Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer
  • 4.9 (150)
  • 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. 4D AGO

    256. Can’t Miss Classic: How to Save Hours at Back-to-School Time by Prepping in May

    May might feel like the worst time to think about next year, but we’re sharing simple, low-effort ways to get ahead while everything is still fresh. In this episode, we walk through five smart back to school prep strategies you can tackle right now using what you’re already doing. These simple ideas will help you save time, stay organized, and ease that August stress before it even starts. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-prep-in-may/ Resources: Freebie: End of Year RoadmapGuided Discovery of School Tools First Day Pattern Block Activities First Day Lego Activities Looking Ahead, Looking Back Bulletin BoardTeacher goodie bag ideasPeanut butter BarebellsCheck 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 If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too: Episode 249. 5 Easy Teacher Tasks for March That Pay off Big at Back to SchoolEpisode 252. Can’t Miss Classic: April Planning That Makes August EasierEpisode 188. Ending the School Year Strong: 3 Steps to Help Teachers Thrive in Term 4Episode 193. Why Smart Teachers Start Planning for Next Year in May Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    22 min

  2. APR 27

    255. 4 Smart Ways to Make End-of-School-Year Group Work Actually Work

    Late April energy is real, so we’re sharing how to use group work to channel that energy into structured, meaningful collaboration. We break down a simple framework for assigning groups, prepping students with clear expectations, designing tasks that truly require teamwork, and wrapping up in a way that improves future activities. Group work can be the key to keeping students engaged, and might even create extra time for you to get things done before the school year ends. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/group-work-in-the-classroom/ Resources: Nod PodCheck 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 254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)Episode 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for YouEpisode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)Episode 223. The Core 4 Routines Every Classroom Needs to Run Like Clockwork Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    27 min

  3. APR 20

    254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)

    Transitions don’t have to feel chaotic. In this episode, we share simple classroom transition strategies to reduce chatter by intentionally designing what happens before, during, and after each shift in activity. From clear directions and action cues to managing movement and preventing bottlenecks, we walk through practical ways to keep things running smoothly. These small, thoughtful changes can have a big impact on keeping students engaged and your classroom calm. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-transition-strategies/ Resources: Teacher Approved: Calming Piano PlaylistDehumidifierStraw OrganizerCheck 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 247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix ThemEpisode 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 No Harder Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    29 min

  4. APR 13

    253. Can’t Miss Classic: Stop Fighting the Wiggles and Do This Instead

    In this replay, we’re circling back to some simple, effective classroom movement strategies that boost focus, improve behavior, and make learning stick, all without adding extra time to your day. Instead of treating movement as an add-on, we show you how to weave it into your existing lessons so students stay engaged and energized. These small shifts help channel student energy and create a classroom where both you and your students feel more focused, productive, and successful. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-movement-strategies/ Resources: Printable Brain Break ActivitiesNeuro-Mag Magnesium L-ThreonatePre-order 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 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 No HarderEpisode 163. The 6 Key Ways to Boost Student Engagement Every Day Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    24 min

  5. APR 6

    252. Can’t Miss Classic: April Planning That Makes August Easier

    We’re taking advantage of April to get a head start on back-to-school prep with five simple, low-stress tasks you can do right now. From creating helpful lists and reflecting on classroom procedures to capturing real-life examples and testing new ideas, these small steps help you stay organized and intentional. Tune in for practical strategies to do now that your future teacher self will thank you for later! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/april-teacher-back-to-school-preparation/ Resources: Procedure Review SlidesEnd-of-Year Road MapFirst Lie WinsLa Roche Posay Effaclar Gel CleanserPre-order 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 249. 5 Easy Teacher Tasks for March That Pay off Big at Back to SchoolEpisode 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding QuestionsEpisode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure SuccessEpisode 32. 5 Classroom Management Questions to Help Banish Bad Class HabitsEpisode 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 Harder Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    20 min

  6. MAR 30

    251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for You

    In this episode, we share five low-cost, high-yield preventative classroom management strategies that help stop problems before they start. From greeting students at the door to using visual prompts and intentional tone, these simple shifts change the atmosphere in your classroom without complicated systems. When you focus on prevention instead of constant correction, you create a calmer, more engaged classroom, even during the tired final months of the school year. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/preventative-classroom-management-strategies/ Resources: Why It's Important to Welcome Your Students to ClassHow Tone of Voice Shapes Your Classroom CultureAllermi allergy sprayCeraVe Intensive Moisturizing CreamPre-order 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 124. Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom ManagementEpisode 247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix ThemEpisode 177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management QuestionsEpisode 178. 5 Classroom Management Tips for Taming a Chatty Class Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    28 min

  7. MAR 23

    250. 250 Episodes Later: Our Biggest Teacher Takeaways

    In this special milestone episode, we’re celebrating 250 episodes and four years of the Teacher Approved podcast. We look back at how the show started, the lessons we’ve learned along the way, and some of our favorite episodes and hidden gems. We also talk about the surprising ways the podcast has evolved, what gives us hope for the future of education, and what we hope the next 250 episodes will bring as we continue helping teachers elevate what matters and simplify the rest! Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-podcast-for-elementary-teachers Resources: Luminette 3 Light Therapy GlassesMagnesium L-ThreonatePuzzle TablePre-order 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 200. 200 Episodes Later: These 5 Teacher Approved Tips Still WinEpisode 165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the SeasonEpisode 158. Back-to-School Classroom Management: Are You Working Smarter or Harder?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 Harder Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    31 min

  8. MAR 16

    249. 5 Easy Teacher Tasks for March That Pay off Big at Back to School

    March is chaotic, but it’s also full of clarity. In this episode, we share five small things you can do right now to make teaching easier and set up a smoother fall, from creating a simple next-year parking lot to saving student work as future models. We also talk about using March as a low-stakes time to test-drive that routine you keep putting off, as well as share about our Quiet Your Chatty Class Challenge. You can calm spring chatter now, create more mental and physical space, and know that you’ll be ready for next year with systems you’ve already practiced. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/march-classroom-tasks/ Resources: Proper Mountain Woman ClubJoin The Teacher Approved Club (free 10-day trial!)Connect 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 60. 6 Simple Spring Cleaning Tips for Freshening Up Your ClassroomEpisode 61. 6 Things Teachers Can Do Now for a Better Back to SchoolEpisode 190. Do These 5 Easy Things in April to Make Back to School Easier!Episode 194. Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things Now Mentioned in this episode: Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial

    26 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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