Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

By Heidi and Emily, Elementary School Teacher and Resource DesignerEducation Self-Improvement How To

Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies episodes

September 28288. Can't Miss Classic: Your Seating Chart Could Fix Classroom Behavior
Once you’ve had a few weeks to get to know your students, it’s the perfect time to take another look at your seating chart. In this replay episode, we’re sharing our best strategies for choosing a seating arrangement, using proximity to keep students on task, and recognizing when a seating setup that worked at first is no longer working for your classroom. We’ll help you make strategic seating changes that support smoother classroom management and a more productive learning environment.
Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-seating-arrangements/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
Editable Seating Chart Maker
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Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 102. Classroom Behavior Problems: How to Plan Ahead to Handle Them Effectively
Episode 164. Why You Need a Classroom Carpet and How to Manage Student Behavior
Episode 285. Positive Classroom Culture is Your Management Secret Weapon
Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations

Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club
21 min
September 21287. The Friday Teacher Routine That Makes Monday Easier
Mondays can feel overwhelming when you’re carrying unfinished tasks and trying to remember EVERYTHING that needs to happen! In this episode, we’re sharing a 5-step weekly reset to help you wrap up loose ends, prepare for the week ahead, and create a clearer starting point for Monday. It’s not about getting everything done, it’s about being prepared with a plan!
Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/weekly-reset-for-teachers/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
TheraICE Migraine Relief Cap
Muse Apothecary Pillow Ritual: Calming Pillow Mist
Join The Teacher Approved Club
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
Shop our teacher-approved resources
Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 93. Teacher Morning Routine: 10 Tips for Creating Your Perfect Plan
Episode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)
Episode 147. Teacher Approved Tips: How to Plan Ahead for Future Problems!
Episode 228. The Simple 6-Step Plan for Resetting After a Sub

Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club
26 min
September 14286. 6 Simple Steps for Smoother Classroom Transitions
Transitions can quietly eat up valuable instructional time, especially when students start moving before directions are finished. In this episode, we’re breaking down a simple framework for making prompted transitions smoother, more efficient, and easier to manage by standardizing your approach. We’ll walk through the key steps and how they can help students know when to listen, when to move, and what to do next. With a consistent format in place, transitions can become a smoother, more predictable part of your classroom day.
Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/smooth-classroom-transitions/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
Ungodly Rich
Join The Teacher Approved Club
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
Shop our teacher-approved resources
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Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
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Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and Endings
Episode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a Year
Episode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not Harder
Episode 254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)
Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations

Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club
23 min
September 07285. Positive Classroom Culture is Your Management Secret Weapon
Your classroom culture is what teaches students how to behave, whether you’re the one doing the teaching or not! In this episode, we’re talking about how to intentionally shape a positive classroom culture that makes classroom management easier. We break down five practical steps and explain how social skills, positive peer pressure, and clearly reinforced expectations can help students take more ownership of how your classroom works.
Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/positive-classroom-culture/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
Hangers
Join The Teacher Approved Club
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
Shop our teacher-approved resources
Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 283. Why Reaching for a Reward System Might Be the Wrong First Move
Episode 245. How to Build a Teacher Wardrobe That Fits Your Life
Episode 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding Questions
Episode 278. Want Better Behavior? Start with Relationships
Episode 87. 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to School

Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club
25 min
August 31284. Want Better Classroom Behavior? Start in the Hallway
Hallway procedures might seem like a small part of classroom management, but they can have a much bigger impact on classroom success than you might expect. In this classic replay episode, we’re breaking down how to create effective hallway procedures by planning strategically, responding to disruptions, and teaching and practicing expectations with your students. With a little intentional planning and practice, your hallway procedures can become a simple but powerful foundation for a calmer, more successful classroom.
Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/hallway-behavior-management/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
Classroom Procedures and Routines Teaching Slides Bundle
Join The Teacher Approved Club
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
Shop our teacher-approved resources
Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding Questions
Episode 173. Getting into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and Routines
Episode 75. Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How they Differ and How to Teach Them
Episode 18. Procedures for Success!
Episode 98. 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve It

Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club
25 min
August 27283. Can't Miss Classic: Why Reaching for a Reward System Might Be the Wrong First Move
Rewards might feel like an easy classroom management solution, but are they actually making your life harder? In this Can't Miss Classic, we’re taking a closer look at when rewards help, when they can backfire, and how to use them more intentionally. We’re sharing why you probably don’t need a reward system from day one, how to use short-term and surprise rewards strategically, and simple ways to build classroom community without turning every positive behavior into a transaction.
Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-classroom-management/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
Join the Teacher Approved Club!
December Teacher Planner
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
Skylight Calendar
Dr Scholl’s Women’s Sneaker
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
Shop our teacher-approved resources.
Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.

Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 148, How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-School
Episode 114, Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1
Episode 103, When to Use Rewards to Boost Your Behavior Management – And When Not To
Episode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to School
Episode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back to School

Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club
26 min
August 24282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations
By the third week of school, the novelty starts to wear off and classroom expectations can begin to slip. In this episode, we explore how to hold students accountable without becoming harsh, using three practical strategies: reteaching procedures, giving clear directions and expecting follow-through, and helping students take ownership of their behavior. The goal is to stay steady, reinforce what matters, and create a classroom where students know they can count on consistent expectations!
Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-expectations/
Resources:
Order our book: Structure and Spark
Trays
Teacher Approved: Calming Piano Spotify playlist
Join The Teacher Approved Club
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
Shop our teacher-approved resources
Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and Endings
Episode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a Year
Episode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not Harder
Episode 98. 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve It

Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club
27 min
August 20281. Can't Miss Classic: The Two Hours That Shape Your Entire First Day
The first day of school doesn’t have to leave you completely wiped out! In this replay episode, we’re talking about the “back-to-school sandwich” and the often-overlooked moments before and after students arrive. We’re sharing practical ways to prepare emotionally, handle the logistical details, and plan for recovery so you can protect your energy and head into day two feeling a little more grounded. Plus, we’ve got a fun way to celebrate surviving that first day with your teacher friends!
Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-day-of-school-tips/
Resources:
Freebie: Cheers and Chat Invitation
Guided Discovery of School Tools
Back to School Readiness Checklists
The Spellshop, by Sarah Beth Durst
Join the Teacher Approved Club!
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
Shop our teacher-approved resources.
Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.

Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 144, How to Plug-and-Play Your First Day of School Plans
Episode 145, Our Best Tools for First-Day Planning
Episode 146, Never Pick Up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided Discovery
Episode 211, The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of School
Episode 213, 6 Simple Goals to Make Open House or Back-to-School Night a Success
Episode 215, Here’s EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School

Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club
26 min
August 17280. 4 Teacher Lessons We Wish We'd Learned Sooner
As our book Structure and Spark gets ready to go out into the world, we’re looking back at four lessons we wish we had learned much earlier in our teaching careers. In this episode, we unpack the ideas that changed the way we approached teaching, from building the right systems and staying on the student’s side to protecting time outside of school. We learned the hard way that the real goal isn’t to become perfect teachers, it’s to be responsive ones!
Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-advice/
Resources:
Last chance to preorder our book Structure and Spark!
Color Stack Challenge Game
Yarn Fever! Game
Join The Teacher Approved Club
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
Shop our teacher-approved resources
Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

Related Episodes to Enjoy:
Episode 153. How Teachers Can Thrive During the Back-to-School Season – Our Best Strategies
Episode 114. Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1
Episode 81. 20 Teacher Approved Back to School Tips From Listeners!
Episode 120. Supporting New Teachers with Ashleigh from Rainbow Skies for New Teachers

Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club
31 min
August 13279. Can't Miss Classic: What Every Student Needs to Hear in the First Three Days
The first few days of school set the tone for everything that follows, so how can you intentionally build a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and needed? In this can’t-miss classic episode, we’re sharing practical ways to answer those three questions from day one through clear procedures, meaningful connection, and opportunities for every student to contribute. We’ll walk you through our approach to the first three days, plus share ideas for classroom jobs that actually matter and help students feel like they belong!
Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-3-days-of-school-activities/
Resources:
Pre-order our book: Structure and Spark
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
Join the Teacher Approved Club!
Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
Shop our teacher-approved resources.
Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.

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

Mentioned in this episode:
Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club
21 min

About Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

From the publisher's feed

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest.