in schools to dive deeper on this topicPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Looking for support with Classroom Management?Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form Then take a look at these classroom management resources to see what is a good fit for your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/999965039-CLASSROOM-MANAGEMENT-999965039-1263189This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

So your students come in to class and don't have pencils. Is this a big deal? Are we concerned about why they don't have a pencil? Let's talk about some easy-to-implement strategies for dealing with the pencil dilemma.Resources Mentioned'Cause I Ain't Got a Pencil poem by Joshua DickersonPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Looking for support with Classroom Management?Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form Then take a look at these classroom management resources to see what is a good fit for your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/999965039-CLASSROOM-MANAGEMENT-999965039-1263189This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Today, we're going to talk about how beach balls and cardboard wheels can be fun and effective learning tools for the middle school classroom.ResourcesBeach ball blog post Word wheel blog postPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Take these MATH WHEELS for a spin!Hey, math teachers, have you found that it can be tough to get students excited about taking notes in math class? I have an easy solution for you! You can use math wheels for guided notes and for practice! Math wheels are graphic organizers that add structure to notes but at the same time add visuals and color, which helps students engage with the content and retain concepts more successfully. Students can add these one-page note sheets to their notebooks to refer to all year. And you can even use the math wheels as anchor charts in your classroom! From fractions to decimals to algebraic equations to divisibility and even test-taking strategies, you can easily find a wheel for your current math topic…or even for a few language arts topics! Check them out in the Cognitive Cardio Math shop: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cognitive-Cardio-Math/Category/128315-Math-Doodle-Wheels-303188 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Did you have indoor recess today? This time of year it’s getting colder in many states and indoor recess will be more frequent. Indoor recess can be one of those challenging parts of the day, but we've got a few quick ideas for you to help make this time as enjoyable as possible!Topics DiscussedIndoor recess observationsIdeas for indoor recessRelated EpisodesClassroom Games - Episode 3Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Looking for support with Classroom Management?Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form Then take a look at these classroom management resources to see what is a good fit for your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/999965039-CLASSROOM-MANAGEMENT-999965039-1263189This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Today we'll be talking all about classroom greetings and effective classroom routines for beginning the day with middle school students. These routines can help set the tone for the rest of the day and ensure that students are focused and ready to learn. We'll also chat about routines to begin your classes.Topics DiscussedClassroom greetingsHomeroom routinesClass routinesRelated ResourcesPower of Greetings Blog Post“How to Be an Effective Teacher the First Days of School” by Harry and Rosemary WongPlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Looking for support with Classroom Management?Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form Then take a look at these classroom management resources to see what is a good fit for your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/999965039-CLASSROOM-MANAGEMENT-999965039-1263189This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Today we've got some rapid fire ideas for making the most of behavior plans in your classroom. For more ideas, remember to check out Episode 4, Behavior and DisciplinePlease subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.Let’s ConnectTo stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.Mentioned in this episode:Looking for support with Classroom Management?Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form Then take a look at these classroom management resources to see what is a good fit for your students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Colorado-Classroom/Category/999965039-CLASSROOM-MANAGEMENT-999965039-1263189This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy