Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

As you all know by now, incorporating decodable texts in your classroom is a necessary part of your curriculum. But with this heightened topic, there’s a lot out there that aren’t accurate decodable texts. In order to help you decipher between correct and incorrect texts, we’re sharing the 3 things that need to be included when choosing decodable texts.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/choosing-decodable-textsConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

The new craze of the science of reading has reintroduced the educational world to utilizing decodable texts. And while elementary teachers use decodable texts, there are many inaccuracies and questions about them that need to be answered. In today’s episode, we’re unlocking the power of decodability and asking the question, what does decodable mean?Resource of the Week: Cumulative ReviewsFor all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/what-does-decodable-meanConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trialIf you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

As dedicated teachers, we’re always trying to find new and engaging resources that are effective for our students. With the access to information at the tip of our fingertips, it’s hard to distinguish between quality and inaccurate educational resources. Therefore, we’re sharing 5 tips on how to find quality teaching resources online.Resource of the Week: Spring Fluency in a FlashFor all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/how-to-find-quality-teaching-resourcesConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trialIf you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

We have to confess something - we’re both suckers for personality frameworks. We believe they help pinpoint strengths and weaknesses that help you be more productive and successful. Although we enjoy them all, we love Gretchen Rubin’s 4 tendencies. So today, we’re going to dive into her personality framework and how it assists you in thriving as a teacher.Resource of the Week: Word Family WorksheetsFor all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/thriving-as-a-teacherConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Teacher TipsDo you have a teacher-approved tip you would like to share with our listeners? Send it to [email protected] OR send us your tip in a voice recording at https://www.speakpipe.com/teacherapproved. We would love to feature your tip on an upcoming podcast episode!Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

If you’ve been in education long enough, you know all too well about the pendulum swing, trends, and buzzwords surrounding education and new ways to teach. Well, to be honest, that’s exactly what we thought of the science of reading when we first heard of it, the newest trend.However, when we actually started reading and learning about it, we realized it was just a body of research around the topic of reading. In learning about what it is, we also discovered some misconceptions. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing 6 common myths about the science of reading.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/the-science-of-readingConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trialTeacher TipsDo you have a teacher-approved tip you would like to share with our listeners? Send it to [email protected] OR send us your tip in a voice recording at https://www.speakpipe.com/teacherapproved. We would love to feature your tip on an upcoming podcast episode!

You’ve hit the time of year where the newness of teaching has worn off, your kids might be a little too comfortable with you and their peers, your classroom is cluttered from all that you’ve collected since the beginning, and the days are long and draining. So how do you break this feeling since the year isn’t over yet? You name what matters most.Since March can bring never-ending days and put you in a slump, you can name what matters to get you in the right mindset going forward. We share some ideas for your classroom, but also encourage you to take some time to make a list yourself. Because in the end, only you can name what matters to you.Resource of the Week: Place Value Mega BundleFor all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/name-what-mattersConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trialTeacher TipsDo you have a teacher-approved tip you would like to share with our listeners? Send it to [email protected] OR send us your tip in a voice recording at https://www.speakpipe.com/teacherapproved. We would love to feature your tip on an upcoming podcast episode!

Today is such a special episode because we are celebrating 1 year of the podcast! This is something we always dreamed about doing, but never thought it was possible. We love helping and supporting teachers with our effective teaching tips and strategies each week. To celebrate, we’re revisiting our top 10 teacher approved tips with you!For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teaching-tipsConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trialIf you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

Some days our students are in a funk, some days we’re in a funk, and some days, we’re both in a funk. When that happens, what do you do? When you’re having a bad day of school, it’s difficult to see past any solution other than just trying to make it through.We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to suffer through the day. Instead, we’re sharing 4 ways to hit the reset button on a rough day of school.Product of the Week: March Jargon JournalFor all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/bad-day-of-schoolConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trialIf you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

For the past few weeks we’ve been taking a deeper dive into classroom transitions. We’ve covered two different characteristics of transitions: having clear beginnings and endings and ways to have transitions unfold rapidly. To wrap up this mini-series, today we’re discussing the final characteristic of classroom transitions, which is minimizing the downtime between activities.Feedback of the Week: Chunk Spelling SystemFor all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-transitions-3Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

