Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer
  • 4.9 (152)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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. 10h ago

    261. Can't Miss Classic: Why Teacher Summer Feels So Weird (And What to Do About It)

    In this episode, we revisit the 10 emotional stages of summer break for teachers, from the pure joy of the first day of freedom and relaxation, to productivity bursts, procrastination, panic, and finally the excitement of a brand-new school year. We also share relatable teacher stories, practical ways to recover from burnout without drifting through summer, and strategies for avoiding back-to-school overwhelm. Make the most of this summer break by recognizing what stage you’re in and how to plan your days moving forward! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-summer-break-stages Resources: End of Year Road Map FreebieClear Moving BagsNon-clear Moving BagsCheck out 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 130. The 2 Things Teachers Need to Refuel This SummerEpisode 128. Back to School Boost: Do These 3 Things Now to Prep for Next School YearEpisode 67. How to Actually Get Stuff Done for School This SummerEpisode 65. Make an Easy Plan For Your Perfect Teacher Summer: Recovery and ReadinessEpisode 14. Best Summer EverEpisode 13. Design Your SummerEpisode 12. Recovering from the School Year Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    26 min

  2. 3d ago

    260. A 7-Day Teacher Decompression Plan for First Week of Summer

    The start of summer feels like it should instantly refresh teachers, but too often we find ourselves wondering how to spend our time. In this episode, we share teacher summer break tips for easing into summer without falling into guilty rest or the productivity trap. We walk through a simple seven-day decompression plan designed to help teachers transition out of school mode, reconnect with fun and creativity, and enjoy the small things that make summer feel restorative. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-summer-break-tips/ Resources: Songs to Walk Away from an Explosion in Slow Motion playlistSilicone sink topperCheck out 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 12. Recovering from the School YearEpisode 13. Design Your SummerEpisode 14. Best Summer EverEpisode 130. The 2 Things Teachers Need to Refuel This SummerEpisode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Work Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    22 min

  3. May 25

    259. The Decide Once Strategy That Will Save Your Teacher Brain Next Year

    The end of the school year is the perfect time to notice the recurring problems in your work day, and to plan new systems to make next year easier. We’re sharing the “decide once” strategy that helps reduce the decision fatigue teachers face every day by creating simple systems for predictable classroom problems. From behavior management and unfinished work to grading and email boundaries, we talk about practical ways to stop making the same exhausting decisions over and over so next school year feels less chaotic and more manageable. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/decision-fatigue-teachers-2/ Resources: Fast drying stone sink traysMurdokuCheck out 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 79. Avoid Back to School Decision Fatigue with These 4 Teacher Approved StrategiesEpisode 77. 3 Reasons Why a First Day of School Script Will Save Your SanityEpisode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like WorkEpisode 231. What’s Not Working in Your Classroom? Time to KISS Those Problems Goodbye! Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    29 min

  4. May 18

    258. Can't Miss Classic: 10 End-of-Year Celebration Ideas Your Students Will Love

    As the school year winds down, it’s important to find meaningful ways to celebrate the year with intention. Drawing on ideas from our Teacher Approved community, we explore countdowns, theme days, and creative class celebrations that bring both fun and purpose to those final weeks. These strategies will help keep students engaged, create lasting memories, and honor the classroom community you’ve built, so you can wrap up the year in a way that feels thoughtful, memorable, and manageable. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/last-week-of-school-activities-elementary/ Resources: Summer Review PacketsDLITE Day PacketsYours Truly by Abby JimenezJane & Edward: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie EdwardCheck out 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 195. Ditch the Countdown: A Better Way to Create End of Year ClosureEpisode 62. End of Year Awards: 5 Reasons You Should Rethink This Classroom TraditionEpisode 7. The Secret to End of Year SurvivalEpisode 196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer Break Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    23 min

  5. May 11

    257. 5 Smart Switch-Ups for May Classroom Management

    May can be a tough stretch for teachers, with high emotions, routine pushback, and packed calendars. In this episode, we share why the mid-May slump feels so challenging and how trying to tighten control can backfire. Instead, we walk through five simple ways to rebalance structure and spark so you can keep students engaged, reduce chaos, and finish the school year feeling more steady and in control. These small shifts can bring fresh energy to your classroom without adding extra stress. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/may-classroom-management/ Resources: 3 Wins appFoot creamCheck out 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 124. Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom ManagementEpisode 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for YouEpisode 247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix ThemEpisode 232. 5 Ways Teachers Can Spark Joy When Classroom Energy Tanks Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    23 min

  6. May 4

    256. Can’t Miss Classic: How to Save Hours at Back-to-School Time by Prepping in May

    May might feel like the worst time to think about next year, but we’re sharing simple, low-effort ways to get ahead while everything is still fresh. In this episode, we walk through five smart back to school prep strategies you can tackle right now using what you’re already doing. These simple ideas will help you save time, stay organized, and ease that August stress before it even starts. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-prep-in-may/ Resources: Freebie: End of Year RoadmapGuided Discovery of School Tools First Day Pattern Block Activities First Day Lego Activities Looking Ahead, Looking Back Bulletin BoardTeacher goodie bag ideasPeanut butter BarebellsCheck out 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 If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too: Episode 249. 5 Easy Teacher Tasks for March That Pay off Big at Back to SchoolEpisode 252. Can’t Miss Classic: April Planning That Makes August EasierEpisode 188. Ending the School Year Strong: 3 Steps to Help Teachers Thrive in Term 4Episode 193. Why Smart Teachers Start Planning for Next Year in May Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    23 min

  7. Apr 27

    255. 4 Smart Ways to Make End-of-School-Year Group Work Actually Work

    Late April energy is real, so we’re sharing how to use group work to channel that energy into structured, meaningful collaboration. We break down a simple framework for assigning groups, prepping students with clear expectations, designing tasks that truly require teamwork, and wrapping up in a way that improves future activities. Group work can be the key to keeping students engaged, and might even create extra time for you to get things done before the school year ends. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/group-work-in-the-classroom/ Resources: Nod PodCheck out 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 254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)Episode 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for YouEpisode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)Episode 223. The Core 4 Routines Every Classroom Needs to Run Like Clockwork Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    27 min

  8. Apr 20

    254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)

    Transitions don’t have to feel chaotic. In this episode, we share simple classroom transition strategies to reduce chatter by intentionally designing what happens before, during, and after each shift in activity. From clear directions and action cues to managing movement and preventing bottlenecks, we walk through practical ways to keep things running smoothly. These small, thoughtful changes can have a big impact on keeping students engaged and your classroom calm. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-transition-strategies/ Resources: Teacher Approved: Calming Piano PlaylistDehumidifierStraw OrganizerCheck out 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 247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix ThemEpisode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter No Harder Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are using the Tired Teacher Summer Planner this month to help plan the kind of summer they need: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    29 min
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About

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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