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Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

Stellar Teacher Podcast: A Podcast for Upper Elementary Teachers

231 episodes — Page 1 of 5

[Listen Again] Dear Stellar Teacher: Our Phonics and Intervention Confessions (and What We Would Do Differently!)

Aug 24, 202621 min

Episode 321: Differentiation vs. Intervention: What's the Difference?

Aug 20, 202612 min

Episode 320: A Simple Framework for Your Tier 1 Literacy Instruction

Aug 17, 202611 min

Episode 319: MTSS Explained: What Every Upper Elementary Teacher Needs to Know

Aug 13, 202613 min

Episode 318: What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be this Year?

Aug 10, 202612 min

[Listen Again] Reading Intervention Made Easy: 15-Minute Lessons for Struggling Readers in Upper Elementary

Aug 6, 202624 min

317: Back-to-School Anxiety? Here's What Every Teacher Needs to Remember

Aug 3, 202612 min

315. The First Day of School Doesn't Need to Be Perfect (And That's Actually the Goal)

Jul 27, 202620 min

314. The Simple Framework for Teaching Procedures That Actually Stick

Jul 20, 202613 min

[Listen Again] Multilingual Learner Support with Dr. Jana Echevarría and Dr. Jeannette Mancilla

Jul 16, 202627 min

313. You Don't Need to Teach 100 Procedures. Start with These

Jul 13, 202611 min

[Listen Again] 7 Research-Backed Strategies for Reading Success with Lindsay Kemeny

Jul 9, 202629 min

312. How to Set Up Your Classroom (Without Overthinking It)

Jul 6, 202618 min

311. Small Group Instruction Made Simple: How to Use Data to Support Every Reader

Jul 2, 202613 min

310: Writing Belongs in Your Literacy Block (Here's How)

Jun 29, 202611 min

[Listen Again] Why Reading Fluency Matters More Than You Think

Jun 25, 202617 min

309: Fluency - The Bridge Between Decoding & Comprehension

Jun 21, 202611 min

[Listen Again] Intervention Strategies for Struggling Readers with Shannon Moore

Jun 18, 202631 min

308: Phonics & Phonemic Awareness: Closing Gaps in Upper Elementary

Jun 15, 202611 min

[Listen Again] How the Brain Learns Words (and Why It Matters for Reading Success) with Dr. Molly Ness

Jun 11, 202624 min

307. The 5-Minute Word Study Routine That Builds Reading Confidence

Jun 8, 202611 min

[Listen Again] Why Every Literacy Block Needs Read-Alouds with Molly Ness

Jun 4, 202631 min

306. Comprehension: A Simple Research-Backed Framework That Actually Works

Jun 1, 202610 min

305. [Listen Again] Let Them Be Bored: Why Boredom Might Be Exactly What Kids Need with Mike Bender and Chuck Dillon

May 25, 202635 min

304. 7 Things Your Future Teacher Self Will Thank You For

May 18, 202621 min

303. Want More Engagement in May? Try These 3 Literacy Moves

May 11, 202611 min

302. Hey Teachers, Don't Miss the Magic of May

May 4, 202614 min

301. 3 Things That Actually Matter Before the School Year Ends

Apr 27, 202610 min

300. You Can Love Teaching and Still Want It to Be Easier

Apr 20, 202613 min

299. 1 Thing Your Students Actually Need Right Now

Apr 13, 202611 min

298. Why It's Not Too Late to Support Struggling Readers

Apr 6, 202612 min

297. The Difference Between Feedback and Noise

In this episode, Sara and Kori discuss the difference between helpful feedback and noise in teaching. With so many opinions and suggestions coming from evaluations, colleagues, professional development, and social media, it can be difficult for teachers to know which feedback to take seriously and which advice to let go.Sara and Kori share personal experiences with receiving feedback throughout their careers and talk about how teachers can learn to filter input, prioritize what matters most, and focus on feedback that supports meaningful professional growth.In this episode, we discuss:The difference between constructive feedback and noiseHow to identify trustworthy sources of feedbackStrategies for filtering and prioritizing feedbackWhy professional growth is a long-term processPrepping for testing season? The Stellar Teacher Co. is here to help! Visit stellarteacher.com/testprep for 3 free test prep lessons.

