Good Morning Teacher

Are you asking the right questions in your classroom? Jan 11, 2022

In today’s episode, Noelle shares strategies for facilitating and encouraging higher-level thinking from your students. This starts with the types of questions you are asking and how you are asking them. Plus, these two quick hits can be implemented today.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

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For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Don’t Make this Mistake When Looking at the Standards Jan 04, 2022

In today’s episode, Noelle discusses what unpacking math standards looks like by walking through our process at Maneuvering the Middle. She answers the question, “Why is lesson planning necessary?” Plus, a free lesson planning template for you!

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Math Manipulatives for Every Budget Nov 02, 2021

Math manipulatives can seem like extra work, but they are really the best way to introduce students to new mathematical concepts. In today’s episode, Noelle shares her favorite math manipulatives to teach concrete understanding of abstract concepts with a hands-on approach! Plus, she shares how to stretch your dollar with some budget ideas.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Getting Started with Stations Oct 19, 2021

Math Stations can solve many classroom challenges! They meet the needs of various learners, provide practice on spiraled concepts, and they put the responsibility of learning on the students. In today’s episode, Noelle discusses how to begin implementing stations by starting small and shares what best practices will keep your math stations on track.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Should You Assign Homework? Oct 05, 2021

Should teachers assign homework? Teachers, parents, and researchers have been asking and answering this question for years. In today’s episode, Noelle dives into the academic pros and cons and social-emotional pros and cons of assigning homework to your students. If you are a teacher struggling with homework, then this episode is for you. Plus, find out the 5 questions you must ask yourself before you assign another homework assignment.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Overcoming October Sep 28, 2021

October is just around the corner! While there are so many fun things that autumn brings, it can be a challenging month to be a teacher. In today’s episode, Noelle talks about why October is so difficult as a teacher and some tips to overcome these obstacles.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Substitute Binder for Secondary

Preparing for a Sub Before You Need One Sep 21, 2021

Preparing for a substitute used to be so easy! Ha - I am joking, of course. We had no idea how easy it used to be. Now with COVID, quarantining, and technology, it can be pretty complicated. In today’s episode, Noelle talks about ways to prepare for a substitute today that will make your future self say thank you.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

4 Tips for Making Math Meaningful Sep 14, 2021

We encounter math on a daily basis, but it can be challenging for students to connect what they learn in class to the outside world. In today’s episode, Noelle shares 4 ways to make math relevant and how to answer the age-old question, “When are we ever going to use this?”

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

What You Need to Survive the School Year Sep 07, 2021

Teachers spend 8-10 hours a day at school, so we need to be prepared for anything and everything. We also want to keep students from having to make unnecessary trips to the office for things that we can easily store in our classroom. In today’s episode, Noelle talks about what items you MUST have in your classroom to survive (and none of them are school supplies.)

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Stop Doing These 4 Things Right Away Aug 31, 2021

The beginning of the school year is when we have the best intentions for how the school year will go. Let’s keep this positive energy up by committing to stop doing these 4 things. In today’s episode, Noelle dives deep into what is wasting your time and what you can do to fix it.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Why Your Students Struggle with Word Problems (and What to Do About It) Aug 24, 2021

Word problems can be a challenge to teach. Perhaps, it is because we are trying to teach students to problem-solve: think about, observe, investigate, and reason through situations. Which, in my opinion, is quite the task! In today’s episode, Noelle discusses why problem-solving is so important for our students and provides some strategies to get students thinking.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

All Access

5 Steps to Teaching Routines & Procedures that will Stick Aug 17, 2021

You may have the best routines and procedures planned for your classroom, but if you don’t teach students HOW to implement those routines, then you will not reap the benefits. In today’s episode, Noelle will share 5 steps to effectively teaching your students routines and procedures that will stick.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Classroom Poster Pack

Must-Teach Routines and Procedures Aug 10, 2021

The first day of school is upon us! Which has us asking - should I teach rules/expectations on that first day or do something fun? In today’s episode, Noelle shares how you can do both. Plus, we talk about which routines and procedures are the most important to teach your students.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Classroom Poster Pack

Back to School Prep: Do This Not That Aug 03, 2021

It is that time of year again: time to deck out our classrooms! Easily one of the best and most stressful parts of being a teacher. In today’s episode, Noelle shares the do’s and don’ts of classroom setup.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Classroom Poster Pack

Moving from Good to Great Jul 27, 2021

If you are a teacher who is seeing the online teacher community buzzing with words like “grids” or “centers” and feel a little overwhelmed, then this post/episode is for you. Oftentimes, we see other teachers implement new strategies or techniques, and think to ourselves, “Should I be doing that too?” In today’s episode, Noelle discusses how to improve your classrooms using principles like the Flywheel Effect.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

