Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast

Latest Episodes:

5 Things Teachers Will Need to Reconsider This Year Jul 27, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast. Whether you will be in-person or online, we want our classrooms to be just as safe as they are engaging. In this week's episode, I am going to dive into five things that teachers will need to reconsider to make sure the upcoming school year is safe for everyone. COVID-19 is making things hard but not impossible!

This is not a podcast I had imagined making but it's our responsibility as teachers to ensure the safety of our students. I am not a doctor. These are my personal tips, but please do make sure you're following the rules at each of your teaching locations.

Takeaways from this episode:

Host a virtual open house! Share a little about yourself and allow your students to do the same.
Offer personal supplies instead of encouraging students to share.
Apply for Not So Wimpy's "Adopt-A-Classroom" program and set up "DonorsChoose" projects!
Use virtual manipulatives.
Think about sanitization when creating options for Flexible Seating.
Create personal student book boxes and a return book box for a safe classroom library.

Interested in Not So Wimpy's Adopt-A-Classroom program? If your classroom is chosen, Not So Wimpy will give you the opportunity to create a supply wishlist for your classroom and every month we will send you a box of supplies. Don't wait, apply here.

Listen to our "How to Make Centers Safer" episode here for more safety tips. There's no denying that this school year will be a bit unconventional, but the students are so lucky to have you making their year great. Have a not so wimpy day!

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 Strategies for Classroom Management with Ashley Marquez Jul 20, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! In this week's episode we have an amazing guest, Ashley Marquez from Teach, Create, Motivate. Ashley is here to share three strategies to help teachers with classroom management. She brings innovative learning and fun to the classroom. She'll teach how to calm the chaos while teaching engaging skills that help motivate independent learners.

Teach, Create, Motivate was built because of her need for creative resources for her students. This need for her own classroom grew into helping other teachers and continues to grow.

Takeaways from this episode:

Be consistent with your classroom strategy. Use a tool to take control and manage behavior, but stay consistent in delivery and use. This should be maximizing your teaching time.
Create student "buy-in." Your students should be excited so they're invested. This is all about presentation; your delivery could make or break this program.
Choices! Give your students choices...these student-led programs are more successful when they choose themselves. They have more "buy-in" when they feel like their voice is being heard.
Don't be afraid of "classroom management." Not all classroom management looks the same.
Get rid of overwhelm and create more engagement. Create a calm, confident learning environment by making the mindset shift.
Ashley's NEW PROGRAM! Great for any grade and any type of classroom.

Access Ashley's new program; Classroom Management Academy. This is an online course broken down into six modules. These are some of the best classroom strategies, tips, ideas and resources for you to create that positive and calm student-led program you want to achieve in your classroom. Once you've purchased, you'll have unlimited access and can rewatch them any time. Take advantage of learning when it's best for your schedule and have the tools you need at your fingertips. Maximize your time and see your students flourish in learning. Access a BONUS MODULE on Distance Learning! You can still implement classroom management virtually. This program is only available for a short time and won't be back again until 2021. Register here: www.notsowimpyteacher.com/classroommanagement

Connect with Ashley at www.teachcreatemotivate.com or Follow her on Instagram @teachcreatemotivate

I hope you are inspired by these tips and create great reading centers for you students this year. 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!

Making Reading Centers Easier to Manage Jul 13, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! In this week's episode I am going to share tips on how to make reading centers easier to manage. Reading centers aren't just about being busy; they're about being busy with stuff that is helping to move them forward. Reading centers use activities that review and practice those reading skills that you absolutely need to have them master.

Center time can get chaotic, so I learned how to make my center time more meaningful and better managed so I could handle it as a teacher. I know planning for centers can get really time consuming, so here are some tips to help you get some hours back in your life! I hope some of these spark ideas that will make a difference in how you create and run your reading centers.

Tips from this episode:

Spend all the time up front so you are prepared for the whole year, then review them a couple of times throughout the year.
Model your center procedures and then model them again!
Use anchor charts that record what it should look and sound like during center time.
Have a student model what NOT to do! Then, have the students point out what he did wrong and model the correct behavior.
Have students show YOU how to do center time.
Get a few of the centers started during your reading groups to help students get started on the right track.
Use consistent centers! Don't waste time digging for new information each week.
Use things that won't change all year like read-to-self, reading response center stations, and center technology!
Use centers that focus on a specific skill.
Limit the number of transitions.