Mar 30, 202620 min

296. What Calm Classrooms Actually Have in Common (Spoiler: it’s not decor!)

What do calm classrooms actually look like? Contrary to what many people think, calm classrooms aren’t always silent or perfectly still. Instead, they are spaces where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily is joined by Stellar Teacher team member Tami to explore what calm classrooms truly have in common. Drawing on her years of experience teaching elementary students in both Department of Defense schools and public schools, Tami shares practical insights into how teachers can create a classroom environment that feels peaceful, organized, and productive.Together, Emily and Tami discuss the foundational elements that help build calm classrooms, including confident leadership, intentional classroom environments, predictable routines, and strong connections with students. They also share simple strategies teachers can use to reduce chaos and create more consistency throughout the school day.Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @thestellarteachercompanyLooking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!

Mar 23, 202617 min

295. Teaching Is a Long Game: A Reminder for Teachers Feeling the Pressure

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Kori shares an encouraging reminder that many educators need to hear — teaching is a long game. When the pressure of testing season, pacing guides, and student progress starts to feel overwhelming, it can be easy to believe that every lesson needs to produce immediate results. But the reality is that meaningful learning rarely happens overnight.If you’ve ever felt discouraged because progress seems slow, this conversation will remind you that the work you are doing truly matters.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why teaching is a long game and why meaningful learning takes timeHow invisible progress builds student understanding over timeWhy exposure to concepts is valuable even when mastery doesn’t happen immediatelyEncouragement for teachers navigating testing season pressureTeaching may not always show instant results — but the impact you are making in your students’ lives is lasting and meaningful.Stay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @thestellarteachercompanyLooking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!

Mar 16, 202610 min

294. The Most Expensive Test Prep Mistake Happens Before the Question

As much as we prepare students with practice passages and strategy review, many performance struggles happen before students even answer a question.When test anxiety sets in, students may skim or skip directions entirely, misread what’s being asked, or overlook key details like “not,” “compare,” or “from least to greatest.” In this episode, Sara and Emily discuss why this happens and how teachers can intentionally build direction-reading habits long before test day. They share practical tips and insights to make test season less stressful for both teachers and students.Key Takeaways: Importance of reading test directions carefully (and activity ideas for practice)Strategies to teach students to interpret instructionsBuilding student confidence and reducing anxiety during testsResources Connected to this Episode: Free Test Prep Email Series at www.stellarteacher.com/testprepTest Taking Strategies Bundle on TPTStay connected with us! Follow us on Instagram @thestellarteachercompanyLooking for quick, actionable PD? Visit our YouTube channel!

Mar 9, 202615 min

293. [Listen Again] Dear Stellar Teacher: How Can I Make Test Prep Season More Effective and Less Overwhelming?

Standardized testing season is coming — and if you’re already feeling the pressure of long testing days, restless students, and review overload, you’re not alone.In this Dear Stellar Teacher episode, Sara and Emily share realistic, classroom-tested strategies to help you approach testing season with clarity, confidence, and calm. Instead of cramming more practice into your schedule, this conversation focuses on what actually moves the needle: building stamina, protecting routines, and keeping students regulated and motivated.If you’re looking for ways to support your students without overwhelming them (or yourself), this episode will help you rethink what testing season can look like in an upper elementary classroom.Tune into this episode, for takeaways like... how to: Build test stamina gradually to prevent burnout.Treat standardized tests as a genre study to reduce pressure.Make review engaging with themes and rotations.Balance test prep with regular instruction to avoid burnout.Model calmness and positivity to set the tone for students.Resources:Sign up for our free Test Prep Email Series to get 3 classroom-ready lessons that help students slow down, read carefully, and avoid the preventable mistakes that cost them points before they even begin. www.stellarteacher.com/testprep

