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In this episode, PattI dives into the “efficiency mindset” — a powerful approach to simplify split-grade teaching. Instead of planning two separate lessons, learn how to teach one lesson with differentiated outputs that meet both grades’ expectations.

Key Takeaways:

• The mindset shift: one lesson, different outputs
• How to find overlapping skills in your curriculum
• Examples across math, language, science, and social studies
• Why this approach saves time and strengthens learning
• How unified lessons build a stronger classroom community
  
  

Tuck these in your teacher pocket:
Compare curriculum expectations for both grades, highlight shared skills (verbs like analyze, describe, explain), and design one shared teaching point with two scaled outputs.

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Think teaching a split grade means double the prep and double the stress? Think again! In this episode, Patti dives into the most common myths about teaching combined grades and reveals the truth about what actually makes them work.

Tuck these in your teacher pocket:

• Plan one unified lesson for both grades (without doubling your workload)
• See the curriculum as a continuum instead of two separate checklists
• Simplify planning by focusing on skills, not just expectations
• Strengthen classroom management and student independence
• Ditch the guilt and find balance in your split grade classroom

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In this episode, I discuss how teachers can improve their teaching effectiveness and reduce burnout by doing less. We talk about how teachers often take on too much, leading to stress and decreased impact on student learning. By simplifying routines, reducing unnecessary tasks, and fostering student independence, you can create a more efficient and effective learning environment. I also share my own personal experiences and offer practical tips for letting go of non-essential tasks. In today’s new episode you’ll also be encouraged to focus on what truly matters in education and given key insights into creating sustainable teaching practices.

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Unlock the secret to transforming your classroom with our latest episode, where we reveal the magic of math centers in junior education. Imagine a world where students are not only engaged but also empowered to become independent thinkers and problem solvers. Join us as we explore how math centers can simplify teaching, facilitate guided math, and foster essential social skills through collaboration. With personalized learning at the forefront, we discuss how these dynamic hubs cater to diverse needs, offering activities that range in difficulty and promote differentiated instruction. Whether you're a fan of structured group rotations or prefer a more flexible, student-choice approach, we’ve got tips to help you integrate math centers seamlessly into your teaching routine.

Assessment can often feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Dive into an array of effective strategies for evaluating student progress without the burden of excessive marking. Discover how quick check-ins and self-assessment tools can offer valuable insights into learning, while math journals provide a comprehensive platform for students to reflect on their experiences. We’ll also explore the role of these journals as a single, effective assessment tool, capturing the essence of student learning and development. Get ready to enhance both teaching and learning, as we share practical tips and innovative approaches to making math centers a staple in your educational toolkit.

Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching with efficiency and impact. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments to join the conversation with fellow educators.

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Unlock the secrets to a more effective language arts classroom by mastering the use of diagnostic assessments. This episode promises to transform your approach to teaching by helping you understand your students' current writing and reading abilities without overwhelming yourself. Discover how to make writing enjoyable for students while collecting valuable samples that reveal their storytelling and paragraph writing skills. On the reading front, find out how a simple spelling diagnostic can bridge the gap between writing and reading, using tools like Ignited Literacy or Words Their Way. We also highlight the importance of assessments like the Mays and oral reading fluency tools such as ORF or DRA in evaluating reading capabilities and forming guided reading groups.

Explore strategies for advocating for students who require additional support, particularly those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). We underscore the power of diagnostic assessments in the first 20 days of instruction to set a strong foundation for the academic year. Learn about the significance of collaborating with reading support teachers and leveraging school resources to address learning gaps. Additionally, we stress the importance of establishing a community of learners by getting to know students both personally and academically. Implementing consistent classroom routines ensures that every student can access the curriculum and succeed in their literacy journey.

Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching with efficiency and impact. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments to join the conversation with fellow educators.

To find our highly effective, time-saving resources

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In this video, we dive into the essential steps to establish strong relationships with students during the beginning of the school year. Building trust and respect sets the foundation for a positive classroom environment, especially when teaching language arts, where students often share personal thoughts in their writing.

We'll explore strategies for creating a classroom based on mutual respect, emphasizing the importance of showing genuine interest in each student. Discover how activities like heart maps help students express their interests, making it easier for teachers to connect on a personal level. You'll also learn the benefits of a diagnostic approach in writing, encouraging students to explore freely without fear of immediate grading, which helps identify areas for growth.

This video highlights practical ways to foster a safe space where students feel valued and supported, setting them up for a year of creativity, curiosity, and confidence in their literacy journey. Watch to learn how to create a classroom where every student knows they belong and is motivated to take risks in their learning!

Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching with efficiency and impact. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments to join the conversation with fellow educators.

To find our highly effective, time-saving resources

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In this video, we kick off a series on creating a structured, efficient routine for your literacy block. As many teachers struggle to fit all elements of language arts into their schedules, this video offers practical tips for establishing a consistent and adaptable framework that builds student confidence and helps teachers stay organized.

We’ll walk through setting up a weekly schedule, dividing time between spelling, vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and writing. The goal is to create a structure that allows teachers to “plug and play” lessons without feeling overwhelmed. By focusing on relationship-building and diagnostic assessments early in the year, you’ll gather insights that will guide your instruction while helping students feel more comfortable and engaged.

