Teaching to the TOP

Latest Episodes:

039. Our Biggest Back-to-School Mistakes Sep 24, 2020

Show notes

It’s fair to say that we have all made mistakes in our life. While we hate to make mistakes they help to make us better when we choose to learn from them. In this episode we are sharing two BIG mistakes that we have made when heading back to school.

While we share our two mistakes we want you to keep one thing in mind: KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid. Teaching can often feel like a competition instead of a collaboration and while this is not done intentionally, it can manifest in so much that we do for our classroom and for our students.

OUR TWO BIGGEST BACK-TO-SCHOOL MISTAKES

Mistake 1: Following trends we see on social media. AKA: Keeping up with the Jones’

Social media can be a place where innovation rises and new ideas spark excitement and motivation. As we have personally learned, social media can also be a place where new connections are made. However, social media can also cause us to feel pressure and distract us from our true purpose as a teacher.

When feeling stressed because of what you are seeing on social media do these things instead:

Stay off social media
Remind yourself that it is easier to add on than to take away
Best teaching practices aren’t always cute
Your teaching ability is not determined by keeping up with the Jones’
Teaching is not always about the materials but about the relationships you form

Mistake 2: Putting too much on our plates

Even when we are already feeling as though we have too much going on we still have a tendency to bring on more tasks. This is mainly because we don’t want to look as though we cannot do “all the things”. This can be from volunteering for activities, trying new things you see on social media or wanting to grow in multiple areas at once. This can lead to burnout and can even add pressures to your loved ones or your students.

When feeling as though you are taking too much on do these things instead:

Collaborate with other teachers as much as possible (synergy… 1 + 1 = 3)
Choose one area to focus on (technology, parent communication, student wellbeing)
Start with less and add more
Limit how much you change in one year/at one time
Practice self care

CONCLUSION

This year seems to add so much pressure on us with all the changes and adjustments that we are having to make as a teacher. It can be overwhelming and burn you out if you allow it to continue for too long. Remember to take a break away from work and try some of the strategies we mentioned to help ground you to what is really important.

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038. Simple Strategies That Will Transform Your Teacher Productivity Sep 17, 2020

Show notes

The beginning of the year can be overwhelming, especially this year. Once summer comes to an end, finding a routine that gets you focused on school can be difficult. Today, we are sharing FIVE simple strategies that you can implement in order to transform your teacher productivity.

5 SIMPLE STRATEGIES THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR TEACHER PRODUCTIVITY

Strategy #1: Create a Power List for the Day
Strategy #2: Complete a Technology Check
Strategy #3: Follow the 2-Minute Rule
Strategy #4: Take 5 Minutes to Clean Up at the End of the Day
Strategy #5: Organize Materials for the Next Day

CONCLUSION

During various times of the year, it is important to take a few minutes and evaluate what you are doing on a daily basis that is directly related to your productivity. When you evaluate the motions to the day and pinpoint areas that need to be fine-tuned, you have a greater chance to maintain your productivity from day-to-day.

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037. Establishing a Functional Workspace (No Matter Where You're Teaching) Sep 10, 2020

Show notes

This year is unlike any year that we have taught, whether you are teaching in-person or virtual. As a result of the changes this year, we have to rethink our workspaces. Some of us are creating workspaces at home and others are having to redesign their classroom layouts in order to accommodate the new guidelines or needs.

Whatever the case, your workspace is like your hub or home-base, and it is more important now than ever before to define your space so that it works for you and the ever-changing needs of the time that we are living in.

ESTABLISHING A FUNCTIONAL WORKSPACE

What makes a workspace functional?

A functional workspace is a space that allows you to work at your very best by increasing your productivity. A functional workspace is also organized and clean so that you can work efficiently. Materials are laid out in a way that they are easily accessible and comfort is a priority to ensuring your mind and focus is where you need it to be.

Keep in mind that this workspace does not have to be a desk. This is simply a designated space where you will be working that will help to notify and signal to your brain that you are focused on a specific task.

Why is this important?

So why are functional workspaces so important? Having a functional workspace is going to help you in prioritizing your “stuff”. This will then allow you to increase your productivity in order to get the most done out of your day.