Mar 2, 202622 min

292. Navigating the Challenges of Required Curriculum

SummaryIn this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, host Sara Marye discusses the challenges and strategies for teachers dealing with mandated curriculums. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing gaps in the curriculum, enhancing instruction with supplemental resources, focusing on effective teaching methods, and using assessment data to justify changes. The episode provides practical tips for teachers to navigate the constraints of mandated curriculums while still meeting the diverse needs of their students.TakeawaysEvery class has unique needs that may not be met by a standard curriculum.Identifying gaps in the curriculum can provide opportunities for creative teaching.Enhancing instruction with supplemental resources can improve student engagement.Focusing on the 'how' of teaching can be more impactful than the 'what'.Teachers can control how students process their learning even within a rigid curriculum.Using assessment data can help justify changes to the curriculum.It's important to advocate for what works best for students.Teachers should feel empowered to supplement their mandated curriculum.Professional judgment is key in navigating curriculum requirements.Resources:Join The Stellar Literacy CollectiveGet the Stellar Intervention ToolkitSign up for my Private Podcast: Confident Writer Systems SeriesSign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email seriesIf you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Feb 23, 202616 min

291. When You Can’t Stop Rethinking Everything You Said, Taught, or Did

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, hosts Sara Marye and Emily discuss the common struggle of second-guessing oneself in teaching. They explore the impact of self-reflection, perfectionism, and the importance of data in decision-making. The conversation emphasizes strategies to overcome self-doubt, celebrate successes, and the value of team support in the teaching profession.Takeaways: Second-guessing is a common issue among teachers.Self-reflection can lead to healthier decision-making processes.Teachers often struggle with perfectionism and the need to get it right.Failing fast can be beneficial in overcoming self-doubt.Speaking the truth to oneself can help combat negative thoughts.Setting time limits can prevent overthinking in lesson planning.Data can provide evidence of student growth and success.It's important to celebrate successes, no matter how small.Teaching is a collaborative effort and should be treated as a team sport.Bringing others into your decision-making process can alleviate pressure.Resources:Join The Stellar Literacy CollectiveGet the Stellar Intervention ToolkitSign up for my Private Podcast: Confident Writer Systems SeriesSign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email seriesIf you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Feb 16, 202618 min

290. You Are the Expert: Why Your Professional Judgment Matters

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Sara is joined by a member of the Stellar Teacher Team and they discuss the importance of trusting professional judgment in teaching. They share personal experiences and challenges faced in the classroom, emphasizing the need for teachers to have confidence in their decisions and to advocate for their students' needs. The conversation highlights the significance of reflection, questioning, and sharing experiences among educators to foster a supportive teaching environment.Takeaways:Teachers are allowed to trust their professional judgment.It's common for teachers to feel hesitant to voice their opinions.Every classroom is unique, and teachers know their students best.Teachers should feel empowered to modify curriculum as needed.Sharing both successes and failures can build trust among colleagues.Asking questions can be a safe way to provide pushback.Confidence in teaching comes from taking action and making decisions.Teachers should remind themselves that they are experts in their field.Resources:Join The Stellar Literacy CollectiveGet the Stellar Intervention ToolkitSign up for my Private Podcast: Confident Writer Systems SeriesSign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email seriesIf you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Feb 9, 202618 min

