What if I told you that how we've been teaching reading to students might not be the best way to teach reading to kids? Today's episode is all about the science of reading and it is so fascinating!

For parents and educators, understanding the science of reading can be a game changer in helping kids develop this crucial skill. In this episode of Wife Teacher Mommy, I'm talking with Amy Nielsen, founder and CEO of Planning Playtime, about the Scarborough's Rope model and how language comprehension and word recognition work together to support literacy.

We discuss the importance of activities that build phonemic awareness, systematic phonics instruction, vocabulary instruction, background knowledge, and comprehension skills.

We also dive into the neuroscience behind reading, including brain scans and the development of neural networks, and explore how cognitive science principles can inform effective reading instruction, how neuroscience shows the importance of play in learning, how to focus on training specific skills, and why a growth mindset is crucial in effective reading instruction.

This episode is sure to provide insight into how to teach children to read effectively and in a way that empowers every child with the ability and love of reading. Whether you're a homeschool parent or a classroom teacher, join Kelsey and Amy for invaluable insights into the science of reading.

Head on over to the show notes: https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/science-of-reading/

In this episode on the science of reading with Amy Neilson I discuss:

• The importance of phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and vocabulary instruction in building reading ability
• The Scarborough's Rope model and how it explains the different pieces involved in effective reading instruction
• Insights from cognitive science and neuroscience about how the brain develops reading ability and what strategies can be used to support this development
• The role of background knowledge and information in reading tests and reading ability
• Amy's reading program, Play to Read, and how new science of reading research has led to efforts to improve and up-level the program

Resources mentioned:

• Wife Teacher Mommy Club
• Planning Playtime
• Planning Playtime Freebie
• Educate and Rejuvenate
• Wife Teacher Mommy: Mentioned on Podcast Amazon List 

Summer break is an opportunity for teachers and educators to recharge, reflect, and prepare for the upcoming school year. But how can you make the most of this precious time off? In this episode, I explore the secret to a purposeful teacher summer, offering practical tips and strategies for making the most of your time off.

I dive into the importance of reflection and goal-setting, offering tips for reflecting on the previous school year and setting goals for the upcoming year. While summer is a time for relaxing, it is also the perfect time for reflection.

Summer is also the perfect time for self care. I provide practical tips and strategies for prioritizing self-care and offer recommendations for resources and tools to support your well-being.

Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator, this episode will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for making the most of your summer break as a purposeful and rejuvenating time. Sit back, relax, and discover the secret to a purposeful teacher summer!

Head over to the show notes: https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/teacher-summer

In this episode on how to have a purposeful teacher summer, we discuss:

• The importance of reflecting during summer break
• The benefits of setting goals and intentions for the upcoming school year while on summer break
• Tips on how to practice self care during summer break
• How to have a purposeful teacher summer
• Our upcoming summer Educate & Rejuvenate conference

Resources mentioned:

• Join the Wife Teacher Mommy Club!
• Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Event
• Wife Teacher Mommy: Mentioned on Podcast Amazon List 

Have you ever worked with a student that had problem behavior or experienced a situation in the classroom that was difficult to manage? As educators, we all have experienced this! We all have come across problem behaviors. Our episode today is all about managing challenging behavior in students, particularly those with special education needs.

Our guest, Dr. Christine Reeve Christine Reeve, is a behavior specialist, consultant, and director of a program serving students with autism and behavioral issues. She shares her experience as a behavior specialist and consultant for special education needs. We talk about her journey towards founding the Special Educator Academy, a community that helps prevent teachers from feeling isolated and shares the challenges they face in special education. We will then discuss our team's resources, and how having a community with different areas of expertise can be beneficial for all educators.

To understand challenging behavior, we need to focus on why it happens rather than the behavior itself. Many times, behavior is a mismatch between the child and the context in which they are interacting. We will dive into the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) approach and discuss how it can improve a child's quality of life and teach them appropriate behavior.

There could be several reasons why a child may exhibit problematic behavior, such as communication difficulties, poor social skills, and an inability to self-regulate. To help address these behaviors, we talk about taking a skills-based approach that teaches appropriate behaviors and ways to gain attention or escape. By teaching and reinforcing appropriate behavior, the same level of attention can be given to both positive and negative behaviors, allowing for a reduction in negative behavior over time.