Today, we’re continuing our conversation from last week that’s all about classroom transitions. Several studies have noted 3 characteristics of efficient transitions. Last week, we explored the first characteristic, which was having clear beginnings and endings. In today’s episode, we’re sharing tips on making sure your transitions unfold rapidly.Resource of the Week: Chunk Spelling SystemSee our full list of books here!For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-transitions-2Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trialIf you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

When thinking about all of the different elements of an effective classroom, we tend to plan for the big items: procedures, routines, and activities. And while those are important, have you ever thought about the transitions between each activity or procedure? It’s not a teaching element that gets much thought, but having effective classroom transitions makes for a smooth and efficient all-around classroom.Since we find classroom transitions so important, we’re starting a 3 part series on them. Research has shown that there are 3 characteristics of efficient transitions, which are clear beginnings and ends, how quickly they’re accomplished, and minimizing the amount of downtime between activities. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the first characteristic, which involves clear beginnings and endings.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-transitionsConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

Take a look at your classroom instruction. If small groups aren’t part of your instruction, now’s the perfect time to implement them! Sara Marye, host of Stellar Teacher Podcast, is an expert in all things literacy. She joins us on the podcast today and is sharing 6 secrets to literacy small group success.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/literacy-small-groupConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trialIf you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

It’s most kids’ favorite (and some teacher’s too!) part of the school day: recess! Recess provides an opportunity for kids to release some energy and push the reset button before getting back to learning. However, the freedom and release of energy changes when the weather is too cold and recess has to be moved inside. To help combat this reality that most of us are facing this time of year, we’re sharing 20 inside recess ideas that your students will love.Check out our highly rated Spiral Review - Morning WorkFor all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/inside-recess-ideasConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trialIf you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

You took some time off to rest and relax over winter break, and now you’re refreshed and ready for the second half of the school year! But let’s be honest, it can be hard to get back into the swing of things. That's why we’ve come up with ways to jumpstart the rest of the year. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing 4 tips for a January jumpstart in your classroom!Check out our Resource of the Week: Spiral Review - Morning WorkFor all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/january-classroom-jumpstartConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

We’ve always said that the beginning of the school year in September has the same feeling as New Year’s in January, which makes it fitting that we’ve chosen this episode as our encore episode at the start of 2023. We believe that the best way to enhance the potential of a fresh start is to be intentional. One way to do that is by having a one word theme for the year. So in this episode, we’re exploring why choosing a one word theme helps you grow and look to the future.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/your-one-word-themeConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

We hope you’re loving your break from school, and that it includes lots of relaxing and rejuvenation. However, you know that returning to school is soon approaching, and going back has its challenges. To help you overcome those challenges, we’re sharing this encore episode with tips for teaching after winter break. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teaching-after-winter-breakConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

We want to help provide you with as much knowledge, strategies, and activities that will benefit your students as much as possible. So, we have another fun podcast swap, this time, with our friend Cassie Tabrizi from After the Bell Podcast. This is unique because on this episode, Cassie has a guest, Maria Walther, who is the author of Shake up Shared Reading. During the episode, they explore a lot of different topics surrounding shared reading, the use of picture books, and how it’s different from a read aloud experience.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/shared-readingConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

We’re always looking for ways to help teachers be more efficient and maximize their time, and sometimes, we can’t do that alone. We have a unique opportunity where we’re airing an episode from another podcast! Megan Polk from The Literacy Dive Podcast, has a passion for supporting teachers with their curriculum, particularly in the area of literacy. In the episode she’s sharing with us today, you'll hear how to find more time to teach writing.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/writingConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

In the weeks before a big break, especially winter break, teachers are in survival mode. You’re managing behaviors, planning lessons, and balancing expectations and fun festive activities. There’s probably a countdown to winter break on your desk, but before bolting out the door, we think there are a few last minute things to cross off your to-do list. In today’s episode, we’re sharing 2 easy things teachers should do before winter break to prepare for classroom success in January.Check out our Resources of the Week: Morning Messages 1st Grade BundleMorning Messages 2nd Grade BundleMorning Messages 3rd Grade BundleMorning Messages 4th Grade BundleFor all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teachers-should-do-before-winter-breakConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

