The Balanced Educator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Overcome the Fear of Introducing Mindfulness in Your Classroom to Your Middle and High School Students: Free Lesson Plan Sep 27, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’ve made it easy for you by creating a free Introduction to Mindfulness video lesson, designed specifically for middle and high school students. Whether you’re teaching in person or online, simply press play and set your students up for success with their mindfulness routine!

We’ll walk you through the key components of the lesson, how to use it effectively in your classroom, and how it aligns with the SEL & Mindfulness Foundations program and the full Educalm program.

We’ve even included the audio version of the video lesson in this episode so you can preview what’s in store for you and your students.

Overcome the Fear of Introducing Mindfulness in Your Classroom to Your Primary Students: Free Lesson Plan Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

Starting a mindfulness practice in your classroom can feel intimidating, especially when you’re unsure how to introduce it to your students. How can you get them on board and help them understand the benefits of mindfulness?

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we remove that barrier by introducing our free mindfulness lesson plan—designed for primary and middle school students. We’ll explain how to use this introduction video to kickstart your mindfulness routine, whether you’re teaching in person or online. Simply press play and watch the magic unfold!

We’ll also break down why we created this lesson the way we did, how it fits with SEL & Mindfulness Foundations, and how it sets you up for success with the full Educalm mindfulness program.

Creating a Positive Classroom Culture: Teaching Kindness and Compassion to Students Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

As educators, we strive to create a safe, welcoming space where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to advocate for themselves. But what happens when conflicts or bullying threaten that environment?

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we dive into how to systematically teach kindness and compassion in the classroom, helping you build a caring classroom culture that aligns with your values.

We’ll show you how to create structured opportunities for your students to practice these vital skills, using routine and repetition to ensure lasting impact. With a clear, step-by-step approach, you’ll be able to foster the positive, supportive environment that both you and your students deserve.

Teaching Self-Regulation: A Simple, Step-by-Step Approach for Effective Classroom Management, Part 2 Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

Struggling to manage classroom behaviour?

Teaching self-regulation can make all the difference. In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we dive into part 2 of our series on how to teach self-regulation effectively!

In our last episode, we explored how self-awareness and self-regulation can make classroom management easier and boost productivity. If you missed it, be sure to listen to that episode first for a solid foundation!

Today, we’re sharing a clear, step-by-step roadmap using the proven Educalm method to teach self-regulation to your students. You’ll leave with actionable strategies you can implement right away to support your students' emotional regulation and create a more positive classroom environment.

Teaching Self-Regulation: A Simple, Step-by-Step Approach for Effective Classroom Management, Part 1 Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

Struggling with classroom management? What if you could teach your students the essential skill of self-regulation—helping them manage their emotions and behaviors independently?

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we break down self-regulation into simple, actionable steps. With so much advice out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But we show you that teaching self-regulation can actually be much easier than you think.

By understanding the basics of self-regulation, you’ll discover that you already have many of the tools you need to support your students' emotional regulation.

This is part one of a two-part series. In the next episode, we’ll share a clear, step-by-step roadmap for teaching self-regulation using the proven Educalm method.

How to Help Your Students Build Self-Confidence: Practical Strategies for Every Grade Level Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

As educators, one of the most powerful gifts we can give our students is the ability to believe in themselves. But how do we get started in teaching self-confidence, and where can we begin in the classroom?

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re diving into a step-by-step approach to teaching self-confidence and positive self-talk in K-12 classrooms. Whether you're working with elementary, middle, or high school students, we’ll share actionable strategies you can implement right away.

We’ll explore how to incorporate positive self-talk practices across different grade levels, and dive deep into activities that help students understand how beliefs about themselves are formed. You'll also learn how these beliefs influence their mental well-being, academic success, and overall life satisfaction.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have concrete tools to help your students build lasting self-confidence and cultivate a positive mindset.

Boost Focus & Calm: The Power of Mindful Movement in the Classroom Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

Mindful movement in the classroom isn’t just for fun—it’s a powerful tool to help students manage their emotions and get ready for focused, effective learning.

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we discuss how incorporating movement breaks can improve classroom management, promote emotional regulation, and set students up for success.

We explore why mindful movement is so effective for students' well-being and learning, and share practical tips on how to weave it seamlessly into your daily classroom routine.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How mindful movement supports emotional regulation and focus.

The benefits of movement breaks for classroom management.

Simple ways to incorporate movement into your classroom schedule.

How mindful movement can improve student engagement and behavior.

Creating Safe Spaces: Supporting Students of All Cultures & Talking About Racism in the Classroom with Provisional Psychologist Noreen Sibanda Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

Talking about racism can feel intimidating, but avoiding the conversation can prevent us from better supporting all our students. In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re joined by Noreen Sibanda, a Provisional Psychologist, to discuss how we can create safe, inclusive spaces where children from all cultures feel seen and valued.

Kailey and Noreen dive deep into crucial topics, like how to support immigrant students in our classrooms, and how language and cultural differences in mental health and spirituality shape student experiences. Noreen shares how we can approach sensitive topics such as systemic racism and white privilege, offering practical advice on how to be more inclusive when discussing mental health and encouraging curiosity about other cultures.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to support immigrant students and create inclusive classrooms.

The importance of understanding systemic racism and white privilege in education.

How to discuss mental health inclusively across cultures.

Why it’s crucial to ask questions and learn about our students' diverse lived experiences.

Supporting Struggling Learners: Executive Functioning, Motivation Strategies & Expert Tips for Teachers with Rachel Kapp and Stephanie Pitts Jun 07, 2021

Show notes

Supporting struggling learners can be a challenge—especially when we don’t know the root cause or the right strategies to use.

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re joined by Rachel Kapp and Stephanie Pitts, educational therapists from Learn Smarter, the Educational Therapy Podcast.

Together, they share valuable insights into how educational therapists support learners, teachers, and families.

Rachel and Stephanie dive deep into the role of executive functioning in learning and explain how we can help students develop these crucial skills. Plus, they offer practical tips for motivating disengaged learners and getting them back on track.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- How to understand and support executive functioning skills in struggling learners.

- Effective strategies for motivating disengaged students.

- How educational therapists collaborate with teachers and families to support student success.

- Practical, research-backed tips for helping students overcome learning barriers.

The Wisdom of a Grandmother: Building Connection with Youth with Grandmother Pahan Pte San Win May 24, 2021

Show notes

In challenging times, sometimes we need the love and wisdom of a grandmother to help guide us. In this special episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re honored to have Grandmother Pahan Pte San Win share her powerful story of working with incarcerated youth.

Grandmother Pahan Pte San Win reflects on the invaluable lessons she’s learned while building meaningful relationships with these young people, all through the lens of asking herself, “What do they need from a grandmother?” Her insights on empathy, care, and healing offer deep wisdom that can apply in both personal and educational settings.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The importance of empathy and care when working with challenging populations.

How to build trust and meaningful relationships with students or individuals in need.

The power of asking, “What do they need from a grandmother?” to guide your approach.

How wisdom and love can help heal and connect in tough situations.