You can build a classroom of readers by sharing chapter book read alouds in your 1st grade classroom.  Today we are looking at my Top Ten list of favorite read alouds that are recommended often by teachers for teachers. Tune in and discover a new read aloud to share with your class or if you're tried and true favorites were mentioned. Please make sure to read any read aloud yourself before reading it to your class. Just because I recommend it doesn't mean it will be the right fit for you and your students (although hopefully it will be).

Make sure to listen to episode 68 where I have an AMAZING interview to discuss an important topic you won't want to miss.

SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/best-1st-grade-read-alouds/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Best Second Grade Read Alouds (Episode 54) - https://sharedteaching.com/best-read-alouds-for-second-grade/
Bookshop.org - https://bookshop.org/lists/best-chapter-read-alouds-for-first-grade

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Do you find your students are struggling during writing time? Are they fiddling around and just not getting down to work when it’s time to write?

In this episode, we'll discuss 6 writing strategies for students. If your students are struggling during writing time, one of these strategies is sure to help!

You'll learn:

• Why it’s important to teach students to brainstorm
• Why organization can help struggling writers
• Why it’s important to have students edit and revise their writing
• Why students should vary their sentence structure when writing
• How word choice can improve writing
• Why modeling is one of my favorite ways to teach writing

By the end of this episode, you'll have 6 writing strategies in your teacher’s tool box to help your struggling writers.

SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/writing-strategies-for-students/

For just $5, you can join the online Educate & Rejuvenate teaching conference on July 15-16, 2025. Sign up at 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.

It’s interviewing season for teachers and that means choosing which grade level to teach. The high number of vacancies means that teachers who are interviewing can have their choice of what job they want. So which grade should you choose?

Choosing the best grade level to teach requires careful consideration of several factors, including your teaching style, experience, job availability, and personal preferences. By taking the time to reflect on these factors, you can make an informed decision that will help you find a fulfilling and rewarding teaching career. 

Today I am discussing teaching differences in kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and upper elementary to help you make an informed decision.

SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/choosing-which-grade-level-to-teach/

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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!

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.

In this episode, we'll explore some effective strategies for managing a chatty class and creating a productive learning environment. We'll focus on four key areas: setting clear expectations, using positive reinforcement, engaging students, and staying calm and consistent.

You'll learn:

• How to set clear expectations for behavior in the classroom, including simple ways to help students remember them
• How to use positive reinforcement to encourage and reward desired behaviors, such as staying focused during lessons
• How to engage students in learning activities that capture their attention and keep them focused on the task at hand
• How to build positive relationships with students, including a strategy for connecting with them on a personal level and creating a supportive classroom culture.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a better understanding of how to manage a chatty class and create a productive learning environment that supports student engagement and success. Whether you're a new teacher or an experienced educator looking for new ideas, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies that you can use right away. So, join us for this informative and engaging discussion and take your classroom management skills to the next level!

SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/chatty-class/

Resources in this episode:
Quiet Critters
Blurt Beans
Whole Brain Teaching Scoreboard
Classroom Management Quick Wins  (Episode 41) - https://sharedteaching.com/classroom-management-techniques/
Classroom Management Adventure Course - https://sharedteaching.com/classroom-management-adventure/

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.

Stand out in your teaching interview by using a portfolio! They are impressive and can help you get the job you want. Today I'm sharing the 5 reasons why I think you should have a teaching portfolio when you interview.

Want more interview tips? Listen to podcast episodes 3, 4, and 5.

SHOW NOTES/BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/interview-with-a-teaching-portfolio/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Editable Teaching Portfolio
Episode 4:  Preparing for a Teaching Interview
Episode 5: The Teaching Interview and Beyond
Episode 6: Inside Look At My Teaching Portfolio

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.

Do you use mentor texts to teach writing? If not, you should consider it. Mentor texts provide a great example for students to see how authors craft their story. Reading the same book multiple times also allows students to focus on how the story is put together when you teach them to read as authors. Today I'm sharing my favorite mentor texts for opinion writing as well as discussing how to choose a mentor text.

SHOW NOTES/BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/opinion-writing-mentor-texts/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast Suggestion Form
2nd Grade Opinion Writing Unit
Bookshop Bookshelf
Robert Munsch Official Author Website

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.

Deciding on your classroom library organization system can be tricky. If you have a large library it can be tough sorting all your books only to discover you hate the system and want to change it. 

Today I’ll share with you my system. I’ve used it for several years now and it works beautifully. Maybe it’s exactly what you are looking for!

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

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Podcast Request or Questions Form

Classroom Library Labels and Stickers

Episode 28: How to Organize Your Classroom Library

Teaching in Paradise Checkout System

For just $5, you can join the online Educate & Rejuvenate teaching conference on July 15-16, 2025. Sign up at 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.

Thinking about having parent volunteers in the classroom but feeling intimidated? In today's episode I'm showing you it doesn't have to be complicated. Get started with volunteers tomorrow!

SHOW NOTES/BLOG POST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/parent-volunteers-in-the-classroom/

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
FERPA
Parent Volunteer Form from the Printable Princess

For just $5, you can join the online Educate & Rejuvenate teaching conference on July 15-16, 2025. Sign up at 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.

Literacy centers, work stations, independent work…whatever you call it getting started can be challenging. There's a lot of pressure to get it right so you can concentrate on running your differentiated small groups. But whenever you try to run centers, it's a disaster. Students are off-task and you're interrupted a bazillion times. Does this sound familiar?

If so, you might need to re-launch your centers. Taking the time to slowly roll them out and get them started is a process you don't want to rush. Learn the 5 steps to unlock the smooth running classroom you dream of in today's episode.

SHOW NOTES/BLOG POST LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/literacy-centers/

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.

Worried that Science of Reading and sight word centers don't go hand-in-hand? Well, I feel like they still do! In today's episode, I'm discussing the biggest benefits to why you still need sight word centers. I will still be continuing them in my own classroom but perhaps approaching how I teach sight words a different way.

SHOW NOTES/BLOG POST LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/sight-word-centers/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Sight Word Play Dough Mats

Sight Word Letter Boxes

Sight Word Assessment Program

Podcast Request or Questions Form

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.