What's NEXT for The Classroom Commute Podcast? (BIG ANNOUNCEMENT) Dec 05, 2022

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN… END?

I began this podcast in January of 2020 - ya know - before the world as we knew it changed. When I began the podcast almost 3 years ago - I could not have predicted all the changes that have occurred between then and now.

There were the obvious changes like the changes brought on by the pandemic. There were so many changes in the way your classrooms were run, and the changes in the way you had to teach your students. But - teachers pivoted.

Then, there were the changes that needed to be put in place as you welcomed students back into the classroom in person. And, like always, teachers planned and prepared to help with the transition. The students that returned to the classrooms post-pandemic were different from those that left your classroom in March of 2020.

And - my role, at least I hope, was to help provide you with resources, ideas, and tips for navigating all the changes in the last 3 years.

After a lot of thinking and taking all things into consideration, I have decided to take a pause on this podcast and shift my focus to LINKtivities and the LINKtivity Learning Membership.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/147

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 138: The Story of the LINKtivity (Celebrating 1 Year With LINKtivity Learning)

Resources for the Upper Elementary Classroom - The Classroom Nook Teacher Shop

LINKtivity Learning Membership

Follow us on Instagram

Positive Behavior Management in a 21st Century Classroom (With Shawn Young) Nov 21, 2022

YOU HAVEN’T EXPERIENCED BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT LIKE THIS BEFORE…

But you’re about to.

Teachers know that success in the classroom begins with classroom management.

And classroom management starts with relationships.

Without building positive relationships with students, you’ll be swimming upstream all year long.

Shawn Young, CEO of Classcraft (a behavior management tool), knows this all too well. As a student himself, he often felt bored with school and didn’t feel a sense of belonging. When he became a teacher himself, he wanted to create a different experience for his students - one that was built on the foundation on positive relationships.

Out of his own need in the classroom, Shawn began building an online platform that focused on positive behavior interventions. And Classcraft was born.

Classcraft is an innovative platform that helps educators make learning meaningful and motivates students through gamification.

Not only did he see the impact it had on his own students, but others began to notice as well. And now - Shawn is on a mission to replicate this same positive experience in classrooms around the world.

Since launching Classcraft into the world of education, it has been a force to be reckoned with in transforming behavior and classroom cultures.

And - I had the privilege to have Shawn on the podcast to talk all about positive behavior intervention & supports, also known as PBIS - and how Classcraft supports PBIS programs.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/146

7 Classroom Management Hacks That Actually Work! (With Dr. Lori Friesen) Nov 14, 2022

FEELING LIKE YOUR CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STRATEGY COULD USE A LITTLE FINE-TUNING?

Well - you’re in luck! Today I’ve brought on Dr. Lori Friesen to share her most effective classroom management hacks that any teacher can implement immediately to start seeing results.
And Dr. Lori knows what she’s talking about. She’s been around the (classroom) block a time or two!
Dr. Lori Friesen taught for 10 years in Canada and overseas in Hong Kong and Japan before completing her PhD in Elementary Education with a specialization in Language and Literacy. She taught pre-service teachers at the University of Lethbridge and published The Beginning Teacher’s Handbook for Elementary School as the culminating project for her M.Ed. Dr. Lori completed her PhD at the University of Alberta and has been inducted into the Golden Key International Honor Society in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and excellence.
Dr. Lori recently met Oprah Winfrey on Oprah’s The Life You Want series’ show on service where she had an opportunity to share her vision for how to support new teachers. Dr. Lori’s work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including The International Journal of Learning and Childhood Educational International as well as the popular online Edutopia. Host of the popular Beginning Teacher Talk podcast with more than 250,000 downloads and creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy with 1,600+ students, Dr. Lori is dedicated to supporting and inspiring educators around the world.
And I had the honor of picking her brain with some of the most simple ways that teachers can fine tune their classroom management plan.
Dr. Lori not only shares some amazing classroom management tips - but she also shares how teachers can use these tips to build a strong classroom community that promotes positive interactions with everyone.

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/145

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Grab Lori’s FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist HERE.

Keep in Touch with Lori:

10 Ways to Make Chromebooks More User-Friendly in the Elementary Classroom (with John Sowash) Nov 07, 2022

CALLING ALL CHROMEBOOK CLASSROOMS!

Using classroom technology can be an amazing way to enhance your students’ learning experience — but that doesn’t mean it comes without its challenges.

When it comes to using technology with elementary students, teachers often find themselves frustrated and overwhelmed when students lack basic technology skills (20 minutes to login, anyone?), or don’t know where to find important websites needed at a small-group center.

That’s why I brought on John Sowash - Chromebook expert and enthusiast! John Sowash is an experienced classroom teacher, former school administrator, author of The Chromebook Classroom, and founder of the Google Certification Academy. John inspires educators to use technology to connect with and challenge students.

And today, he’s inspiring US to get comfortable with using Chromebooks in the classroom. And even if your students a different device, John’s tips will certainly help you as well.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/144

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

John’s Resources for Teachers:

Class Login Challenge
Turn on Domain Autocomplete Directions
Enable PIN Login Directions
Blog Post: Teach “Chromecabulary”
Student Technology Skills Checklist
Create a Class Start Page: Examples
Teach Students to Use the Camera App
Create QR Code Cards: Template

EPISODE 38: Tips & Best Practices for Technology in the Classroom

EPISODE 141: 3 Myths of a 21st Century Classroom

Getting Started with Elementary STEM for Classroom Teachers (with Naomi Meredith) Oct 31, 2022

BRAND NEW TO STEM INSTRUCTION?

Or - have your tried implementing STEM projects in your classroom but find it results in chaos? (you’re not alone!)

Then, allow me to introduce you to Naomi Meredith - former classroom teacher turned K-5 STEM coach.

Naomi knows the feeling of overwhelm all to well when it comes to STEM instruction. After accepting a position as a STEM coach, she was thrusted into a new building, a new STEM classroom — and given NO curriculum.

But along the way, Naomi has learned a thing or two (or ten!) about what makes STEM instruction successful in the elementary classroom, and she’s here to share her expertise with us.

Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.

With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, she helps teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively.

And, I had the honor of picking her brain about all things STEM - and you get to eavesdrop in on our conversation.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/143

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Grab Naomi’s FREE K-5 STEM Year Long plan HERE!

