Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast

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**Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast**

This is a podcast for busy teachers who want to engage their students in meaningful hands-on learning. You will receive simple, innovative and practical teaching tips and ideas for teaching math, reading and writing.

Latest Episodes:

4 Ways to Make Reading Lessons Engaging (Virtually or In-Person) Oct 12, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!

Are you struggling to get your students excited about reading?

Today, I am going to be sharing some of my very favorite ways to make reading lessons more engaging for your students.

Deciding what to talk about on the podcast has been a little tricky lately because school just looks so different for everyone! Some of you are teaching in your classrooms, some of you are teaching virtually, and some are combining the two.

So today we're talking about four of my favorite ways to make reading lessons engaging for students, that will work whether you're teaching virtually or in-person.

Episode 78 Takeaways:

+ Book clubs make reading more exciting than worksheets or stories from a textbook.

+ As a reading teacher, the most important thing you can do for your students is to help them learn to love reading.

+ Centers are a fun way to practice reading skills.

+ Whatever grade level you teach, students need to hear books read aloud to them.

+ Introduce your students to lots of different genres, authors, and series.

+ Offer choice as much as possible.

Having teachers who loved reading truly shaped who I am as an adult and how much I love reading now. That's the effect that you are having on your students. You're shaping future readers!

I don't want reading to be a chore. I want it to be something that you and your students actually look forward to! I hope that the tips in this episode and the resources I shared can help you to achieve that.

I'd love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram @notsowimpyteacher to share those with me!

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 76: Book Clubs in a Virtual Classroom

Graphic Organizers for Book Clubs - Digital and Printable Fiction and Nonfiction Bundle

Digital and Printable Reading Response Menus

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!

Teaching About the Election (Without Getting Political) Oct 05, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!

Today we're going to talk about the election. Did you groan? If you did, I don't blame you. I get it. But I want this to be exciting for you to talk about, because it is for me!

We're going to explore how to talk to your students about the election without getting political, the importance of having an unbiased lesson about it, and how you can help your students understand the importance and privilege of having elections.

I know it can be scary, but stick with me, and we're going to make it a whole lot more fun.

Episode 77 Takeaways:

+ It is our job as teachers to help kids learn how to think.

+ It's important to cover the election because voting is a privilege and a duty.

+ We are shaping what the world will look like in the future.

+ Kids are going to hear about the election, so we can at least make sure they understand the facts.

+ Talking about the election leads to meaningful conversations.

+ There are topics you can cover without telling them who to vote for.

+ You can use fun activities to teach about the election.

So, does that make it a little less intimidating? It's not your responsibility to tell your students who to vote for, but you can teach them why we vote, and how they can make their voices heard.

Don't forget to take a look at our digital and printable election resource! It gives you a five-day plan for teaching about the election, so if this all feels a little scary to you, this resource is going to make your life so much easier! You can find a link in the "Resources Mentioned" section below.

I'd love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram @notsowimpyteacher to share those with me!

Resources Mentioned:

2020 Election Activities Digital and Printable

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!

Book Clubs in a Virtual Classroom Sep 28, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!

Do you miss book clubs with your kids since going virtual? Maybe you've never done book clubs before at all but want to start?

Well, I heard you guys asking, so I'm here to bring some answers. Today on the podcast, we are going to chat all about how to run book clubs in a virtual classroom.

In case you didn't already know, I am a very proud bookworm. I love to read, and I truly believe that it's because I had teachers who were passionate about sharing reading experiences in the classroom. When I became a teacher, I knew that I needed to help my students to find their love for reading and book clubs were the answer!

Whether your classroom is currently in-person or virtual, book clubs can help increase engagement and excitement about reading.

Episode 76 Takeaways:

+ You can separate your kiddos into leveled reading groups.

+ You can assign different books to each of your groups.

+ Just about any chapter book will work for your book clubs.

+ Choose books that complement your students' interests.

+ The books don't all have to be the same length. It's okay if one group finishes before another.

+ There are lots of ways to get books at a low cost.

+ Try reading together in small groups.

+ Try not to interrupt them with questions.

+ Consider assigning the same task to every student rather than individual roles.

I can't wait to hear how your virtual book clubs turn out. I know that your students are going to be so excited about the books that you share in these clubs.

I'd love to know how your book clubs are going and what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram @notsowimpyteacher to share those with me!

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!

7 Ways to Make Virtual Teaching Easier Sep 21, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!

So…….. virtual teaching. How are you feeling? A little overwhelmed? Yeah, I see you.

I know that you feel like you're drowning with all the new technology, new strategies, and new concerns that come with teaching virtually. I have heard it over and over. Teachers feel like they are drowning, and I don't want anyone drowning on my watch! I'm not a very good swimmer, so I can't be a good lifeguard, but I got together with my team and we brainstormed some ways to make virtual teaching easier.

