Shows / Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
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…
Episodes
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
232. 5 Ways Teachers Can Spark Joy When Classroom Energy Tanks
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
231. What's Not Working in Your Classroom? Time to KISS Those Problems Goodbye!
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
230. How to Keep Students Engaged Through Every Season of the School Year
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
229. How to Keep the Halloween Chaos in Check and Still Have Fun
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
228. The Simple 6-Step Plan for Resetting After a Sub
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
227. 5 Smart Ways to Respond to Student Work Refusal
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
225. 5 Easy Ways to Reignite Student Engagement During the September Slump
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
224. How to Help Students Build Learning Stamina After Summer Break
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
222. Can’t Miss Classic: How to Calm Classroom Chaos with One Simple Cue
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
221. 5 Ways to Have High Expectations and Still Have Strong Connections with Your Students
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
220. Can’t Miss Classic: 5 Fun Ways to Start the Year with Surprise and Delight
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
219. How to Build a Classroom Community That Lasts All Year
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
218. Can't Miss Classic: Plug and Play Your First Day of School Plans
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…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
217. 3 Things to Do Before Students Arrive and After They Leave on the First Day
We want you to think of your back-to-school experience as a sandwich (stick with us here!). That first day with students is the flavorful filling, but the real…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
216. Can’t Miss Classic: The 3 Truths Every Teacher Needs for Day One
The first day of school can feel like a whirlwind, so in this can't-miss classic episode, we’re walking you through our three first-day “truths” to help you…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
215. Here's EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School
Just like a football coach scripts the first few plays of a game, you can script the first 20 minutes of your classroom, and in this episode, we’re walking you…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
214. Can’t Miss Classic: The 3 Lists Every Teacher Needs Before Day One
If your brain is spinning with classroom setup and first week plans, this can’t-miss classic is the perfect episode to bring some calm to the chaos. In it, we…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
213. 6 Simple Goals to Make Open House or Back-To-School Night a Success
Back-to-school season is here, and that means it’s time to tackle one of the most nerve-wracking events of the year: open house! In this episode, we’re sharing…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
212. Can't Miss Classic: The ATTA BOY Way to Plan a Better First Week of School
We’re bringing back a listener favorite that’s just as relevant now as when we first aired it! In this classic episode, we’re diving into the why behind your…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
211. The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of School
Your first 3 days of school activities do so much more than check boxes. They set the tone for the entire year! In this episode, we’re talking about how to use…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
210. Can’t Miss Classic: 4 Ways Teachers Can Lighten Their Mental Load This School Year
We're bringing you a summer replay that's all about decision fatigue - that overwhelming feeling when your brain is running on empty from making 1,500…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
209. The Most Important Back-To-School Prep No One Talks About
The most important back-to-school prep no one talks about isn't about classroom decorations - it's about preparing YOU. In this episode, we reveal the three…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
208. Can’t Miss Classic: 10 Things to Do When You Get Your Class List
This summer, we're sharing our can't-miss classic episodes, and this week's gem is all about that pivotal moment every teacher experiences: receiving your…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
207. No Class List? No Problem—Here’s What to Prep While You Wait
Think you can’t start classroom prep without a class list? Think again! In this episode, we’re sharing low-effort, couch-friendly tasks you can tackle right…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
206. Can’t Miss Classic: The One Thing Your Summer Teacher To-Do List Is Missing
Ready to break free from the pressure of the never-ending summer to-do list? This can't-miss classic episode is one of our most requested for a reason. Whether…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
205. Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready
Feeling that familiar tug of guilt during summer break? In this episode, we’re sharing a simple, six-step system for back to school teacher prep that helps you…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
204. Can’t Miss Classic: A Back-To-School Gift for Your Future Self
In this can’t-miss classic episode, we’re sharing one simple mindset shift that can make a huge difference in how your school year begins: give your future…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
203. 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-To-School Season
Feeling that back to school teacher stress creeping in? You’re not alone, and in this episode, we’re calling out six common traps that add unnecessary pressure…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
202. Can’t Miss Classic: The 10 Stages of Teacher Summer—Where Are You?
This can't-miss classic episode of Teacher Approved is all about the 10 stages of teacher summer break—yes, there are stages! From that first glorious day of…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
201. 20 Easy Back-To-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do from the Couch
Feeling the pressure to get ahead on your back-to-school teacher prep tasks, but also craving a restful summer? In this episode, we’re sharing 20 simple “TV…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
200. 200 Episodes Later: These 5 Teacher Approved Tips Still Win
We can't believe it's the 200th episode of Teacher Approved! We're celebrating this major milestone by revisiting five of our all-time favorite Teacher…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
199. Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher Summers
Feeling torn between resting and being productive over summer break? In this episode, we’re diving into the power of teacher summer boundaries...the key to…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
198. Can’t Miss Classic: Reset Your Teacher Brain with These End-Of-Year Prompts
Feeling totally worn out as the school year wraps up? You're not alone, and in this "Can't Miss Classic" episode, we’re diving into why this moment of…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Work
We don’t know who needs to hear this, but rest is not a reward you have to earn! In this episode, we’re talking all about teacher recovery in summer, why it’s…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer Break
Summer break is calling, but are you ready to truly disconnect? In this episode, we share our 3-step May/June crossover plan. Think of it as the ultimate end…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
195. Ditch the Countdown: A Better Way to Create End of Year Closure
The end of the school year often flies by in a blur of countdowns, celebrations, and chaos—but without a little intention, you and your students might miss out…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
194. Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things Now
Ever wish you could head into summer already feeling ahead for next school year? We’re sharing five simple but powerful ways to tackle teacher back to school…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
193. Why Smart Teachers Start Planning for Next Year in May
May might feel like survival mode, but it’s actually the perfect time to start planning for the year ahead. In this episode, we share five reasons why teacher…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
192. Say Goodbye to Recess Problems with These 4 Teacher Approved Fixes
Recess drama got you down? In this episode, we’re sharing four teacher-approved fixes to common playground problems, so you can stop dreading recess duty and…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
191. Get Moving! Simple Movement Hacks That Save Your Sanity AND Boost Learning
Do you have a class full of wiggle worms? It might be time to rethink how you're using movement in the classroom! We’re sharing five easy and effective ways to…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
190. Do These 5 Easy Things in April to Make Back to School Easier!
April might seem early to prep for next school year, but it’s actually the perfect time to take on some manageable tasks that’ll make back-to-school season way…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
189. 5 Fun Ideas to Keep Students Engaged After Testing Is Over
Looking for fun, low-prep end of year activities after testing that will keep your students engaged and excited? In this episode, we’re sharing our five…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
188. Ending the School Year Strong: 3 Steps to Help Teachers Thrive in Term 4
The end of the school year is in sight, but the final stretch can feel beyond overwhelming. In this episode, we’re sharing three essential steps to help you…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
187. 3 Teacher Approved Episodes, Tips, and Favorites That You Will Love
Three years of Teacher Approved—can you believe it?! In this special anniversary episode, we’re looking back at our most popular episodes from each year…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
186. 5 Teacher Tasks You NEED to Do Before Spring Break
Spring break is almost here! But before you head out, there are a few must-do tasks that will make your return so much easier. In this episode, we’re covering…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
185. 6 Easy Tips for Simplifying Test Prep Season
Test prep season doesn’t have to be stressful! In this episode, we’re sharing six easy end-of-year test prep tips to help you simplify the process, weave…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
184. 6 Simple Spring Cleaning Tips for Freshening up Your Classroom [Fan Fave]
Is your classroom feeling cluttered and chaotic? In this replay episode, we’re sharing six simple and effective spring cleaning tips to help you freshen up…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
183. 2 Smart Test Prep Strategies You Need to Use with Your Students
Are your students forgetting everything by test day? In this episode, we’re sharing smart test prep strategies that actually help students retain and apply…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
182. Boost Your Test Prep with These 3 Retrieval Practice Activities
Ready or not, test season is coming, which means it’s time to start thinking about test prep! In this episode, we dive into retrieval practice for test review…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
181. How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks for a Stress-Free Spring Break
Spring break is almost here, and while you’re excited for the time off, the thought of catching up on work when you return can be stressful. What if you could…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
180. Make the Most of Morning Work in Your Classroom with These 5 Tips
Morning work is more than just busy work! It sets the tone for your day, reinforces important skills, and encourages independence. In this episode, we’re…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
179. How to Find Fast Finisher Success: No More 'I'm Done, Now What?'
Teachers pour their time and energy into the major aspects of teaching, but it’s often the smaller, overlooked parts of the job that create uncertainty. One…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
178. 5 Classroom Management Tips for Taming a Chatty Class [Fan Fave]
By this point in the school year, your class is very familiar with each other. And while you love the community aspect, it can often bring unnecessary or…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management Questions [Fan Fave]
Now that you’re back to school from winter break, you might be noticing that some of your classroom procedures aren’t running as smoothly as they were before…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
176. Our 4 Tried and True Tricks to Reset a Rough Day of School
Returning from winter break, teachers are well rested and ready to start the second half of the school year. But oftentimes, students come back feeling excited…
- Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
175. 10 Easy Ways to Prevent Behavior Problems Before They Start [Fan Fave]
For our last episode of 2024, we wanted to share another fan-favorite episode. In this replay episode, you will gather some tools that will help prevent…