The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast:

Episode 4: Welcome to STEM Survival Camp
Episode 6: Managing Your Makerspace in the Classroom

After the Fall by Dan Santat

Naomi’s Favorite Timer for Classroom Management

Connect with Naomi Meredith:

Ten Ways Classroom Teachers Can Use Google Keep for Productivity, Organization & More (With Michelle Emerson) Oct 24, 2022

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!

But you might not have thought to use THIS particular app in the classroom.
What is it? Google Keep!
If you haven’t thought about using the Google Keep app for your productivity and organizational needs in the classroom - then buckle up - all that is about to change!
Today’s guest is none other than the amazing Michelle Emerson from Pocketful of Primary.
Michelle Emerson has taught 2nd grade and 4th grade for seven years and now supports teachers around the world by creating digital teacher resources, producing educational videos for teachers on her YouTube channel, Pocketful of Primary, and sharing productivity tips on her podcast, Teaching to the TOP. She believes all teachers should feel empowered by their profession instead of overwhelmed and seeks to help educators master technology and create a work-life balance through her tips and strategies.
In our conversation, Michelle is going to blow your mind with new ways that you can use Google Keep to get (and keep) all your ducks in a row! From checklists to collaboration, and so much more - Google Keep is about to become your new virtual teacher bestie.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/142

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Grab Michelle’s FREE Google Keep Headers HERE!

Follow Michelle on Social Media:

3 Myths of a 21st Century Classroom Oct 17, 2022

DO YOU EVER HEAR EDUCATIONAL BUZZ WORDS AND THINK “WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?”

Am I doing that? Or even… do I HAVE to do that? Am I doing it right?

Often times we hear buzz words and teachers groan because they’re afraid that that “buzz word” is likely going to bring about change in their classroom. And change can be scary.

Maybe that’s how you feel when you hear the phrase 21st century classroom.

I say it all the time here on the podcast and YOU might hear it and think… What does that even mean? Do I have a 21st century classroom? Am I doing it right?

Today I want to squash some myths that might be floating around about a 21st century classroom.

So, let’s dive right in.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/141

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 95: What is a 21st Century Classroom??

Follow The Classroom Nook on Instagram

Learn more about the LINKtivity® Learning membership.

10 Truths About Building a Classroom Community Oct 10, 2022

We’ve heard it said: Relationships are everything.

It’s a bold statement, but - man, is it ever true…ESPECIALLY when it comes to teaching!

If the pandemic and the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that teaching and the success of students is more than just the academics that are taught. At least - academics are only a piece of the puzzle.

And if academics are like a puzzle... then the teacher-student relationship is the table that you build the puzzle on.

And, the conversation that I had on this week’s podcast is simply amazing.

Johnny Tiersma, 6th grade teacher and children’s book author, knows a thing or two about building relationships with students. His 16+ years in education has taught him that teaching the curriculum starts with building a positive classroom community. And he doesn’t only KNOW this - he’s passionate about it.

So, when he reached out to me to share his 10 truths about building a classroom community - it was a no brainer.

This isn’t your average conversation about building a classroom community. Johnny uses not only his teaching experience, but his humor and his heart, along with a few stories to help us all learn how to build a classroom community that feels like family.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/140

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Book on Amazon: If I Were the Teacher

Book website: www.ifiweretheteacher.com

Connect with Johnny on Social Media:

Balancing School and Home: Making the Most of Your Time At School So You Can Enjoy Your Time At Home (With Kristen Donegan) Oct 03, 2022

WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF BEING THE LAST CAR IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT FROM TIME TO TIME.

There’s always one more thing to do. One more set of copies to make. One more…one more.

And then it becomes a pattern. Staying late at school night after night… Bringing home work to complete on the weekends becomes the norm.

Before you know it - you’re THAT teacher who has no boundaries and feels like their work day as no end and no beginning.

Today on the podcast, we’re going to talk about something that I was NOT the best at when I was in the classroom. When I first started teaching I didn’t have any kids yet, I wasn’t married, and I didn’t have a lot at home that I had to devote my time to. So - I poured all of my time and energy into teaching and being in the classroom.

And, quite honestly, I could do that because of my circumstances, but that didn’t really set me up for success later when I did have a family and I did need to prioritize a work/home balance. When we don’t develop a healthy balance, we start to establish some bad habits.

This week, I’m interviewing Kristen Donegan of Easy Teaching Tools. Kristen Donegan has been an elementary school teacher and Reading Specialist since 2005 in both California and O'ahu, Hawaii. She has enjoyed teaching kindergarten, first grade, a 1/2 combo, and second grade before resigning to continue Easy Teaching Tools Inc. and raise her daughter & son. Kristen has also presented at professional development conferences such as SDE Nationals and Teach Your Heart Out. Founded in 2010, Easy Teaching Tools has helped over a thousand busy teachers implement classroom hacks to save time, implement research-based practices to meet the needs of their students, and focus on work-life balance.

Kristen is sharing how teachers can take their time back and be that teacher that leaves at their contracted time, AND doesn’t have to feel bad or guilty for doing so!
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/139

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Connect with Kristen at Easy Teaching Tools:

Grab Kristen’s FREE Sub Plans Template HERE!

The Story of the LINKtivity (Celebrating 1 Year With LINKtivity Learning) Sep 26, 2022

AS TEACHERS, WE ALL HAVE STORIES TO TELL.

When you start out as a first year teacher, you're just beginning a the first chapter. And boy, oh boy the story of teaching sure has its turns, its ups and downs, and its surprising events!

Sometimes our stories feel like that dark and stormy night ... (2020 anyone?)

While other times you get to play the hero and win the battle!

My story as a teacher sure has been all that and more. When I first began teaching 2006, I had NO IDEA where my story would lead me (none of us do!).

And while I'm still in the middle of my teaching story, we've come to an exciting chapter!

It's the "LINKtivity Learning Turn 1 Year Old" chapter!

And we're celebrating!

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/138

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Learn more about the LINKtivity® Learning membership.

Teaching Elementary Students About Growth Mindset with Victoria from The Mindful Apple Sep 19, 2022

NOT SO “NEWS FLASH”: TEACHERS DO MORE THAN JUST TEACH ACADEMICS…

Teachers wear a lot of hats, and if we’re being truly honest, our jobs come with so many more responsibilities than just teaching reading, writing, math, science, and so on.

We’re often asked to play many other roles like counselor, parent, comforter, and friend. Our students come to us with not just academic needs, but also emotional and social needs, too. And to ignore these needs would be a disservice to everyone!

