We Teach So Hard!

Welcome to our sixth episode of Book Talk Theme Talk. This month, We Teach So Hard is discussing hope-themed books to enrich your reader's workshop. In this episode, we offer a wealth of kidlit recommendations and teaching ideas. Some of these ideas you can implement in your classroom the next day! With suicide being the 2nd leading cause of death in children under the age of 24, this theme seem especially important. You don't want to miss this one! 

When you're done listening, be sure to visit our blogs because we've linked up our ideas this month!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weteachsohardpodcast/

Or visit us at...

Tracy @ http://www.mossyoakmusings.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/2020/02/bringing-hope-in-times-of-angst.html

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Image Credit: Jennifer Ward

“The Show Must Be Go” Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licensed https://creativecommons.org/license/by3.0

This episode has got us singing our Patti LaBelle! Some sequins, a few feathers, and a blinged-out mic... "I got a new attitude!"  In this 3rd episode of our 4-part series, we explore how culturally responsive practices can provide an attitudinal paradigm shift for our students. We include some tips and ideas for stretching your pedagogy so it's inclusive and responsive to ALL learners!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weteachsohardpodcast/

Or visit us at...

Tracy @ http://www.mossyoakmusings.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Image Credit: Jennifer Ward

“The Show Must Be Go” Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licensed https://creativecommons.org/license/by3.0

In this second episode of a 4-part series on the culturally responsive classroom, we explore how we foster student motivation and engagement. We muck around in four research-based conditions that must be present for student motivation and engagement: Establishing inclusion, developing attitude, enhancing meaning, and engendering competence. We know, we know. Those are some BIG WORDS, but we promise that there are some great ideas to get you started on the path toward increased student engagement!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weteachsohardpodcast/

Or visit us at...

Tracy @ http://www.mossyoakmusings.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Image Credit: Jennifer Ward

“The Show Must Be Go” Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licensed https://creativecommons.org/license/by3.0

In this first episode of a 4-part series on the culturally responsive classroom we explore how we build a respectful environment where our students feel safe and valued.  We answer questions like: How do we make sure that all students feel safe enough to take learning risks? We give tips for building a bridge with parents, educating ourselves on cultural norms, and setting up classroom structures (physical and pedagogical) that support all students. You don't want to miss this series! It's a biggie!

https://www.facebook.com/weteachsohardpodcast/

Or visit us at...

Tracy @ http://www.mossyoakmusings.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Image Credit: Jennifer Ward

“The Show Must Be Go” Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licensed https://creativecommons.org/license/by3.0

"Love is a Many Splendored Thing..."

"All You Need is Love..."

"Love Me Tender..."

Love IS in the air at We Teach So Hard! February is just around the corner and there's no time like the present to start gathering books to teach and think about the theme of love with your kiddos. This is the 5th episode in our Book Talk Theme Talk series. If you haven't listened to our previous Book Talk episodes, be sure to check them out!

In this episode, we talk about tons of texts and give ideas to go with them to explore LOVE with your students. Picture books, chapter books, lesson ideas, and paired texts, we've got you covered for the month of February. We recommend books about love for grandparents, pets, friends, and self! Give this episode a listen. You won't be sorry!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weteachsohardpodcast/

Or visit us at...

Tracy @ http://www.mossyoakmusings.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Image Credit: Jennifer Ward

“The Show Must Be Go” Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licensed https://creativecommons.org/license/by3.0

You're over the hump of the school year. January is here, and it's a new month, new year. If you're anything like us, January is for tweaking ... Sometimes we tweak classroom management strategies; sometimes we tweak instructional strategies. If you're looking to make some changes in your classroom, or with your students, this episode is for you. We explore the components of an action research plan, discuss what IS action research, and what isn't, and give some examples of successful action research we've tried in our own classrooms. 

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weteachsohardpodcast/

Or visit us at...

Tracy @ http://www.mossyoakmusings.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Image Credit: Jennifer Ward

“The Show Must Be Go” Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licensed https://creativecommons.org/license/by3.0

We've all had those students. When you ask them how they think they did, they always say, "I did awesome!" Sometimes, they ask questions like, "What if we don't really think we need improvement? Then what do we do?" THAT'S CRAZY TALK, isn't it? In this episode, we discuss ways to move your students past the crazy talk, toward real self-assessment. If you'd like to stop banging your head against that metaphorical brick wall, give this episode a listen!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weteachsohardpodcast/

Or visit us at...

Tracy @ http://www.mossyoakmusings.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Image Credit: Jennifer Ward

“The Show Must Be Go” Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licensed https://creativecommons.org/license/by3.0

Another book list for you because no one has time to hunt for books when you're teaching themes. November's theme is HONESTY.  This is We Teach So Hard's fourth Book Talk-Theme Talk post. In this episode, we share fantastic children' books for teaching about honesty, along with tons of lesson ideas, too. We've done the hard work for you so you don't have to! Give this episode a listen. And, if you missed our first three themed book talks on BELONGING (EPISDOE 49), PERSEVERANCE (EPISODE 53), BULLYING (EPISODE 57), check those out, too!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weteachsohardpodcast/

Or visit us at...

Tracy @ http://www.mossyoakmusings.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Image Credit: Jennifer Ward

“The Show Must Be Go” Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licensed https://creativecommons.org/license/by3.0

Raise your hand if you have umpteen million learner needs in your one little ole' classroom. Differentiation is the name of the game, and yet it can be one of the most challenging things to implement in your teaching. In this episode we discuss ways to use technology to help you differentiate. We talk about apps and programs, and then go beyond to explore more creative ideas. Even the most technologically challenged can do this because we've got you covered!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weteachsohardpodcast/

Or visit us at...

Tracy @ http://www.mossyoakmusings.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Image Credit: Jennifer Ward

“The Show Must Be Go” Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licensed https://creativecommons.org/license/by3.0

What's a teacher to do with her reluctant learners? You plan, you agonize, you teach small group lessons... sometimes the urge to throw up your hands and yell, "I give up!" is overwhelming. Adding technology to your lessons can be that missing link. Our 21st century learners are different than we were in school. They come to us as digital citizens.  So why not meet them where they are at? In this episode, we discuss ways to infuse technology into your every day teaching. Purposeful technology planning can truly rock your classroom world. This is the third episode in our technology series. If you missed the first 2, be sure to check them out, too!

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weteachsohardpodcast/

Or visit us at...

Tracy @ http://www.mossyoakmusings.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ https://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Image Credit: Jennifer Ward

“The Show Must Be Go” Keivn MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licensed https://creativecommons.org/license/by3.0