Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer
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Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest. Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before.  Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, classroom management, and more. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, the Teacher Approved podcast is your guide to fostering a thriving elementary classroom! For more teacher approved tips and resources, head to www.secondstorywindow.net and follow along on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.

  1. 2 days ago

    280. 4 Teacher Lessons We Wish We'd Learned Sooner

    As our book Structure and Spark gets ready to go out into the world, we’re looking back at four lessons we wish we had learned much earlier in our teaching careers. In this episode, we unpack the ideas that changed the way we approached teaching, from building the right systems and staying on the student’s side to protecting time outside of school. We learned the hard way that the real goal isn’t to become perfect teachers, it’s to be responsive ones! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-advice/ Resources: Last chance to preorder our book Structure and Spark!Color Stack Challenge GameYarn Fever! GameJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 153. How Teachers Can Thrive During the Back-to-School Season – Our Best StrategiesEpisode 114. Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1Episode 81. 20 Teacher Approved Back to School Tips From Listeners!Episode 120. Supporting New Teachers with Ashleigh from Rainbow Skies for New Teachers

  2. 6 days ago

    279. Can't Miss Classic: What Every Student Needs to Hear in the First Three Days

    The first few days of school set the tone for everything that follows, so how can you intentionally build a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and needed? In this can’t-miss classic episode, we’re sharing practical ways to answer those three questions from day one through clear procedures, meaningful connection, and opportunities for every student to contribute. We’ll walk you through our approach to the first three days, plus share ideas for classroom jobs that actually matter and help students feel like they belong! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-3-days-of-school-activities/ Resources: Pre-order our book: Structure and SparkFirst Day of School Lesson Plan GuideTell, Try, Tally, Talk Google SlidesDeleteMeOur Favorite Back to School Books: First Day Jitters, When You Go to Dragon School, A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School Join the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How They Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem – Here’s What to Prep While You WaitEpisode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks About

  3. 10 Aug

    278. Want Better Behavior? Start with Relationships

    Strong teacher student relationships are the foundation of effective classroom management! In this episode, we share practical ways to build trust from the very beginning of the school year and explain why cooperation is more powerful than compliance. You'll walk away with simple strategies to build a positive classroom community that supports learning all year long! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-student-relationships Resources: Preorder our book Structure and Spark (and get bonuses!)The First Six Weeks of School bookThe Art of GatheringFirst Day Wish GiftJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for YouEpisode 177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management QuestionsEpisode 158. Back-to-School Classroom Management: Are You Working Smarter or Harder?Episode 143. The Easiest Back to School TipEpisode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure Success

  4. 6 Aug

    277. Can't Miss Classic: 10 Questions That Make Your Classroom Procedures Actually Work

    Ever wonder why some classroom procedures seem to run effortlessly while others constantly need reminders? In this replay episode, we're sharing how a few simple guiding questions can help you plan classroom procedures that actually work...for both you and your students! We'll walk you through 10 benefits of thinking through your routines ahead of time, from preventing common classroom challenges to creating more efficient systems that make the entire school year run more smoothly! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/planning-classroom-procedures/ Resources: Classroom Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and ChecklistSun Shade Umbrella for CarPre-order our book: Structure and SparkJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple Podcasts.Leave a comment or rating on Spotify. Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 149, Go Time: 10 Things to Do After You Get Your Class ListEpisode 146, Never Pick up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided DiscoveryEpisode 134, The 10 Stages of Teacher Summer BreakEpisode 89, Hallway Behavior Management: 4 Essential Plans for Improving Hallway Classroom ManagementEpisode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How they Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 18, Procedures for Success!

