The Teach Joyfully Podcast

Teaching students to read is one of the most debated and misunderstood areas of education.

We work so hard as teachers to help our students be successful and yet how often are you experience tears, sleepless nights and general stress because you're concerned about one of your students? All.the.time.

Find out the widely accepted reading instruction method I was using that was not working like I thought it was [and what I use now].

Manipulatives for math in at the elementary level are essential, in my opinion. Why? Well, brain research tells us that the more senses we can engage in learning something new the better we retain the learning. Manipulatives do this for our students.

There are some things you can do that will make things a bit easier. In this episode, I have a few ideas for you from my own struggles. While I have tons more ideas and tips, I didn't want to add to the overwhelm. So today... I'll just get you started with ideas and a few freebies.

Analyzing a text for better comprehension and to use evidence when talking about their reading is something I have taught even kindergarteners. Yes, you read that right. I know that seems really huge, even in 5th grade much less in kindergarten. But in the elementary grades it's not only something your students can do, it's not something we can ignore. And... it can be done orally during your read aloud. Listen in to find out how.

This time of year, the Teacher To Do List can become overwhelming. There's so much to accomplish at the start of the school year, and so many extra tasks get added to your teacher plate whether you want them or not. Add in all your personal tasks and goals, and it can be a recipe for disaster. That Teacher To Do List can become a mile long. When that happens, just looking at the list can be stressful and overwhelming.

Not to worry. I've got a system for that. I know… You're shocked, right?!

Connecting with students in an online classroom is difficult at best. However, there are some simple ways you can build community and become a cohesive class when teaching in a virtual classroom. Today I have 11 of them for you.

Helping with students with Autism or ADD succeed in your classroom can seem like a daunting task.

So many students have trouble with self-managing and self-monitoring their own behavior these days. Emotions can run high for both students and teachers and then things can spiral out of control. But, some students seem to struggle more than others, and can come with behaviors that range from baffling to extremely disruptive. Don't worry, this week's guest has tons of tried and true strategies to help you.

Well...today I'm sharing 18 rules to live by that will make your year so much better!

These not so secret rules are not the only ones great teachers live by, but I've found them to be the most commonly occurring. Most teachers who live by these rules probably don't even consciously know they are doing so. Others many have made a conscious effort create these habits [and you can too].

It's an eternal truth that we cannot control another human's behavior. We can try and often do, but it just results in a power struggle where no one wins. However, helping our students find success by teaching and maintaining boundaries and setting limits does work.

Today's guest, Julia Pappas, is a Psychologist and a Parent Coach, and is also the host of The Parenting Presence podcast. Julia has over 15 years of experience working with parents and their children, working in schools and has particular expertise in child development, behavioral regulation, and learning needs.

When overwhelm sets in and you simply can't make a move left or right, much less forward, it can feel like you're walking through mud. Stuck. Barely moving. Everything seems like it's conspiring to keep you in place as the rest of life rushes past. Maybe you have teacher friends who are just embracing the situation and moving on but for some reason you just are just stuck.

How do you get unstuck and back on track so you can move forward and enjoy teaching again?