Whether it is in our job description or not, supporting the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally just comes with the territory.

That’s why, today I wanted to revisit an interview I did about a year ago with Victoria from The Mindful Apple. Victoria is a social worker at an elementary school and she’s been on the podcast several times as our resident expert for all things social emotional learning.

In our conversation, Victoria is going to talk to us, specifically, about growth mindset and the importance for classroom teachers to embrace social emotional learning instruction in their everyday teaching.

Because, as you already know - whether or not you are trained as a social worker or not (and likely, you are not) teachers are still being called on now more than ever to help students with their social emotional needs. Specifically in this interview, Victoria gives us a great foundation for helping our students develop a growth mindset over a fixed mindset.

In this conversation she’ll share practical ways for teachers to help their students in their classroom.

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/137

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 60: Easy Calming Strategies for Elementary Students

EPISODE 86: Making Social Emotional Learning MORE Than a Buzzword

RESOURCE: FREE Growth Mindset Sort

Victoria’s Social Emotional Learning Curriculum

Connect with Victoria:

Learn more about the LINKtivity® Learning membership.

How to Separate Out Select Slides from a Larger Google Slides Presentation Sep 12, 2022

GOOGLE SLIDES: TECH TIP

Today’s tip isf for all my Google Slide users out there! You know how sometimes you have a large, lengthy Google Slides presentation, but you only need a few of the slides at a time?

If you’ve ever used one of my units before, whether it’s a science unit or a social studies unit, or even one of my reading units, then you know that my units come with a Google Slides presentation for the digital version of the student activities. I always have printable and digital versions for students, and the digital version is provided in Google Slides.

For easy of navigating the unit for the teacher, I provide all the student resources that are used for the daily lessons in one large Google Slides presentation. This makes it easy for teachers to review all the resources that they will need for their unit.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/136

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Watch the Video Tutorial HERE.

Unit Studies:

Other “Tech Tip” Episodes:

EPISODE 104: Classroom Technology Tip: YouTube Hack for Teachers!
EPISODE 110: Google Slides Teacher Hack: How to Make an Infinite Cloner on an Image or Object
EPISODE 116: Google Slides Tip: How to View Students Working on THEIR Digital Device from YOUR Digital Device

Follow The Classroom Nook on Instagram

Tips for Teaching Writing in a 21st Century Classroom with Megan Polk Sep 05, 2022

What if teaching writing didn’t have to be such a struggle?

When it comes to writing, teachers and students face many challenges. Not enough time, not enough motivation, not enough resources.

But Megan Polk, from The Literacy Dive is about to change the game when it comes to teaching writing in the elementary classroom.

Megan knows what it’s like to work with students who lack basic writing skills. She understands the busy everyday schedule that teachers are working with to try to squeeze in writing. She gets the demands of a 21st century classroom and the struggle to make writing a priority.

BUT, Megan knows how to make it work!

In our conversation, Megan brings all her experience and knowledge and shares with us how to get your students writing…AND have fun doing it!
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/135

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

POST: Giving Students More Choice in the Classroom

Grab Megan’s FREE Writing Prompts HERE.

Keep in Touch with Megan:

Breaking Down the Science of Reading with Sara Marye Aug 29, 2022

INTERVIEW WITH: SARA MARYE

Have you heard the phrase “science of reading” and been afraid to ask EXACTLY what it means? (ignorance is bliss, right?)

Are your worried that it’s just one more NEW thing to add to your teacher plate? (Not ANOTHER reading program!)

Good News! I’ve brought on special guest, Sara Marye from The Stellar Teacher to break it all down for us (and spoiler alert - it’s NOT another new curriculum that you have to learn)

In fact, the science of reading is NOTHING new, at all - it’s been around for decades. In our conversation, Sara walks us through what exactly the science of reading is and the important implications for the classroom.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/134

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Grab Sara’s Cheat Sheet HERE.

Podcast Series on Science Of Reading:

WHAT DO KLEENEX AND LINKTIVITIES HAVE IN COMMON?

Kleenex and LINKtivities don’t have an obvious connection, so let me explain.

You see - when you have a runny nose or need to sneeze you have no doubt what you need, right?

You need a Kleenex.

When you need to wipe away a few tears…

You grab a Kleenex.

Kleenex has become so synonymous with the word “tissue” that no one looks at you funny when you ask for a Kleenex (a totally made up word) - they know exactly what you mean.

Kleenex is a household name and boxes of Kleenex can be found in homes all over the world.

You know what else is a made up word? LINKtivity.

You know what else can be found in classrooms all over the world? LINKtivities.

And we are on a mission to make LINKtivity a classroom name. A name that is synonymous with engaging and interactive 21st century instruction.

That might feel like a bold statement, but that’s how passionate and motivated we are to make an impact with LINKtivities in classrooms all over the world.

We believe in them. Teachers believe in them. And students are impacted by them.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/133

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Sign up HERE for details about the Back to School with LINKtivity® Event.

Follow LINKtivity® Learning on Instagram

Join our email family to be sure not to miss out on how to make an impact with LINKtivities this school year.

Using Podcasts to Get Students Excited About Learning with Jerry Kolber Aug 15, 2022

Interview with: Jerry Kolber

Today I have an amazing guest! His name is Jerry Kolber, and Jerry is the co-founder and CEO of edutainment company Atomic Entertainment Group.

He is also an Emmy-nominated co-creator and showrunner of Nat Geo's biggest hit series Brain Games and Netflix's Brainchild with Pharrell Williams.

He began his career within the production auditing department of New York Undercover has worked in the entertainment field with networks like Disney, Bravo, HBO, National Geographic, Animal Planet and MTV.

Overall, Jerry has written, produced, supervised, and run over 400 episodes of various premium television and streaming content pieces.

Today, Jerry is focused on education - specifically changing the game to create a system that helps children learn without stamping them all out of the same mold along the way.

He is now the voice behind Who Smarted?, a podcast that’s aimed at children ages 6 to 10. Each episode teaches kids something new through humor, stories, and even interactive games. Within just one year, they’ve hit 3 million downloads for the show.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/132

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Listen to the “Who Smarted?” Podcast HERE.

Receive ALL 52 Brainchild Lesson Plans and Activity Handouts FREE! SIGN UP NOW!

Sign up HERE to join Space Camp.
Join LINKtivity Learning

3 Questions Every Teacher Should Ask Before Going Back to School Aug 08, 2022

SO SUMMER IS REALLY ENDING, EH?