289. Embracing Imperfection in Teaching

In this episode of the Stellar Teacher Podcast, Emily and Tami discuss the pressures teachers face to make every lesson extraordinary.They explore the impact of social media on teacher expectations, the importance of setting realistic reading goals, and the value of establishing routines in the classroom.The conversation emphasizes that not every lesson needs to be perfect, and that building relationships with students is more important than delivering flawless lessons.Key Takeaways:Not every lesson needs to be amazing.Social media creates unrealistic expectations for teachers.Teaching is a marathon, not a sprint.Focus on one key element in lesson planning.Routines help free up mental space for both teachers and students.Learning is cumulative; students will revisit concepts.It's about how you make students feel in the classroom.Set a timer to combat perfectionism in planning.Games can be integrated into routines for engagement.Teachers are doing an amazing job despite challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction and03:38 Setting Reading Goals04:39 The Pressure of Perfection in Teaching06:47 Advice for Moving Away from Perfectionism09:34 The Importance of Routines12:39 Engagement Strategies in the Classroom14:02 Lesson Delivery and Student Learning16:13 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for TeachersResources:Join The Stellar Literacy CollectiveGet the Stellar Intervention ToolkitSign up for my Private Podcast: Confident Writer Systems SeriesSign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email seriesIf you’re enjoying this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Feb 1, 202616 min

288. Choosing Intention Over Perfection

In this episode, I’m sharing why I’ve moved away from setting traditional New Year’s resolutions and what has actually helped me create meaningful, sustainable change. Over the years, I realized that rigid goals built around doing more or being more often led to frustration and burnout. What made the biggest difference for me wasn’t changing my habits first, but changing how I think and talk to myself. That’s when I started choosing a word of the year as a way to anchor my mindset.This year, my word is abundance. Instead of constantly telling myself I don’t have enough time, energy, or capacity, I’m intentionally shifting toward believing that I do. That small mindset change has already helped me feel calmer, less reactive, and more present in my work and my life. Abundance isn’t about doing more or being busier. It’s about viewing my circumstances differently so I can make better, more intentional choices throughout the day.I also invited the Stellar Teacher team to share their words for the year and the mindset shifts they’re hoping to create. Words like active, downshift, enough, restore, ease, and unoffendable reflect a shared desire to work and live with more clarity, sustainability, and self-trust. As you head into this year, I invite you to choose one word that grounds you, supports you, and reminds you how you want to feel both in and out of the classroom.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode288.

Jan 19, 202622 min

287. 5 Myths About Small Group Instruction (And What to Believe Instead) [Listen Again]

In this episode, I’m diving into small group instruction and addressing five common myths that I hear all the time in the teacher space. Small groups often feel like a requirement for being an effective reading teacher, and that belief alone can create a lot of unnecessary pressure. I want to be very clear in this conversation: small group instruction can be incredibly beneficial, but it is not the only way to support student growth. You can still be an effective, thoughtful, and impactful teacher even if small groups don’t look the way you think they’re “supposed” to look—or if they don’t happen at all in certain seasons.Throughout the episode, I break down myths around literacy centers, reading levels, and how often you “should” be meeting with students. I talk about why literacy centers are just one option—not a requirement—and share alternative ways to keep students meaningfully engaged while you work with small groups. I also explain why guided reading is only one type of small group instruction and explore other effective formats like strategy groups, book clubs, and phonics-focused groups that don’t require knowing every student’s reading level. Most importantly, I emphasize that small groups don’t have to happen every day to be worthwhile—even meeting once a week can make a difference.I wrap up the episode by tackling the idea that small group instruction does not have to be overwhelming or time-consuming to plan. I share practical strategies for simplifying your planning, including using a consistent lesson framework, setting limits on prep time, and building routines for student independent work. My goal with this episode is to help you let go of the guilt and pressure surrounding small groups and replace it with clarity and confidence. Small group instruction is a tool—not a mandate—and when you use it intentionally and realistically, it can actually feel manageable and effective.Check out our Small Group Reading Lesson Sets here!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode287.