These tips will give you some of the tools that you need to make it to dry land, and I feel like right now a good tip or two could be our saving grace. In today's episode, I am giving you seven different ways to make virtual teaching easier.

Episode 75 Takeaways:

+ Use less technology.

+ Keep a daily schedule.

+ Create routines with your students.

+ Batch your lesson recording.

+ Assign less work.

+ Stop grading everything.

+ Give yourself grace.

You are growing as an educator every single day. Focus on how far you have come, rather than the bumps in the road. The bumps actually helped you to learn something new, even if it hurt in the moment. You've learned to use all kinds of new technology and have created real relationships with a group of kids that you probably didn't even get to meet in person. You have faced your fear of being on video and you love your class fiercely.

As far as I'm concerned, you are highly proficient. And I'd be happy to sign that observation form if you need me to.

I'd love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram @notsowimpyteacher to share them with me!

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 8: Why I Ditched the Writing Prompts

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!

7 Ways to Make Virtual Learning More Fun Sep 14, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!

Raise your hand if you went to college to major in virtual education. Anyone? No, didn't think so.

In this episode, I want to chat about ways that you can make learning fun, even if you're teaching virtually. In fact, I'm going to be sharing seven different ways to make virtual learning more fun for your students.

None of us really went to school and trained for this, but at a moment's notice we all became online teachers, and many teachers are now teaching online AND in person, which is just crazy!

So now you're figuring out how to get into staff meetings on Zoom, trying to learn new technology, and frankly just trying to get your kids to use the mute and unmute button properly. It's exhausting! And yet, you still want it to be fun for your students. You don't want to do the bare minimum. You don't want your virtual classroom to be boring. You want it to be engaging!

My team got together and we brainstormed some ways that you can make this whole virtual education thing more fun-- and in a way that isn't overwhelming!

Let's talk about seven different (and easy) ways to make virtual learning more fun for your students. Oh- and for you too!

Episode 74 Takeaways:

+ Keep your virtual classroom engaging by using centers.

+ Use book clubs.

+ Go on virtual field trips.

+ Consider adding lunch clubs to your virtual classroom.

+ Change the location of your virtual classroom.

+ Use music to keep students engaged.

+ Don't be afraid to mix in some nonacademic activities.

I hope that some of these ideas got you thinking about ways that you could continue to make your virtual classroom even more fun. I want you to know that I am so amazed by what you are doing. You are learning so many new things, jumping in, and just doing the best that you possibly can for your students, even though there's a lot of pressure.

I want you to pat yourself on the back and remember that you won't be perfect, your classroom won't be perfect, but you love your students and that's more than enough.

I'd love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to our Instagram @notsowimpyteacher to share those with me!

Resources Mentioned:

Digital Math Centers

Digital Reading Centers

Digital and Printable Book Club

List of Favorite Virtual Field Trips

Fun Things to Do In a Virtual Classroom

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!

Teaching Growth Mindset in the Classroom Aug 31, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!

Have you ever heard a student in your classroom say something like this?

"I'm not good at math" or "it's too hard" or "I can't."

Yep. Me too.

Did you know, research shows that students in the US commonly give up quickly on difficult tasks? These limiting mindsets can make it very difficult to teach new and challenging skills in the classroom.

In this episode, I want to talk about how you can change their mindset so that your students aren't afraid to take on challenging tasks or problems.

The secret? You have to teach your students how to have a growth mindset. We'll talk all about what a growth mindset is vs. a fixed mindset and how you can teach it in your classroom.

Episode 73 Takeaways:

+ Recent studies show that the brain grows when we practice new things and give it challenges.

+ A growth mindset is the opposite of a fixed mindset. Someone with a fixed mindset avoids challenges.

+ Change your feedback on tasks so students understand that their success is a result of their willingness to work hard on challenging tasks

+ It's important to challenge all of your students, not just the high achievers.

+ Let your students see you try new things and be open about what you are trying and the challenges you are taking. Modeling is the easiest way to teach new things.

+ Share growth mindset books, and activities with your students.

+ It's important to help our students know what a growth mindset is and have conversations about it so it becomes part of our classroom.

By focusing so heavily on right and wrong answers, sometimes we forget to teach our students that getting the right answer might not be the most important thing. By teaching them how to have a growth mindset, we teach them to be more resilient, and better equipped to take on new challenges.

Don't forget to check out our google slides resource that is packed with interactive growth mindset activities. You can use it in your virtual or in-person classroom.

I'd love to know what other ideas you come up with, so head over to my Instagram @notsowimpyteacher to share those with me!

Resources Mentioned:

Book: After the Fall

Book: Rosie Revere Engineer

Book: Jabari Jumps

Interactive Growth Mindset Google Slides

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!