With flexible approaches for both 100-minute and 80-minute blocks, this video provides strategies that suit different classroom needs, helping you build a language arts routine that’s repeatable, manageable, and supports meaningful learning.

Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching with efficiency and impact. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments to join the conversation with fellow educators.

To find our highly effective, time-saving resources

Check out the Ignited Teaching Membership that gives you access to hundreds of downloadable lessons on demand! https://madlylearning.com/sp/ignitedteaching/
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In this episode, we sit down with Erin Panda, a researcher from Brock University, to discuss her recent study on the Empower Reading Program. Collaborating with the Hospital for Sick Children and the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Erin shares insights into the impact of Empower, an evidence-based reading intervention program that helps struggling readers develop decoding, spelling, and comprehension skills.

As a classroom teacher and parent, I’ve witnessed Empower's transformative effects firsthand. In our conversation, Erin explains the neuroscience behind reading, why some students need more structured literacy programs, and how Empower's research-backed strategies help students build confidence. We also discuss how teachers and parents can advocate for this essential program to make reading accessible to all students.

Tune in to learn more about the Empower program’s design, the importance of early intervention, and how strong support for literacy can positively impact student learning and classroom dynamics.

Check out Ignited Math and Ignited Literacy and learn how you can get your math and literacy lessons planned for the whole year to save yourself hours and hours of doing it all yourself at www.ignitedteaching.ca

Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching with efficiency and impact. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments to join the conversation with fellow educators.

To find our highly effective, time-saving resources

Check out the Ignited Teaching Membership that gives you access to hundreds of downloadable lessons on demand! https://madlylearning.com/sp/ignitedteaching/
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Transform your teaching toolkit with the wisdom of Dr. Lori Friesen, the beacon for educators navigating today's classroom challenges. Unearth the secrets to lesson planning and assessment mastery, and let us guide you through shaping a classroom environment that's as organized as it is enriching. By the end of our discussion, the teacher planning binder and student data binders will become your new best friends, dramatically reducing your workload while amplifying the effectiveness of your teaching practice.

Classroom culture is an ever-changing tapestry, and this episode weaves together the threads of connection, social and emotional learning, and the delicate balance of work-life integration. With Dr. Lori's insights, discover how to bridge the social skill gaps in students and tailor your approaches to combat the evolving landscape of education. From creating a community with interest inventories to secret compliment envelopes, we delve into strategies that foster a sense of belonging and help raise the bar for student relationships and classroom standards.

Effective communication with parents can be the linchpin of educational success, and our episode pinpoints the tactics that make engagement effortless. Embrace the power of home communication notebooks, classroom apps, and timely newsletters to keep parents in the loop. Plus, with our special segment on Dr. Lori's TikTok debut, you'll have access to an ever-expanding fountain of educational resources at your fingertips. Join us and light up your teaching journey with the insights from this must-hear episode.

Check out Ignited Math and Ignited Literacy and learn how you can get your math and literacy lessons planned for the whole year to save yourself hours and hours of doing it all yourself at www.ignitedteaching.ca

Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching with efficiency and impact. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments to join the conversation with fellow educators.

To find our highly effective, time-saving resources

Check out the Ignited Teaching Membership that gives you access to hundreds of downloadable lessons on demand! https://madlylearning.com/sp/ignitedteaching/
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We’re excited to have Dr. Lori, the author of "Dear New Teacher: Here's Exactly What To Do," join us for an insightful discussion on preparing for your first teaching job. This episode is filled with essential tips for new teachers, from classroom setup to managing classroom dynamics. Dr. Lori’s expert advice will help you start the school year strong.

Discover the best practices for creating a welcoming and efficient classroom, establishing routines, and maintaining a positive learning environment. Dr. Lori’s extensive background in elementary education and teacher training provides a solid foundation for her practical advice.

Click subscribe for more educational tips and support for new teachers!
Show Notes: www.madlylearning.com/269

Key Concepts:
Preparing your classroom for success
Effective classroom management techniques
Establishing consistent routines
Building a positive classroom culture
Preventing teacher burnout

More About Lori
Book: Dear New Teacher Here's Exactly What To Do
Website: https://www.drlorifriesen.com/
Podcast: Beginning Teacher Talk
Membership: Classroom Management Club

Madly Learning Resources Mentioned
Kudos Club: A Classroom Management Program That Builds Community
Long Range Plans: Grades 3-6
Classroom Routine Planner

Check out Ignited Math and Ignited Literacy and learn how you can get your math and literacy lessons planned for the whole year to save yourself hours and hours of doing it all yourself at www.ignitedteaching.ca

Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching with efficiency and impact. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments to join the conversation with fellow educators.

To find our highly effective, time-saving resources

Check out the Ignited Teaching Membership that gives you access to hundreds of downloadable lessons on demand! https://madlylearning.com/sp/ignitedteaching/
Checkout our Madly Learning Store at www.madlylearning.com/store
Checkout our Teachers Pay Teachers store

Join our FREE Facebook community for teachers here: https://bit.ly/IYT-FB