The Balanced Educator Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How to Integrate Social-Emotional Learning & Mindfulness at the School Level with Grade 6 Teacher Erith Thompson May 10, 2021

Show notes

Are you considering using Educalm, our social-emotional learning and mindfulness program, in your classroom?

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re joined by Erith Thompson, a Grade 6 teacher who shares her firsthand experience using Educalm with her students and team.

Erith discusses why she started using Educalm, the most valuable resources she found when getting started, and the process of incorporating it into her Grade 6 team’s routine. Whether you're a solo teacher or part of a team, this episode will give you insights into how Educalm can support your students' emotional well-being and improve classroom dynamics.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why Erith chose Educalm for her Grade 6 students.

Which Educalme resources were most useful when getting started.

The impact of using Educalm with a teaching team.

Practical tips for implementing SEL and mindfulness in your classroom.

How to Teach Gratitude in the Classroom: Simple, Effective Strategies for K-12 Teachers Apr 26, 2021

Show notes

Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform classroom dynamics and help students develop a positive mindset. But how do we teach students to be grateful?

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we dive into practical strategies for exploring gratitude in the classroom. We’ll share an engaging letter of gratitude project that teachers can implement immediately, along with other easy-to-follow activities.

This interdisciplinary project will not only teach students the importance of gratitude but also how being kind to others can positively impact their lives. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas to bring gratitude into your classroom, plus a clear, step-by-step gratitude writing activity!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- Why teaching gratitude is essential for students’ emotional and social development.

- Simple ways to incorporate gratitude into everyday classroom routines.

- A step-by-step guide for a gratitude writing activity that students will love.

How Trauma Affects Learning—and What You Can Do About It: Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom with Social Worker Kimberly Mackey Apr 12, 2021

Show notes

Trauma can significantly impact a student's ability to learn, and there may be more students in your classroom who have experienced trauma than you realize. Understanding trauma is crucial for fostering a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re joined by Kimberly Mackey, a seasoned School Social Worker and certified Trauma Practitioner with Starr Commonwealth. Kimberly is a passionate advocate for the role of social work in supporting students and staff and for creating trauma-sensitive schools. She’ll share practical strategies to help you build a trauma-sensitive classroom—whether you teach elementary students or high schoolers.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- What trauma is and why understanding it is essential for teachers.

- How trauma-sensitive teaching supports all students and promotes equity.

- Concrete, actionable strategies to create a trauma-sensitive classroom for both elementary and high school students.

- Recommended resources for teachers who want to deepen their understanding of trauma and its impact on learning.

By implementing trauma-sensitive strategies, you’ll not only help your students cope with past experiences but also equip them with skills for overcoming challenges in their future.

Mindful Parenting: How to Manage Big Emotions & Sibling Conflicts with Less Stress with The Mindful Mama – Hunter Clarke-Fields Mar 29, 2021

Show notes

Are you a parent or teacher struggling with managing big emotions or conflicts?

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we’re interviewing Hunter Clarke-Fields, host of The Mindful Mama Podcast and author of Raising Good Humans.

Hunter shares how she transformed her reactive parenting style into mindful parenting, leading to more peace and less conflict in her family.

She offers practical tips for cultivating mindfulness in your parenting and teaching practices, including handling big emotions and tantrums with more grace and less stress.

Plus, Hunter shares advice on navigating sibling conflicts and self-compassion in the parenting journey.

Integrating Self-Care into Your School Day: Simple Strategies for Teachers AND Students Mar 15, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we tackle the challenge of self-care for teachers.

Self-care doesn’t need to be a separate task or another item on your to-do list. We share how you can integrate simple self-care practices into your school day, benefiting both you and your students.

Learn how to create a balanced, calm classroom environment while prioritizing your well-being.

4 Essential Do's and Don'ts for Teaching Mindfulness in the Classroom Mar 01, 2021

Show notes

Struggling to teach mindfulness in the classroom?

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we share 4 crucial do’s and don’ts for integrating mindfulness successfully. Learn from our experience and avoid the mistakes we made early on! With the right strategies, you’ll create a calm, focused classroom and see quicker results in your students’ emotional regulation.

Teaching Mindfulness in High School: Overcoming Challenges & Building a Daily Social-Emotional Learning Routine Feb 15, 2021

Show notes

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, Kailey reveals how she successfully integrates mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL) in her high school classroom. She discusses the step-by-step process of introducing mindfulness practices at the start of the semester, creating a consistent SEL routine, and how her students responded to daily practices.

Kailey tackles common concerns such as overcoming the fear that students won’t think mindfulness is “cool,” finding time in a packed curriculum, and managing challenges like late students. Plus, she shares feedback from her students and how she plans to refine the approach for the next semester.

By the end of the episode, you'll be equipped with practical tips for bringing mindfulness and social-emotional learning to your own high school classroom.

How Fun and Play Can Improve Student Behavior: Strategies for Building Positive Classroom Relationships with Dr. Marcie Beigel Feb 01, 2021

Show notes

Struggling with problem behaviors in the classroom? Discover how having more fun can transform student behavior and create positive relationships!

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we chat with behavior specialist Dr. Marcie Beigel about how infusing fun into your classroom can help students manage behaviors and build strong connections.

Dr. Marcie explains how play, laughter, and relationship building lead to proactive solutions for behavior challenges, both in-person and online. She offers real-world examples of activities you can implement in elementary and high school classrooms to make learning more enjoyable and foster positive behaviors.

This episode will inspire you to lighten up and introduce more play into your classroom, whether in-person or virtual, to improve student engagement and classroom dynamics.

An Interdisciplinary Growth Mindset Lesson Plan Jan 18, 2021

Show notes

Ready to help your students shift from "I can't" to "I can"? Learn how to teach growth mindset in your classroom with practical lessons and activities!

How do we empower students to adopt a growth mindset and overcome challenges? In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we dive into growth mindset lessons, activities, and interdisciplinary projects that will help your students stay positive and tackle challenges head-on.

We explore why growth mindset is especially critical now, after the hurdles students faced during the pandemic, and how it can help them become more focused learners and resilient individuals.

We also walk you through a step-by-step lesson plan and project that you can implement in your own classroom, ensuring success for both you and your students!

Quick Self-Care Strategies for Teachers: De-Stress in 5 Minutes or Less Jan 04, 2021

Show notes

Struggling to find time for self-care as a busy teacher? Try these quick and easy strategies to de-stress in 5 minutes or less!

As a teacher, it can feel impossible to prioritize self-care with everything on your plate. But taking a few minutes for yourself can make a world of difference.

In this episode of The Balanced Educator Podcast, we share a set of quick stress-relief strategies you can use before, during, or after your workday. These simple mindfulness techniques will help you recharge, stay calm, and maintain balance throughout your busy day