Being a teacher can be so difficult, especially when it comes to behavior problems. Kids throwing tables and chairs and acting aggressively have increased significantly in the past five years. Sadly, we are seeing a dramatic increase in younger children who exhibit these behaviors, as well.

So what is a teacher to do? That is the question. How can teachers teach when they are continually being interrupted by one behavior issue after another?

What is a soft opener? A soft opener is an easy transition into the school day. This unique start to the day allows kids to come in and make some choices about how they want to start their school day. The choices range from reading to drawing, to STEM activities, and more. Talk about an eliminator of behavior issues!

On today’s show, I have expert ESE resource teacher, Nichole Maas talking all about behavior and how to proactively manage the classroom and provide tools for ALL children to learn and co-exist. Nichole is a wealth of information and has the most incredible heart for children. I hope you will join us as we talk about behavior, classroom management, building rapport, and helping children find their best selves.

Mary Anne and I spoke several months ago about a very important topic- social-emotional learning. Our conversation was very special to me, as Mary Anne shares her raw uncensored responses to teaching, learning, and her very first steps into the world of being a teacherpreneur.

This week we are continuing the conversation on classroom management with a focus on proactively building rapport. In the next few weeks we will cover classroom management, behavior management, and discipline. We will cover it all!

This week we are jumping into classroom management, building rapport, behavior management, and discipline. We will cover it all!

Now if getting ready for school was really as easy as listening to 5 podcasts life as an educator would be so much better! Let's get real. You and I both know it isn't. We know that it takes more than the time given us to get everything all set. Most teachers I know have to go back weeks before school actually begins. It's a lot to ask, and we are often not thanked for doing it. So I want to say on behalf of children across the world- THANK YOU! Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to excellence. Even if you do it to save your own sanity, THANK YOU! You continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Today we will be talking about all things organization. This topic can be pretty tricky for those of us who are not necessarily gifted in this area. {I do like to keep the following quote in mind when my space gets less than tidy. LOL}

Classroom set up requires a great deal of intentional thinking. Where is your furniture? Can you get around quickly? Do you offer an alternative seating option? Do you have a cool down spot? Remember that proximity is the key.

Procedures and routines are such a vital part of a well-run classroom. Without them, everything falls apart. For real! Every time I have ever disliked a time in my school day it has all come down to what procedure I had in place during that time. Systems really are that crucial.

Today we talk all about getting into the right mindset for back-to-school. When we know that what we do has a purpose, we have to find ways to motivate and inspire ourselves to do the job well.

Getting your classroom ready for back-to-school can often feel like a daunting and overwhelming task. I mean you have back-to-school decor and decorations to figure out, open house, beginning of the year essentials and back-to-school printables to prepare and copy. The list could go on and on! But you get my point.

How do teachers know when it is time to walk away from teaching? As education changes and teachers are asked to do more with less, educators can find themselves questing the very profession in which they have dedicated their lives. It can be a tough decision whether to stay or to go.

Taking time to recharge is vital for teachers. It clears our minds, nourishes our soul, and prepares us for the year ahead. Today, I gathered answers from teachers on what they do over the summer. I hope you are reminded to take a breath.

Today I am talking with Jackie Waldman about recharging over the summer. She asks us to think about recharging over the summer for teachers as a way to get back what we have lost or let go of through the year that has left us depleted.  What can we do to get just a little of that back. So powerful! I hope you’ll join us. 

Today we are talking all about getting your makerspace up and running in your learning space. We will discuss storage ideas, labels and signs, procedures to have in place, and student expectations all around a makerspace.

Today we talk all about the 5 fundamental steps you need to launch a makerspace in your learning environment. If you missed episode 30: Why Every Teacher Should Have a Makerspace, then check that out first.

There are five astonishing reasons every classroom needs a makerspace. Join me today to hear how classrooms can utilize engagement, critical thinking, discovery, and more with a makerspace.

Talking curriculum, professional development, and building a community of teachers is one of my favorite things to do. That probably explains why Deedee Wills from the Facebook group Primary Collaborative and I speak for over an hour! It's a long one, but I loved every moment of it.

There is a love hate relationship with the end of the school year for teachers. We often hate all the tedious tasks we are asked to do like pack up our entire classroom just to unpack 2 months later, create class lists, and say goodbye to our kids and co-workers. We also love the idea of starting fresh in August, organizing our things, and getting a much needed break from the daily grind.