  5. 3 Aug

    276. The Real Reason Teachers Are Exhausted in August

    Back-to-school exhaustion isn't just about long hours or a heavy workload! In this episode, we explore the surprising reason behind back-to-school fatigue and explain how a lack of automaticity creates extra mental strain. We also share practical systems that help you build external structure, reduce decision fatigue, and free up more of your energy to focus on connecting with your students during those critical first weeks of school. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-exhaustion/ Resources: Preorder our book Structure and Spark (and get bonuses!)The Smallest of Joys by Diane ShifferWhen Gavin Met Stacey by James Corden and Ruth Jones Travel tissuesMildlinersTell Try Tally Talk SlidesProcedures & Routines Planning Guide and ChecklistJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 77. 3 Reasons Why a First Day of School Script Will Save Your SanityEpisode 144. How to Plug-And-Play Your First Day of School PlansEpisode 215. Here’s EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of SchoolEpisode 143. The Easiest Back to School TipEpisode 270. The Smart Way to Tackle Your Back to School To-Do ListEpisode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure Success

  6. 30 Jul

    275. Can't Miss Classic: The Most Important Back-to-School Prep Teachers Usually Forget

    This week we're replaying one of our favorite back-to-school episodes because it's a reminder every teacher needs: don't just prepare your classroom, prepare yourself. We're sharing simple, practical ways to create a softer landing into the school year by setting up your home life, supporting your teaching self, and planning for rest and recovery before the first day even begins. If back-to-school is starting to feel overwhelming, this conversation will help you protect your energy, care for your future self, and head into the new school year with more calm and confidence! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/the-most-important-back-to-school-prep-no-one-talks-about/ Resources: Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and ChecklistsBack to School Readiness ChecklistsLMNT – get a FREE sample pack with your purchase!Tamed Wild door hinge magnetsPreorder our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes: Episode 199, Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher SummersEpisode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the CouchEpisode 203, 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-to-School SeasonEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem – Here’s What to Prep While You Wait

  7. 27 Jul

    274. The Overwhelm Buster: 3 Steps to Beat Back-to-School Stress

    We’ve learned the hard way that panic-prepping for back-to-school season isn’t the answer. It can leave teachers feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and still unprepared. In today’s episode, we introduce our simple three-step Overwhelm Buster to help you take back control! Join us as we talk through practical ways to calm your nervous system, prioritize the tasks that matter most, and create a realistic plan so you can start the school year feeling calmer, more confident, and ready for your students. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-stress-2/ Resources: Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben MontgomeryPiles card gamePreorder our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 143. The Easiest Back to School TipEpisode 270. The Smart Way to Tackle Your Back to School To-Do ListEpisode 194. Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things NowEpisode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure SuccessEpisode 201. 20 Easy Back-To-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do from the Couch

  8. 13 Jul

    272. Your Free Backstage Pass to Teacher Summer Talks

    In this special episode, we share a sneak peek at our upcoming Teacher Summer Talks Summit with quick, practical tips from eight expert educators! From writing instruction and math routines to classroom management and teacher well-being, you'll walk away with fresh ideas to help you prepare for the new school year. We also share one of our favorite productivity strategies for making back-to-school prep more effective by managing your energy instead of your time. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/free-teacher-summit/ Resources: Register for Teacher Summer Talks!Preorder our book Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on Spotify Connect With the Speakers on Instagram: Jessica: @ideasbyjiveyShelby: @littlejusticeleadersLeigh: @appliciousteacherGreg: @mrelementarymathMarcy: @saddleupfor2ndgradeJen: @strategicclassroomKelsey: @educateandrejuvenateJacey: @jaceypulverschank Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 241. What Smart Teachers Do Before a PD Event (So It Actually Sticks)Episode 112. 5 Podcasts for Elementary Teachers That We Know You’ll Love!Episode 71. The Easy Way Teachers Can Learn This Summer: 10 PD Books We LoveEpisode 16. Easy Summer PD

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Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest. Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before.  Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, classroom management, and more. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, the Teacher Approved podcast is your guide to fostering a thriving elementary classroom! For more teacher approved tips and resources, head to www.secondstorywindow.net and follow along on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.

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