Well - we are moving on from summer (ready or not) as we head into a new school.

August is a weird time for teachers because some of you are already back at school, and some of you have a couple weeks left of summer (but, let’s be honest, are likely already thinking about school)

Teachers are all over the map right now, depending on where you are in the country (or even the world). However - I think today’s topic will really help ground us all as we start a new school year.

One of the ways that I want to help you kick off a new school year is by sharing 3 questions that every teacher should ask themselves before they start a new year.

And if you’ve already started, ask yourself these now- it’s not too late.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/131

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Download the August calendar of events HERE.

EPISODE 34: Routines and Procedures Every TEACHER Needs

EPISODE 97: Creating a Multimedia Classroom Part 1

EPISODE 98: Creating a Multimedia Classroom Part 2

POST: Back to School Series: Setting Up Classroom Routines and Procedures

How to Save BIG (Time & Money) For Back to School In August! Aug 01, 2022

August is a crazy busy time as teachers are preparing for Back to School!
In this episode, learn some amazing ways that you can save both time and money as you prepare for a new school year!
From site-wide sales, to flash sales, to giveaways and other fun events...don't miss all that we've got going on in August!
Be sure to download our "August Calendar of Savings" to get all the details and links!
CLICK HERE for complete show notes
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Summer Teacher Road Trip
Teachers Pay Teachers
The Classroom Nook Teacher Shop
August Calendar of Savings
The Classroom Nook on Instagram
LINKtivity Learning Membership

Teacher Summer Road Trip: Using Gamification in the Upper Elementary Classroom Jul 25, 2022

Teacher Summer Road Trip 2022: Week 8
This summer we are revisiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka popular podcast episodes) of the 2021-2022 school year.
Each week join us here on the podcast as we revisit these action-packed, and idea-inspiring episodes as your rest, and refuel for the upcoming school year.
This week’s stop: Gamification in the Upper Elementary Classroom
Destination Highlights:

What is gamification and how does it work in the classroom?
Easy ways you can make learning feel more like playing
How to gamify every day learning...without a lot of work

FOR COMPLETE SHOWNOTES FROM THE ORIGINAL EPISODE: CLICK HERE
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Click HERE to listen to the TED talk with Paul Anderson

Learning Game Apps:

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - Click HERE to join.

Summer Teacher Road Trip: Top Questions to Ask Before Starting Readers and Writers Workshop Jul 18, 2022

Teacher Summer Road Trip 2022: Week 7
This summer we are revisiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka popular podcast episodes) of the 2021-2022 school year.

Each week join us here on the podcast as we revisit these action-packed, and idea-inspiring episodes as your rest, and refuel for the upcoming school year.
This week's destination: Top Questions to Ask Before Starting Readers and Writers Workshop
Highlights from the episode:

How to set yourself (& your students) up for success right from the start
Why your reading and writing environment matters
What you should be teaching at the beginning of the year (it might now be what you think)

FOR COMPLETE SHOWNOTES FROM THE ORIGINAL EPISODE: CLICK HERE
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 29: How to Launch Reader's Workshop in Your Classroom

EPISODE 30: How to Launch Writer's Workshop in the Upper Elementary Classroom

EPISODE 62: Why You Need a "Share Chair" In Your Reading and Writing Workshop

RESOURCES:

IntelliScanner (affiliate link)
Online catalog like Book Source Classroom Organizer.
Smart phone apps like iBookshelf, Book Crawler, and Book Buddy
Launching Reader's and Writer's Workshop Bundle

Grab these TWO FREEBIES:

Summer Teacher Road Trip: Top Classroom Technology Mistakes Teachers Make (and how to fix them) WEEK 6 Jul 11, 2022

Teacher Summer Road Trip 2022: Week 6
This summer we are revisiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka popular podcast episodes) of the 2021-2022 school year.

Each week join us here on the podcast as we revisit these action-packed, and idea-inspiring episodes as your rest, and refuel for the upcoming school year.
This week's podcast destination: Top Classroom Technology Mistakes Teachers Make (and how to fix them)
Highlights:

Why you shouldn't be using tech for tech sake
The #1 reason why technology use fails in the classroom
How to simplify technology use in your classroom for better success

CLICK HERE for complete show notes
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Links & Resources mentioned in this episode:
EPISODE 95: What is a 21st Century Classroom??

EPISODE 97: Creating a Multimedia Classroom (Part 1: What the Research Says)

EPISODE 98: Creating a Multimedia Classroom (Part 2: Applications for the Classroom)

EPISODE 99: Classroom Technology: A Simple Model for Using it Effectively

Free Classroom Technology Management Kit

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - Click HERE to join.

Summer Teacher Road Trip: Finding Balance with Print and Digital Resources (WEEK 5) Jul 04, 2022

Teacher Summer Road Trip 2022: Week 5
This summer we are revisiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka popular podcast episodes) of the 2021-2022 school year.

Each week join us here on the podcast as we revisit these action-packed, and idea-inspiring episodes as your rest, and refuel for the upcoming school year.
This week's podcast destination: Finding Balance with Print and Digital Resources
Highlights:

Balancing technology and offline activities in the classroom
How to evaluate the purpose of technology (is it worth it?)
Questions every teacher needs to ask before using technology.

CLICK HERE for complete show notes
Links & Resources mentioned in this episode:
EPISODE 57: Accountable Talk: A Teacher's Guide to Encouraging Deeper & More Meaningful Talk Among Students

EPISODE 99: Classroom Technology: A Simple Model for Using it Effectively

Grab by FREE Nonfiction Text Features Linktivity HERE.

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - Click HERE to join.

Summer Teacher Road Trip: Creating a Multimedia Classroom (WEEK 4) Jun 27, 2022

Teacher Summer Road Trip 2022: Week 4

This summer we are revisiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka popular podcast episodes) of the 2021-2022 school year.

Each week join us here on the podcast as we revisit these action-packed, and idea-inspiring episodes as your rest, and refuel for the upcoming school year.
This week's podcast destination: Creating a Multimedia Classroom
Highlights:

What the research says about the effects of multimedia (and why you need to know!)
How to support your digital native students in a digital world
How to create a meaningful media-rich learning environment

CLICK HERE For Complete Show Notes
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Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Join our email family for exclusive Flash FREEBIES and Hot Summer Deals
EPISODE 95: What is a 21st Century Classroom?