Let’s face it, we have A LOT going on right now. Our situations are constantly changing and in order to stay on top of the constantly moving field that we are in this year, we need to ensure that our workspaces are functional.

How do we create a functional workspace?

Step 1: Choose a designated workspace

Step 2: Set up your necessary technology

Step 3: Create a list of materials for each task

Step 4: Organize materials in your workspace

Step 5: Maintain your workspace

CONCLUSION

Your workspace provides you with an area to establish routine, hold essential items that you will use on any given day, and create a space where you are able to focus to get your tasks done. Taking the time to define your space will increase your productivity. Just remember that as you work, you may need to periodically restructure or evaluate the needs of your workspace. Just as our lives change, our workspace may also need to adjust to accommodate those changes.

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036. Q&A: Your Productivity Questions Answered Sep 03, 2020

Show notes

We get countless questions regarding how we manage to do it all. From getting things done to managing our teaching careers with our passions and businesses, we share it all!

In this episode, we are answering YOUR questions, but because we had so many, we have organized them into three separate episodes. This is the third in our Q&A series. Be sure to check out Episode #030 where we answer your time management questions, and Episode #032 where we discuss our organization tips.

In this episode we are sharing your productivity questions. We hope that you enjoy them!

YOUR PRODUCTIVITY QUESTIONS:

How have you changed your ability/methods of “TOP” since your 1st years of teaching? From jaymie.nicole
SPED teacher here: how do you balance the paperwork & lesson planning period? From kellseyo
How do you manage to grade writing assignments in a timely fashion? They take forever! From teachuntilcontent
Do you answer emails after school hours? From belenanmartin
How do you prioritize your tasks? From onfireforchoir
How far in advance should you be planning? From savannah_watson
What are some digital tools that help you with organization and productivity? From grade3withmst
How do you stay motivated on low/down/off days? From voraciousteacher & What are some ways to keep yourself motivated to complete a big task? From amber.bach17
How to stay productive and organized when others may be loading more on your plate? From alf021
What self care practices boost your productivity (in your experience)? From eeemilyp
How do you deal with that one co-worker who drags down productivity? Major TSH for me!! From russellrmc
What to do about things you can’t control? Ex: admin comes in and asks for report info ASAP throwing off your plan! Especially if team lead - happens a lot! From colorcodedenglishclass

CONCLUSION

Mastering the art of productivity is something we all strive for in our lifetime; however, it seems that at the exact moment when life is going the way we planned, everything instantly changes taking our productivity with it. Understanding what building and sustains productivity is the key. Know your strengths, weaknesses and build from that to maintain the life that you want to live.

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035. Reduce Your Paper Flow with One Simple Change Aug 27, 2020

Show notes

What if we told you that we have a BIG secret that will help you to reduce your paper flow, keep you more organized, and allow you to gain access to just about anything you may need from anywhere?

Our secret that can completely change how you use paper is to go DIGITAL!

That’s right. Going digital can solve just about any of the problems you may be having. We know that it can seem overwhelming and frustrating at times, but with time, knowledge and commitment, going completely digital can make a BIG impact on your time management, organization and productivity as a teacher.

And guess what!? We have just the thing to help with that!

[2:05] We have launched our own digital planner and Google Slides planner. With our love for planning and digital solutions, we have combined forces to develop the *dare we say it* perfect planner. We offer multiple formats, date ranges and we are excited to announce that we have also launched these in a Google Slides format for those of you that are die hard Google fans.

Be sure to check out OUR STORE to see our planner line and get started going digital today!

[6:00] 10 WAYS TO START GOING DIGITAL

[6:11] #1: Planner
[9:02] #2: Checklists
[13:10] #3: Student information
[15:57] #4: Meeting notes
[19:49] #5: Student assignments
[24:23] #6: Student resources
[27:22] #7: Exit tickets
[30:11] #8: Permission slips/forms that have to be signed
[30:54] #9: Surveys (parent information)
[32:12] #10: Sign ups

CONCLUSION

While it may be a little intimidating to abandon paper copies, we don’t think it would be wise to completely go cold turkey right away. Start small by choosing one or two from the suggestions that we have listed today. As you become more comfortable with these areas, then you can look to add more.

The trick in all of this is to “let go” of the paper. If you choose to do both then you will only feel more frustrated and overwhelmed. Not to mention that you will have various bits of information in multiple locations.

