Whether you clean house in May or June when you get out of school, or you run home and off to vacation and wait until July or August, classroom prep still needs to be done, some years more than others. So join Brittany and Ellie as we take the Teaching Toolbox into the realm of preparing your classroom for the fall.

Topics Discussed

• Clean, Organize, Donate, and Toss
• The Walls
• Materials
• Layout

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Related Episodes

Check out Episode 31: Classroom Seating

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.



Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Today, we are delving into meal prepping as busy teachers. Let’s see what we have cooked up for you today!

Topics Discussed

• Busy teacher friendly meal ideas
• Tips for meal planning as a busy teacher

Resources Mentioned

• Phomemo Printer: https://amzn.to/3UP3BDI

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.



Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

If you've heard of Reader's Theater you'll love today's discussion about Radio Theater. Author Deb Baldwin is joining the podcast today to share wisdom from 38 years of teaching theater to help you add some new skills to your teacher toolbox.

The book, We're Live! Radio Theater #101 describes her experiences in using radio theater in her own classroom and the successes she has had boosting student engagement. The book also contains a chapter on how to integrate drama integration (in this case, radio theater) into a teacher’s classroom with virtually any subject from grades fourth and up.

Topics Discussed

• Meet Author Deb Baldwin
• Reader's Theater vs Radio Theater
• How radio theater can help your classroom
• Radio theater for the social studies/language arts classroom
• Radio theater for the science/math classroom

Connect with today's guest:

-> Grab the book: “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” https://a.co/d/ghmUXcj

[This is an affiliate link for We're LIve! Radio Theater #101 from Dramamommaspeaks]

-> Check out Deb's blog: Dramamommaspeaks.com

-> Visit Dramamommaspeaks on Teachers Pay Teachers to browse over 400 drama education resources

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

In today's episode, we're diving into the trenches of middle school, but not just any trenches—those of a grade level leader. Imagine being the bridge between the admin and the other teachers in your grade level.  It's a role that's part superhero, part diplomat, and all heart. Join us as we explore the responsibilities and pros and cons, along with tips for being a great grade-leader!

Topics Discussed

• What is a grade level leader?
• Tips for being a great leader
• Pros and cons of this position

Check out the classroom forms discussed in this episode here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Forms-for-a-Successful-Year-as-an-Upper-Elementary-Teacher-1319781

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.



***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Summer is coming - do you have big plans to take a break from your teaching-related activities? Or are you planning all the teaching things you’ll get done in the summer so you don’t have to worry about them in the fall? Or do you have plans for both? Whatever your plans, we’ve got some tips for how to make sure that at least SOME of your summer is yours so you can get some rejuvenation time!

Topics Discussed

• All of the personal to-dos to consider
• Professional development
• How to set up a win-win schedule

Resources

Check out the blog post discussed in this episode: https://leahcleary.com/a-secondary-summer-not-wasted-be-a-tourist-in-your-home-town/

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

It's that time of the year when we reflect on all the growth and memories made throughout the school year. But before we get too sentimental, let's talk about some fantastic ways to wrap up the year with our students.

Topics Discussed

• Reflecting on Achievements & Growth
• Fun & Meaningful Farewell Activities
• Setting the Stage for Summer and Beyond

Check out these end of year activity ideas: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/end-of-the-school-year-activities/

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/2020/04/end-of-year-activities.html

If you are a math teacher, take a look at this end of year activity: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/end-of-year-math-activities/

If your students love using wheels in the classroom, try memory wheels:

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/memory-wheels-end-of-the-school-year-activity/

Head to the VIP Vault to access the free reflection materials discussed in this episode:

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/reflection-materials

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.



Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Today, we will discuss the dreaded summer slide learning loss and how we, as teachers, can help prevent it. Let’s slide right in.

Topics Discussed

• What is summer slide?
• Why does it happen?
• How can we help prevent it?

Resources

Check out this Cognitive Cardio Blog Post - https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/tips-for-preventing-summer-slide/

Check out this Colorado Classroom Blog Post - https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/2022/05/prevent-the-summer-slide.html

Would you like to be a guest on the show?

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Today, we're tackling a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of education, especially in middle school: Skills for Executive Functioning. It's about helping our students not just academically but also in managing their time, energy, emotions, and actions more effectively.

Topics Discussed

• What is executive functioning?
• Why are these skills so important for students to develop?
• How can we tell students need support in this area?
• What percentage of students struggle with executive functioning?
• 6 ways we can support students in this area

Resources

https://www.middleweb.com/48340/how-executive-function-links-sel-and-academics/

https://effectivestudents.com/articles/why-executive-function-is-the-bridge-between-sel-academic-success/

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/help-students-learn-to-manage-their-time/

https://learnfully.com/state-of-neurodiversity-2023-report/

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Cheating in the middle school classroom is a multifaceted issue that demands attention from educators, parents, and students alike. By understanding the underlying pressures, promoting ethical education, and addressing technological challenges, we can create an environment where academic integrity thrives. 

In today's episodes we're unpacking this complex topic from many angles and sharing our tips and tricks for how to support middle school students through the temptation to cheat.

Topics Discussed

• Looking at cheating throughout history
• How we can guide middle school students through the temptation to cheat
• Cheating in the digital age
• Tips to prevent cheating and handle it once it has already happened

Resources

• https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1383405.pdf - Journal of Instructional Pedagogies

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Do you ever think about what truly drives us to achieve our goals and dreams? Join us as we explore the age-old debate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and uncover the secrets behind what really fuels our actions. Get ready to gain valuable insights that might just change the way you approach your students and possibly your own motivations. 

Topics Discussed

• The difference between these two types of rewards
• How to foster motivation at the middle school level
• Finding balance

Resources

https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/pat-on-the-back-recognition-cards

Please subscribe on your favorite platform so you don’t miss an episode. Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or some other listening app, we encourage you to take a moment to subscribe to The Teaching Toolbox. And if you feel so inclined, we would love a review at Apple or Spotify to help other listeners find us just like you did.

This episode may contain affiliate links.

Amazon links are affiliate links from Brittany Naujok and The Colorado Classroom, LLC®. I earn a small amount from your clicks on these links.

Let’s Connect

To stay up to date with episodes, check out our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram.

Join Brittany’s 6th Grade Teacher Success group on Facebook.

Join Ellie’s Middle School Math Chats group on Facebook.

Brittany’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Ellie’s resources can be found on her website or on TPT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab Your End Of Year Certificates Today

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/the-colorado-classroom/category-awards-amp-certificates-427833?utm_source=PodcastMayAd&utm_campaign=PCSTMAYAD

Looking for support with Classroom Management?

Grab a digital mental health check-in for free and receive classroom management support from The Colorado Classroom: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/product/mental-health-digital-check-in-form