The Classroom Commute

Using technology can make learning super sweet, just like ice cream!  Technology in the classroom is here to stay so we need to embrace it and learn to love it. 

In this episode, I give tips and best practices for teaching your students how to use technology in the classroom so that you don't lose your mind! 

BUT - I also believe that as much as children enjoy technology (& ice cream!) they also enjoy crayons, glitter, glue, and “hold in your hand” books. Technology, like ice cream, should be used in moderation.  So, let's break it down on how to use it effectively in the classroom to get the biggest bang for your buck! (or scoop for your ice cream bowl!)

For full show notes, visit:  classroomnook.com/podcast/38

Tired of all the loose paperwork floating around your classroom, on your desk, or at home? Let’s tackle the paperwork trail once and for all. 

If you’ve listened to my podcast for a while, you know I love organization! Today, I get to indulge a little bit as we talk about organization in the form of creating a simple yet effective student data binder.  A student data binder can be your one-stop-shop to all the important documentation that you need to keep track of.  From parent communication to progress reports, to sample student work - it's all inside and easily accessible!

You may be thinking, ‘Yay! More work for me to do.” Well, guess what? I’ve done all the work for you and it’s FREE!

For complete show notes, visit:  classroomnook.com/podcast/37

Being a teacher is a lot of work, but in the middle of a pandemic…it’s even harder. 

I’m here today to focus on the positive and point out some reasons why it’s the best time to be a teacher even during a pandemic and virtual learning. 

Did I get a few eye rolls? Maybe a few chuckles? That’s okay. I’m here to put a little happiness in our lives as well as a new perspective on teaching in 2020.

For full show notes, visit classroomnook.com/podcast/36

Whether you co-teach or just work closely with your grade-level team members, successful co-teaching requires you to be specific and intentional.

The year I had a co-teacher was my worst year teaching, but it was also the year I learned the most about myself as a teacher. I learned to be more patient with the students and be more compassionate toward the students that were the hardest to love. 

I had a LOT to learn. In that challenging year, I also learned how to share my classroom with another teacher. 

For the full show notes, visit www.classroomnook.com/podcast/35

We know it’s important for our students to have routines and procedures to provide predictability, order, and peace in your classroom. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s important for teachers to have routines and procedures as well. 

Listen to this episode as I discuss how to plan out your day from the morning to the afternoon. Enough with feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list and daily tasks.  Learn how to have success in your routine. 

For full show notes visit:  www.classroomnook.com/podcast/34

We all look back on our first few years of teaching and cringe at some of the things we have done with our students.   Sometimes, we just don't know any better...until we do. 

Now, I won’t waste your time telling you all about my mistakes, but I do want to share a few things that you can change about your teaching practices today to make a bigger impact with your students.

In today's episode, I'm share 4 things that you might want to consider to STOP doing...AND what you can do instead for a bigger impact on your students.

For full show notes visit classroomnook.com/podcast/33

Hosting an open house or "Meet the Teacher" night is YOUR time to shine!

It’s your time to meet your students’ families whether in-person or virtually, of course you want to be the hostess with the mostess!  Whether you’re starting the year in-person or virtually, planning an open house doesn’t have to be difficult.

In this episode, I’ll give you practical tips and fun ideas for making your students and their families feel comfortable and thrilled that they get to be part of your class.

See full show notes at classroomnook.com/podcast/32

If you’ve ever needed a simple, yet effective way to organize your students' reading & writing materials - then, it’s time to start using a reader’s & writer’s notebook!

Ever feel overwhelmed by papers on your desk? Have you looked inside your students' desks only to see papers shoved here and there? Me too and I’m here to help.

This episode gives you practical tips on how to organize your reading and writing resources so that you and your students will have everything you need in one easy-to-access location.

Not only will using a reader’s and writer’s notebook help save your sanity when it comes to classroom organization, but it will help teach your students how to be organized and responsible - a great skill for the classroom AND life.

See FULL show notes at classroomnook.com/podcast/31

Want to get more out of your writing time with your students this school year?

Then, take your time at the beginning of the school year to build your writer’s workshop from the ground up.  A solid writer’s workshop begins with establishing writing routines and procedures with your students BEFORE launching into your first writing unit.

In this episode, we’re walking through how to get started with writer's workshop at the beginning of the school year.  You'll learn how to structure your workshop as well as the most important things to focus on with your students. 

For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/30

Learn how to intentionally and thoughtfully launch reader's workshop in your upper elementary classroom in this podcast episode.  Rachael walks you through the MOST important things to focus on during the first month of school.  You'll learn what you need for a successful reader's workshop and some of the best tips and resources to make it happen!

For full show notes, visit:  classroomnook.com/podcast/29