This episode is FULL of insight, inspiration and actionable tips you can implement in your classroom to positively impact how you respond to problem behaviors. You DON'T want to miss it!

Head over to the show notes: https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/problem-behavior/

In this episode on how to address problem behavior, I discuss:

• How to most effectively respond to problem behavior
• The benefit of understanding "difficult" students and problem behavior
• Understanding the WHY behind a student's problem behavior
• Why it is important to have creative responses for different problem behavior
• Our student's beliefs ie what is REALLY going on
• Practical tips on how to respond to problem behavior

Related episodes and blog posts:

• Smart Classroom Management Hacks with Dr. Lori Friesen [episode 38]
• The Social Emotional Gaps in Education- Tips From Real Teachers Like You (Part 2) [episode 33]
• Stress Management for Teachers: Understanding the Stress Cycle with Brittany Blackwell [episode 54]
• The 3 Learning Styles You Need To Know if You Teach Kids with Richie Soares from Homeschool and Humor [episode 55]
• The Achievement Gaps in Education- Tips From Real Teachers Like You (Part 1) [episode 31]
• How to Encourage Positive Behavior with JoAnn Crohn from No Guilt Mom [episode 40]

How to make an intentional schedule… and ACTUALLY stick to it!? Is it possible. You bet it is!

Are you somebody that struggles with making a schedule or sticking to your to-do-list? The struggle is real! Looking at what we didn't do or what we didn't stick to can be disappointing. That's why it's necessary to know how to make an intentional schedule. This episode is full of tips on how to do it. On today’s episode, I'm talking all about how to make an intentional schedule and stick to it!

What is intentional scheduling?

Teachers often have a lot of responsibilities and tasks to manage, and it can be easy to become overwhelmed or overworked without a clear plan. An intentional schedule can help teachers prioritize their tasks, set realistic goals, and manage their time more effectively.

By having a clear plan, teachers can reduce stress and increase their productivity and effectiveness in the classroom.

How can I be intentional with free time?

Start with a realistic assessment of your workload and responsibilities, including both teaching and non-teaching tasks. Do what I call a "brain dump"! Identify your priorities and goals, and determine which tasks are most important for achieving them.

Here is a quick list of ideas I share on the podcast:

• Use a calendar or planner to schedule your time and set specific deadlines for each task.
• Allow for flexibility and build in time for unexpected events or emergencies.
• Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to make them more achievable.
• Leave some open space for the unexpected as you time block. This is for rest and also for when unexpected things come up.

Creating an intentional schedule takes time and effort, but it can have a significant impact on your teaching effectiveness and overall well-being.

By following these tips and strategies, you can create a schedule that works for you and your goals and helps you stay on track and actually stick to it! Don't miss this episode on how to make an intentional schedule.

Head over to the show notes: https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/intentional-schedule/

In this episode on how to make an intentional schedule:

• The benefits of creating an intentional schedule and how to stick to it
• How to do an effective "brain dump" and why it is necessary
• The benefit of breaking down your day to make your schedule work
• Why you should leave some open space for the unexpected as you time block.
• The Eisenhower matrix: URGENT and IMPORTANT / NOT URGENT and IMPORTANT / URGENT and NOT IMPORTANT
• A simple and easy way to time block

Resources mentioned:

• Wife Teacher Mommy Club
• The Teacher Planner
• Educate & Rejuvenate
• Wife Teacher Mommy: Mentioned on Podcast Amazon List 

Have you ever wondered about life coaching? What it is and what it can offer you? If you answered yes to either of those questions then this episode is for you! On today’s show, I’m opening the curtains and giving you a sneak peek inside Wife Teacher Mommy life coaching. I'm talking with Chrissy all about life coaching and how we can help you as your teacher life coaches inside the Club! 

Chrissy Nichols has been teaching for over twenty years in both independent and public schools in the US and Europe. She is the founder of the coaching group The Chrissy Concept which serves smart, dynamic teachers who want to feel better about their lives and relationships at school. Chrissy specializes in helping teachers who feel overwhelmed and burned-out with tools to master time and improve any challenging relationship. 

Throughout the episode, Chrissy and I explain what it means to be a life coach, particularly if you’re a member of the club or are attending our upcoming Educate and Rejuvenate event. Within life coaching, there are so many different platforms to get coaching and surround yourself with the community.

We also dive further into the role of the coach versus the role of the participant, which actually might surprise you! Part of the coach’s role is to give practical and real tools for you to apply to your life, and also asking questions - lots of questions! 

Another positive component to this feature within the club is the community of people. Everyone in there is looking for something, whether it’s the same thing or something completely different. However, the environment is supportive of others and nurturing that ultimately helps you feel safe and welcomed.

On the fence about joining the Wife Teacher Mommy Club or showing up for a live life coaching call? By the end of the episode, we will have answered all of your questions and put any fears or uncertainties to rest. Life coaching has definitely changed our lives for the better, and we know you’ll be able to benefit from it as well! 

Head over to the show notes: https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/teacher-life-coaches/

In this episode on getting to know your teacher life coaches, we discuss:

• A brief overview of what life coaching is and how it can help with all aspects of your life
• My personal journey with life coaching and how I came to be a life coach
• Our upcoming Educate and Rejuvenate event that will get you excited about life coaching
• How everyone can get what they want out of life coaching
• The most powerful result or change is through a personal mindset shift 
• How Chrissy and I can help you as your teacher life coaches

Resources mentioned:

• Educate and Rejuvenate Summer 2023
• Check out Chrissy's website for free resources
• Teacher Talk with Chrissy Nichols Podcast
• Follow Chrissy on Instagram @the.chrissyconcept
• Join the Wife Teacher Mommy Club!
• Wife Teacher Mommy: Mentioned on Podcast Amazon List 

“Are you trying to have it all? That question makes no sense. It’s a stupid question. Stop asking it. Don’t ask it. Do you miss your kids while you’re at work? Yes, of course, I do. Everybody does. And then, you know, sometimes I don’t” – Leslie Knope

Thank you, Leslie Knope. I won’t pose the question of having it all but here is another, similar question that a lot of us ponder.

Does teacher work life balance actually exist? 

Honestly, probably not. What I mean is, I don’t think there is a way to perfectly balance the time each day. Some days work will need more attention, some days your kids will, your spouse will, or YOU will. 

Even though the perfect balance may not exist, there are ways to set boundaries so that work doesn’t overtake other aspects of your life and vice versa. That's what we're diving into on today's episode: how to find balance in a "Wife Teacher Mommy" life.

I offer tips to help you find balance in all the roles you take on. I talk about how organization increases your balance, why being flexible and prioritizing matters, how to listen to your body and the importance of slowing down.

One of the most effective ways to achieve work-life balance as a teacher is to remember that you deserve to have a life outside of work and duties. Your value doesn’t go away when you leave the classroom or the house. You need your positive influence and support just as much as your students and children do. When you take time for yourself, you’re able to show up better for your students, children and family. You can't pour from an empty cup.

Whether you're feeling stressed out and need inspiration to find relief or just need a reminder to slow down, this episode is perfect for moms and teachers everywhere.

Head over to the show notes: www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/find-balance

In this episode on how to find balance as a Wife Teacher Mommy we discuss:

• How organization increases your overall work life balance
• What does balancing your work life with your home life look like
• How to effectively plan and schedule your work along with you home responsibilities
• The importance of slowing down
• Why you should listen to your body
• Different activities you can do to reduce stress when the mental load feels like to much

Resources mentioned:

• Wife Teacher Mommy Club
• Educate and Rejuvenate
• Wife Teacher Mommy: Mentioned on Podcast Amazon List 

One of my favorite things we do at Wife Teacher Mommy with creating exciting and engaging resources and activities for students. Because let’s be real, there are some concepts that students need to learn, but aren’t engaging enough. We have a real treat for you today that will give you some fun ideas in the classroom. On today’s episode, I’m talking with Teresa Kwant about gamification in the classroom and escape rooms. 