We hope that you can begin taking the smaller steps towards joining us in the digital world.

Don’t forget to check out our planners by visiting OUR STORE.

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034. How to Simplify Back to School (and Save Money) Aug 20, 2020

Show notes

August and September is Back-to-School season. There are constant reminders and the desire to get new items to fill out classrooms and prepare our kids for heading back into the classroom. However, this season can be busy and costly. Between purchasing new items for your classroom and for your kids at home, everything adds up at the end of the day. Your time is being pulled in several different directions all in the hopes that the first day of school goes smoothly.

But… we think we have some tips to help you simplify your back to school and save money in the process.

[3:12] Tips for Simplifying Back to School

[3:26] Manipulatives

[9:47] Anchor charts

[16:36] Decor

[23:46] Teacher materials

CONCLUSION

There are many ways to simplify teaching. Your students don’t remember the amount of money you spent or the knick-knacks you purchased for a particular bookcase. They remember the relationship, conversation and the energy you have. Look for ways to be creative and get your students involved. Your students and your pockets will love you for it.

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033. Beginning of the Year MUST-HAVES (Even in a Pandemic) Aug 13, 2020

Show notes

This year is totally different than any of us could've ever imagined. In fact, things may still be changing by the minute. We know that this is overwhelming no matter if you are in person teaching or teaching online; both of these formats have their own challenges.

We also know that on top of being overwhelmed, you are probably feeling as though you have no control over anything right now, but we can assure you that there are some things that you STILL have control over. When you focus on what you CAN control over what you CAN’T, you will get more done and feel less overwhelmed.

Remember, done is better than perfect.

We have 5 Beginning of the Year MUST-HAVES (Even in a pandemic) for you all today! These 5 things that YOU DO have control over and can help you feel overwhelmed and more prepared for whatever is thrown your way.

[3:26] 5 Beginning of the Year MUST-HAVES (Even in a Pandemic)

[3:43] Student Login Information

[6:50] Student Checklists

[11:06] Parent Information/ Handbook

[20:31] First Week of School Activities

[24:30] New Student Kits

CONCLUSION

The beginning of the year is stressful, yes, but with a little planning, preparation and a strong focus on what you CAN control this year, you will find yourself feeling a little more prepared and hopefully, a little less stressed.

HAVE YOU HEARD!

[28:55] Our TOP Teacher Workshops are now available! We are excited to announce three workshops that are geared towards Time Management, Organization and Productivity. Each workshop is half an hour long and helps give you tangible steps that will help you in becoming the TOP teacher you want to be. You can purchase these individually or as a bundle over on www.teachingonthedouble.com.

Hurry, because these are ONLY available until September 13, 2020!

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032. Q&A: Your Organization Questions Answered Aug 06, 2020

Show notes

We get countless questions regarding how we manage to do it all. From getting things done to managing our teaching careers with our passions and businesses, we share it all!

In this episode, we are answering YOUR questions, but because we had so many, we have organized them into three separate episodes. This is the first episode has already been released, you can listen to episode #029 to hear all about how we manage our time management.

In this episode we are sharing your organization questions. We hope that you enjoy them!

YOUR ORGANIZATION QUESTIONS:

What organization system do you have in your classroom that you are most proud of? From mrsdennis_tw
How long has it taken each of you to find the organizational style that fits your needs best? From sjohnson912
How to utilize a smaller classroom and stay organized. From loladasher
What can I do when I have very little wall space? I think my wall with the most space is maybe 5 ft. From mosaicinthemiddle
How to organize teaching items in an apartment. I can’t get into my school over the summer. From ashley.zundel86
Any tips on how to get started with organizing in the middle of feeling overwhelmed to do it? From pencilsandmagicwands
How do you maintain organization when tired? From daniel_dadgumheels
How do you stay organized in the middle of the busy day? I find myself just having papers everywhere at the end of the day. From taylor_leigh77
What is a good way to keep up with the flow of papers in and out? From arkitchin
How do you organize copies for the week/weeks out? From ourelementarydays
What methods do you use to organize the resources you used throughout the year? From mswolfe5th
Do you organize materials by month, unit, quarter, etc? From brookeashleyk
How do you organize turned in work and work you need to grade? From mrsfoglesong
What are some systems that you have used to deal with homework turn in? From khellokitty16
How do you organize student data in regards to formative assessments? From elizabethhaller
What’s the best organization for individual student supplies? From plan2teach2nd
What is the best way to organize holiday decor/activities? From nhopkin1
I need classroom library organization tips! From maddiepizzuti
How do you stay digitally organized? My files are all over the place. From miss.lisajordan
How to organize things related to distance learning? From hel_chris_
Tips for organizing emails? From ecallis74
You have videos or organize lists and Google Drive. How do you organize hard copies? From fed120

