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The week before Thanksgiving can feel like a carnival on wheels—school-wide feasts, cupcake drop-offs, half the class rehearsing for a turkey play, and attention spans migrating toward grandma’s pie. We lean into that reality with a grounded plan that keeps learning meaningful without draining your last nerve. Instead of cramming a full unit or launching new systems, we focus on survival with purpose: low-prep, high-engagement activities that create calm structure, protect your energy, and still spark joy.

We start with one anchor text—think Molly’s Pilgrim or any gratitude-themed read—and build simple, reflective responses that reinforce comprehension and connection. Then we channel restless energy into hands-on STEM story stations using easy materials like cardboard, tape, and craft sticks. From designing parade floats after Balloons Over Broadway to quick engineering challenges, students collaborate, iterate, and share, while you finally take a breath. To cap it off, a short reader’s theater provides a shared goal with big payoff in fluency, expression, and classroom community—assigned Monday, practiced Tuesday, performed Wednesday with zero busywork.

Along the way, we share a ready early-finisher kit, guardrails that keep transitions smooth, and a firm list of what to skip: tests, parent conferences, new behavior systems, and any guilt about reusing resources. The core message is simple—reuse what works, download what’s ready, and give yourself grace. You’re a good teacher even when you choose rest and ease. Want ready-to-use materials? I point you to Thanksgiving Readers Theater, Thanksgiving STEM story stations, Molly’s Pilgrim activities, and even Christmas STEM options if you want to pivot early.

If this helped, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend who needs permission to breathe, and leave a quick review telling us your favorite short-week strategy. Your future self—post-pie—will thank you.

Links Mentioned in Show:

Thanksgiving Time and Sanity Savers 

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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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What if the most meaningful lesson in a noisy month is the quietest one? I share the story of a short read-aloud—Molly’s Pilgrim—that shifted my classroom from scattered to centered, and why one complete book can spark more empathy and insight than a week of themed activities. 

November often pushes teachers into survival mode: short weeks, sugar crashes, and last‑minute crafts that fill time but not hearts. I walk through how a single, well-chosen chapter book reframed Thanksgiving around identity and belonging, and how one child’s whisper—“That’s like my grandma”—opened the door to a deeper conversation about journeys, culture, and home.

You’ll hear a simple framework you can lift tomorrow: light pre-reading prompts that invite personal connections, gentle pauses during the text to name feelings and evidence, and a post-reading reflection that turns insight into action. I talk candidly about the trend toward excerpts and quick hits, and why finishing a complete story builds stamina, joy, and a shared sense of accomplishment. Instead of politics or platitudes, I focus on language that honors nuance and humanity: a pilgrim as a seeker of home, identity as an asset, and story as a safe place to practice empathy.

If you’re tired, overbooked, or just craving calm, this is your reminder to trust the power of a good book. Let the room breathe. Let the story do the heavy lifting. Then tell us what happens when your students see themselves on the page. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review—your notes help more educators find a little quiet and a lot of heart.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Molly's Pilgrim Companion Resource

Molly's Pilgrim on Amazon (Affiliate Link)

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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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The pre‑Thanksgiving stretch can feel like a sprint you didn’t sign up for, and we’re done pretending it’s fine. This candid bonus drop is for every tired teacher who needs permission to step off the hamster wheel, set healthier boundaries, and protect hard‑won peace. We name the pressure points—grading through the parade, last‑minute bulletin boards, “extra PD” masquerading as team building—and swap them for choices grounded in truth and sustainability.

We walk through a November “not‑doing” list that rejects toxic positivity without rejecting hope. That means saying no to performative joy and yes to real joy, the kind that fits into your day without stealing your energy. It looks like keeping the break a break, using emergency sub plans when you’re sick, and choosing light‑lift, purposeful activities that actually support learning. If you want something festive, we talk about gratitude prompts and a Molly’s Pilgrim reader response—both engaging, standards‑aligned, and kind to your bandwidth. Along the way, we remember what we still love about teaching, even if we don’t love the system, and we find solidarity in the beautiful, messy reality of the work.

You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. You get to choose less guilt, more truth, and only what truly matters. If you’re planning to not plan over Thanksgiving week, grab the free sub plan day mentioned, breathe, and let yourself rest. If this resonated, follow for more real‑talk teacher support, share it with a colleague who needs it, and leave a quick review so others can find the show. Your peace matters—and you’re not alone.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Thanksgiving Teaching Ideas

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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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Tired of being told to “just be grateful” while you’re juggling a crowded class, endless testing, and a to-do list that never ends? I open up about gratitude without the guilt—how to honor real exhaustion and real care at the same time—so you can model emotional health without faking it. Instead of platitudes, I break down the difference between a scarcity mindset and actual scarcity in schools, and why empathy—not forced positivity—is the thing that helps.

I share classroom-ready ways to make gratitude meaningful: a quick daily journal that trains students to notice specifics, hands-on craft reflections that slow the pace and deepen thinking, and story-driven STEM stations that weave kindness and empathy into problem solving. You’ll hear easy discussion prompts that hold two truths at once—“What felt hard?” and “What are you still grateful for?”—so kids learn to name the mess and the meaning without pressure to produce silver linings. Along the way, I talk about boundaries, breath, and the right to want systems that work while still showing up for students with a full heart.

If you’re craving practical, human-sized steps that build connection and calm in November and beyond, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with simple routines, kid-friendly language, and a new lens on gratitude that doesn’t erase the hard parts. Subscribe for more honest teaching talk, share this with a colleague who needs permission to rest, and leave a review telling me one small thing you’re grateful for today.

Links Mentioned in the Show: 

Gratitude Journal for Kids

Gratitude Craft for Kids

Thanksgiving STEM Story Stations

Kindness STEM Story Stations

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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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The quiet snap of November hits hard: the adrenaline fades, the sinuses throb, and suddenly “powering through” isn’t noble—it’s costly. We open up about the annual crash so many teachers face and lay out a calm, practical path to protect your peace without sacrificing your students’ progress. No fluff. Just a clear system for calling out with confidence, and a reminder that rest is part of the job, not a privilege you have to earn.

We walk through how to build reliable emergency sub plans that actually match your pacing in November—seasonal but standards-aligned, low-prep yet high-clarity. You’ll hear simple structures that help a guest teacher keep your room steady: time-stamped agendas, predictable routines, and tasks that reinforce learning rather than introduce fragile new content right before a break. We also cover how to reduce behavior friction with transparent student roles, quick-reference norms, and a single flow a sub can run across multiple sections. Think five days of coverage that preserve momentum, manage materials, and keep expectations consistent.

Along the way, we challenge the guilt narrative around sick days. A reactive, exhausted teacher isn’t a superhero; they’re a human running on empty. Preparation is the professional move: a sub binder with ready-to-go lessons, clear objectives, and built-in checks for understanding. We share free resources to help you start today and explain how to tailor plans for uneven attendance, end-of-term fatigue, and seasonal engagement. If your throat feels like sandpaper or your energy’s tanking, you deserve a plan that lets you step back and heal while your classroom keeps learning.

If this helped you breathe a little easier, follow the show, share it with a teacher friend, and leave a quick review so more educators can find practical support when they need it most. Your rest matters—let’s plan for it together.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Free Sub Plan Guide

November Sub Plans

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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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The birth of "The We Do Not Care Club: Teacher Chapter" might be the most honest conversation about educator burnout you'll hear this year. After discovering a hilarious TikTok creator who gave women permission to stop caring about societal expectations during menopause, I realized teachers desperately needed the same liberation.

What started as a few casual videos quickly erupted into a movement. Teachers everywhere began contributing their own "we do not care" statements—powerful declarations of boundaries that challenge the normalized absurdities of our profession. "We do not care if someone calls in sick. You did not hire us to teach two classes at once." "We do not care about every single data point. We're teaching children, not numbers."

This isn't about abandoning our dedication to students or education—quite the opposite. It's about reclaiming our humanity in a system that too often treats teachers as endless resources to be depleted rather than professionals to be respected. When we say "we do not care" about unpaid summer work, pointless meetings, or using our own money for classroom supplies, we're creating space to deeply care about what truly matters: our students, our teaching practice, and yes, our own wellbeing.

The laughter and validation flowing through this community reveals something powerful—we're not alone in our frustrations. For too long, toxic positivity has forced teachers to smile through impossible demands while questioning our own right to feel overwhelmed. The We Do Not Care Club offers a different path: one where humor becomes survival, community becomes resistance, and saying "nope" becomes an act of professional self-preservation.

Ready to join the teacher chapter? Download free sub plans from the link in the show notes, then share what you no longer care about. Together, we're building a more sustainable vision of teaching—one where educators can thrive, not just survive. Because you're doing enough, you are enough, and you absolutely belong in the We Do Not Care Club.

We Do Not Care Club Teacher Chapter on TikTok

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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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Feeling the October teaching slump? When attention spans dwindle and classroom routines grow heavy, fairy tales, folk tales, and fables offer the perfect remedy. These timeless genres breathe fresh life into your curriculum while delivering powerful standards-based instruction wrapped in enchanting narratives.

Traditional tales work magic in the classroom because they naturally teach moral lessons through engaging stories. "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" demonstrates the value of honesty while "Stone Soup" celebrates community and sharing. The countless cultural variations of tales like Cinderella create natural opportunities for compare and contrast activities while introducing students to diverse perspectives. When children begin recognizing patterns across these stories independently, they're developing critical thinking skills that transfer to other texts and subject areas.

These short, accessible narratives offer remarkable versatility—from explicit comprehension instruction to writing extensions, social-emotional learning connections, and even STEM challenges. Imagine students designing a better bed for Goldilocks or building bridges to help the Billy Goats avoid the troll! Best of all, implementing this genre study in October provides an alternative celebration opportunity that works even in schools with Halloween restrictions. Conclude your unit with a reader's celebration where students dress as story characters, creating memorable experiences while honoring reading achievement.