Teresa Kwant is a former teacher turned teacher-author business owner. She graduated from the University of Utah in 2009 with a degree in elementary education. After graduation, she taught 6th grade in an elementary school for 5 years. Along the way, she found TPT and started dabbling in product creation. She now creates full-time and specializes in gamification in the classroom with products like escape rooms and game shows with PowerPoint and Google Slides.

Teresa is a pro at gamification and shares so much knowledge on gamification in the class room on this episode. Gamification in the classroom is when you integrate game elements into a learning environment. It takes an experience that students might have a hard time staying engaged with—like a whole-class lesson—and makes it more engaging. Teresa has done this with escape rooms.

Students learn best when they can get engaged in the activity and lesson. What better way to break away from the classic, “sit-n-listen” learning environment than with a classroom escape room? Escape are an engaging and unique lesson that students will learn from.

Escape room classrooms teach:

• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• Communication and teamwork
• And so much more!

If you're looking for new classroom actives, don't miss this episode! And if you love what you hear from Teresa today… be sure to join us at E&R where she will be speakingGamification in the classroom is the incorporation of game elements into a learning environment. When implemented well, it takes an experience that participants might otherwise not find fun—like a whole-class lesson—and makes it more engaging!

Head over to the show notes: https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/gamification-in-the-classroom/

In this episode on escape rooms and gamification in the classroom, I discuss:

• What gamification in the classroom is and what it looks like
• What an escape room activity is and how to do it in the classroom
• Teresa's history and how she began creating escape room resources
• The benefits of doing engaging and active lesson plans in the classroom
• How an escape room activity works in the classroom

Resources mentioned:

• Join the Wife Teacher Mommy Club!
• Teresa Kwant Website
• Teresa Kwant Freebie
• Wife Teacher Mommy: Mentioned on Podcast Amazon List 

Want to help your students or your own kids avoid the summer slide? A summer reading challenge is one great way to do that and if you use these 3 summer reading challenge tips, the kids will LOVE it!

Although school is almost out, does that mean learning needs to stop? To all of the kids’ disappointment, it does not! According to Summer Learning Academy, an average student loses about two months of grade level equivalency over the summer. Therefore, in today’s episode, I'm sharing 3 summer reading challenge strategies that will keep kids learning and engaged through the summer. 

Engagement Strategy #1: A variety of texts Summer Reading Challenge

Instead of reading the same types of books all summer, your child could be reading a graphic novel one week and a biography about a “cool” scientist the next week. That’s some great variety! Offering a variety of texts also gives kids choices. Children prefer to make their own decisions instead of being told what to read. I can not stress enough how important it is to help children to learn to LOVE reading!

Engagement Strategy #2: Setting Goals in your Summer Reading Challenge

Goals can be very motivating for children, especially when you help them to set their OWN goals. Autonomy is a HUGE motivator for kids! When children set reasonable goals for themselves, they will be more motivated to try and reach them.

Engagement Strategy #3: Reading Together for the Summer Reading Challenge

When children read together with their families, it is a lot easier for children to create habits than if they are simply reading on their own. Reading together can be encouraged in several ways. 

Just because school is ending for the year, doesn’t mean kids' learning has to stop. Implementing these summer reading challenge strategies will help create a love of learning through those summer months! 

There are so many exciting things happening at Wife Teacher Mommy, and one of those is our virtual summer event: Educate & Rejuvenate. This is an event we’re hosting and it’s going to be so fun! We have sessions including life coaching skills, talking teacher burnout, and learning amazing teaching strategies that you can implement in your classrooms. Another bonus is you can get PD credit. Check out the links below for more information!

Head over to the show notes: www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/summer-reading-challange

In this episode on summer reading challenge strategies for kids:

• Summer reading challenges strategies that keep kids learning and engaged 
• Why providing a choice engages kids’ learning
• How family participation increases kids' engagement level
• Creative ways to include family into summer reading
• Ways to get kids to have more buy in on a summer reading challenge

Resources mentioned:

• Join the Wife Teacher Mommy Club!
• Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Event
• Wife Teacher Mommy: Mentioned on Podcast Amazon List 
• Summer Review Bundle: Pre-K - 5th Grade
• Summer Learning Freebie for Pre-K -5th Grade
• Summer Reading Challenge
• Reading Challenge Bookmarks FREEBIE

Do you find yourself so engulfed in your role of homeschool mom (or teacher) that you forget what you even used to like to do or what your passions are? Or are you just not finding the time for them that you’d like? This episode is for you!