All Access

How Marissa uses small groups to reach her students Jul 20, 2021

We are so excited to have Marissa McCarthy on the podcast! Marissa is an expert at differentiating and supporting students through rotations and small groups. In today’s episode, Noelle and Marissa discuss effective ways to use Maneuvering the Middle resources and why there is no reason to reinvent the wheel in teaching.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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Your All Access Invite: Is This Right For You? Jul 13, 2021

In today’s episode, Noelle announces the launch of an all-inclusive membership for middle school math teachers: All Access. Find out what All Access is, how you can get it, and how it will help you be the best math teacher you can be.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

All Access

ICYMI: Three Simple Strategies to Help You Work Smarter Not Harder Jul 06, 2021

Teachers have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it. Check out 3 tips for increasing your productivity and managing your workload. Develop a plan for how to manage your to-do list and execute it efficiently. Plus, learn about a tool that helps students and teachers stay organized in the digital classroom (and find out how to get it for free).

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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Exhausted by Multiple Preps? Try this! Jun 29, 2021

Most teachers manage multiple preps in their teaching careers. While there is nothing easy about teaching multiple curricula across multiple grade levels, there are a few hacks to save your time and sanity. In today’s episode, Noelle shares 6 tips for making the most of your time/energy while juggling multiple preps.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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All Access: To sign up for email notifications and to get early pricing options, click here.

Running a Self Paced Classroom with Jodi Rookhuizen Jun 22, 2021

In today’s episode, Noelle interviews Jodi Rookhuizen about her success using the Grid Method with Maneuvering the Middle curriculum. If you are interested in adopting a self-paced classroom, then this episode is for you. Jodi shares her experience and some practical tips to get you started. Plus, a listener freebie to help you make that transition.

For all the links and freebies mentioned in the show, click here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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6th Grade TEKS | 7th Grade TEKS | 8th Grade TEKS | Algebra 1 TEKS

Free Maneuvering the Middle Video Lessons

Are Video Lessons Effective? Jun 15, 2021

In today’s episode, Noelle answers the question - are video lessons here to stay? Most teachers relied heavily on video lessons during the pandemic, but what do we do with them as schools return face to face. Plus, Noelle gives a sneak peek into an exciting new resource from Maneuvering the Middle.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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*Resources mentioned*

Video Lessons for 6th | 7th | 8th

4 Must Do's for First Year Teachers Jun 08, 2021

After many years of teaching math, there are still several things I wish I had known before I started. Today, I am sharing 4 tips for any new math teacher. Whether you are fresh out of college or shifting careers, this episode is for you. Plus, a free download that helps students move forward when they get stuck.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.

*Resources mentioned*

Maneuvering the Middle Curriculum

6th Grade TEKS | 7th Grade TEKS | 8th Grade TEKS | Algebra 1 TEKS

Don't make this common teacher mistake! Jun 01, 2021

Setting professional boundaries as a teacher is tough but necessary. In today’s episode, Noelle discusses why teachers struggle with setting boundaries, what boundaries teachers should set, and how to put those boundaries into place. If you are a teacher looking for ideas to improve your work-life balance next school year, then this episode is for you.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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Summer P.D. without Leaving Your House May 25, 2021

Becoming a better teacher means making time to learn about new techniques and strategies to implement in the classroom. There is no better way to do this than to connect and learn from other teachers. This summer is a great opportunity to sharpen your teaching tools with a variety of online courses. In today’s episode, Noelle shares some summer opportunities for teachers and some low-lift ways to improve your teaching.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
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Summer Prep: Do This, Not That May 18, 2021

Summer is fast approaching - a time to relax and not think about school for the first time in months! In today’s episode, Noelle covers what teachers can do to make the most of their time as well as what teachers should avoid doing this summer. Plus, Noelle shares a tip for how to make August/September the smoothest months of the school year.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.

*Resources mentioned*
Maneuvering the Middle Curriculum

6th Grade TEKS | 7th Grade TEKS | 8th Grade TEKS

6th Grade TEKS | 6th Grade CCSS

8 Tips for Finishing the Year Strong May 11, 2021

The end of the school year is fast approaching. In today’s episode, Noelle shares some easy ways to end the school year with your students. The end of the year can be stressful, but it can also be fun and memorable. Plus, a listener freebie to help countdown the days to summer.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Post-it Notes. Click here to see more ways to use Post-it Notes in your classroom!

*Resources mentioned*

Test Prep Units with self-grading quick checks can be found here.

