If you aren’t a math teacher and think this episode won’t be for you, hold on! Pentominoes are great for non-math classes, too, so tune in as we explore all the benefits of using Pentominoes, especially at the start of the school year.

Topics Discussed

• What are pentominoes?
• What are the benefits for teachers?
• What are the benefits for students?

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Resources

--> Learn more about using Pentominoes on the first day of math class HERE

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/first-day-of-math-class-activity-pentomino-exploration/

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.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

https://teachingtoolboxpodcast.com/contact/

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

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

As you think about next school year, do you wonder what the best way to divide and level your classes for math and reading is? 

Join us in this episode as we dive into the art and science of creating leveled small groups.

Topics Discussed

• The benefits of small group instruction at the middle school level
• Tips for setting up groupings
• Tips for managing group work time

***ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY***

https://forms.gle/B356umfSumtaQ2sx5

Resources

--> Head to Ellie's blog HERE and HERE for more tips on managing math centers in middle school

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/math-centers-in-middle-school/

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/math-small-groups-in-middle-school/

--> Take a closer look at the Footloose task cards discussed in this episode HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Cognitive-Cardio-Math/Category/128315-Math-Task-CardsFootloose-137198

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.

Reach out to share your ideas for future episodes on our podcast website.

Mentioned in this episode:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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 diving into a fun and practical topic — the top favorite teacher supplies for middle school teachers! We asked members of our Facebook groups about their favorites, too, so we’ve got our ideas and some great favorites from many classroom teachers. Let’s see what rules the school!

Topics Discussed

• Favorites for the teacher's desk
• Math supplies
• Social studies supplies

Resources

Learn more about using whiteboards here:

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/using-mini-whiteboards-in-the-classroom/

Check out Brittany's Amazon list here:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/colorado_classroom

***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:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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

What can teachers do to make the first few days of school not only smooth but memorable? Let’s jump into twelve ideas that could transform those initial school days into an exciting gateway for the rest of the year.

Resources

-> 10 Team Building Games: https://thecoloradoclassroom.com/10-team-building-games

-> Pentominoes Blog Post: https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/first-day-of-math-class-activity-pentomino-exploration/

-> Systems for Success Blog Post:

https://cognitivecardiomath.com/cognitive-cardio-blog/systems-for-student-success/

-> Get to Know You Wheel Activity

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Math-About-Me-Getting-to-Know-You-Activity-Meet-the-Mathematician-Wheel-4008159

***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:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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:

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.

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

Back to School Support

If you’ve hit a hiccup this Back to School, I have the resources to get you back on track. From labels for all your teacher drawers, to relationship building cards, to a review of rules and the why behind them, or maybe just a pair and share tool to get you going faster each day. Check out my Back to School category on The Colorado Classroom at TPT to help you get on your way.