Looking for fun, low-prep end of year activities after testing that will keep your students engaged and excited? In this episode, we’re sharing our five favorite ideas that will bring energy and creativity back to the classroom. From creative passion projects to student-led lessons and classroom transformations, these high-impact activities will help you wrap up the year on a high note.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/end-of-year-activities-after-testing/

Resources:

• Freebie: End of Year Road Map
• Camping Theme Day Activities
• Space Theme Day Activities
• Looking Back Bulletin Board
• Episode 188, Ending the School Year Strong: 3 Steps to Help Teachers Thrive in Term 4
• Episode 7, The Secret to End of Year Survival 
• The Holiday Headstart Episode 27, Do These 5 Easy Things in March to Get Ahead for Christmas
• Cost Plus Drugs
• 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 129, End-of-Year Reflection for Teachers: 18 Questions to Ask Yourself
• Episode 127, 10 Ways to Motivate Students at the End of the Year
• Episode 125, Why Theme Days Will Save You at the End of the School Year
• Episode 74, Teacher Approved Tips: Read to Your Class Before the First Day and End of Year Decluttering
• Episode 63, Celebrating the End of the School Year With Your Class: 10 Creative Ideas
• Episode 62, End of Year Awards: 5 Reasons You Should Rethink This Classroom Tradition

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

The end of the school year is in sight, but the final stretch can feel beyond overwhelming. In this episode, we’re sharing three essential steps to help you wrap up the year strong without burning out. You’ll learn how to reflect on what worked, assess your responsibilities, and create an action plan to stay organized and energized. Don’t just push through - finish the year with ease!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/end-the-school-year-strong/

Resources:

• End-of-Year Road Map
• Teacher Approved: Parent Conferences Instrumental Playlist
• Teacher Approved: Kid-Friendly Pop Playlist
• A Bit Much, by Lyndsay Rush
• BladeLife razor storage device
• 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 185, 6 Easy Tips for Simplifying Test Prep Season
• Episode 183, 2 Smart Test Prep Strategies You Need to Use With Your Students
• Episode 182, Boost Your Test Prep With These 3 Retrieval Practice Activities
• Episode 127, 10 Ways to Motivate Students at the End of the Year
• Episode 125, Why Theme Days Will Save You at the End of the School Year

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

Three years of Teacher Approved—can you believe it?! In this special anniversary episode, we’re looking back at our most popular episodes from each year, sharing top teaching strategies, and revisiting some of our all-time favorite teacher approved tips. Plus, we’ve got some fun extra credit recommendations! And since we’re celebrating, we’d love your support. Please take a moment to leave us a quick rating and review to help more teachers find the show!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/top-teacher-approved-podcast-episodes/

Resources:

• Hiccaway straw
• Luminette glasses
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion
• Puzzle board
• Derry Girls
• Tunefind
• 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 127, 10 Ways to Motivate Students at the End of the Year
• Episode 46, 20 Best Inside Recess Ideas That Your Students Will Love
• Episode 18, Procedures for Success!

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

Spring break is almost here! But before you head out, there are a few must-do tasks that will make your return so much easier. In this episode, we’re covering five essential things for every teacher to do before spring break - from resetting your space to prepping for a smooth transition back. No more post-break overwhelm, just a stress-free, organized return!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-to-do-before-spring-break/

Resources:

• 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 181, How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks For a Stress-Free Spring Break
• Episode 124, Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom Management
• Episode 4, Bouncing Back After a Break

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

Test prep season doesn’t have to be stressful! In this episode, we’re sharing six easy end-of-year test prep tips to help you simplify the process, weave review into your daily routine, and keep students engaged without overwhelming your schedule. You’ll learn practical strategies to boost student confidence, make test prep more effective, and use fun, low-stress activities that actually help with retention.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/end-of-year-test-prep-tips/

Resources:

• 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 183, 2 Smart Test Prep Strategies You Need to Use With Your Students
• Episode 182, Boost Your Test Prep With These 3 Retrieval Practice Activities
• Episode 122, 20 Best Teacher Approved Tips for Surviving Testing Season
• Episode 121, How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters Most
• Episode 5, Ditch Your Test Review (This This Instead!)

