The way I grew up was to work hard to earn whatever it was I was striving for, and I'm grateful for that mentality because it instilled grit and perseverance. If I didn't get first place, I didn't earn xyz, and that's okay with me. (Of course I hated it at the time, but it has made me a stronger person.) I could keep going. Keep pushing. Keep pursuing that prize.   

I have that same mentality in my classroom. If you want the prize (whether it's a Kahoot or Grudgeball or gifting the class with the fewest missing assignments with a breakfast buffet), beat out everyone else.  

If I were to reward every person for simply showing up, I am establishing the habit of "you get a prize for minimal work" or "you don't have to try hard because you'll still get a prize". And I'm not about that life.  

You have it in you to be the best version of you. You have it in you be first. When you EARN that first place prize, it's going to feel sooooooooooooooooooo rewarding. I'll see you at the finish line.

My avid listeners and creative thinkers,

We all want to be able to reach our students whether we are in person or online, but this year has forced many of us to be creative. In today's podcast, I highlight three ways I've incorporated student involvement to peak engagement.

At the end of the day, it's about connections and building relationships.  I can do that, and so can you.

What ways are YOU incorporating engagement through this virtual setting?

With humbleness and gratitude,

Education Queen (EQ)

You NEED (and want) to hear this message. Begin each day with it. It’s literally less than a minute of your time that can and WILL change your outlook on your value.   

If you ever doubt your worth, watch this.  

If you ever struggle with the value you bring to this world, watch this.  

If you ever think, “I’m not good enough”, watch this.

My darlings, 

When has it become okay for people to call you whatever is easiest for them? It's YOUR name isn't it?  Your name is one of the best gifts you receive from your parents. It’s part of you! It is often the first thing people learn about you. So why are we settling when someone can’t pronounce it correctly and instead mutter “it’s fine”?  

In today’s podcast, we discuss the power of your name and to never settle when it is mispronounced.   

With all the smiles in the universe, The Queen 

Be sure to subscribe and check out my Instagram @_queenoftheclassroom

And if you so desire to watch me rather than listen to me, I have a YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/c/QueenoftheClassroom 

Want even more content? Check out my website to learn more. https://msha.ke/queenoftheclassroom

We all know I’m easily distracted and can go off on a tangent with the slightly breeze, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that story time came up last week with one of my classes.   It made me giggle so much that I thought all of you would enjoy my blast from the past recollection.   

What are some weird, mundane moments YOU remember vividly from your past?

Hey you.

Yes, you. Do you find yourself overwhelmed and flooded at times throughout the day? First of all, your feelings of anxiousness and unfocused thoughts are completely valid. Second, let me help you find some strategies to combat your overworked mind.

In this podcast, I discuss five strategies you can use when feeling overwhelmed.  We all have those days or moments, but we don't need to sit in those feelings all day.  Hopefully you can find at least one technique that resonates with you on your journey to improving your mental health.

You are never alone.

With grace, grit, and a sunshine personality,

Your Queen

Why Do I Offer So Much Choice In My Classroom?

Easy. I want to be the type of middle school teacher I would have wanted in middle school.

Don't get me wrong; I had some outstanding teachers as I was growing up in my teens, but certain moments throughout middle and high school will always stick with me (for all the wrong reasons).  In this podcast, I dive into my reasons why I allow so much choice in my room.  Of course, what works for me in the classroom will not work in every classroom, but for my teacher colleagues out there, feel free to steal any of this, adapt it to your style, and give it a go in your classroom.  For my students out there (current and former), if I haven't explained my reasons behind the decisions I make, here you go. You will get an inside look. :)

Enjoy.

Now excuse me while I fill up my delightfully thoughtful student bought mug with a third cup of coffee.

Queen, out.

In this podcast, we explore the topic of marigolds.  Farmers use marigolds to help protect crops from outside hazards. They support and nurture other plants, so I took this concept and applied it to school and life.   

Who are YOUR marigolds? 

Listen, absorb, write down the questions I ask, and journal.   

Go get yourself some marigolds.   

Queen, out.

Let's take a moment to appreciate those in our lives who take care of us. --We see you. --We thank you. --We notice you. Just in case no one has told you lately, you are incredible. :)

Hey!  

You have passions.  

You have skills.  

You have dreams.  

You have abilities.  

Sooooo why are you allowing others to dictate what you can and can’t do?!?! 

Listen up for a killer pep talk.