Your first 3 days of school activities do so much more than check boxes. They set the tone for the entire year! In this episode, we’re talking about how to use those first few days to answer the three big questions every student is asking: Am I safe? Am I seen? Am I needed? We’ll walk you through how to build your classroom culture from day one, share our favorite ways to teach procedures, and sprinkle in some stories, book recs, and tips you can try tomorrow.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-3-days-of-school-activities/

Resources:

• First Day of School Lesson Plan Guide
• Tell, Try, Tally, Talk Google Slides
• DeleteMe
• Our Favorite Back to School Books: First Day Jitters, When You Go to Dragon School, A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School 
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How They Differ and How to Teach Them
• Episode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready
• Episode 207, No Class List? No Problem - Here’s What to Prep While You Wait
• Episode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks About

We're bringing you a summer replay that's all about decision fatigue - that overwhelming feeling when your brain is running on empty from making 1,500 decisions before lunch. In this episode, we break down why teachers are uniquely susceptible to mental exhaustion and share four practical strategies to lighten your decision-making load. Whether you're mapping out your classroom, planning new routines, or just trying to choose which planner to buy, we'll help you reduce overwhelm and set yourself up for a calmer school year.

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/decision-fatigue-teachers/

Resources:

• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 77, 3 Reasons Why a First Day of School Script Will Save Your Sanity
• Episode 64, Your Summer To Do List – How Teachers Can Choose the Best Tasks for Big Impact
• Episode 19, Your Back to School Goals

The most important back-to-school prep no one talks about isn't about classroom decorations - it's about preparing YOU. In this episode, we reveal the three critical areas that transform your school year: supporting your life, prepping your teaching self, and creating a recovery plan. We'll show you how to go beyond traditional preparation and create systems that support you as a whole person, helping you not just survive, but truly thrive in the classroom.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/the-most-important-back-to-school-prep-no-one-talks-about/

Resources:

• Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and Checklists
• Back to School Readiness Checklists
• LMNT - get a FREE sample pack with your purchase!
• Tamed Wild door hinge magnets
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 199, Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher Summers
• Episode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the Couch
• Episode 203, 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-to-School Season
• Episode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready
• Episode 207, No Class List? No Problem - Here’s What to Prep While You Wait

This summer, we're sharing our can't-miss classic episodes, and this week's gem is all about that pivotal moment every teacher experiences: receiving your class list. We dive into the mix of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation that comes with seeing those names for the first time. We've crafted 10 practical tips to help you transform that overwhelming moment into a strategic planning session, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for the upcoming school year!

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-to-do-list/

Resources:

• Seating Chart Planning Tool
• Ready for School Checklists
• Daily Morning Messages Slides
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back to School
• Episode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to School
• Episode 148, How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-School
• Episode 194, Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things Now
• Episode 207, No Class List? No Problem—Here’s What to Prep While You Wait

Think you can’t start classroom prep without a class list? Think again! In this episode, we’re sharing low-effort, couch-friendly tasks you can tackle right now to ease into back-to-school mode—no stress, no student names required. We break down four categories of “painless prep” to help you build momentum, set up smart systems, and feel more confident heading into the new year. And if you’re ready to go deeper, our BTS Success course will walk you through setting up a classroom that basically runs itself—all without sacrificing your summer.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-prep-without-a-class-list/

Resources:

• Back to School Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and Checklist
• December Teacher Survival Kit 
• BTS Success Course 
• @Thesourdoughmama on Instagram
• Air fryer paper liners
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 199, Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher Summers
• Episode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the Couch
• Episode 203, 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-to-School Season
• Episode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready

Ready to break free from the pressure of the never-ending summer to-do list? This can't-miss classic episode is one of our most requested for a reason. Whether you're soaking up the sun or sneaking in some planning time, we're talking about how to strike the perfect balance between productivity and rest. You'll walk away with practical tips for summer planning that honors your boundaries and sets you up for a smoother back-to-school transition. Let’s make sure your future teacher self feels prepared—not frazzled.