RESOURCE: Discovery Learning Folders

EPISODE 94: 3 Tips for Increasing Student Success (That You Can Start Using TODAY!)

EPISODE 96: How to Make Your Next Lesson Plan Ridiculously Amazing!

ARTICLE: Understanding Multimedia Learning

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - Click HERE to join.

Summer Teacher Road Trip: How to Make Your Next Lesson Plan Ridiculously Amazing! (WEEK 3) Jun 20, 2022

TEACHER SUMMER ROAD TRIP 2022: WEEK 3

This summer we are revisiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka popular podcast episodes) of the 2021-2022 school year.

Each week join us here on the podcast as we revisit these action-packed, and idea-inspiring episodes as your rest, and refuel for the upcoming school year.
This week's podcast destination: Essential Components of ANY Successful Lesson
Highlights:

How to put students in the driver's seat in your classroom
The importance of variety in your lesson (and how to provide it)
Why you lesson needs multimedia

CLICK HERE for complete show notes
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Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Join our email family for exclusive Flash FREEBIES and Hot Summer Deals
EPISODE 45: How to Use Rubrics for Assessment AND Instruction

EPISODE 55: Easy Tips to Boost Student Participation While Building a Strong Classroom Community

EPISODE 90: Using Podcasts in the Elementary Classroom

EPISODE 91: The TRUTH About Learning Styles

EPISODE 94: 3 Tips for Increasing Student Success

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - Click HERE to join.

Summer Teacher Road Trip: 3 Tips to Increase Student Success (WEEK 2) Jun 13, 2022

Teacher Summer Road Trip 2022: Week 2

This summer we are revisiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka popular podcast episodes) of the 2021-2022 school year.

Each week join us here on the podcast as we revisit these action-packed, and idea-inspiring episodes as your rest, and refuel for the upcoming school year.
This week's podcast destination: 3 Tips to Increase Student Success
Highlights:

How to NOT overwhelm your students with too much information
How to present new information with familiar tasks
Eliminating barriers to success

CLICK HERE for Complete Show Notes
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Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Join our email family for exclusive Flash FREEBIES and Hot Summer Deals
EPISODE 91: The TRUTH About Learning Styles

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - Click HERE to join.

CLICK HERE to get your first LINKtivity FREE

Summer Teacher Road Trip: What is a 21st Century Classroom (WEEK 1) Jun 06, 2022

TEACHER SUMMER ROAD TRIP 2022: WEEK 1

This summer we are revisiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka popular podcast episodes) of the 2021-2022 school year.

Each week join us here on the podcast as we revisit these action-packed, and idea-inspiring episodes as your rest, and refuel for the upcoming school year.
This week's podcast destination: What is a 21st Century Classroom.

Highlights Include:

The role of technology in the modern classroom
Essential components for every 21st century classroom
How to get started in creating classroom design to support today's students

CLICK HERE For Complete Show Notes

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Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
Join our email family for exclusive Flash FREEBIES and Hot Summer Deals
EPISODE 45: How to Use Rubrics for Assessment AND Instruction

EPISODE 55: Easy Tips to Boost Student Participation While Building a Strong Classroom Community

EPISODE 90: Using Podcasts in the Elementary Classroom

EPISODE 91: The TRUTH About Learning Styles

EPISODE 94: 3 Tips for Increasing Student Success

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - Click HERE to join.

Summer Teacher Road Trip 2022 May 23, 2022

TEACHERS: RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU’RE READY FOR SUMMER!

As we finally are winding down our school year, I know that the routines and everyday activities of a teacher change drastically.

For one - once school is out for summer (woot woot), you likely will NOT be commuting anymore. Unless you teach summer school, your classroom commute comes to a halt as you can finally enjoy less hectic days, actually drink your coffee hot (amen!), and let’s be honest – use the bathroom whenever you want (I mean…)!

So, that’s why here on the podcast, we are trading in our classroom commute for a Teacher Summer Road Trip (que the car tunes)!

The idea for a summer road trip here on the podcast came to me last summer and I thought: Wouldn’t it be fun if we traveled together each week this summer, visiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (AKA - most popular podcast episodes) from the last year?

Well - it turned out to be a huge hit. So - I’m inviting you to come with me again on the 2022 Teacher Summer Road Trip!
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/121

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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

>> CLICK HERE to Join us for the Summer Teacher Road Trip! You’ll be all set to be included in our weekly FLASH FREEBIES and HOT SUMMER DEALS!

H(APPY) Hour: Classroom Technology Tools for Teachers & Student: Screencast-O-Matic May 16, 2022

ANYONE CAN CREATE A VIDEO.

Anyone.

ESPECIALLY teachers and students!

We’re back with another installment of H(APPY)-Hour (That’s happy, with an emphasis on App).

In these H(APP)Y Hour episodes, I highlight a cool app or educational technology tool for teachers and students to use in the classroom, and today I’ve got a good one for you.

Today's app is a video creation app that’s easy enough for young students to use and offers endless options for using videos in the classroom.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/120

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Click HERE to sign up for Screencast-O-Matic (it’s FREE).

Everything you need to know about Screencast-O-Matic.

Screencast-O-Matic: Video Tutorials

The Summer Learning Slide: 8 Tips for Teachers to Help Avoid It! May 09, 2022

THE SUMMER SLIDE IS A REAL THING.

Unfortunately.

It’s that time in the summer where students’ brains flip the “off” switch and go into mush-mode. When they emerge in the fall, they’ve lost some of that academic progress that they made with you during the school year. (womp-womp)

It happens. And it’s not your fault. But - we can put into place a few preventative measures to help keep the summer slide less dramatic.

The thing is - I DO think students need a break. They do need to just relax and chill - just like their tired teachers do (pssst: that’s your reminder to take a break, too!).

BUT - we also can give students some fun opportunities for learning at home.

However, it’s learning that looks more like playing and exploring.

I want to share 8 things that student can do — that they will WANT to do — over the summer to keep their brains fine-tuned.

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/119

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Click HERE for Take-Home Summer Activities (Includes Map Skills, Spin a Story, Library Scavenger Hunt, Reading, Science, 16 Activity Cards, and more.

Summer Take-Home Kits:

Join the LINKtivity® Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides including LINKtivity Learning Summer Camp - CLICK HERE to join.

Getting Your Classroom Ready for Summer (FASTER!) May 02, 2022

THERE’S ALWAYS SO MUCH TO DO BEFORE SUMMER VACATION.