Ready to bring these magical stories to your classroom? Download free anchor chart posters to help students distinguish between these three genres at trinadeberyteachingandlearning.com/fairy-tales, or find the complete standards-aligned unit on TPT. These classic stories still have so much to teach us and our students—step into a world of magic beans, clever foxes, and enchanted forests, and let these timeless tales do the heavy lifting for a while.

Free Fairytales, Folktales, and Fables Genre Posters

https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/fairytales

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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

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Ever found yourself torn between Halloween excitement and curriculum demands? You're not alone. That tension between creativity and standards alignment represents a false choice we don't need to make.

Remember that administrator who once told me schools shouldn't have crayons and children should practice sight words during recess? That mindset risks creating environments where children learn to hate learning. The truth is, creativity isn't expendable—it's essential. Crafts develop crucial fine motor skills (especially important for today's digital natives), provide visual learners opportunities to shine, inspire meaningful writing, and build classroom community.

The transformation happens when we add a STEM lens to traditional crafts. Instead of prescribing exactly what to create, we present open-ended challenges that encourage critical thinking: "Your ghost needs to hide at a crowded party without being recognized. How might you solve this problem?" This shift from directed crafting to problem-solving allows for diverse solutions and authentic engineering processes.

What's fascinating—and troubling—is how children's problem-solving abilities often diminish after third grade as test preparation increasingly dominates the curriculum. By continuing to provide design thinking opportunities, we can counteract this trend and nurture innovation.

Halloween offers perfect opportunities for meaningful creative learning. From ghost disguises to "Spookly the Square Pumpkin" STEM challenges, October activities can develop critical thinking while honoring creativity. These aren't just seasonal distractions—they're powerful learning experiences developing tomorrow's innovative thinkers.

Ready to transform your October classroom? Grab my "Disguise a Ghost" and "Spookly the Square Pumpkin" resources in my shop for complete, ready-to-implement activities that balance joy with learning. How will you say yes to creativity this Halloween season?

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Disguise-a

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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Send us a text

Feeling that mid-fall classroom fatigue? You're not alone. The back-to-school adrenaline has faded, student behaviors are surfacing, and those carefully crafted routines are starting to fray at the edges. It's the perfect storm of teacher exhaustion that hits just as the calendar turns to October.

This episode tackles the very real phenomenon of "teacher fog" – that overwhelming fatigue that creeps in when the novelty of the new year wears off but the holidays still feel distant. I'm giving you full permission to recalibrate without guilt. Whether you need a mental health snow day or simply strategies to protect your dwindling energy reserves, we've got practical solutions to help you shake the fog.

The reality is that sustainable teaching sometimes requires a pause. We explore simple systems for regrouping your classroom routines, transitioning kids back into structure, and building in predictable activities that reduce decision fatigue. From emergency sub plans (including a free downloadable day) to creating "smart stations" that engage students while giving you breathing room, these strategies will help you navigate the messy middle of fall without burning out.

This season doesn't have to derail your teaching joy or your wellbeing. Take it one day at a time, celebrate small victories, and remember – it's okay to prioritize sustainability over constant innovation. Your classroom (and your health) will thank you. Ready to shake the fog and reclaim your teaching energy? Listen now and join our community of educators who are tired of pretending teaching isn't exhausting sometimes.

Free Sub Day of Plans:

https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/subplansdayone

October Sub Plans:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/October-Sub-Plans-2nd-Grade-Eme

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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Send us a text

Sugar highs, costume talk, and boundless energy—October's Halloween excitement can quickly derail even the most carefully planned lessons. But this seasonal shift doesn't have to steamroll your learning objectives or your sanity as a teacher.

This episode dives into practical strategies for maintaining classroom stability during the Halloween season. We explore why October presents unique challenges—from increasingly distracted students to disrupted routines and schedules filled with assemblies and special events. Rather than dreading this time, you'll discover how thoughtful preparation can transform your experience.

The key to October success? Strong anchors that keep your classroom steady. Maintaining consistent routines provides the stability students crave, especially those with special needs. Cross-curricular Halloween themes allow you to acknowledge the season while continuing meaningful instruction. And having backup plans ready—whether you need them or not—gives you flexibility when October exhaustion hits.

Most importantly, you'll learn that fun doesn't have to equal chaos. Students don't need elaborate celebrations to enjoy the season; they need engagement. Simple activities like Halloween-themed "Would You Rather" discussions that incorporate movement and opinion writing, spooky STEM challenges, and character analysis through costume themes can create memorable learning experiences without sacrificing classroom management.

Ready to embrace October's energy rather than fight it? Listen for practical ideas to keep learning both fun and focused during the Halloween season. And if you're looking for ready-made resources, check out Trina's TPT store for seasonal activities that maintain educational value while acknowledging students' Halloween excitement.

Halloween Resources

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🌿 You can’t pour from an empty cup — but with the Sub Survival System, you’ll never have to panic when you need a day.
Ready-to-go sub plans designed by a teacher who’s been there.
Because rest isn’t a luxury — it’s part of the job.

👉 [Explore the Sub Survival System on TpT]

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review. Reviews help other teachers find my podcast. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!