As you all know, we’re big fans of books, whether we’re reading them for ourselves or to our students. Reading Christmas books during this time of year is something we especially love! There’s something magical about seeing the story come to life through your students’ eyes, their faces when looking at the illustrations, and meaningful discussions we can have afterwards. With so many Christmas books out there, how can you choose which ones to read? That’s where we come in! In today’s episode, we’re breaking down our favorite Christmas books to read to your students and add to your collection.Check out our Resource of the Week: Christmas Jargon JournalsSee our full list of books here: https://a.co/b6IrwxxFor all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/christmas-booksConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to be aware how hectic and unpredictable this time can be for teachers, but also how fun and memorable it is for students. Having a nice mix of the two is the perfect balance for surviving and teaching in December, but how can you do that successfully? We’re sharing our 3 creative teaching tips on how to find the calmer moments while teaching in December.Check out our Resource of the Week: Christmas Brain BreaksConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teaching-in-decemberMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

We’ve talked before about reward systems on the podcast and how we’re not their biggest fans. However, there’s always an exception to the rule, and that’s when a big break, like in December, is about to happen. We know that external rewards do provide short term benefits with immediate results, which is exactly what we need to take control of the holiday behavior management. In today’s episode, we’re sharing some holiday behavior management tips to help you survive until winter break.Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/holiday-behavior-managementMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

During the first few weeks of school, a teacher’s focus is establishing routine, routine, routine! We know that’s the basis for a successfully run classroom. However, once our students are finally well-versed in our classroom’s established routine, then comes shorter weeks with all the holiday breaks. So what do you do with your routines now? Don’t panic, we’ve got you covered! In today’s episode, we’re sharing how teachers can plan lessons the week before holiday break. Check out our resource, Thanksgiving Fluency in a Flash: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/?s=thanksgiving+fluency+in+a+flash&post_type=product&type_aws=trueConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/week-before-holiday-breakMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

The recipe for a successful classroom includes a mixture of procedures, lesson plans, activities, and relationships. But the top secret ingredient? Student engagement. In order to accomplish this in your classroom, it requires a balance between novelty and routine. We’ve talked a lot about routine and procedures in the classroom in past episodes, so today we’re sharing how novelty plays a role to increase student engagement in a productive classroom.If you think of student engagement as a scale, by adding novelty to your day, you’re providing an element of surprise that piques their interest. A term used in the business world addresses this situation, which is called surprise and delight. By creating surprise and delight in the classroom it does two things: changes behavior and strengthens relationships. In keeping those in mind, we share 5 ways to apply surprise and delight in your classroom that helps increase student engagement and keeps the scale balanced. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/increase-student-engagementMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

Have you ever had an idea for a party, but struggled on how to efficiently execute your plan? We’re raising our hands because we’ve definitely been there, especially when it comes to class party planning. Last week, we did an episode on a class party planning checklist, which outlined 7 steps to a successful class party, so be sure to take a listen if you missed that episode. So in today’s episode, we’re taking those 7 easy steps and planning the perfect Halloween class party.Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/class-party-planningMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

Class party. Those two words can either bring excitement and joy to your face, or it can stir up stress and anxiety as a teacher. While having a class party, especially in elementary school, is inevitable, you don’t have to dread every holiday that approaches throughout the year. To help ease your mind, in today’s episode, we’re sharing our best class party ideas with our 7 step class party planning checklist. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes:https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/class-party-ideasMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

You may have hit the end of your honeymoon phase with your class, and the procedures you put in place at the beginning of the year may be fading in their effectiveness with your students. However, it’s too early in the year to throw in the towel and there’s still time to gain back control and have procedures and routines run as you’d want. To help get you back on track, in today’s episode, we’re sharing 5 classroom management questions to help banish bad class habits. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-management-questions/Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

At the beginning of each year, we determine our classroom procedures and our policies around certain items. One of those policies that is up for debate each year is the homework policy. However, before determining your policy around homework, are you even going to assign homework? If you do, we’ve determined some ways to make homework a bit easier in your classroom. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing 3 easy tweaks to make homework a homerun. Homework Resources: 1st Grade Homework 2nd Grade Homework 3rd Grade Homework Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/tweaks-to-homeworkMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

Having parent teacher conferences can be stressful, a little uncomfortable, and uneasy, depending on the conversations you’re going to have with parents. But have you ever thought about what it’s like on the parent side? We can guarantee that parents are feeling the exact same emotions as you are. In fact, their emotions may even be elevated since they’re in an unfamiliar environment. So what can you do about it? Throughout this episode, we want you to remember the acronym WWMSD: What would Martha Stewart do? Sounds silly, right? But if you think like Martha Stewart, your parent teacher conferences are going to run smoothly by being the perfect host. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing why thinking like Martha Stewart will transform your conferences. Check out our mini course Conferences with Confidence here! Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/transform-your-conferencesMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