Hybrid Teaching With A Flipped Classroom Aug 24, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!

Is your school implementing a hybrid teaching model this year? It's basically a combination of in-person and virtual learning, usually with students split into two groups, each of them spending some time learning in the classroom and some time learning from home.

One of the best ways to teach with a hybrid model is to flip your instruction. Instead of teaching in person and sending kids home to do the work, have them watch the lessons at home and come to school to do the work. This way they have your attention and assistance when they need it most…while they are doing the actual work.

On today's episode, I'll walk you through some simple tips for flipping your instruction!

Episode 72 Takeaways:

+Record Whole Group video lessons

+Keep video lessons short & don't worry about perfection

+Batch record and get a bunch done at one time

+Share your screen to show powerpoint, passages or anchor charts (you can use your usual curriculum)

+Do practice activities in class

+If a student can't watch the video at home, let them watch when they arrive

I have said it before, and I will say it again, there is NO perfect solution. My heart goes out to you because I know how hard you are working. Keep reminding yourself that this is temporary. It won't last forever.

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!

Teaching Writing Virtually Aug 17, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!

Lots of teachers are faced with this new challenge: "How do I teach writing virtually?"

The best thing you can do for your students, if you are going to be teaching virtually for long, is to teach the writing lessons yourself. I know that it might sound intimidating, but I hope these tips will help you to feel more confident.

Episode 71 Takeaways:

+You can choose to teach your lessons on live video or pre-recorded video.

+Run your video writing lessons almost exactly how you would run the lesson in class.

+Share your screen to show the mentor text and anchor charts.

+Keep the video lessons super short (10-15 minutes).

+Give them a SMALL independent writing task. Work up to longer times.

+Don't aim for perfection. It's okay to make mistakes, just like if you were teaching in the classroom.

+Students can do their writing digitally, on paper, or using a combination of both.

+You can schedule Zoom calls or Google Meets with small conference groups.

This year is certainly not typical, but that doesn't mean you can't still teach writing in an effective and engaging way.

But remember that your students don't need fancy video lessons with professional lighting or a fancy microphone; they just need you. So show up and do the best you can. You've got this!

Check out my writing units here.

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!

Using Digital Math Centers Aug 10, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Our team has been hard at work this summer and we are SO excited that our new digital math centers have been released and are ready to go! We've had lots of questions about this popular new resource, so today I'm answering your questions about using digital math centers!

Whether you are teaching virtually for all or part of your classroom experience this year, these digital math centers are a great resource to keep your students engaged and loving math.

Episode 70 Takeaways:

+These math centers are interactive Google slides

+Any platform where you can assign a powerpoint can work with these centers.

+The centers are not self-grading, but simple answer keys are included.

+You can view each student's answers on the Student Work page.

+The digital center activities are comparable to our printable math center activities.

+These are a separate resource, not an update to the printable version.

These digital math centers have already been a best-seller in our Not So Wimpy Teacher TpT store because they cover so many standards, they're engaging, they're no-prep, and students will love doing them! CLICK HERE to check out our new digital math center bundles.

If you or your students are new to Google classroom, then be sure to grab your FREE copy of our Google Classroom Help Guide.

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!

3 Simple Ways to Integrate the Arts Into Your Classroom Aug 03, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! In this episode, I'm chatting with long-time teacher and author, Elizabeth Peterson, about how valuable the Arts are to students and how to integrate them into your classroom in simple ways.

In her 20 years of teaching, Elizabeth has been a huge proponent of using the Arts to help students with social and emotional learning.

Episode 69 Takeaways:

+ You don't have to be a musician or an artist to integrate the arts into your classroom in a helpful way

+ Teaching kids active listening is all about being active with your ears and brain, not just active with your body

+ Have "Listen Alouds" where you play a piece of music during snack time and let your students identify sounds, emotions, themes, etc.

+ Take "Brain Breaks" with your class and have them stand up, stretch or even dance to get their whole body moving

+ Try "Friendly Friday" and let your students use their creativity to make an encouraging card or note for another classmate

+ Consistency with these small additions is key

The good news is you can even implement these ideas in a virtual classroom! Do your movement break on a zoom call by sharing your screen with the class and playing a Go Noodle or YouTube video for them to dance to. Do your listen aloud in your virtual classroom. Have kids write encouragements to each other on a google comment thread.

The more your students see YOU expressing creativity with confidence, the more they will feel comfortable themselves.

Integrating the Arts into your classroom can have a powerful effect on your students, helping them process and express their emotions in a productive way.

You can find Elizabeth and grab your free resource at theinspiredclassroom.com/notsowimpy!

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and follow me on Instagram @notsowimpyteacher where I share daily!

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