Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer
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Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

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

    187. 3 Teacher Approved Episodes, Tips, and Favorites That You Will Love

    Three years of Teacher Approved—can you believe it?! In this special anniversary episode, we’re looking back at our most popular episodes from each year, sharing top teaching strategies, and revisiting some of our all-time favorite teacher approved tips. Plus, we’ve got some fun extra credit recommendations! And since we’re celebrating, we’d love your support. Please take a moment to leave us a quick rating and review to help more teachers find the show! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/top-teacher-approved-podcast-episodes/ Resources: Hiccaway strawLuminette glassesThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. LionPuzzle boardDerry GirlsTunefindConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts! Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 127, 10 Ways to Motivate Students at the End of the YearEpisode 46, 20 Best Inside Recess Ideas That Your Students Will LoveEpisode 18, Procedures for Success! Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

    26 min

  2. MAR 17

    186. 5 Teacher Tasks You NEED to Do Before Spring Break

    Spring break is almost here! But before you head out, there are a few must-do tasks that will make your return so much easier. In this episode, we’re covering five essential things for every teacher to do before spring break - from resetting your space to prepping for a smooth transition back. No more post-break overwhelm, just a stress-free, organized return! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-to-do-before-spring-break/ Resources: Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts! Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 181, How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks For a Stress-Free Spring BreakEpisode 124, Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom ManagementEpisode 4, Bouncing Back After a Break Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

    16 min

  3. MAR 10

    185. 6 Easy Tips for Simplifying Test Prep Season

    Test prep season doesn’t have to be stressful! In this episode, we’re sharing six easy end-of-year test prep tips to help you simplify the process, weave review into your daily routine, and keep students engaged without overwhelming your schedule. You’ll learn practical strategies to boost student confidence, make test prep more effective, and use fun, low-stress activities that actually help with retention. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/end-of-year-test-prep-tips/ Resources: Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts! Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 183, 2 Smart Test Prep Strategies You Need to Use With Your StudentsEpisode 182, Boost Your Test Prep With These 3 Retrieval Practice ActivitiesEpisode 122, 20 Best Teacher Approved Tips for Surviving Testing SeasonEpisode 121, How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters MostEpisode 5, Ditch Your Test Review (This This Instead!) Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

    17 min

  4. MAR 3

    184. 6 Simple Spring Cleaning Tips for Freshening up Your Classroom [Fan Fave]

    Is your classroom feeling cluttered and chaotic? In this replay episode, we’re sharing six simple and effective spring cleaning tips to help you freshen up your space. We’ll walk you through easy ways to declutter, organize supplies, and create a more functional, inviting learning environment. From tackling paper piles to refreshing classroom decor, these tips will help you finish the school year strong and set yourself up for success moving forward! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/spring-cleaning-classroom/ Resources: Decodable Fluency Passages BundleConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts! Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 181, How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks For a Stress-Free Spring BreakEpisode 124, Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom ManagementEpisode 53, How Teachers Can Name What Matters to Survive the Mid Year SlumpEpisode 52, 10 Teacher Approved Tips for Elementary Teachers That We Think You’ll LoveEpisode 10, What You Can Do Now for Next Year Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327 If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

    24 min

  5. FEB 24

    183. 2 Smart Test Prep Strategies You Need to Use with Your Students

    Are your students forgetting everything by test day? In this episode, we’re sharing smart test prep strategies that actually help students retain and apply what they’ve learned—without last-minute cramming. You’ll discover two research-backed methods that make information stick, why some common test prep practices might be doing more harm than good, and an easy way to integrate these strategies into your daily routine. Plus, don’t forget to grab our morning work spiral review pages to reinforce key concepts effortlessly! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/smart-test-prep-strategies/ Resources: Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning by Pooja K. Agarwal and Patrice M. Bain Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina GartenSpiral Review Morning WorkFiber Well GummiesConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts! Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 182, Boost Your Test Prep With These 3 Retrieval Practice ActivitiesEpisode 122, 20 Best Teacher Approved Tips for Surviving Testing SeasonEpisode 121, How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters MostEpisode 5, Ditch Your Test Review (This This Instead!)Episode 3, Strengthening the Brain Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

    19 min

  6. FEB 17

    182. Boost Your Test Prep with These 3 Retrieval Practice Activities

    Ready or not, test season is coming, which means it’s time to start thinking about test prep! In this episode, we dive into retrieval practice for test review, a proven strategy that boosts memory and recall. Instead of passive review methods, retrieval practice helps students retain more and feel prepared for the test. We’ll discuss why this technique works and how you can easily implement it in your classroom! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/retrieval-practice-test-review/ Resources: Around the Room review Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning by Pooja K. Agarwal and Patrice M. Bain Emily Amick’s Substack The FavoritesConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts! Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 122, 20 Best Teacher Approved Tips for Surviving Testing SeasonEpisode 121, How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters MostEpisode 5, Ditch Your Test Review (This This Instead!)Episode 3, Strengthening the Brain Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

    20 min

  7. FEB 10

    181. How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks for a Stress-Free Spring Break

    Spring break is almost here, and while you’re excited for the time off, the thought of catching up on work when you return can be stressful. What if you could prep for the first days back before break starts—without the overwhelm? In this episode, we’re sharing top strategies for teacher spring break prep, including how to break tasks into manageable steps and make the most of prep time in small bursts. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your break while feeling ready for a smooth return to school! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-spring-break-prep/ Resources: Bioderma shower oilGavin and Stacey: A Fond FarewellConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts! Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 168, How Teachers Can Get a Jumpstart on a Stress-Free Winter BreakEpisode 169, Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead For JanuaryEpisode 172, The 2nd First Day of School: How to Take Advantage of the Week After Winter Break Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

    22 min

  8. FEB 3

    180. Make the Most of Morning Work in Your Classroom with These 5 Tips

    Morning work is more than just busy work! It sets the tone for your day, reinforces important skills, and encourages independence. In this episode, we’re sharing our five best morning work tips to help you create a routine that works for both you and your students. If you're looking to start your day with ease and purpose, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/morning-work-tips/ Resources: Spiral Review Morning WorkShrinkingA Man on the InsideConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts! Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 179, How to Find Fast Finished Success: No More ‘I’m Done, Now What?’Episode 173, Getting Into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and RoutinesEpisode 150, Perfect Your Classroom Procedures With the Help of Our Guiding QuestionsEpisode 94, A Great Day Before School Even Starts: Your Perfect Teacher Morning Routine at SchoolEpisode 91, Start Your Day Strong: Top Tips for Maximizing Your Morning Work Mentioned in this episode: If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

    22 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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