Jan 12, 202615 min

286. Dear Stellar Teacher: Making Space for More Joy This Year

In this first Dear Stellar Teacher episode of 2026, Emily and I are kicking off the new year by talking about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in education: joy. A new year can bring excitement and fresh goals, but it can also feel heavy when you’re returning to the same classroom challenges, schedules, and demands. In this episode, we slow things down and reflect on what it really looks like to bring more joy into the second semester in ways that feel sustainable, meaningful, and realistic for teachers.Throughout our conversation, we share small but powerful mindset shifts and practical ideas that can help teachers rediscover joy in their classrooms and in the profession. We talk about the calming power of classroom routines, the importance of professional satisfaction, and why setting boundaries between work and life matters more than we sometimes realize. We also reflect on joyful classroom moments—like book talks, read alouds, playful routines, and recess connections—and why these experiences often stay with us long after the lesson plans are forgotten.We wrap up the episode by zooming out and talking about joy beyond the classroom. Finding joy at school is deeply connected to how we care for ourselves outside of work, whether that’s through hobbies, time outdoors, creative outlets, or meaningful connection. Our hope is that this conversation reminds you that joy doesn’t have to be big or complicated—it can come from small, intentional choices that help you reconnect with your students, your work, and yourself. As you head into the second semester, we hope you’ll find ways to make space for more joy—for you and for the kids you teach.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Fill out the Dear Stellar Teacher form for a chance to be featured on a future episode.Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode286.

Jan 6, 202623 min

285. Implementing Classroom Routines for a Strong Second Semester

In this episode, I’m talking all about implementing classroom routines as we head into the second semester. This time of year can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once, especially when we realize we’re already halfway through the school year with our students. I share why routines matter so much—particularly in upper elementary—and how they create predictability, calm, and valuable “white space” that allows students to focus their energy on learning instead of figuring out what to do.I walk through a clear, five-step process for teaching routines in a way that actually sticks. We start by getting clear on the routine and its purpose, then explicitly teaching it, modeling it (both the right and wrong way), practicing with feedback, and finally reinforcing and resetting as needed. I explain why slowing down during the implementation phase is so important, even when it feels tedious, and how that upfront investment pays off later with smoother days and a more focused literacy block.I also share encouragement for those moments when routines inevitably break down. Resetting a routine doesn’t mean you failed—it means your students need a reminder, more practice, or clearer expectations. With consistency, clarity, and intentional practice, routines will eventually become second nature, helping your classroom run more smoothly and giving you more energy for the parts of teaching you love most. As you head back into your classroom, remember that strong routines aren’t built in a day—but they are worth the time it takes to build them well.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany.To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode285.

Dec 29, 20259 min

284. 5 Steps to Teaching with Thematic Units [Listen Again]

In today’s episode, I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to bring more purpose, connection, and deeper learning into your literacy block: thematic planning. This approach—sometimes called cross-curricular instruction—was a huge shift for me when I first transitioned to an IB school. Instead of treating reading, writing, science, and social studies as separate silos, I learned how to plan around big ideas and guiding questions that tied all of our learning together. While it took time to adjust, it completely transformed the way my students engaged with content and how meaningful our classroom learning felt.Throughout the episode, I walk you through what thematic planning is, why it’s so powerful, and how you can start using it even if your school doesn’t require it. I share my personal experience with moving away from isolated, checklist-style instruction and embracing a more integrated, inquiry-driven approach. I also break down the five simple steps to designing your own thematic unit—everything from choosing a strong guiding question, to selecting connected texts, to building background knowledge, to weaving reading and writing standards into meaningful science or social studies learning. My goal is to show you that thematic planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming or reserved for specialized programs. It’s absolutely doable in any upper elementary classroom.You’ll also hear practical examples of what this looks like day to day, ideas for connecting literacy skills to real-world reading and writing, and a reminder that thematic planning is one of the best ways to build students’ content knowledge—something we simply don’t get enough time for in traditional schedules. Whether you create a week-long mini unit or a full multi-week study, thematic planning opens the door to richer discussions, more engaged readers and writers, and learning that sticks. If you decide to give thematic planning a try, I’d love to hear what topic you choose and how it impacts your students’ learning.***This episode is a replay of Episode 119, and it’s one worth revisiting as you think about planning for the months ahead.Check out my Nonfiction Science Reading Passages: Focus on Ecosystems, Focus on Biomes, Focus on Heredity.Check out my Sentence Writing Routine resource here!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode284.