Before you can turn in your classroom keys for the summer you likely have paperwork to complete, reorganizing your classroom cabinets, closets, and drawers —all those things that got in disarray in the thick of the school year.

And if you’ve ever been that last teacher out the door sailing off into summer vacay mode - then you know how painful it can be! (Trust me - I’ve been there more times than I care to count!)

So, let’s not let it happen again, mmmk?

What if you could be the FIRST teacher checkin’ out for the summer? What if you had your classroom, cleaned, prepped, organized, and ready for custodial approval ….EARLY?

Sounds lovely.

The secret to making it all happen? Don’t do it all yourself! Instead of waiting till your students leave on that last day of school to get your classroom in order, enlist the help of your students to get it done FASTER! And you know what - students actually LOVE to help you clean and organize your classroom. It’s a win-win.

Now, before you start passing out garbage bags, sponges, and cleaning sprays - you need to have a METHOD to the madness. And that’s what this episode is all about. I’ll show you exactly how I successfully and methodically had my students help me prepare my classroom for the summer.
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/118

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Grab my FREE Classroom Clean-Up Tasks

Digital Citizenship: Starting the Conversation about Cyberbullying Apr 25, 2022

LET’S TALK ABOUT CYBERBULLYING

Over the past couple of months I’ve been peppering in conversations about digital citizenship. Every few weeks or so, I’ve focused on different aspects of digital citizenship. We’ve discussed helping our students understand the concept of media balance, how to teach them about privacy and security online, and how to be mindful of the digital footprint that they are leave behind.

These are all great topics of digital citizenship to weave into our every day conversations as students are interactive online and on digital devices.

But today, I’m going to talk about the one element of digital citizenship that keeps me up at night: cyberbullying.

I have two young kids myself, and I worry about what online life is going to be like when they reach the age of being on social media and interacting online. It’s already a scary place out there online, especially for young, vulnerable kids.

So, that’s why we can’t leave the conversation of “cyberbullying” up to anyone else. This topic might be one of the most important digital citizenship concepts that we teach students. And in this podcast episode, I want to explore how teachers can help be part of conversation.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/117

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 102: Digital Citizenship: Making Healthy Media Choices and Finding Balance

EPISODE 106: Digital Citizenship (Helping Elementary Students Understand Privacy & Security Online)

EPISODE 112: Digital Citizenship: Teaching Students About the Digital Footprint They Leave Behind

Google Slides Tip: How to View Students Working on THEIR Digital Device from YOUR Digital Device Apr 18, 2022

MONITORING STUDENTS WORKING JUST GOT EASIER!

I’ve got a super cool Google Slides tip to share with your today. I want to share how you can easily get a quick view of your students all working on THEIR own digital device from YOUR device.

Whether you’re an avid user of Google Slides or just use it here and there - you’re going to LOVE this tip.

And, here’s the cool thing - your students don’t even need to have a Google account. You don’t even need to be using Google Classroom in your classroom. The teacher only will simply need a Google account his/herself, and the ability to share a link with students.

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/116

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Click HERE to watch the Video Tutorial

QR Code Generator

Gamification in the Elementary Classroom Apr 11, 2022

PLAYING IS LEARNING

Over 10 years ago I started a blog called The Classroom Game Nook blog. I started it because I am a big fan of finding ways to make learning more fun for students. When learning is fun, motivation, engagement, and student success often follow.

On my blog the Classroom GAME Nook, I shared all the ways that I used fun and games in the classroom. And, although over the years I dropped the word “game” from my title, and am now just The Classroom Nook, I certainly did not stop striving to find ways to make learning fun through games.

I want to explore gamification in the classroom. Gamification is a term that we’ve heard pop up in the education world lately. Kids love games. When they play games, they have fun, and when they have fun: they learn.

So, what is it about games that are so attractive? And how can we capture those elements and apply it to other areas in the classroom? Well - that’s exactly what we’re about to explore.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/115

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Click HERE to listen to the TED talk with Paul Anderson

Learning Game Apps:

21st Century Teaching Methods to Replace Textbooks Apr 04, 2022

NO ONE LIKES CHANGE
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of shaking things up in the classroom and swapping out old, stale ways of teaching and replacing them with modern 21st century teaching practices.

Now, you would think that I welcome change with open arms because of how often I talk about applying and trying out new teaching methods, or a new cool classroom technology tool.

And of course, you might think that I’m quick to abandon traditional teaching methods by how often I talk about LINKtivites - my solution to making learning fun and engaging by providing students with a multimedia learning experience.

Well, guess what. No - I don’t like change. I’m not always the first one to adopt something new. I’m often tardy to the party when it comes to trends.

But - what I do have going for me that often helps me go outside my comfort zone is my desire to provide the best possible learning experience for students.
In today’s episode I’m sharing with you a replay of an episode I did in early 2021 about 4 alternatives to teaching from a textbook.

Textbooks seem to be that tried and true tool that teachers have had forever. But - if I’m being honest - I’ve never seen a student get excited about reading from a textbook. And likewise - I’ve never seen a teacher get excited either.

In this episode, learn about four 21st century teaching methods that you can apply to your classroom today to replace teaching from a boring, or outdated textbook.
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/114

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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
POST: Five Reasons Why You Should Use Reader’s Theater in the Upper Elementary Classroom

RESOURCES: Discovery Learning Folders

POST: Engaging Your Students With LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides (Plus grab a FREE LINKtivity!)

LINKtivity® Learning Membership (Get a FREE 7-Day Trial!)

Using Choice Boards in the Elementary Classroom with Purpose Mar 28, 2022

CHOICE IS A POWERFUL MOTIVATOR.

Studies have show the benefit of giving students choice in their learning. One of the ways teachers do this is by implementing the use of choice boards in the classroom.

A choice board is simply a collection of activities (they can be digital, nondigital, or a combination), usually formatted visually on a grid. Students are then invited to choose one or more of those activities to complete. They are the ones choosing which activity interests them. So - right away, they are taking ownership of their learning.

FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/113

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 91: The TRUTH About Learning Styles

Join the LINKtivity® Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.

Digital Citizenship: Teaching Students About the Digital Footprint They Leave Behind Mar 21, 2022

DIGITAL FOOTPRINTS LAST FOREVER.

And that’s not an exaggeration.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that one action online can impact you for a long time. One comment on social media (good or bad) can go viral and become impossible to stop.

Once the internet gets a hold of something, we can quickly lose control. We’ve seen this in both positive and negative situations. We’ve seen the hilarious cat videos go viral or a feel-good story spread from coast to coast.

