The Classroom Commute Rachael Parlett

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN… END?I began this podcast in January of 2020 - ya know - before the world as we knew it changed.  When I began the podcast almost 3 years ago - I could not have predicted all the changes that have occurred between then and now.
There were the obvious changes like the changes brought on by the pandemic.  There were so many changes in the way your classrooms were run, and the changes in the way you had to teach your students.  But - teachers pivoted.
Then, there were the changes that needed to be put in place as you welcomed students back into the classroom in person.  And, like always, teachers planned and prepared to help with the transition. The students that returned to the classrooms post-pandemic were different from those that left your classroom in March of 2020.
And - my role, at least I hope, was to help provide you with resources, ideas, and tips for navigating all the changes in the last 3 years.
After a lot of thinking and taking all things into consideration, I have decided to take a pause on this podcast and shift my focus to LINKtivities and the LINKtivity Learning Membership.

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT:  classroomnook.com/podcast/147
Links & Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeEPISODE 138: The Story of the LINKtivity (Celebrating 1 Year With LINKtivity Learning)
Resources for the Upper Elementary Classroom - The Classroom Nook Teacher Shop
LINKtivity Learning Membership
Follow us on Instagram

YOU HAVEN’T EXPERIENCED BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT LIKE THIS BEFORE…But you’re about to.
Teachers know that success in the classroom begins with classroom management.
And classroom management starts with relationships.
Without building positive relationships with students, you’ll be swimming upstream all year long.
Shawn Young, CEO of Classcraft (a behavior management tool), knows this all too well.  As a student himself, he often felt bored with school and didn’t feel a sense of belonging.  When he became a teacher himself, he wanted to create a different experience for his students - one that was built on the foundation on positive relationships.
Out of his own need in the classroom, Shawn began building an online platform that focused on positive behavior interventions. And Classcraft was born.
Classcraft is an innovative platform that helps educators make learning meaningful and motivates students through gamification. 
Not only did he see the impact it had on his own students, but others began to notice as well.  And now - Shawn is on a mission to replicate this same positive experience in classrooms around the world.  
Since launching Classcraft into the world of education, it has been a force to be reckoned with in transforming behavior and classroom cultures.
And - I had the privilege to have Shawn on the podcast to talk all about positive behavior intervention & supports, also known as PBIS - and how Classcraft supports PBIS programs.

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT:  classroomnook.com/podcast/146

FEELING LIKE YOUR CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STRATEGY COULD USE A LITTLE FINE-TUNING?Well - you’re in luck!  Today I’ve brought on Dr. Lori Friesen to share her most effective classroom management hacks that any teacher can implement immediately to start seeing results.


And Dr. Lori knows what she’s talking about.  She’s been around the (classroom) block a time or two!


Dr. Lori Friesen taught for 10 years in Canada and overseas in Hong Kong and Japan before completing her PhD in Elementary Education with a specialization in Language and Literacy. She taught pre-service teachers at the University of Lethbridge and published The Beginning Teacher’s Handbook for Elementary School as the culminating project for her M.Ed. Dr. Lori completed her PhD at the University of Alberta and has been inducted into the Golden Key International Honor Society in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and excellence. 


Dr. Lori recently met Oprah Winfrey on Oprah’s The Life You Want series’ show on service where she had an opportunity to share her vision for how to support new teachers. Dr. Lori’s work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including The International Journal of Learning and Childhood Educational International as well as the popular online Edutopia. Host of the popular Beginning Teacher Talk podcast with more than 250,000 downloads and creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy with 1,600+ students, Dr. Lori is dedicated to supporting and inspiring educators around the world.


And I had the honor of picking her brain with some of the most simple ways that teachers can fine tune their classroom management plan.


Dr. Lori not only shares some amazing classroom management tips - but she also shares how teachers can use these tips to build a strong classroom community that promotes positive interactions with everyone.


FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT:  classroomnook.com/podcast/145
Links & Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeGrab Lori’s FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist HERE. 
Keep in Touch with Lori: 
WebsitePodcast: Beginning Teacher TalkInstagramTikTok

CALLING ALL CHROMEBOOK CLASSROOMS!Using classroom technology can be an amazing way to enhance your students’ learning experience — but that doesn’t mean it comes without its challenges.
When it comes to using technology with elementary students, teachers often find themselves frustrated and overwhelmed when students lack basic technology skills (20 minutes to login, anyone?), or don’t know where to find important websites needed at a small-group center.
That’s why I brought on John Sowash - Chromebook expert and enthusiast!  John Sowash is an experienced classroom teacher, former school administrator, author of The Chromebook Classroom, and founder of the Google Certification Academy. John inspires educators to use technology to connect with and challenge students.
And today, he’s inspiring US to get comfortable with using Chromebooks in the classroom.  And even if your students a different device, John’s tips will certainly help you as well.

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT:  classroomnook.com/podcast/144
Links & Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeJohn’s Resources for Teachers: 
Class Login Challenge Turn on Domain Autocomplete DirectionsEnable PIN Login Directions Blog Post: Teach “Chromecabulary” Student Technology Skills ChecklistCreate a Class Start Page: ExamplesTeach Students to Use the Camera AppCreate QR Code Cards: TemplateEPISODE 38: Tips & Best Practices for Technology in the Classroom
EPISODE 141: 3 Myths of a 21st Century Classroom

BRAND NEW TO STEM INSTRUCTION?Or - have your tried implementing STEM projects in your classroom but find it results in chaos? (you’re not alone!)
Then, allow me to introduce you to Naomi Meredith - former classroom teacher turned K-5 STEM coach.
Naomi knows the feeling of overwhelm all to well when it comes to STEM instruction.  After accepting a position as a STEM coach, she was thrusted into a new building, a new STEM classroom — and given NO curriculum.
But along the way, Naomi has learned a thing or two (or ten!) about what makes STEM instruction successful in the elementary classroom, and she’s here to share her expertise with us.  
Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.
With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, she helps teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. 
She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. 
And, I had the honor of picking her brain about all things STEM - and you get to eavesdrop in on our conversation.

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT:  classroomnook.com/podcast/143
Links & Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeGrab Naomi’s FREE K-5 STEM Year Long plan HERE!
The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast:
Episode 4: Welcome to STEM Survival CampEpisode 6: Managing Your Makerspace in the ClassroomAfter the Fall by Dan Santat
Naomi’s Favorite Timer for Classroom Management
Connect with Naomi Meredith: 
WebsiteInstagram, TikTok, Twitter & YouTubePodcast: The Elementary STEM Coach 

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!But you might not have thought to use THIS particular app in the classroom.

What is it?  Google Keep!

If you haven’t thought about using the Google Keep app for your productivity and organizational needs in the classroom - then buckle up - all that is about to change!

Today’s guest is none other than the amazing Michelle Emerson from Pocketful of Primary.

Michelle Emerson has taught 2nd grade and 4th grade for seven years and now supports teachers around the world by creating digital teacher resources, producing educational videos for teachers on her YouTube channel, Pocketful of Primary, and sharing productivity tips on her podcast, Teaching to the TOP. She believes all teachers should feel empowered by their profession instead of overwhelmed and seeks to help educators master technology and create a work-life balance through her tips and strategies.

In our conversation, Michelle is going to blow your mind with new ways that you can use Google Keep to get (and keep) all your ducks in a row!  From checklists to collaboration, and so much more - Google Keep is about to become your new virtual teacher bestie.

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT:  classroomnook.com/podcast/142
LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE
Grab Michelle’s FREE Google Keep Headers HERE!
Follow Michelle on Social Media:
YouTubeInstagramPodcast: Teaching to the TOPWebsite