Chalk It Out w/ Malorie & Greta

Malorie & Greta
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Chalk It Out Podcast! Where we spill the tea on what it’s really like to be an educator! This podcast is for teacher, parents and anyone looking to learn more about the US school system! We are so happy to have you here!

  1. 12/15/2025

    Homemade Holiday Gifts, Teacher Life, and Spreading a Little Cheer | Ep. 020

    In this episode of Chalk It Out, I’m talking all about simple, meaningful homemade gifts and cards—both for teachers and from teachers to their students—as we head into winter break. This time of year is busy, but it’s also a chance to slow down, rest, and reflect on what really matters. I also share what life in education truly looks like beyond academics. From calming big emotions, cleaning scraped knees, and cheering on nervous students, to handling germs, hunger, lost teeth, and first-day jitters—teachers wear a lot of hats. I talk honestly about the nurturing side of teaching that often goes unseen and why feeling appreciated means so much to educators. Then I dive into easy, budget-friendly gift ideas for students and teachers, including Dollar Tree finds, homemade cards, classroom gifts, and why a heartfelt note or hug can mean just as much as a gift card. I also share a few funny and heartwarming stories from my own classroom and remind everyone that the holidays are about connection, kindness, and showing care in whatever way you can. We wrap up by wishing you a happy, restful holiday season, encouraging you to give back if you’re able, and—of course—ending with a little Broncos shoutout. 💙🧡 See you next week! #ChalkItOut #TeacherPodcast #ClassroomIdeas #HolidayClassroomParty #TeacherLife #ElementaryTeacher #HolidayActivities #DecemberInTheClassroom #TeacherTips #ClassroomCrafts #GingerbreadActivities #TeachingDuringTheHolidays #TeacherSupport #EducationPodcast #HolidayFunInClass #HolidayInTheClassroom #TeacherAppreciation #HomemadeGifts #ClassroomCommunity #EducatorStories #WinterBreak #TeachingBeyondAcademics #KindnessMatters #ElementaryTeaching #TeacherPodcast —————————————— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkitout_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chalkitout Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chalkitout

    13 min

  2. 12/08/2025

    Gingerbread Stories, Kid Crafts & Surviving December in the Classroom! | Ep. 019

    In today’s episode, I dive into holiday parties in the classroom—what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep things joyful and structured during one of the most chaotic times of the school year. I also share highlights from my dream trip to New York City, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, Summit One Vanderbilt, delicious food, holiday cruises, and an itinerary packed with magic. Meanwhile, Greta will return in January after a fun Friendsgiving! Then we get into the good stuff: ✨ Holiday party ideas that are student-approved and parent-friendly ✨ Gingerbread storybooks, character cookies, and creative crafts ✨ Family-friendly activities (and which ones to avoid!) ✨ Ornaments, nutcracker crafts, snow globes & more ✨ Simple classroom systems to keep students regulated during December ✨ Compassionate reminders for students who struggle this time of year ✨ Tips for keeping structure, engagement, and calm in the countdown to break Whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran looking for fresh ideas, this episode is full of practical inspiration to help you finish December strong. Thanks for all the love you pour into your students—and enjoy these next two weeks with them. ❤️ See you next week! —————————————— #ChalkItOut #TeacherPodcast #ClassroomIdeas #HolidayClassroomParty #TeacherLife #ElementaryTeacher #HolidayActivities #DecemberInTheClassroom #TeacherTips #ClassroomCrafts #GingerbreadActivities #TeachingDuringTheHolidays #TeacherSupport #EducationPodcast #HolidayFunInClass —————————————— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkitout_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chalkitout Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chalkitout

    9 min

  3. 11/24/2025

    Why Recess Matters More Than You Think | Ep. 018

    🌟 Today on Chalk It Out — We’re Talking RECESS! 🌟 In this episode, we’re diving deep into recess time and why it matters more than many people realize. We explore: ✨ The cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits of recess (straight from the American Academy of Pediatrics) ✨ Why socializing, fresh air, and play are essential for student success ✨ What safe and effective recess supervision looks like ✨ Strategies schools use to help kids solve conflicts, build leadership skills, and play fairly ✨ How structured games and recess coaches can transform the playground ✨ The chaos and challenges of indoor recess — and how teachers can keep it fun without defaulting to screens ✨ A fun story about the day I played knockout… in heels… and earned some serious street cred with my students 😅 Whether you're a teacher, parent, or someone curious about school culture today, this episode breaks down why recess isn’t “just playtime” — it's a crucial part of student growth, community, and well-being. 💬 What do YOU think about recess? How long should it be? Do kids need more breaks? Drop your thoughts on our blog or in the comments! Thanks for tuning in to Chalk It Out! 🌈✨ #RecessTime #EducationPodcast #TeacherLife #ElementaryEducation #SchoolCulture #ChildDevelopment #TeachingTips #ClassroomCommunity #PlayBasedLearning #ChalkItOut —————————————— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkitout_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chalkitout Facebook: Chalk It Out Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chalkitout