Today I'm talking all about self development for homeschool moms with special guest Bonnie Wiscombe. I met Bonnie while certifying to life coach. We instantly hit it off. I'm so excited to have her on the podcast today and to have her present at Educate and Rejuvenate this summer.

Bonnie Wiscombe is a certified life coach, serial entrepreneur and homeschool mom of 10 children. She coaches moms of faith who are feeling called to share their talents with the world through building a business but don’t know where to start. In her (hard won) free time, she enjoys roller coasters, reading and running.

We really dive into how to find self development not only as a homeschool parent, but as a teacher and parent. We cover how to figure out what your innate talents and strengths are and how to developing them, how to find make time for hobbies while being busy, why it is important for homeschool moms (and, our teacher listeners also) to find ways to develop themselves and so much more!

Those are just a glimpse of what we dive into on this episode that is full of methods to help you find self development for homeschool moms, teachers, and parents. Whether you are feeling stagnant or are just looking for new tips on how to improve your self development, this episode is for you! Don't miss it.

Head over to the show notes: https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/self-development-for-homeschool

In this episode on self development for homeschool moms:

• How to be find self development for homeschool parents, teachers and parents
• The problem with falling into the roles of "wife", "teacher", and "parent"
• Why homeschool parents are more likely to burn out than parents who send their kids to public schools
• The reason why we owe it to kids, community, world and ourselves to become the best version of ourselves
• Figuring our what your innate talents and strengths are and developing themselves

Resources mentioned:

• Wife Teacher Mommy Club
• Bonnie Wiscombe Freebie
• Educate and Rejuvenate Summer 2023
• Wife Teacher Mommy: Mentioned on Podcast Amazon List 

If you want to hear the time I totally bombed my classroom observation… listen up. On today's episode, you'll hear what I learned from that experience and also the tips I have for you now that I've helped tens of thousands of teachers on my blog and podcast… PLUS quotes from members of our Wife Teacher Mommies Unite Facebook group, too! Check out these 8 tips for your teacher observation!

We asked the awesome members in our Wife Teacher Mommy Unite facebook group some questions about teacher observation and we got back over 100 responses! Here are some of their responses to those questions.

How do you prepare for classroom observation?

"Teach your children non-verbal behavior queues beforehand, that way if they are misbehaving during a lesson, they will know what the hand signals and eye looks mean so you can quickly and quietly carry on with your actual lesson."

-Tara S.

What do you do during teacher observation?

"I always think of the saying “Dance like nobody is watching” but change it to “Teach like nobody is watching. have found over the years that if I stress myself out prior to my observation I stumble over my words, forget certain things that I wanted to mention and/or do, etc. I just carry on with my normal routine and act as if it is just myself and my students in the room; it is much easier said than done though!"

-Shannon M.

What do principals look for during observation?

"Don't do something big and fancy. Stick with how you normally teach. Administration wants to see YOU and how you teach. Not the dog and pony show that can happen when observations occur. Kids will pick up on the change and some will act out because it is off routine."

-Betsy S.

How do you stay calm during an observation?

"Be the teacher you know how to be, and give yourself grace. Things are going to happen and go wrong; it’s only natural. Sometimes the best feedback you can receive from others is the feedback based on how you handled unexpected situations!"

-Amber J.

These are just a few tips and questions we go over on this episode of the podcast. We offer 8 tips for teacher observations in this episode, so there is a lot more inspiration that will help you feel confident and ready for your teacher observation.

Head over to the show notes: https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/teacher-observation/

In this episode on 8 tips for your teacher observation:

• How to Prepare Ahead for Teacher Observation
• How to Brush Up That Confidence for Teacher Observation
• What to Do During Teacher Observation
• What Things You Should Avoid During a Teacher Observation
• How to Calm Nerves During Observation
• And So Much More

Resources mentioned:

• Wife Teacher Mommy Club
• Educate and Rejuvenate Summer 2023
• Wife Teacher Mommy: Mentioned on Podcast Amazon List