Shared Teaching Podcast

In today’s episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, we’re focusing on how to help students develop independence in their personal narrative writing. I’ll share practical strategies to help your students take ownership of their stories, write with confidence, and move through the writing process with less teacher guidance.

SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/building-independent-writers/

In Today’s Episode We’ll Talk About:

• How to increase writing stamina and keep students writing longer
• Effective writing tools to support independence
• Ways to build student confidence
• Celebrating small victories to motivate and empower young writers

Resources Helpful With Today's Episode:

• FREE K-3 Writing Skills Progression, perfect for getting started with your writing pre-assessment, here or by clicking above, https://sharedteaching.com/writing-skills-progression/
• Second Grade Writing Units (narrative unit coming soon)

Join us to learn how to foster independence and help your students become more self-sufficient in their writing!

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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 of the Shared Teaching Podcast, we’re continuing our deep dive into personal narrative writing by focusing on how to add details using dialogue. Learn how to help your students bring their stories to life through conversations between characters, making their writing more engaging and dynamic.

BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES: https://sharedteaching.com/adding-dialogue-to-personal-narratives/

In Today’s Episode We’ll Talk About:

• Why dialogue is essential in personal narratives
• How to add dialogue to key moments in a story
• Teaching students how to format and structure dialogue correctly
• Using dialogue to reveal character personalities and emotions
• Simple prompts and practice strategies to help students master dialogue

Resources Helpful with Today's Episode:

• Second Grade Writing Units (narrative unit coming soon)

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.

In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, we explore the technique of zooming in on key moments to add depth and detail to personal narrative writing. Learn how to help your students slow down and focus on the most important parts of their story to create richer, more engaging narratives.

BLOG POST / PODCAST LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/zooming-in/

In today’s episode we’ll talk about:

• What it means to “zoom in” on a key moment in a personal narrative
• Helping students identify the most exciting or meaningful parts of their stories
• Using sensory details to bring key moments to life for the reader
• Exploring emotions and reactions to deepen the connection with the audience
• Modeling the process to show students how zooming in adds richness to their writing

Resources Helpful with Today's Episode:

• Second Grade Writing Units (narrative unit coming soon)

Tune in for practical tips on helping your students transform their personal narratives with this simple yet powerful technique!

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.

In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, we’re diving into everything you need to know to prepare for a successful formal teaching observation. From crafting a strong lesson plan to following up with your principal afterward, I’ll share practical tips to help you feel confident and ready to shine during your observation.

SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/formal-teaching-observation/

In today’s episode we’ll talk about:

• How to prepare your lesson plan to meet your administrator’s expectations
• Effective ways to assess student learning during your observation
• Strategies for keeping students engaged throughout the lesson
• Ensuring your classroom environment supports your success
• Tips for following up with your principal after the observation

Tune in for valuable advice on how to make your next formal observation a success!

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.

In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, we explore the heart map—a simple yet powerful tool to help students brainstorm meaningful topics for personal narrative writing. Learn how to guide your students through the process of creating their own heart maps and discover how this tool can keep them engaged with writing all year long.

In today’s episode we’ll talk about:

• What a heart map is and how it helps students generate personal writing ideas
• Introducing the heart map to your class and guiding students in brainstorming important people, places, and memories
• Step-by-step instructions for creating and filling a heart map with details
• Using heart maps as inspiration for personal narratives and writing prompts
• Keeping heart maps relevant by adding new experiences throughout the year

SHOW NOTES / BLOG POST LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/heart-map/

Resources Helpful with Today's Episode:

• Second Grade Writing Units (narrative unit coming soon)
• Heart Map available to my email subscribers - sign up at SharedTeaching.com

Tune in to learn how heart maps can transform personal narrative writing in your classroom!

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.

In this week’s Writing Tip Wednesday, we’re helping you guide your first and second graders through planning personal narratives with a simple, effective tool: the circle map. Organizing thoughts before writing is crucial, especially for young students who are still learning to structure their ideas. A circle map provides an easy way for students to brainstorm and focus on the details that make their stories more engaging.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about:

• What a circle map is and why it works for young writers
• How to introduce the circle map with a whole-class example
• A step-by-step guide for students to create their own circle maps
• Tips for helping students brainstorm sensory details for richer narratives
• How to use the circle map as a guide for writing personal stories

BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK: https://sharedteaching.com/using-a-circle-map/

Resources Helpful with Today's Episode:

• Second Grade Writing Units (narrative unit coming soon)

Tune in to learn how this simple graphic organizer can transform your students’ personal narrative writing and boost their confidence. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Shared Teaching Podcast for more helpful classroom tips!

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.

In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, we're diving into how to set up effective and sustainable sight word centers that will last all year. No more scrambling to create new activities each week—learn how to keep your centers consistent while switching out sight words to match your students’ needs.

In today's episode we’ll talk about:

• Using Dolch, Fry, and district-provided sight word lists to assign students the right words
• Organizing your sight word center materials with color-coded baskets and file folders
• Ideas for creating simple, manageable center rotation schedules
• Teaching student expectations to ensure centers run smoothly all year
• Reusing center activities like Sight Word Mats, Letter Boxes, and Interactive Notebooks while rotating sight words weekly

Tune in to learn how to streamline your sight word centers and give your students the practice they need to succeed!

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

Resources Helpful With Today's Episode:

• Episode 81 - Sight Word Notebooks
• 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
• Sight Word Letter Boxes
• Sight Word Play Dough Mats for Older Students

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.

Welcome to the ninth episode of the Writing Tip Wednesday series! This week’s tip is all about teaching how to zoom in on a small moment.

BLOG POST / SHOW NOTES LINK:  https://sharedteaching.com/zooming-in/

In this week’s Wednesday Writing Tip, we’re helping you take your first and second graders’ personal narrative writing to the next level! Personal narratives are a fantastic way for young students to express themselves, but they often struggle with writing stories that are too broad or lack detail. That’s why today’s tip is all about teaching your students to “zoom in” on small moments, making their stories more vivid and engaging.

In today’s episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why "zooming in" on a small moment enhances personal narratives
• A step-by-step classroom activity to help students practice this technique
• How to guide students in adding sensory details to their writing
• Strategies for encouraging students to reflect on their writing process

Tune in to discover how this simple technique can transform your students’ writing and help them become more confident storytellers. Make sure to subscribe to the Shared Teaching Podcast so you never miss an episode. Happy writing!

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:

• Second Grade Writing Units (narrative unit coming soon)

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.

In this episode of the Shared Teaching Podcast, we dive into one of the most important aspects of kicking off a successful school year—establishing a strong classroom community. As a former second-grade teacher, I’ll share practical strategies to create a positive and inclusive environment during those critical first few days. From setting expectations together with your students to engaging in fun, collaborative activities, you'll learn how to foster a sense of belonging and cooperation right from the start. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the classroom, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you build a thriving community that will support your students' growth all year long. Don’t miss out on these essential steps to creating a classroom where every student feels valued and ready to succeed!

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

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

• Episode 104 Streamlining Jobs for Students in the Classroom 
• Classroom Job Crew 

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.

Welcome to the eighth episode of the Writing Tip Wednesday series! This week’s tip is all about teaching writing through the writing process.

In today's episode we'll talk about:

• Why students should understand the writing process
• The 5 steps of the writing process

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:

• Second Grade Writing Units (narrative unit coming soon)

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.