Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer
  • 4.9 (153)
  • 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. 2d ago

    267. Can't Miss Classic: 20 Teacher TV Tasks for Your Couch Productivity Era

    Are you enjoying your summer lounge time but feel that itch to get ahead for back-to-school? We’re revisiting 20 simple “TV tasks” that teachers can tackle from the comfort of the couch while still protecting their summer rest and recovery. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries around summer work, creating both a summer no list and a summer yes list, and finding ways to make back-to-school prep feel less overwhelming. While it’s important to remember that rest is productive on its own, these simple tasks will help you enjoy your downtime while making the start of the school just a bit easier! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-prep-tasks/ Resources: Freebie: End of Year RoadmapReadiness Checklists Wishing Star Printable@Teacherpodcastrecs on InstagramThe Holiday Headstart PodcastSeed ProbioticHero SunscreenCheck 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 196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer BreakEpisode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like WorkEpisode 199. Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher Summers 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

    24 min

  2. 5d ago

    266. 7 Low-Effort Ways to Get Ahead, Whenever You Feel Like It

    In this episode, we revisit one of our favorite summer philosophies: recovery and readiness. To focus on the ‘readiness’ side of things, we share seven simple tasks that take 10 minutes or less but can help you feel more prepared for the new school year without turning your summer into a work project. From choosing your first-day outfit and first read-aloud to updating your emergency kit and collecting community-building activities, these small actions can prevent last-minute stress and help you ease into back-to-school season with greater confidence and peace of mind. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-prep-for-teachers/ Resources: How to use Canva email templatesHow to create an email signature in CanvaKid friendly pop playlistCalming piano playlistHulken bag largeHulken bag smallClevermade Hulken knock off (read reviews!)Preorder 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 262. Crashing Isn't Resting: The Summer Teacher Mistake to Skip This YearEpisode 263. Can't Miss Classic: Stop Letting Guilt and Panic Steal Your Teacher SummerEpisode 209. The Most Important Back-To-School Prep No One Talks AboutEpisode 27. Your One Word Theme for The 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

    27 min

  3. Jun 18

    265. Can't Miss Classic: Your Permission Slip to Skip These 6 BTS Pressures

    In this episode, we revisit the six back-to-school pressures we’re saying no to this summer: elaborate classroom themes, laminating everything, chasing every social media trend, overspending on classroom decor, making our rooms look picture-perfect, and comparing ourselves to other teachers online. We share practical reminders for staying grounded during back-to-school season by focusing on meaningful instruction, simple systems, and our own well-being instead of panic-driven prep. We’re here to remind you that your small wins are worth celebrating, and a calm, rested teacher will matter more to your students than a Pinterest-worthy classroom. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-stress/ Resources: First Day of School Lesson Plan and Planning GuideColton Gentry's Third Act, by Jeff ZentnerCheck 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 81. 20 Teacher Approved Back to School Tips From ListenersEpisode 143. The Easiest Back to School TipEpisode 194. Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things NowEpisode 201. 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the Couch 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

  4. Jun 15

    264. From Romance to Research: Our Summer Reading Picks for Teachers

    In this special summer reading episode, we’re sharing some of our favorite recent reads that will inspire you to kick back with a good book on your break. From magical realism to historical romance, we discuss the books that have surprised and delighted us this year, and we share recommendations for professional development and classroom inspiration. Plus, we give an exciting update on our upcoming book, Structure and Spark, and why we’re passionate about helping teachers navigate the different seasons of the school year. If you're looking for great book recommendations to add to your summer reading stack, this episode is full of ideas! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/summer-reading-list-for-teachers/ Books Mentioned: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India HoltonClassroom Engagement: The Unwritten Code by Jen FosterHow to Write a Love Story by Catherine WalshThe Together Teacher: Plan Ahead, Get Organized, Save Time by Maia Heyck-MerlinThe Smallest of Joys by Diane ShifferThe Someday Garden by Ashley PostonOne and Only by Maurene GooLady Tremaine by Rachel HochhauserThe Joyful Classroom by Lynn Bechtel and Kristen VincentDo I Have Your Attention? Understanding Memory Constraints and Maximizing Learning by Blake HarvardDolly All the Time by Annabel MonaghanThis Book Made Me Think of You by Libby PagePreorder our book Structure and Spark More Resources: Kindle / Tablet standReading Journey appJoin 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 71. The Easy Way Teachers Can Learn This Summer: 10 PD Books We LoveEpisode 65. Make an Easy Plan For Your Perfect Teacher Summer: Recovery and ReadinessEpisode 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

    29 min

  5. Jun 11

    263. Can't Miss Classic: Stop Letting Guilt and Panic Steal Your Teacher Summer

    In this replay episode, we’re exploring why boundaries are the secret ingredient to a joyful, restorative summer and a smoother transition back to school. We walk through practical ways to set healthy boundaries around time, technology, and task load so summer doesn’t turn into “a quieter form of burnout.” Along the way, we talk about balancing recovery with back-to-school readiness, avoiding comparison traps on social media, creating realistic summer goals, and learning to say no without guilt. Whether you need permission to rest or a plan to head into August feeling more prepared, this episode will help you create a summer that feels both refreshing and intentional. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-summer-boundaries/ Resources: Freebie: End of Year RoadmapResource: Back to School Pattern Block ActivitiesResource: Back to School Lego Activities Podcast: Happier with Gretchen RubinPre-order our book: Structure and SparkJoin the Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave a review on Apple PodcastsLeave a comment or rating on Spotify Related Episodes to Enjoy: Episode 131. To-Do List Magic - How to Prioritize Your Teacher Tasks This SummerEpisode 134. The 10 Stages of Teacher Summer BreakEpisode 196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer BreakEpisode 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

    27 min

  6. Jun 8

    262. Crashing Isn't Resting: The Summer Teacher Mistake to Skip This Year

    In this episode, we explore why crashing on the couch isn’t the same as true recovery and share our four-part framework for summer restoration: relax, refresh, refocus, and recharge. We talk about how to know when you might need each type of recovery, the common traps teachers fall into during summer break, and how to create a more intentional approach to rest so you can head into the next school year feeling like yourself again. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/active-rest-for-teachers/ Resources: Cross legged chairStorage boxPreorder 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 260. A 7-Day Decompression Plan for the First Week of SummerEpisode 197. A Teacher Summer Self Care and Recovery Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like WorkEpisode 130. The 2 Things Teachers Need to Refuel This SummerEpisode 12. Recovering from the School YearEpisode 65. Make an Easy Plan For Your Perfect Teacher Summer: Recovery and Readiness 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

    28 min

  7. Jun 4

    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

  8. Jun 1

    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
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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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