CHECK OUT MY READING CENTERS

Help yourself out by getting a whole bundle; you'll thank yourself later! We want your students to do well independently, so plan for a variety of center activities that will set them up for success.

I hope you are inspired by these tips and create great reading centers for you students this year.

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!

Will you please take two minutes to leave a review? Reviews are one of the BEST ways to support the podcast because it lets potential listeners know that there is something worth tuning into. Click here to leave a review. Thank you so much for your support!

How to Make Centers Safer Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! This episode is something I didn't think I'd need to record a few months back, and that's how to make the Centers safer. COVID has brought a world of uncertainty to what will come in the Fall. I wish I had the answers for everything, but what I can do is come up with some tips to help make things a little better. I am not a Doctor, these are just my personal tips, but please do make sure you're following the rules at each of your teaching locations. These are just my personal opinions.

I love the Centers so, of course, I am a little bit worried. The hands-on activities at Centers will be at risk this Fall, so think of ways to continue learning that is safe and still engaging.

In this episode I talk about:

Laminating your center materials so they can be more easily disinfected
Creating a sanitization routine
Having students use hand sanitizer BEFORE and AFTER using the activities
Having plenty of activities so each student has their own at any given time
Creating independent kits for the tools each student needs to use
Using digital centers that make kids think deeply and not just play games

BIG NEWS! We are working on making our Math Centers all digital on Google Slides. We are making them very engaging and creating opportunities for the students to really think deeply while still having fun! They're so close to being finished, so keep checking back at www.notsowimpyteacher.com and get on the waitlist for these when they go live!

There's no denying that this school year will be a bit unconventional, but the students are so lucky to have you making their year great. Have a not so wimpy day!

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 Masterclass Success Stories Jun 29, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! I am back this week with a new exciting episode. We had a Facebook live party this week and I invited some Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass Alumni to share their stories.

In today's episode we're going to meet Dixie, BJ and Karen, and they're sharing how they felt before and after the Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass last year. We're going to dive in to see what they're teaching their students now and how excited they are for you to have the opportunity to take this class now. We might even have a surprise if you listen until the end! We want to support teachers and help them prepare for the unknown year in teaching ahead.

In this episode:

Live conversations with Masterclass Alumni
Dixie's growth journey as a writing teacher
BJ's story of going from overwhelmed & overworked to getting her weekends back
Karen's experience of turning non-user friendly curriculum into simple & effective teaching
Favorite writing teacher tips Alumni are using today
Surprise announcement!!

Registration closes on July 2nd, so make sure you sign up! Don't miss it or you'll have to wait until next year! Join the thousands of teachers who are loving the Not So Wimpy Masterclass today! www.notsowimpyteacher.com/Masterclass

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!

Head to Apple Podcasts to leave a review.

How to Become a Not So Wimpy Writing Teacher Jun 23, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! This episode is different from what you are used to — I'm popping in to invite you to something super special! I've been waiting a WHOLE YEAR for this moment! Let me start by asking you a question: Do your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students struggle with writing?

Don't feel bad, most students struggle with writing. The good news is that implementing a simple yet effective writing workshop can totally change the game. By the end of your writing workshop, students will be begging you for more writing time!

In this episode I talk about:

The Masterclass that has helped over 3,000 teachers flip the script on teaching writing
The practical, actionable, and fun strategies that fill the Not So Wimpy Masterclass
How we're specializing in 2nd-5th grades to make writing fun and effective for teachers AND students
How you can earn a 10-Hour Professional Development Certificate

The Not So Wimpy Masterclass will walk you through how to become a successful writing teacher who inspires students and transforms them into powerful writers.

My team has a collective of 35 years of education experience, and we've put everything we know into this course to help you succeed.

Want to know some of the key elements this Masterclass includes?

TONS of videos to help you learn to teach different procedures.
An actionable course workbook, rubrics, and printables to make your life easier!
A 10-Hour Professional Development Certificate
4 Incredible Bonuses: A members-only Facebook Group, Weekly Live Q&A with me, a Bonus Module for Video Writing Skills, and a Lesson Demonstration Video.

Join the thousands of teachers who are loving the Not So Wimpy Masterclass today!

www.notsowimpyteacher.com/Masterclass

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!