Dec 22, 202531 min

283. Your Guide to Teaching Syllabication in Upper Elementary [Listen Again]

In today’s episode, I’m unpacking a skill that often gets overlooked in upper elementary but has a huge impact on whether students can read big words with confidence. So many of our students see a long word and immediately freeze or give up, not because they don’t want to try, but because they don’t have the tools to break the word apart. That’s where syllabication comes in. When we intentionally teach students about syllable types and syllable division, we give them the confidence and know-how to tackle long words with accuracy and independence.Throughout the episode, I unpack why syllabication is such an essential part of reading instruction in grades 3–5. I talk through the six syllable types, the foundational vowel sounds students need to understand, and why prompts like “slow down” or “break apart the word” aren’t effective unless students actually know how to do those things. I also share several reasons students struggle with multisyllabic words—gaps in early instruction, difficulty applying known rules to longer words, and the increased complexity of upper elementary texts. Most importantly, I focus on how teaching syllabication directly supports fluency, comprehension, and word recognition, and how it complements the work we’re already doing with prefixes, suffixes, and roots.Finally, I break down what effective syllable instruction looks like in the classroom: explicit, systematic teaching paired with ongoing practice. I walk you through how to introduce each syllable type, why to start with simple examples, the importance of teaching exceptions, and ways to build in meaningful practice through warmups, small groups, independent reading, and vocabulary routines. My goal in this episode is to help you feel confident bringing syllabication into your classroom—because when students understand how syllables work, they gain a powerful tool for reading big words. And if you’re looking for ready-to-use lessons and visuals to support your teaching, be sure to check out the syllable types resource I mentioned at stellarteacher.com/syllables.***This episode is a replay of Episode 121, a listener favorite that continues to help teachers support students with multisyllabic words.Check out my Syllable Types: Lesson Plans & Activities Bundle here!Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode283.

Dec 15, 202530 min

282. 4 Ways to Easily Incorporate Movement into Your Instructional Day [Listen Again]

In this episode, I’m kicking off December with a little real talk about this wild stretch between Thanksgiving and winter break—and how we can make it feel a bit lighter. These weeks can be LONG, so I’m sharing encouragement to protect your energy, give yourself permission to slow down a bit, and be more present with the people you love.From there, I dive into the fun stuff: practical ways to incorporate movement into your literacy block so you can keep students engaged, focused, and still learning—even when they’re a little squirrely. I walk you through four easy movement routines you can start using right away: “Find Someone Who,” gallery walks, whip arounds, and snowball fights. I explain how each routine works, when to use it, and why taking just a few minutes to get kids up and moving can actually boost attention and comprehension rather than derail your lesson.I also share tips for explicitly teaching and practicing these routines so they feel structured rather than chaotic—think modeling expectations, practicing the movement without content first, and using visual reminders like slides or anchor charts. Whether you’re looking for simple ways to review content, build in brain breaks that are still connected to instruction, or just survive these last few weeks with a little more joy, this episode will give you low-prep, high-engagement ideas you can use between now and winter break (and then again when you’re back in January!).***This episode is a replay of Episode 111. While a few details may have shifted or changed since it first aired, the ideas and movement routines are still just as relevant and ready for you to use in your classroom.Check out our engagement routines teaching slides: stellarteacher.com/movementJoin us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode282.

