Do you ever feel like managing your word work centers takes more energy than it gives? You're not alone! In today’s episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, I’m sharing exactly how I simplified my word work routines to make them sustainable, effective, and way less stressful. These tips are especially helpful for 1st and 2nd grade teachers who want activities that support reading growth without reinventing the wheel every week.

SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/word-work-activities-without-overwhelm/

In Today’s Episode We’ll Talk About:

• Why consistent word work activities are key to saving your sanity
• How to set up sight word centers that last all year
• My favorite hands-on activities that require zero re-teaching
• The 5-step system I use to introduce and differentiate sight words
• Why heart words matter (especially for second grade!)

Resources Helpful with Today’s Episode:

• Sight Word Play Dough Mats (TpT)
• Sight Word Letter Boxes (TpT)
• Sight Word Interactive Notebooks (TpT)
• Words Their Way Primary Spelling Inventory
• Episode 29: How to Introduce Sight Words in 5 Powerful Ways
• Episode 80: Science of Reading and Sight Words

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If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!

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Feeling overwhelmed during your prep periods? In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, Susan shares practical strategies to help you make the most of your teacher planning time so you can stop working late and start sticking to your contract hours.

Learn how to create a weekly routine, batch tasks for maximum efficiency, and stay focused on what matters most. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with a plan to stop wasting precious planning time and start feeling more accomplished and less stressed.

BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/what-to-prioritize-during-your-teacher-planning-time/

In Today’s Episode We’ll Talk About:

• Why instructional planning should be your top priority
• How to create daily routines for your planning time
• What to avoid doing during back-to-school prep periods
• Using student data to plan effective small groups
• Tips for organizing your materials and lesson plans ahead of time
• Incorporating differentiation into your weekly planning
• The importance of “white space” in your prep time schedule
• Time-saving systems for newsletters and emails

Resources Helpful in Today’s Episode:

• Episode 111: Making the Most of Your Planning Period
• Episode 113: Sight Words for Second Graders
• Episode 29:  How to Introduce Sight Words in 5 Powerful Ways
• Episode 80:  Science of Reading and Sight Words: Making Your Centers Work
• Sight Word Interactive Notebook
• Sight Words Ideas for Parents

Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!

Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to reflect and reset your intentions. In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, I walk you through how to set realistic, purposeful goals that you’ll actually stick to all year. Whether you’re in the classroom or a support role, these ideas will help reduce burnout and increase your impact.

BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/realistic-goals-for-teachers/

In This Episode We’ll Talk About:

• Why teachers often struggle with following through on goals
• How to reflect on last school year to build better intentions
• Examples of teacher goals based on different teaching roles
• What makes a goal “realistic” for teachers
• How to use SMART goals the right way
• Breaking down big goals into manageable steps
• How to track your goals and adjust when things aren’t working
• Specific goal ideas for classroom teachers and support staff

Resources Helpful With This Episode:

• Episode 163: Reflecting on Your Writing Instruction

Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!

Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.

Feeling overwhelmed planning your writing block? In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, I'll walk you through my tried-and-true system for creating student writing folders that build independence, boost organization, and streamline your teaching. Learn what to include in the folders, how to label and manage them, and clever storage tips to make them last all year long. Whether you're prepping for back to school or looking to refresh your writing routine, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you hit the ground running. Grab your favorite folder and let’s get started!

In This Episode, We’ll Talk About:

• The exact type of folders I use and why they work best
• What to include inside student writing folders (and what to leave out!)
• How to label, store, and manage folders for classroom success
• Tips for building writing routines and student independence
• Teaching students to care for and use their folders effectively

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• $5 Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference - July 15-16, 2025 (https://bit.ly/ERconf )
• Student Writing Goals in my TpT shop
• Shared Teaching Writing Curriculum

Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!

Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.

Feeling overwhelmed by your writing block? You’re not alone—and today’s episode is packed with answers! I’m sharing a recent conversation I had with Kelsey Sorensen on her Educate & Rejuvenate podcast, where we talked all about how to simplify your writing instruction, engage students with the writing process, and actually look forward to teaching writing again. Whether you're short on time, struggling with student motivation, or just not sure where to start, this episode will leave you feeling equipped and encouraged.

In This Episode, We’ll Talk About:

• What teachers think they need to teach writing—and what they actually don’t
• The truth about writer’s workshop and how to manage multiple writing levels
• How to fit meaningful writing instruction into a tight schedule
• Why publishing student writing doesn’t need to happen every week
• Strategies to build student confidence, independence, and joy in writing
• Answers to real teacher questions about editing, conferencing, and motivation

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• $5 Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference - July 15-16, 2025 (https://bit.ly/ERconf )
• Shared Teaching Blog
• Shared Teaching Writing Curriculum
• Watch this episode on Kelsey's YouTube

Ready to find more success in your writing block? Tune in and let’s share in the teaching together.

Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!

Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.

As the school year ends, it's the perfect time to refresh your classroom centers. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through a simple system for evaluating what’s working, what needs to go, and how to plan for centers that support student learning all year long. From low-prep routines to student-centered planning, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to make next year’s centers better than ever.

BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/how-to-update-classroom-centers/

In Today’s Episode We’ll Talk About:

• Why it's important to reflect on and update your classroom centers
• A center review checklist to guide your evaluation process
• How to swap out stale or ineffective activities with small tweaks
• Tips for keeping student needs at the center of your planning
• Ideas for low-prep, consistent centers that work year-round (like sight word notebooks)

Resources Helpful in Today’s Episode:

• Episode 83: Beyond Book Clubs: Activities for Higher Learners
• Shop Sight Word Notebooks and Activities
• Shop Letter and Card Writing Centers
• $5 Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference - July 15-16, 2025 (https://bit.ly/ERconf )

Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!

Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.

Teaching second grade can feel like a big leap—whether you’re brand new to the grade or just looking to make this your best year yet. In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips for starting the year strong, including how to set up your classroom, build meaningful routines, and support your students academically and emotionally. Plus, I’ll walk you through how I communicate with parents using a “What to Expect” guide that’s helped build trust and clarity from day one.

BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/what-to-know-about-teaching-second-grade/

In Today’s Episode We’ll Talk About:

• Smart classroom management strategies that actually work
• Routines that help second graders thrive
• How to organize your classroom library and student supplies
• Fun, low-cost ways to celebrate student birthdays
• What to focus on when teaching reading, writing, and math
• Using a What to Expect guide to improve parent communication

Resources Helpful in Today’s Episode:

• Shop my Classroom Library Labels System on TpT
• $5 Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference - July 15-16, 2025 (https://bit.ly/ERconf )
• Second Grade Parent Guide

Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!

Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.

Ever feel like your classroom library starts off strong, then slowly slips into disorganized chaos? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing the classroom library system I’ve used for years that’s simple, low-maintenance, and totally manageable. Type A organizers are not required for this system to work! It’s all about helping students find and return books independently while keeping your sanity intact.

BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/classroom-library-system/

In Today’s Episode We’ll Talk About:

• Why your classroom library deserves a real system
• How to organize books by genre, topic, or author
• Creative ways to label fiction and nonfiction bins
• Tips for teaching kids to browse and return books correctly
• What routines make the biggest difference long-term

Resources Helpful in Today’s Episode:

• Shop my Classroom Library Labels System on TpT
• $5 Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference - July 15-16, 2025 (https://bit.ly/ERconf )
• Episode 28:  How To Organize Your Classroom Library
• Episode 61:  My Classroom Library Organization - A System That Works

Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!

Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.

You've reached the end of the school year which means it's the perfect time to reflect on your writing instruction in order to improve next year. In this episode, we'll go over some categories for reflection.

SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/writing-instruction-reflections/

In Today's Episode We'll Talk About:

• Why reflection is important
• The 4 key reflection areas:
  • Mini Lessons
  • Independent Writing Time
  • Student Growth
  • Lesson Planning and Management
• Making a Keep, Change, Toss List

Resources Helpful in Today's Episode:

• $5 Educate & Rejuvenate Summer Conference - July 15-16, 2025 (https://bit.ly/ERconf )
• FREE Guide for Planning Writing Units
• Second Grade Opinion Writing Unit

Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!

Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.

Publishing is an important step in the writing process that helps students feel proud of their work. In this episode, we’ll explore easy ways to celebrate student writing without adding extra stress to your teaching routine.

SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/ideas-for-publishing-student-writing/

In Today's Episode We'll Talk About:

• Why publishing is important for young writers
• Simple ways to publish in the classroom
• How to make publishing meaningful without extra work
• Encouraging student ownership and confidence in writing
• Building a culture of writing in the classroom

Listen to the Writing Process Mini Series

1. Episode 158: Writing Process Mini Series - The Planning Step
2. Episode 159: Writing Process Mini Series - The Writing Step
3. Episode 160: Writing Process Mini Series - The Revising Step
4. Episode 161: Writing Process Mini Series - The Editing Step
5. Episode 162: Writing Process Mini Series - The Publishing Step

Resources Helpful in Today's Episode:

• FREE Guide for Planning Writing Units

Rate, Review, and Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help more people find this podcast, please consider rating and reviewing my show! Ratings allow me to help more primary teachers build literacy systems for writing and centers so they can leave school on time. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five starts, and select "Write a review." Don't forget to let me know your favorite part of the episode!

Not yet a follower of the podcast? If you are not a subscriber, you might miss out on future episodes. Follow here on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast player.