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. 3D AGO

    238. Can't Miss Classic: 8 Reflection Questions to Help Teachers Start the New Year Strong

    We’re bringing back a can’t-miss Teacher Approved classic episode to help you ease back into school with intention and clarity. In this replay of our January Reset Reflection, we guide you through eight thoughtful questions designed to help you reflect on what’s working, identify what needs a refresh, and keep that fresh-start energy alive long after winter break ends! This episode is meant to be listened to slowly and casually (hot cocoa encouraged!) so the ideas can simmer until you’re ready to step back into your classroom feeling grounded, focused, and energized for the second half of the year. Resources: Classroom Procedures and Routines Editable SlidesParent Teacher Conference CourseEditable Classroom Seating ChartSpiral Review Morning WorkSpiral Review Homework – 2nd GradeRechargeable ScrewdriverGlass PotJoin 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 3, Strengthening the BrainEpisode 18, Procedures for Success!Episode 45, January Classroom Jump StartEpisode 76, Teacher Approved Tips: Make Time for Spiral Review and Use SOPs to Save Time in the Classroom

    26 min

  2. DEC 15

    237. Do These 3 Things Before Winter Break to Make January Easier

    Looking for a smoother January? In this episode, we share our three favorite strategies for a classroom reset before winter break so you can return feeling calm, prepared, and confident. We walk you through simple ways to spark excitement for the new year, set up future you for success, and plan a gentle, soft start that makes the transition back feel easier for you and your students. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-reset-before-winter-break/ Resources: December Teacher Survival KitAdventures with Friends@Engineerdoeseducation on InstagramJoin 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 27, Your One Word Theme for the YearEpisode 40, 2 Easy Things All Teachers Should Do Before Winter BreakEpisode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks AboutEpisode 217, 3 Things to Do Before Students Arrive and After They Leave on the First DayEpisode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)

    19 min

  3. DEC 8

    236. Your Tired Teacher Guide to January Prep from Your Couch

    Ready to make January feel like a gentle start instead of a cold plunge? In this episode, we’re sharing our January launch plan, designed so you can get prepped for the new term from the comfort of your couch. Whether you’re catching up on Hallmark movies or just sneaking in a bit of planning before the break, these tips will help you go back with confidence and calm! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/january-prep-tips-for-tired-teachers/ 🔗 Resources: December Teacher Survival KitClassroom Procedures and Routines Bundle (Tell, Try, Tally, Talk)Digital Seating Arrangement ToolFree Resource: Goal Setting Pages Spin to Survive bookJoin 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 39, Our Top 20 Christmas Books For Your ClassroomEpisode 146, Never Pick Up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided DiscoveryEpisode 172, The 2nd First Day of School: How to Take Advantage of The Week After Winter BreakEpisode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From The CouchEpisode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)

    26 min

  4. DEC 1

    235. 4 Teacher-Approved Ways to Manage Classroom Behavior in December

    December has officially arrived, and we’re sharing the December classroom behavior strategies that help keep things calm when student energy is sky-high. In this episode, we walk through the routines and mindset shifts that make the biggest impact, from daily expectation check-ins and protecting your mornings to using our “swiss cheese strategy” when the schedule is full of holes. We also highlight how simple festive breaks can add just the right amount of seasonal fun without sacrificing structure, and when a short-term reward system (like the reindeer system that saved one of Heidi’s wildest Decembers) can give your class the boost they need. With the right balance of consistency and intentional fun, you really can stay grounded and enjoy the magic of the season! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/december-classroom-behavior-strategies/ Resources: December Teacher Survival KitFestive Break PackReindeer Reward System [December Behavior Help Set]Podcast Playlist: Teaching in DecemberSolar fairy lightsJoin 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 105, Festive Fun in December: Engaging Holiday Activities to Do With Your ClassEpisode 106, The December Survival Kit: 3 Essential Tips to Help Teachers ThriveEpisode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)Episode 234, How to Plan Teaching in December So January Feels Easy

    25 min

  5. NOV 24

    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 through choosing your “stop new content” date, mapping out your December must-do’s, and using unpredictable pockets of time for meaningful review and reflection so December lesson planning becomes less about surviving and more about creating steady structure! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/december-lesson-planning-for-teachers/ Resources: December Teacher Survival KitPodcast Playlist: Teaching in DecemberHerbivore Coconut Milk Bath SoakNexcare Maxhold Waterproof bandagesJoin 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 105, Festive Fun in December: Engaging Holiday Activities to Do With Your ClassEpisode 106, The December Survival Kit: 3 Essential Tips to Help Teachers ThriveEpisode 230, How To Keep Students Engaged Through Every Season Of The School YearEpisode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)

    19 min

  6. NOV 17

    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 break down four core focus areas (pockets of prep, classroom reset, student engagement hook, and a teacher comfort plan) along with simple ways to find small windows of time, organize materials with easy systems, and plan meaningful activities that help students return refreshed. You’ll learn how small steps, from prepping welcome slides to stocking your snack drawer, can make your first week back feel lighter. Next week, we're talking all about planning December lessons that work with the chaos, so make sure you’re subscribed! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-prep-for-december/ Resources: December Teacher Survival KitPodcast Playlist: Teaching in DecemberHero Cheese and Herb Croissant RollsWooblesJoin 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 17, 5 Tried and True Tips For Teaching in DecemberEpisode 107, Get Ahead For January Now With 4 Easy StepsEpisode 105, Festive Fun in December: Engaging Holiday Activities to Do With Your ClassEpisode 169, Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time To Get Ahead For January

    22 min

  7. NOV 10

    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 walk through the five Cs of classroom re-energizing: Change, Connect, Create, Celebrate, and Center. Each C is full of practical ways to add small sparks of novelty. You’ll learn how tiny shifts, like tweaking your classroom ambiance or building connection through gratitude, can make a big difference. These strategies break routines just enough to rekindle excitement, boost engagement, and bring warmth and delight back to your classroom - one tiny shift at a time! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-energy-boosters/ Resources: Relax Kids: The Wishing Star: 52 Magical Meditations for Children Relax Kids - Aladdin's Magic Carpet: Let Snow White, The Wizard of Oz and Other Fairytale Characters Show You and Your Child how to Meditate and Relax The BrickInstagram: James Cook @jamescookartworkJoin 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 37, Holiday Behavior Management Tips to Help You Survive Until Winter Break!Episode 51, Teacher Work Smarter Tip: Plan for Inside Recess NowEpisode 53, How Teachers Can Name What Matters to Survive the Mid Year SlumpEpisode 230, How to Keep Students Engaged Through Every Season of the School Year

    25 min

  8. NOV 3

    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 classroom reset! We’re using the K.I.S.S. Retrospective (Keep, Improve, Stop, Start) to help you reflect on what’s working in your classroom and what needs a refresh. From routines and student behavior to differentiation and teacher workload, you’ll get practical questions, real-life examples, and permission to simplify. Tune in to reflect, reset, and head into the rest of the year with confidence and a renewed sense of joy. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/mid-year-classroom-reset/ Resources: Classroom Procedures and Routines Editable Slide DecksIf It Makes You Happy by Julie OliviaA Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu MandannaJoin 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 150, Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding QuestionsEpisode 173, Getting into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and RoutinesEpisode 176, Our 4 Tried and True Tricks to Reset a Rough Day of SchoolEpisode 223, The Core 4 Routines Every Classroom Needs to Run Like Clockwork

    25 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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