Dec 8, 202524 min

281. 5 Reasons Why You Need to Spend More Time on Sentence Writing in Upper Elementary [Listen Again]

In today’s episode, I’m diving into a small but mighty part of literacy instruction that has a huge impact on your students’ reading and writing success—the sentence. For years in my own classroom, I didn’t give sentence-level work nearly enough attention, even though sentences are at the heart of everything students read and write. If you’ve ever wondered how to strengthen your students’ writing, boost their comprehension, or make your literacy instruction more effective, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on why focusing on sentences matters so much.I’m sharing five key reasons why sentence-level work is an essential part of upper elementary literacy instruction. Strong sentences are the foundation of all writing—whether students are crafting paragraphs, essays, summaries, or responses to reading, their success depends on their ability to write clear, complete, and detailed sentences. At the same time, understanding sentence structure is crucial for comprehension. When students understand how phrases and clauses work together, they are better equipped to make meaning from the increasingly complex texts they encounter. Plus, sentence-level work is manageable for students and teachers, it’s one of the most effective ways to teach grammar, and it benefits all learners—those who struggle and those who are already confident writers.My hope is that this episode inspires you to slow down and give sentence-level writing the time and intention it deserves. Prioritizing sentences can transform your writing instruction, strengthen your students’ reading comprehension, and make your overall literacy block more effective and more manageable. Whether you’re looking for a place to start or simply need a reminder that small shifts can lead to big growth, this episode will give you practical insight into why every upper elementary teacher should be spending more time on sentences.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode281.

Dec 1, 202519 min

280. Slow Down to Show Up: A Thanksgiving Reminder for Teachers

As we head into Thanksgiving week, I know things can start to feel a little chaotic. Schedules are disjointed, students are distracted, and you’re probably juggling classroom responsibilities with holiday prep, travel plans, or hosting duties. It’s a lot—and it’s easy to feel the pressure to keep pushing through. But this week’s episode is your gentle reminder that it’s okay to pause, slow down, and give yourself permission to do less.In this short and heartfelt episode, I’m encouraging you to shift your focus from productivity to connection. Instead of cramming in one more lesson or assessment, think about what it might look like to create a calm and cozy classroom space. Read a picture book just for fun, play a simple vocabulary game, have your students free write about something joyful, or do a quick classroom reset together. These activities may look different from your usual plans, but they’re still deeply valuable—they help your students feel grounded, connected, and ready to return after Thanksgiving break with a clear mind.So if you needed a little permission slip this week, this is it. Doing less doesn’t mean you’re falling behind—it means you’re protecting your energy and caring for your students in a meaningful way. You’re already doing enough, and the best thing you can give yourself (and your class) this Thanksgiving week is a moment to rest and recharge. Tune in for a little encouragement and a reminder that slowing down is sometimes the most productive thing you can do.Purchase our Thanksgiving Themed Literacy Resource, or our Seasonal Literacy Bundle.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode280.

Nov 24, 20256 min

279. Plot Twist: Student Engagement Doesn’t Happen by Accident

There are so many times as teachers when we realize we’re the ones doing all the heavy lifting during our lessons—talking, thinking, and writing—while our students sit back and watch. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Student engagement isn’t something that happens automatically, even with a great lesson plan. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it really means to plan for engagement and why it’s essential to build intentional opportunities for students to think, respond, and connect throughout every lesson.I share a handful of simple engagement routines that can transform the way your students interact with your lessons. These routines—like the classic think-pair-share, agree/disagree statements, two-sentence responses, and three-two-one reflections—don’t require fancy materials or major prep. Instead, they’re flexible structures that you can use in any subject to spark thinking, encourage participation, and give every student a voice in your classroom.By the end of this episode, you’ll see how easy it can be to plan for engagement and keep your students actively involved all lesson long. My challenge for you this week is to choose one engagement routine and try it out. Start small, stay intentional, and watch how your students’ focus, confidence, and comprehension grow. Click play to discover how small, intentional changes can make a big difference in how your students show up and engage during lessons.Join us in the Stellar Literacy Collective Membership: stellarteacher.com/join!Sign up for my FREE private podcast, the Confident Writer Systems Series, here!Sign up for my FREE Revision Made Easy email series here!Follow me on Instagram @thestellarteachercompany. To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode279.

Nov 17, 202513 min