But - we’ve also seen situations where something gets out of hand, or something is taken out of context and then spreads far and wide online. Maybe you’ve experienced this first-hand. It can be heartbreaking and devastating to the people involved.

What we say and do online can have a lasting impact. Once it’s out there in the world, it essentially lasts forever.

However, our students don’t always think beyond the moment (Heck - many adults don’t think beyond the moment). They don’t always consider that what they say and do online can leave behind a digital footprint. And - this digital footprint can shape their identity and impact their online AND offline reputation.

That’s why it’s so important to start young, teaching students the responsibilities they have as digital citizens. The sooner we start to train kids to think about their actions online and the digital footprints that they leave behind, the better.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/112

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 102: Digital Citizenship: Making Healthy Media Choices and Finding Balance

EPISODE 106: Digital Citizenship (Helping Elementary Students Understand Privacy & Security Online)

Join the LINKtivity® Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.

Classroom Technology: 6 Common Mistakes Teachers Make…and How to Avoid Them! Mar 14, 2022

Are you committing one of these technology mistakes in your classroom?

I know I sure have from time to time.

As our classrooms become more and more digital-friendly and as we integrate more and more technology instruction, we’re bound to run into a few snags along the way.

We try sooo hard to provide students with 21st century learning experiences; experiences that often include technology and multimedia with all the other bells and whistles.

The intention is good, but the execution sometimes hits a snag. I wanted to share my own experiences of the challenges I have had with classroom technology, the mistakes I’ve made, and the ways that I’ve tried to avoid making these same mistakes over and over.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/111

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 95: What is a 21st Century Classroom??

EPISODE 97: Creating a Multimedia Classroom (Part 1: What the Research Says)

EPISODE 98: Creating a Multimedia Classroom (Part 2: Applications for the Classroom)

EPISODE 99: Classroom Technology: A Simple Model for Using it Effectively

Google Slides Teacher Hack: How to Make an Infinite Cloner on an Image or Object Mar 07, 2022

DON’T YOU JUST LOVE A GOOD TEACHER HACK?

I sure do, and in this episode of The Classroom Commute podcast - I’ve got a good one!

If you have ever used a Smartboard before, the you’re likely familiar with the concept of an infinite cloner. This feature allows you to have an object or image on the screen that students can reproduce, or clone, over and over and over - as many times as they’d like. This feature comes in handy in a lot of scenarios. However - this feature is NOT available inside of Google Slides - or is it?

While the infinite cloner may not be a feature in Google Slides, I know of a little hack that will get the job done and work just as good!
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/110
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Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 53: Using a Reading Genre Wheel to Encourage Reading Variety

EPISODE 31: How to Use a Reader’s and Writer’s Notebook in the Upper Elementary Classroom

VIDEO TUTORIAL: How To Create an Infinite Clone in Google Slides

H(APPY) Hour - Using Canva in the Elementary Classroom to Make Stunning Classroom Resources Feb 28, 2022

EFFORTLESSLY DESIGN CLASSROOM RESOURCES!

We’re back with another installment of a fun new series that I’ve started here in 2022 called “H(APPY)” Hour. That’s happy with an emphasis on APP.

In this series I’m sharing a must-try app that teachers can use for themselves or with their students. And in today’s APPY Hour, I’m going to share about an app is use absolutely every single day without fail!

It’s called Canva and it's one of the best apps out there for creating amazing resources for students, eye catching images, and even videos! Seriously - if you have not heard of this app, you’re in for a treat.

If you a DIYer like I was in the classroom and love creating fun resources for your students - Canva is a must-have. If you have a teacher Instagram or even a classroom Facebook group - Canva is a must-have. If you love creating digital anchor slides for your morning work, or for really, anything in your classroom —then stick around because I’m going to share with you the power that is Canva!
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/109
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Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Check out Canva HERE.

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.

Is the LINKtivity® Learning Membership Right for You? Your Questions...Answered! Feb 21, 2022

HAVE YOU BEEN WONDERING IF LINKTIVITIES ARE RIGHT FOR YOU & YOUR STUDENTS?

Back in September of 2021, I embarked on a new journey and for the first time I opened the doors to LINKtivity® Learning. It’s a membership designed to give teachers an unlimited all-access pass to my entire library of LINKtivity® interactive learning guides.

LINKtivities support teachers who want to give their students a multimedia learning experience that not only helps them develop 21st century skills, but also effortlessly engages and motivates students to learn.

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about the LINKtivity® Learning membership - which is my #1 way that I support teachers these days. And - I’ve been getting a lot of the same questions - so in this episode, I’m gonna get into the nitty gritty.

I’ll help you decide if LINKtivity® Learning is right for you. I’m answering all your questions and everything you could possibly want to know about LINKtivities, including some very exciting new things we are working on behind the scenes.
FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/108
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Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 100: 10 Ways to Use LINKtivity® Interactive Learning Guides in the Classroom

Contact me HERE to stay “in the know” on when my LINKtivity Membership will be available outside the USA or if you have any further questions.

Preview entire LINKtivity® Library

Join the LINKtivity® Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.
CLICK HERE to grab a FREE LINKtivity® on Nonfiction Text Features

Digital or Printable Student Resources? Striking a Balance in the Elementary Classroom Feb 14, 2022

How much digital learning is too much?

Does using pen and paper still have a place for the classroom?

The truth is - digital and printable, more traditional instruction can live harmoniously…together in the same classroom, even!

It’s all about striking a healthy balance between the two!

If you’ve been around for a while, you’ve likely picked up on my love for integrating technology into your daily instruction and I do think that using multimedia activities is essential for a 21st century classroom. However, I also think that balancing multimedia activities with tried-and-true teaching practices is powerful as well.

I want to share what I think a good technology balance looks like in the elementary classroom. I want you to walk away from this episode feeling empowered to continue using those best practices that do NOT involve technology right alongside 21st century activities that will expose students to new technology.

It doesn’t need to be an either/or situation. Technology and non-digital resources can coexist - and they should. We can use technology to complement other meaningful teaching practices. Providing this balance in your classroom will help students to see the importance of balancing technology use with offline interactions in their daily lives as well.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 57: Accountable Talk: A Teacher's Guide to Encouraging Deeper & More Meaningful Talk Among Students

EPISODE 99: Classroom Technology: A Simple Model for Using it Effectively

Grab by FREE Nonfiction Text Features Linktivity here.