CONCLUSION

Organization can be challenging and this challenge can lead to anxiety and frustrations in your productivity. Work on developing systems that work the best for you and ask yourself if you need all the things you currently have. Work to simplify your lifestyle and gain footing for making it through the school year with less stress and more motivation.

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031. The Habits You SHOULD Be Building This Summer Jul 30, 2020

Show notes

There are those books that we’ve all heard of and read. Books like Twilight, Harry Potter and Fifty Shades of Grey (we know… so scandals!). However, the book that we want to share and discuss today is not as controversial as Mr. Grey, but it’s one that is very common in the category of self-discovery.

To give a short summary, Stephen Covey is the author of the high acclaimed 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This book outlines 7 habits that Covey believes are necessary to become an effective person. Keep in mind that this book, while it helps you with being productive, this book is so much more than this. In fact, this book helps you in all areas of life; think of this book as a way to help you become well-rounded. The book is broken into private victories (habits 1-3) and public victories (habits 4-6).

7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

Habit definition: A habit is the intersection of knowledge, skill, and desire. Knowledge is the theoretical paradigm (the what to do and the why). Skill is how you do it, and desire is the motivation (the want to do).

Habit 1: Be Proactive

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

Habit 3: Put First Things First

Habit 4: Think Win-Win

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood

Habit 6: Synergize

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

CONCLUSION

We loved this book and highly recommend it as a read. If you feel as though you need a little push in order to become more productive but to also to develop a well-rounded lifestyle, this is a must read! If you enjoyed this episode be sure to check out the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

Grab your copy here!

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030. Q&A: Your Time Management Questions Answered Jul 23, 2020

Show notes

We get countless questions regarding how we manage to do it all. From getting things done to managing our teaching careers with our passions and businesses, we share it all!

In this episode, we are answering YOUR questions, but because we had so many, we have organized them into three separate episodes. This is the first of three episodes and we are going to answer all your time management questions.

ANSWERING YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT QUESTIONS:

Below are the questions we have answered. Even if we did not get to answer all the questions that were asked you are able to gain some informative insight into how we manage our time.

Have you got any tips for not working too much during quarantine? From arrustemaj1
How do you balance your time away from school with school work on extended breaks? From ms.brittnidoyle
How do you find the balance between planning ahead and being flexible? From hawth018
How do you make the best use of your planning time? We have 40 minutes a day. From thecaffinatedcandidclassroom
What time management tips do you have for a student working on his BA during quarantine? From edgar 780
How to spend less time grading but still have a fair and accurate number grade for report cards? From jamiesloan14
How do I have my students have good time management but still do well in class? From teachwith_mrsguire
You seem very involved in school and other things. How do you balance it? From ali_malone4
Can you go over creating a schedule for your planning to be more productive? From heathnoel34
How do you make time for your podcast, tpt, etc. businesses on top of teaching? From wajwilliams4
How do you manage to plan time for other obligations besides teaching? Ex: Youtube From teachingwithpositivity
Top tip for 1st year teachers to establish work-life balance? I start my first job in August. From baker_girl_91
How much prep time you have a week & how your contract hours compare to student hour From teachinginthegoldenstate
Do you recommend planning your entire week ahead of time or preparing day to day? From arthur_dynasty
How do you manage your time and stay productive in the summer? From scout1283
What is the biggest time saving tip you can give? From dashielberkofficial

CONCLUSION

Time management is determining the value in return for each task that you complete in a given day. Ask yourself whether the task is helping you towards your goals, and define your time blocks to completing those tasks that get you closer.

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Are you subscribed to our podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Click here to subscribe to iTunes!

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