5 Ways to Excite Reluctant Writers Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! We're getting close to the end of this series on teaching writing. This week we're going to talk about ways to excite your reluctant writers. You know the ones I am talking about. They don't have any ideas, they don't want to try, and they get "done" really fast. These are the students we want to help teach with these five strategies to excite reluctant writers. Our goal is to create a positive experience around writing and build the confidence in your little writers.

In this episode I talk about:

Letting your writers choose their writing utensils, it's more fun to write with a fun pencil, pen or marker
Letting your writers choose their topic, let them use their imagination
Give your students clear, daily writing tasks
Give daily opportunities for students to share their writing
Create writing celebrations, make this a quarterly event

I used to dread teaching writing until I mastered the best way to teach it. Now, it's my favorite subject and it could be yours, too.

Join me for a FREE Live Training called; "Confidently Teach Writing Mini Lessons, Even if You Feel Like Your Writing Curriculum is Boring and Your Students Hate Writing."

Join me live for one hour to learn 4 strategies that make writing more enjoyable. Let me teach you how to make your writing curriculum work better for you. Make sure to stay the entire time and you could get a free Poetry Writing Mini Unit, not available on TPT. Anyone who signs up will get a 1-Hour Professional Development Certificate to show to your administration.

Want more Not So Wimpy Teacher tips and tricks? Find tons of resources on our website https://www.notsowimpyteacher.com/

Follow me on Instagram where I share daily! @notsowimpyteacher

How To Be A Kick-Butt Writing Teacher Even If You Hate To Write Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! I am back this week to continue our series on teaching writing. In today's episode I want to talk about how you can be a kick-butt writing teacher, even if you hate to write. I want you to become more confident when teaching writing. Let's dive in!

In this episode I talk about:

The importance of using mentor text, you don't have to be their only example
Anchor charts will help keep you organized
Work with me, sign up for The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass

…and so much more!

If you're interested in building your confidence in teaching writing, join me at The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass. It is my online professional writing course for teachers in grades two through five. I will provide you with step-by-step strategies you'll need to implement a successful writing workshop in your classroom. I want to take you from a place of feeling overwhelmed and anxious to being fully confident as a writing teacher.

Get on the waitlist so you can receive an email message from me about the opening of the course. Mark your calendar for June 22, 2020. This course won't be back again until June 2021!

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!

Head to Apple Podcasts to leave a review.

Waitlist Full URL: https://www.notsowimpyteacher.com/waitlist

5 Mistakes Teachers Make When Teaching Writing Jun 01, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! I am back this week to continue our series on teaching writing. In today's episode, I am sharing about the 5 mistakes I see teachers making when teaching writing. Don't get me wrong, I have made these same mistakes too, but I'm going to break them down for you so you can become more confident when teaching writing. Let's dive in!

In this episode I talk about:

How we unintentionally decrease our student's love for writing
The importance of spending time on revision
Less perfection, more celebration

...and so much more!

If you're interested in diving deeper into The Not So Wimpy Writing Process, stay tuned for my upcoming online professional development course. It's called The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass and in it, I dive deep into the process we talked about in this episode today. The course will only be available for a short time in June so be sure to get on the waitlist so you don't miss out!

To take the FREE quiz that I mentioned in this episode head to www.notsowimpyteacher.com/quiz.

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 Ways to Have More Fun Teaching Writing May 25, 2020

Show notes

Welcome back to another episode of The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! This week we are continuing on with our series on writing curriculum. I have had so many teachers tell me how much they HATE teaching writing. They don't feel confident when they teach writing and that makes total sense. As humans, we don't like doing things that we don't know how to do or don't feel confident doing, right? So in today's episode, I am going to share 3 tips that you can use to make teaching writing more fun for YOU. We always talk about making things fun for our students, but today is all about you. Let's dive in!

In this episode I talk about:

How to make teaching writing fun for the teacher, not just the student
Giving students a choice
Growth over perfection
Investing in trainings to become more confident as a writing teacher

If you're interested in diving deeper and want to become a more confident writing teacher, stay tuned for my upcoming online professional development course. It's called The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass and in it, I dive deep into all of the things we talked about in today's episode. The course will only be available for a short time in June so be sure to get on the waitlist by heading to www.notsowimpyteacher.com/waitlist so you don't miss out!

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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