It has been said that parents are your biggest allies as a teacher, which is so true. Having parents on your side during the school year helps make your year run smoothly when it comes to behavior issues, volunteer opportunities, and so much more. So we want to make sure that we're a parent-friendly teacher, but what does that even mean and what does that look like? In today’s episode, we’re going to break it down and discuss how to be a parent-friendly teacher. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/parent-friendly-teacherMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

It’s no secret that we love and value the importance of procedures and routines, and one of our favorite routines is our classroom morning meeting. We find it a vital part to our morning and love that it helps foster community within the classroom. After getting into the groove of the first few weeks of school, you’re probably ready to establish your morning meeting routine, if you haven’t already. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing how to launch morning meeting in your classroom successfully. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/launch-morning-meetingMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

In many ways, the beginning of a new school year resembles what all of us celebrate at the start of a new calendar year in January...New Years. It’s a time for growth, new opportunities, goals, and essentially a fresh start. While we believe in all of the new possibilities, we’re not on board with traditional resolutions, but instead just one word. In today’s episode, we’re explaining how you can nail down your one word theme for the year and how impactful that will be for you! Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/one-word-themeMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

As teachers, we tend to spend a lot of our own money on things for our classrooms. It can range from art supplies, flexible seating, extra school materials, to more classroom decor than we can count. All of that adds up and most don’t aid in any instructional or behavioral benefits. So what if we told you we knew what you could get that would greatly benefit your classroom that didn’t cost you a single penny? In today’s episode, we’re sharing why a strategic seating arrangement is the cheapest classroom management tool for your classroom. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-management-toolMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

It’s no surprise that the month of August can bring teachers a lot of emotions and stress. After all, preparing for back to school is a big task to tackle! We like to think back to school is like running a marathon. There’s so much you need to get done and prepare for, but with so little time. In order to help us cope with back to school, we think of it as just a season that will soon pass. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing how to live in your season, plus a teacher approved tip for planning ahead. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/living-in-your-seasonMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

Each year, we anticipate the first day of school and spend all of our energy planning to make it run smoothly and perfect for our classroom of new students. But what about the next day or even the rest of the week? We often push those ideas to the side because we’re so focused on the first day. But not this year! In today’s episode, we’re sharing how to achieve your first week wins through goals and procedures. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-week-winsMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

With school just around the corner for many of you, that back to school feeling is getting closer and closer. We all strive to be the best teacher versions of ourselves when school begins and start off on the right foot. In order to do that, we thought we’d seek advice from experts in the classroom: YOU! In today’s episode, we’re sharing the best back to school tips from you, our listeners! Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-tipsMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

Well friends, we have officially hit August! As teachers we know exactly what that means: summer is starting to come to a close while the beginning stages of school are starting to begin. The beginning of the school year always brought us a mix of emotions, especially the actual first day of school. We’re excited for a fresh start with new students, but also know all we have to do to get our classrooms running smoothly for the rest of the year. So in today’s episode, we’re sharing 3 truths for planning the first day of school, plus a teacher approved tip for starting the first day in a calm and engaging way. Don't forget to grab our Procedures Planning Guide Freebie here! Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/3-first-day-truthsMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

When students enter your classroom the first day and weeks of school, there’s a list of things to do and go over that is a mile long. Towards the top of that list is going over classroom expectations and introducing materials, routines, and procedures. Standing at the front of the room explaining each of these tasks is not only boring, but ineffective. Instead, we like to use a method called Guided Discovery. In today’s episode, we’re sharing the benefits of guided discovery and how to implement it in your classroom. Don't forget to grab our Guided Discovery Resource Pack here! Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/guided-discoveryMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

We’ve been talking a lot lately about how to start back to school effectively and setting yourself and your students up for success. Two ways to have an efficient classroom is through procedures and routines that are aligned with your goals, and one routine we feel passionate about is a morning routine. In today’s episode, we’re sharing tips on mastering morning routines for a successful classroom. Send us your Teacher Approved Tip: https://www.speakpipe.com/teacherapproved Sign up for our FREE Back to School Mini-Course: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/btsmini Download our Morning Routines Planning Guide here! Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/mastering-morning-routinesMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