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/prioritize-your-teacher-tasks/

Resources:

• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Back to School Audio Course waitlist
• End-of-Year Road Map
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 130, The 2 Things Teachers Need to Refuel This Summer
• Episode 128, Back to School Boost: Do These 3 Things Now to Prep for Next School Year
• Episode 67, How to Actually Get Stuff Done for School This Summer
• Episode 14, Best Summer Ever
• Episode 13, Design Your Summer

Feeling that familiar tug of guilt during summer break? In this episode, we’re sharing a simple, six-step system for back to school teacher prep that helps you feel calm, confident, and well-rested, without letting work take over your summer. Learn how to use just one hour a week to tackle high-impact tasks, stay focused on what matters most, and actually enjoy your break!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-prep/

Resources:

• BTS Success Course
• Editable Classroom Seating Chart Maker Tool
• Tell, Try, Tally, Talk Slides
• Back to School Readiness Checklists
• Zero Days by Ruth Ware
• Podcast: Happier with Gretchen Rubin
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 55, Thriving as a Teacher: One Helpful Strategy
• Episode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community At Back to School
• Episode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the Couch
• Episode 203, 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back to School Season

In this can’t-miss classic episode, we’re sharing one simple mindset shift that can make a huge difference in how your school year begins: give your future self a gift. We're talking about practical, meaningful ways to ease the back-to-school chaos before it even starts. If you’re craving a calmer, more intentional start to the year, grab a popsicle and a notebook—this is one episode you don’t want to miss!

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-tips-for-summer/

Resources:

• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
• Shop our teacher-approved resources
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 67, How to Actually Get Stuff Done for School This Summer
• Episode 65, Make an Easy Plan For Your Perfect Teacher Summer: Recovery and Readiness
• Episode 64, Your Summer To Do List – How Teachers Can Choose the Best Tasks for Big Impact

Feeling that back to school teacher stress creeping in? You’re not alone, and in this episode, we’re calling out six common traps that add unnecessary pressure at the start of the school year. From Pinterest-perfect classrooms to over-the-top prep, we’re giving you permission to say no to the overwhelm and yes to what really matters. Let’s simplify, reset, and start the year with intention.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-stress/

Resources:

• First Day of School Lesson Plan and Planning Guide
• Colton Gentry's Third Act, by Jeff Zentner
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 81, 20 Teacher Approved Back to School Tips From Listeners
• Episode 143, The Easiest Back to School Tip
• Episode 194, Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things Now
• Episode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the Couch

Looking for one of the hidden stickers for the sticker challenge? Good news, you found one! https://www.canva.com/design/DAGq7HMCQCU/uHupSBcCovSNIenFyDuqtw/view?utm_content=DAGq7HMCQCU&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview

🎧 This episode is part of Teacher Summer Talks!

We’re sharing it for free on our Teacher Approved podcast feed for 24 hours only—just one of 35 practical audio sessions to help you feel calm, confident, and classroom-ready. 

Grab your free ticket at https://teacherapproved--secondstorywindow.thrivecart.com/teacher-summer-talks-2025-max-pass/ —or upgrade to the MAX Pass for lifetime access, 14 bonus sessions, over $250 in classroom resources, and more. https://teacherapproved--secondstorywindow.thrivecart.com/teacher-summer-talks-2025-max-pass-fast/

🎒 Back-to-School Success Scholarship Application: https://airtable.com/app89WVXsQ7LOIxby/pagsprkPLRAOKcP0L/form

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About the Session:

Do you ever feel like summer is this weird tug-of-war between "I should be working" and "I need to rest"? Emily and Heidi totally get it. In their session, they're calling out that exhausting cycle and offering a fresh take: what if rest and preparation aren't enemies, but actually best friends? They're sharing how you can actually enjoy your summer while still getting ready for the school year - without the guilt trip.☀️📕😎

Links/Resources:

• Register for the free workshop "The July Secret: How Smart Teachers Use Summer to Start Strong (Not Stressed)": https://my.demio.com/ref/BWsC1ieFyMbkU2rj
• Website: secondstorywindow.net
• Teacher Approved podcast: https://pod.link/1613980327
• Instagram: instagram.com/2ndstorywindow

About Your Summit Hosts:

As founders of Second Story Window, Heidi and Emily have helped thousands of teachers simplify planning, improve instruction, and reclaim their time, all while putting student success first—because having a life outside the classroom never goes out of style!

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🎤 Teacher Summer Talks is hosted by Heidi and Emily from Second Story Window. They love helping teachers elevate what matters and simplify the rest. Connect with them on their podcast, Teacher Approved, and on Instagram at @2ndstorywindow.