    11 min

  4. 11/17/2025

    Calm Corners in the Classroom | Ep. 017

    In today’s episode of Chalk It Out, I’m diving into everything I’ve learned about creating and using calm corners in the classroom. I break down what a calm corner is (and what it isn’t), how I set them up, and the materials I’ve found most helpful for helping students regulate big emotions—not avoid their work. I also share a personal story about a second grader who used the calm corner on a tough morning and how it helped her open up and move through her day. In this episode, I talk about: 🪑 How I set up an inviting, effective calm corner 🧩 The materials I use to support emotional regulation ⏳ How I teach expectations, routines, and time limits 📚 Why modeling and classroom culture matter so much 🧠 When students should and shouldn’t use the space 🏫 How calm corners can be successful beyond elementary school Whether you’re a new teacher, a seasoned educator, or a school counselor, I hope this episode gives you practical tips and inspiration for bringing calm corners into your own classroom. Thanks for listening! I’d love to hear your ideas or see photos of your calm corners—feel free to share in the comments or on our blog. 🙌

    11 min

  5. 11/10/2025

    Remote Learning: The Chaos, the Pajamas, and the Aftermath | Ep. 016

    We’re spilling the tea on remote learning — the good, the bad, and the pajama-clad chaos. In this episode of Chalk It Out, we revisit what it was really like to teach and learn from home during lockdown. From Google Classroom glitches to emotional fallout, we unpack the funny, the frustrating, and the lasting impact on kids, teachers, and families. 💻 Did we secretly love teaching in sweatpants? Maybe. 😬 Are we still haunted by “You’re on mute”? Absolutely. ❤️‍🔥 Join us as we reflect, laugh, and maybe cringe a little about one of education’s wildest chapters. #ChalkItOutPodcast #TeacherLife #RemoteLearning #PandemicTeaching #EducationTalk #TeacherStories #OnlineSchool #DistanceLearning #EducatorLife #TeachingDuringCOVID #YoureOnMute #TeacherPodcast

    12 min

  6. 11/03/2025

    Surviving Parent-Teacher Conferences: Real Talk, Tips & What Parents Should Ask | Ep. 015

    Welcome back to Chalk It Out! 👩‍🏫 In this episode, we spill the tea on parent-teacher conferences — the long days, the awkward moments, and the meaningful connections that make it all worth it. We share practical tips for teachers (how to prep binders, lead with strengths, and manage time), plus smart questions parents should ask to really understand how their child is doing — both academically and emotionally. Whether you’re a new teacher prepping for your first round of conferences or a parent wanting to make the most of that 10-minute meeting, this episode will help you feel confident, calm, and connected. 💬 Topics include: - How to prep for conferences without burning out - What to include in student binders and one-pagers - Starting with strengths and building parent trust - Student-led conferences and why they work - Navigating tough conversations and keeping admin support handy 🧃Grab your coffee (or tea) and join us for a heart-to-heart about what conferences really look like for educators and families. #teacherlife #ParentTeacherConferences #EducationPodcast #TeachingTips #ChalkItOut #TeacherTalk #ParentCommunication #NewTeachers #ElementaryEducation #StudentLedConferences #TeacherSupport #TeacherCommunity #TeacherWellness #BackToSchool #educationlife —————————————— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkitout_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chalkitout Facebook: Chalk It Out Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chalkitout

    18 min

  7. 10/27/2025

    Do Kids Still Need Homework? What Teachers Really Think | Ep. 014

    Welcome back to Chalk It Out! 🎙️ In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most debated topics in education — homework. Should students still be doing it? Does it actually make a difference? We share our own experiences as teachers and parents, talk about what homework looks like in our classrooms, and laugh about how hard it is for kids (and us!) to sit still these days. We also chat about reading routines, screen-time struggles, why journaling matters, and how learning can happen in everyday family moments — from dinner conversations to grocery store math. And yes… we may go a little off-topic with embroidery, attention spans, and even fly fishing. 🎣 Join us as we spill the tea on homework, focus, and finding balance between school, family, and real life. #ChalkItOutPodcast #TeacherLife #EducationPodcast #HomeworkDebate #TeachingTips #ParentingPodcast #ElementaryEducation #MiddleSchoolLife #TeacherTalk #EducationMatters #ScreenTimeStruggles #ReadingIsFun #TeacherHumor #MomLife

    12 min

  8. 10/20/2025

    Why PLCs Work (and Why They Don’t): The Truth About Professional Learning Communities | Ep. 013

    Welcome back to Chalk It Out! I’m Malorie, and I’m joined by my partner in crime, Greta. In this episode, we’re diving into one of those topics every educator has strong feelings about — Professional Learning Communities, or PLCs. We talk about what PLCs are really supposed to be, why they matter, and how they can either be incredibly powerful or feel like a total waste of time. We share our own experiences with collaboration, using data effectively, staying flexible, and creating real buy-in among teachers. You’ll hear us discuss the good, the bad, and the funny moments that come with trying to make PLCs actually work. From setting team norms to analyzing student work, to dealing with those overly rigid protocols, we break down what helps teachers grow — and what holds them back. ✨ In this episode, we chat about: What a PLC is (and what it’s not) How to make collaboration meaningful Using data without losing your mind Why flexibility and mindset matter The most common reasons PLCs fail — and how to fix them So grab your coffee, settle in, and join us as we chalk it out — one PLC meeting at a time! ☕📝

    16 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Chalk It Out Podcast! Where we spill the tea on what it’s really like to be an educator! This podcast is for teacher, parents and anyone looking to learn more about the US school system! We are so happy to have you here!

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