While back to school activities are fun and allow you to get to know your new students, we want to challenge you to think about WHY you’re choosing that activity versus what the activity does. This requires you to think about your goals for the school year. In today’s episode, we’re sharing how to set up your back to school goals for a successful first few weeks of school. Send us your Teacher Approved Tip: https://www.speakpipe.com/teacherapproved Sign up for our FREE Back to School Mini-Course: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/btsmini Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-goalsMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

The task of setting up your classroom with procedures and routines can be daunting and time-consuming, but it’s worth it in the long run. So in today’s episode, we’ll be sharing steps to establishing efficient classroom procedures for success. Grab your free Establishing Classroom Procedures plan here! Send us your Teacher Approved Tip: https://www.speakpipe.com/teacherapproved Sign up for our FREE Back to School Mini-Course: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/btsmini Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/procedures-for-successMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

There are so many different approaches to how to teach spelling. Yet, very few of them seem to actually teach kids how to spell! The truly ideal spelling program often seems like a unicorn. Does it even exist? Well, we think we found that magical unicorn in “chunk spelling”. In today’s episode, we’re sharing our spelling method that actually works. Grab your chunk spelling bundle. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/spelling-methodMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

Summer is a great time to work on professional development, but we all don’t have the time or money to sit at a conference. In today’s episode, we’re sharing an easy summer professional development of reading over the summer, plus a teacher approved tip that makes it easier for you to reference digital notes in the future! Sign up for our FREE Design Your Summer Challenge: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/designyoursummer Other resources mentioned: The First Six Weeks of School Tools for Teaching The First Days of School The Joyful Classroom The Morning Meeting Book Unpack Your Impact Shifting the Balance Morning Classroom Conversations Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics Brain Words Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/easy-summer-pdMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

We all have goals and things we want to accomplish. But do you ever sit down and acknowledge all it took to get there? On today’s episode, we have guest Kelsey Sorenson who shares why you should own your teacher wins and the benefits of acknowledging them often. Sign up for our FREE Design Your Summer Challenge: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/designyoursummer Sing up for Kelsey's virtual summer event Educate & Rejuvenate here. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/own-your-teacher-wins/Mentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

The last few episodes we’ve been talking about how to design your summer and last week was all about Heidi designing her summer. So in today’s episode, we’re continuing our conversation with designing Emily’s summer in order to make it her BEST.SUMMER.EVER! Sign up for our FREE Design Your Summer Challenge: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/designyoursummer Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/best-summer-everMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

Last week’s episode, we discussed how you can design your summer with recovery and readiness in mind so that you can start the upcoming school year from a position of strength. In today’s episode, we have an open conversation about what we want our summer to look like in hopes to show you how to go about designing your own summer. Tune in next week to hear part two of this discussion! Sign up for our FREE Design Your Summer Challenge: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/designyoursummer Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/design-your-summerMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

It’s that point in the year where summer is just around the corner and that’s the only thing on our mind. The exact way that we each spend our summers may be different, but we all still need the same thing after a long year: recovery. On today’s episode, we’re providing plans on how you can recover from a crazy school year, plus a teacher approved tip for end of year incentives. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/recover-from-school-yearMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

After 2020, we all know how important closure is at the end of the school year. In this episode we walk you through how to include meaningful closure in your end-of-year plans. Plus a teacher approved tip for working with parents. Grab your FREE goal setting pages: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/looking-ahead-goal-sheets/ Check out our summer review packets: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/product-category/summer-review/ Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/closing-the-yearMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

Nothing makes us feel more accomplished than doing something now that we will be grateful for later. At the end of the year, it’s hard to think about the beginning of next school year, but that’s exactly what we want you to do! In today’s episode, we’re discussing what you can do now to make the back to school season easier for you. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/now-for-next-yearMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

The end of the year brings up a lot of wonderful school traditions. Some of those traditions include field day, whole school dance festivals, and a very common one, award ceremonies. But are award ceremonies really that rewarding for students? In today’s episode, we’re showing you 5 reasons why you should break up with end of year awards, while replacing the tradition with something more meaningful. Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow. For all the resources mentioned in this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/end-of-year-awardsMentioned in this episode:Is your class acting like spring break erased every expectation you've ever taught? Try the Teacher Approved Club free for 10 days and get this month's training on keeping expectations alive — plus last month's Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. Join at https://secondstorywindow.net/trial