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Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
Author: Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer
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Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest.
Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before.
Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, classroom management, and more. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, the Teacher Approved podcast is your guide to fostering a thriving elementary classroom!
For more teacher approved tips and resources, head to www.secondstorywindow.net and follow along on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before.
Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, classroom management, and more. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, the Teacher Approved podcast is your guide to fostering a thriving elementary classroom!
For more teacher approved tips and resources, head to www.secondstorywindow.net and follow along on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
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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)
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)
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 Easy
December in the classroom brings joy and chaos in equal measure, and in this episode we share a smarter way to navigate it with your sanity intact. We walk you through choosing your “stop new content” date, mapping out your December must-do’s, and using unpredictable pockets of time for meaningful review and reflection so December lesson planning becomes less about surviving and more about 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)
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 January
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 Year
If the school year’s starting to feel a little messy and your routines aren’t hitting like they used to, this episode is your cue to pause for a mid-year classroom reset! We’re using the K.I.S.S. Retrospective (Keep, Improve, Stop, Start) to help you reflect on what’s working in your classroom and what needs a refresh. From routines and student behavior to differentiation and teacher workload, you’ll get practical questions, real-life examples, and permission to simplify. Tune in to reflect, reset, and head into the rest of the year with confidence and a renewed sense of joy.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/mid-year-classroom-reset/Resources:Classroom Procedures and Routines Editable Slide DecksIf It Makes You Happy by Julie OliviaA Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu MandannaJoin 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 150, Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding QuestionsEpisode 173, Getting into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and RoutinesEpisode 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
This episode is a little bit of a Frankenstein...in the best way possible. Between Halloween chaos and a behind-the-scenes project you’ll hear hints about, we’re revisiting one of our most-loved conversations on student engagement strategies. We’re breaking down how to balance structure with novelty (aka spark) through the seven “seasons” of the school year, with practical tips for keeping students engaged, energized, and thriving, no matter what time of year it is!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/student-engagement-strategies/Resources:Editable Classroom Seating Chart ToolChristmas Festive BreaksHoliday Classroom Behavior Management PlansDecember Teacher Survival KitProcedure and Routine Editable Teaching SlidesProcedure and Routine Editable Review Slides Join 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 35, 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for TeachersEpisode 91, Start Your Day Strong: Top Tips for Maximizing Your Morning WorkEpisode 104, From Chaos to Calm: 5 Techniques for Managing Classroom Behavior in DecemberEpisode 124, Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom Management
Halloween in the classroom can feel like wrangling a troop of caffeinated squirrels, but it doesn’t have to be chaos! In this episode, we share our top Halloween classroom management tips to keep students engaged, routines intact, AND the fun alive. From the lead-up to the big day and the reset afterward, we cover strategies like the “candy rule,” visual schedules, brain breaks, and backup plans, plus ways to handle treats, costumes, and parties so everyone feels included. With these practical tips, you can enjoy the seasonal excitement while keeping your classroom calm, focused, and full of lasting memories.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/halloween-classroom-management/Resources:Shop all our Halloween resources here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/product-category/halloween/Join 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 33, Class Party Success - Our 7 Step Class Party Planning ChecklistEpisode 34, Plan the Perfect Halloween Class Party With 7 Easy StepsEpisode 96, How to Plan an Amazing 2nd Grade Class Halloween Party
There’s nothing quite like that moment when you stand outside your classroom after being out. Will you walk into calm or chaos? In this episode, we’re sharing six simple strategies to get your classroom back on track after a sub day, whether you’ve been gone for a few hours or a few weeks. You’ll learn a step-by-step approach for resetting routines, reconnecting with students, and addressing behavior concerns in a way that restores calm and strengthens your classroom community. Walk away ready to confidently transition from substitute chaos to smooth sailing...no matter what you find when you open that door!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/resetting-after-a-substitute-teacher/Resources:Joshua Radin: One Day HomeJoin 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 165, Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the SeasonEpisode 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
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





it's great