Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer
  • 4.9 (159)
  • 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. 6d ago

    289. How to Boost Engagement and Keep Students Thinking with Guided Notes

    There’s nothing quite like looking around your classroom mid-lesson and wondering, “Are they learning, or am I just talking?” In this episode, we’re talking about student engagement and how guided notes can keep students thinking during instruction. We break down five steps for creating guided notes that encourage students to make connections and show what they understand, plus ways to use those notes for study guides, retrieval practice, warm-ups, and exit tickets. The goal isn’t simply to keep kids busy. It’s to create meaningful opportunities for students to think and stay engaged while you teach! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/guided-notes/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkHalloween ResourcesVictoria MagazineJoin 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 161. How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved TechniquesEpisode 165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the SeasonEpisode 35. 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for TeachersEpisode 33. Class Party Success – Our 7 Step Class Party Planning ChecklistEpisode 34. Plan the Perfect Halloween Class Party With 7 Easy StepsEpisode 96. How to Plan an Amazing 2nd Grade Class Halloween Party Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

  2. Sep 28

    288. Can't Miss Classic: Your Seating Chart Could Fix Classroom Behavior

    Once you’ve had a few weeks to get to know your students, it’s the perfect time to take another look at your seating chart. In this replay episode, we’re sharing our best strategies for choosing a seating arrangement, using proximity to keep students on task, and recognizing when a seating setup that worked at first is no longer working for your classroom. We’ll help you make strategic seating changes that support smoother classroom management and a more productive learning environment. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-seating-arrangements/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkEditable Seating Chart MakerJoin 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 102. Classroom Behavior Problems: How to Plan Ahead to Handle Them EffectivelyEpisode 164. Why You Need a Classroom Carpet and How to Manage Student BehaviorEpisode 285. Positive Classroom Culture is Your Management Secret WeaponEpisode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

  3. Sep 21

    287. The Friday Teacher Routine That Makes Monday Easier

    Mondays can feel overwhelming when you’re carrying unfinished tasks and trying to remember EVERYTHING that needs to happen! In this episode, we’re sharing a 5-step weekly reset to help you wrap up loose ends, prepare for the week ahead, and create a clearer starting point for Monday. It’s not about getting everything done, it’s about being prepared with a plan! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/weekly-reset-for-teachers/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkTheraICE Migraine Relief CapMuse Apothecary Pillow Ritual: Calming Pillow MistJoin 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 93. Teacher Morning Routine: 10 Tips for Creating Your Perfect PlanEpisode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)Episode 147. Teacher Approved Tips: How to Plan Ahead for Future Problems!Episode 228. The Simple 6-Step Plan for Resetting After a Sub Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

  4. Sep 14

    286. 6 Simple Steps for Smoother Classroom Transitions

    Transitions can quietly eat up valuable instructional time, especially when students start moving before directions are finished. In this episode, we’re breaking down a simple framework for making prompted transitions smoother, more efficient, and easier to manage by standardizing your approach. We’ll walk through the key steps and how they can help students know when to listen, when to move, and what to do next. With a consistent format in place, transitions can become a smoother, more predictable part of your classroom day. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/smooth-classroom-transitions/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkUngodly RichJoin 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 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 Not HarderEpisode 254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

  5. Sep 7

    285. Positive Classroom Culture is Your Management Secret Weapon

    Your classroom culture is what teaches students how to behave, whether you’re the one doing the teaching or not! In this episode, we’re talking about how to intentionally shape a positive classroom culture that makes classroom management easier. We break down five practical steps and explain how social skills, positive peer pressure, and clearly reinforced expectations can help students take more ownership of how your classroom works. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/positive-classroom-culture/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkHangersJoin 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 283. Why Reaching for a Reward System Might Be the Wrong First MoveEpisode 245. How to Build a Teacher Wardrobe That Fits Your LifeEpisode 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding QuestionsEpisode 278. Want Better Behavior? Start with RelationshipsEpisode 87. 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to School Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

  6. Aug 31

    284. Want Better Classroom Behavior? Start in the Hallway

    Hallway procedures might seem like a small part of classroom management, but they can have a much bigger impact on classroom success than you might expect. In this classic replay episode, we’re breaking down how to create effective hallway procedures by planning strategically, responding to disruptions, and teaching and practicing expectations with your students. With a little intentional planning and practice, your hallway procedures can become a simple but powerful foundation for a calmer, more successful classroom. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/hallway-behavior-management/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkClassroom Procedures and Routines Teaching Slides BundleJoin 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 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding QuestionsEpisode 173. Getting into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and RoutinesEpisode 75. Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How they Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 18. Procedures for Success!Episode 98. 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve It Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

  7. Aug 27

    283. Can't Miss Classic: Why Reaching for a Reward System Might Be the Wrong First Move

    Rewards might feel like an easy classroom management solution, but are they actually making your life harder? In this Can't Miss Classic, we’re taking a closer look at when rewards help, when they can backfire, and how to use them more intentionally. We’re sharing why you probably don’t need a reward system from day one, how to use short-term and surprise rewards strategically, and simple ways to build classroom community without turning every positive behavior into a transaction. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-classroom-management/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkJoin the Teacher Approved Club!December Teacher PlannerDrive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. PinkSkylight CalendarDr Scholl’s Women’s SneakerConnect 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 148, ​​How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-SchoolEpisode 114, Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1Episode 103, When to Use Rewards to Boost Your Behavior Management – And When Not ToEpisode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to SchoolEpisode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back to School Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

  8. Aug 24

    282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations

    By the third week of school, the novelty starts to wear off and classroom expectations can begin to slip. In this episode, we explore how to hold students accountable without becoming harsh, using three practical strategies: reteaching procedures, giving clear directions and expecting follow-through, and helping students take ownership of their behavior. The goal is to stay steady, reinforce what matters, and create a classroom where students know they can count on consistent expectations! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-expectations/ Resources: Order our book: Structure and SparkTraysTeacher Approved: Calming Piano Spotify playlistJoin 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 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 Not HarderEpisode 98. 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve It Mentioned in this episode: Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

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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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