To Flip or Not to Flip (Your Classroom) with Mandy Rice May 04, 2021

In today’s episode, I chat with Mandy Rice, creator of the Flipped Classroom Formula and host of the Sustainable Teacher podcast. Mandy and I chat about the benefits and the challenges of the flipped classroom model, and she shares some of her best practices. If you are interested in changing the way you deliver your content, then this episode is for you.

Follow Mandy on Twitter @teachonam1ssion or on Instagram @teachonamission
For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Post-it Notes. Click here to see more ways to use Post-it Notes in your classroom!

Why Fractions Are Still a Challenge in Middle School with Brittany Hege Apr 27, 2021

In today’s episode, I chat with Mix and Math’s Brittany Hege about using models to further students’ AND teachers’ conceptual understanding of operations with fractions -- specifically fraction division. If you want to further your students’ understanding past ‘keep, change, flip,’ then this episode is for you. Plus, find out how you can grab your own How to Teach Dividing Fractions Guide.

Follow Brittany on Instagram @mixandmath

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

To get your own How to Teach Dividing Fractions Guide, click here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Post-it Notes. Click here to see more ways to use Post-it Notes in your classroom!

*Resources Mentioned*

4 Number Sense Strategies to Incorporate Apr 20, 2021

Number sense isn't just for elementary school. Middle school number sense is crucial for students to develop into flexible problem solvers. In today’s episode, we discuss what number sense is and what it is not. Plus, we share strategies for you to use with middle school students to take their number sense to the next level.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Books Mentioned in Today’s Episode

About Teaching Mathematics |Quality Questioning |Developing Numerical Fluency Understanding| Making Number Talks Matter

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.

*Resources mentioned*

Maneuvering Math Intervention Resources can be found here.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Post-it Notes. Click here to see more ways to use Post-it Notes in your classroom!

State Testing in 2020-2021: A Tough Conversation Apr 13, 2021

For some teachers, students have already taken their first standardized test despite the challenging year it has been. For others, test prep season is about to begin. In today’s episode, we discuss some of the positives of testing this year and some ways to make this testing season something your students will look forward to. Plus, listen to grab your free set of testing cheat sheets to help your students study.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.

*Resources mentioned*

Test Prep Units with self-grading quick checks can be found here.

Digital Assessment Pack with all MtM quizzes can be found here.

Why You Should Be Using Small Groups in Your Classroom Apr 06, 2021

Sometimes the most beneficial teaching practice for students can also be the most overwhelming. Enter small groups. Small groups are full of moving pieces, and they are a lot to juggle for even the most experienced teacher. This episode will break down the challenges, the benefits, and give you some practical tips to help you get started with your small groups tomorrow.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.

*Resources mentioned*

CCSS Small Group and Math Intervention Binder Pages

TEKS Small Group and Math Intervention Binder Pages

Maneuvering Math Intervention Program

Breaking Down The Grid Method with Chad Ostrowski Mar 30, 2021

In today’s episode, I chat with Chad Ostrowski, creator of The Grid Method and CEO of Teach Better. We discuss how Chad’s hardest year of teaching led him to develop this new method of instruction and how it could work for you and your classroom.

Listeners can save 25% on The Grid Method Course by using code: GoodMorningTeacher at checkout.

Follow Chad on Twitter @chadostrowski or on Instagram @chad.a.ostrowski
To follow Teach Better on Instagram or Twitter, you can follow them @teachbetterteam

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.

*Resources Mentioned*

Maneuvering the Middle Curriculum

6th Grade TEKS | 7th Grade TEKS | 8th Grade TEKS

More Feedback, Less Grading Mar 23, 2021

If you want to get off the hamster wheel of constantly grading and tracking down missing assignments, then this episode is for you. We breakdown why grading might not be the best way to motivate students or monitor progress and how feedback can be more effective for students in the long run. We share how to give more feedback and how to grade assignments in less time. Plus, learn which Maneuvering the Middle resources now have more self-grading features.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.

*Resources mentioned*

Test Prep Units with self-grading quick checks can be found here.

Digital Assessment Pack with all MTM quizzes can be found here.

4 Things I Always Do When Lesson Planning Mar 16, 2021

Does lesson planning take up too much of your valuable time? I always do 4 things when lesson planning to help me stay streamlined, organized, and ready for any curveballs. Get more lessons planned in less time by looking at the big picture and finalizing the small details. Plus, grab some free digital performance tasks designed for middle school and Algebra students.

For all the links mentioned in the show, click here.

Grab the listener freebie here.

For more ideas, visit our Maneuvering the Middle blog, join our Facebook community, and follow us @maneuveringthemiddle.
Want to be notified of upcoming episodes? Subscribe and leave a review.

*Resources mentioned*
Maneuvering the Middle Curriculum

6th Grade TEKS | 7th Grade TEKS | 8th Grade TEKS