Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer
  • 4.9 (157)
  • 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. 3d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Aug 20

    281. Can't Miss Classic: The Two Hours That Shape Your Entire First Day

    The first day of school doesn’t have to leave you completely wiped out! In this replay episode, we’re talking about the “back-to-school sandwich” and the often-overlooked moments before and after students arrive. We’re sharing practical ways to prepare emotionally, handle the logistical details, and plan for recovery so you can protect your energy and head into day two feeling a little more grounded. Plus, we’ve got a fun way to celebrate surviving that first day with your teacher friends! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-day-of-school-tips/ Resources: Freebie: Cheers and Chat InvitationGuided Discovery of School Tools Back to School Readiness ChecklistsThe Spellshop, by Sarah Beth DurstJoin 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 144, How to Plug-and-Play Your First Day of School PlansEpisode 145, Our Best Tools for First-Day PlanningEpisode 146, Never Pick Up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided DiscoveryEpisode 211, The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of SchoolEpisode 213, 6 Simple Goals to Make Open House or Back-to-School Night a SuccessEpisode 215, Here’s EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School

  6. Aug 17

    280. 4 Teacher Lessons We Wish We'd Learned Sooner

    As our book Structure and Spark gets ready to go out into the world, we’re looking back at four lessons we wish we had learned much earlier in our teaching careers. In this episode, we unpack the ideas that changed the way we approached teaching, from building the right systems and staying on the student’s side to protecting time outside of school. We learned the hard way that the real goal isn’t to become perfect teachers, it’s to be responsive ones! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-advice/ Resources: Last chance to preorder our book Structure and Spark!Color Stack Challenge GameYarn Fever! GameJoin 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 153. How Teachers Can Thrive During the Back-to-School Season – Our Best StrategiesEpisode 114. Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1Episode 81. 20 Teacher Approved Back to School Tips From Listeners!Episode 120. Supporting New Teachers with Ashleigh from Rainbow Skies for New Teachers

  7. Aug 13

    279. Can't Miss Classic: What Every Student Needs to Hear in the First Three Days

    The first few days of school set the tone for everything that follows, so how can you intentionally build a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and needed? In this can’t-miss classic episode, we’re sharing practical ways to answer those three questions from day one through clear procedures, meaningful connection, and opportunities for every student to contribute. We’ll walk you through our approach to the first three days, plus share ideas for classroom jobs that actually matter and help students feel like they belong! Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-3-days-of-school-activities/ Resources: Pre-order our book: Structure and SparkFirst Day of School Lesson Plan GuideTell, Try, Tally, Talk Google SlidesDeleteMeOur Favorite Back to School Books: First Day Jitters, When You Go to Dragon School, A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School Join 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 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How They Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem – Here’s What to Prep While You WaitEpisode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks About

  8. Aug 10

    278. Want Better Behavior? Start with Relationships

    Strong teacher student relationships are the foundation of effective classroom management! In this episode, we share practical ways to build trust from the very beginning of the school year and explain why cooperation is more powerful than compliance. You'll walk away with simple strategies to build a positive classroom community that supports learning all year long! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-student-relationships Resources: Preorder our book Structure and Spark (and get bonuses!)The First Six Weeks of School bookThe Art of GatheringFirst Day Wish GiftJoin 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 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for YouEpisode 177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management QuestionsEpisode 158. Back-to-School Classroom Management: Are You Working Smarter or Harder?Episode 143. The Easiest Back to School TipEpisode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure Success

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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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