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

Is your classroom feeling cluttered and chaotic? In this replay episode, we’re sharing six simple and effective spring cleaning tips to help you freshen up your space. We’ll walk you through easy ways to declutter, organize supplies, and create a more functional, inviting learning environment. From tackling paper piles to refreshing classroom decor, these tips will help you finish the school year strong and set yourself up for success moving forward!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/spring-cleaning-classroom/

Resources:

• Decodable Fluency Passages Bundle
• 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 181, How to Get Ahead on Your Teacher Tasks For a Stress-Free Spring Break
• Episode 124, Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom Management
• Episode 53, How Teachers Can Name What Matters to Survive the Mid Year Slump
• Episode 52, 10 Teacher Approved Tips for Elementary Teachers That We Think You’ll Love
• Episode 10, What You Can Do Now for Next Year

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

Are your students forgetting everything by test day? In this episode, we’re sharing smart test prep strategies that actually help students retain and apply what they’ve learned—without last-minute cramming. You’ll discover two research-backed methods that make information stick, why some common test prep practices might be doing more harm than good, and an easy way to integrate these strategies into your daily routine. Plus, don’t forget to grab our morning work spiral review pages to reinforce key concepts effortlessly!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/smart-test-prep-strategies/

Resources:

• Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning by Pooja K. Agarwal and Patrice M. Bain 
• Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
• Spiral Review Morning Work
• Fiber Well Gummies
• 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 182, Boost Your Test Prep With These 3 Retrieval Practice Activities
• Episode 122, 20 Best Teacher Approved Tips for Surviving Testing Season
• Episode 121, How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters Most
• Episode 5, Ditch Your Test Review (This This Instead!)
• Episode 3, Strengthening the Brain

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

Ready or not, test season is coming, which means it’s time to start thinking about test prep! In this episode, we dive into retrieval practice for test review, a proven strategy that boosts memory and recall. Instead of passive review methods, retrieval practice helps students retain more and feel prepared for the test. We’ll discuss why this technique works and how you can easily implement it in your classroom!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/retrieval-practice-test-review/

Resources:

• Around the Room review 
• Powerful Teaching: Unleash the Science of Learning by Pooja K. Agarwal and Patrice M. Bain 
• Emily Amick’s Substack 
• The Favorites
• 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 122, 20 Best Teacher Approved Tips for Surviving Testing Season
• Episode 121, How to Plan Your Test Prep Around What Content Matters Most
• Episode 5, Ditch Your Test Review (This This Instead!)
• Episode 3, Strengthening the Brain

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

Spring break is almost here, and while you’re excited for the time off, the thought of catching up on work when you return can be stressful. What if you could prep for the first days back before break starts—without the overwhelm? In this episode, we’re sharing top strategies for teacher spring break prep, including how to break tasks into manageable steps and make the most of prep time in small bursts. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your break while feeling ready for a smooth return to school!

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

Resources:

• Bioderma shower oil
• Gavin and Stacey: A Fond Farewell
• 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 168, How Teachers Can Get a Jumpstart on a Stress-Free Winter Break
• Episode 169, Our Best Teacher Tips for Finding Pockets of Prep Time to Get Ahead For January
• Episode 172, The 2nd First Day of School: How to Take Advantage of the Week After Winter Break

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327

Morning work is more than just busy work! It sets the tone for your day, reinforces important skills, and encourages independence. In this episode, we’re sharing our five best morning work tips to help you create a routine that works for both you and your students. If you're looking to start your day with ease and purpose, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and all resources mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/morning-work-tips/

Resources:

• Spiral Review Morning Work
• Shrinking
• A Man on the Inside
• 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 179, How to Find Fast Finished Success: No More ‘I’m Done, Now What?’
• Episode 173, Getting Into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and Routines
• Episode 150, Perfect Your Classroom Procedures With the Help of Our Guiding Questions
• Episode 94, A Great Day Before School Even Starts: Your Perfect Teacher Morning Routine at School
• Episode 91, Start Your Day Strong: Top Tips for Maximizing Your Morning Work

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying this podcast, we would love to hear from you! You can leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teacher-approved/id1613980327