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.

Digital Citizenship (Helping Elementary Students Understand Privacy & Security Online) Feb 07, 2022

PRIVACY AND SECURITY ARE TWO WORDS THAT CAN HAVE A MASSIVE IMPACT ON STUDENTS’ ONLINE INTERACTIONS.

Digital citizenship has a lot of moving parts. Teaching our students to be responsible digital citizens is the job of all the important adults in their lives, including their classroom teachers.

Here on the podcast we’ve been breaking down this larger idea of being a good digital citizen into small, more manageable chunks and in this episode we’re talking about a super important aspect of digital citizenship and that is - security and privacy.

Oooof - that’s a biggie and one that may not always seem like something young students need to worry about, but they do. In fact, we can start at a very young age helping kids to see how to protect and respect others online, including themselves.

As a 21st century classroom, security and privacy can play a huge role as students are learning to become more independent online and begin exploring online. We want that to be a good thing — we want them to be able to use the amazing digital tools that are available to them, but above all, we want them to be safe about it and know how to protect themselves.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 102: Digital Citizenship: Making Healthy Media Choices and Finding Balance

For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/106

REPLAY: Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies Jan 31, 2022

WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A GREAT READER?

Ask any elementary student and you’d likely hear responses like:

“Great readers can read fast.”

“Great readers use expression.”

“Great readers can read all the words correctly.”

These answers are all correct, however, we want students to understand that reading is more than just being able to read the words on the page. What we really want students to be doing while they read is thinking!

That’s where reading comprehension strategies come in. Reading strategy instruction gives students a guideline for how to think about what they are reading. Educational experts call this “metacognition,” which can be defined as “thinking about thinking.” This concept is at the heart of why we teach and encourage students to use reading strategies. Students need to understand that thinking is essential to reading.

Today is the first of 8 episodes on the topic of reading comprehension instruction. We will go over a new strategy each month starting next week and ending in May. I can’t wait to share with you some tools and some strategies that you can pass on to your students to help improve their reading comprehension.

Buckle up as I share with you some helpful tips, strategies, and resources for teaching your students reading comprehension.
For complete snow notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/105
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Reading Comprehension Strategies Podcast Episodes:

EPISODE 41: Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies
EPISODE 42: Reading Comprehension Instruction: How to Teach Making Connections
EPISODE 47: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Visualizing
EPISODE 51: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Making Predictions
EPISODE 56: Boost Reading Comprehension: A Simple Approach to Teaching Students to Ask Questions While Reading
EPISODE 59: A Step-By-Step Guide to Teaching Determining Importance in the Upper Elementary Classroom
EPISODE 64: Helping Your Students Make Inferences When They Read

Constructing Meaning Through Kid-Friendly Comprehension Strategy Instruction by Nancy Boyles (affiliate link)

Grab my FREE Reading Comprehension Strategy cards

Tech Tip: YouTube Hack for Teachers! Jan 24, 2022

This is the YouTube Hack You’ve been Needing!

YouTube can be an amazing learning tool for students. Need a video on teaching nonfiction text features? There’s a video for that.

How about a fun science video on phases of the moon? Yep - there’s one (or a hundred!) of those, too!

With all the free content that is available on YouTube, there is NO shortage of topics to find.

However, with a free platform like YouTube comes annoying ads that show up before your video, distracting sidebars with video suggestions that can easily derail your students’ attention, and a comment section that sometimes can get hostile or inappropriate.

Well - there is a way to bypass ALL of that and get straight to the video, in full-screen mode!

In this episode I’ll show you a simple YouTube Hack that every teacher needs for sharing YouTube videos with their students.
For Complete Show Notes: classroomnook.com/podcast/104

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

VIDEO TUTORIAL: How to Share a YouTube Video WITHOUT the Suggested Videos Bar

Video Tutorial Library

Join the LINKtivity® Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.

H(APPY) Hour - Digital Tools & Apps for Teachers and Students: TRELLO Jan 17, 2022

READY TO GET YOUR TEACHER LIFE IN CHECK?

We all have our favorite apps and digital tools that we can’t live without. Tools to keep us organized. Tools to remind us of tasks. The list goes one.

I love sharing my favorite digital tools and apps for teachers AND students, so I’m starting a new series on the podcast called H(APPY) Hour!

And since it’s January and we often focus on organization and productivity this time of year, I thought a great place to start this new series would be with my favorite app that helps me stay organized, and that app is: Trello!

In this week’s episode, I’m going to share with you what Trello is and how it has helped me stay organized in the projects that I work on and in the resources that I create.

I’m also going to share how it can be a powerful organizational and productivity tool for classroom teachers, as well! So, if you’re feeling like you’re all over the place when it comes to organizing your teacher brain, then this episode is perfect for you

You’re gonna walk away with lots of ideas of how you can put Trello to work for you in your classroom including how you can use it in planning your curriculum and even in collaborating with other teachers!

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Click here to sign up for Trello.

Join the LINKtivity® Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/103

Digital Citizenship: Making Healthy Media Choices and Finding Balance Jan 10, 2022

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH (OF A GOOD THING)?

We’ve talked so much lately about cultivating a 21st century classroom and the components that make up a modern classroom.

And although it’s fun to talk about all the bells and whistles and shiny objects that can come with a 21st century classroom - powerful and engaging components like technology and multimedia - it’s also important that we explore the other side of what it means to use technology and raise students in our digital world - and that is digital citizenship.

With all the amazing things that come with implementing classroom technology, also comes responsibility. Just as we want to prepare our students to navigate new technology, we also want to teach them the responsibility that comes with it.

There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to digital citizenship, and if we’re going to truly teach our students what it means to be a positive digital citizen and take ownership of their digital lives, we need to approach it from a variety of angles.

In today’s episode we’re going to start at the foundation, which is helping our students make healthy media choices and finding balance.

Just as we want students to make healthy choices when it comes to food and moving our bodies, we want students to learn how to make healthy choices in their digital lives. Teachers can be a part of this by modeling a healthy balance in how digital resources are used in the classroom and through the conversations we have with students as it relates to media.
For complete show notes: classroomnook.com/podcast/102

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Join the LINKtivity® Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.

Positive Thinking with Victoria from The Mindful Apple Jan 03, 2022

The time for positivity is Now.

It only takes turning on the news for a few minutes to have a negative outlook on life.

Young students don’t always know how to process negative situations and experiences. Just like students need to be taught math skills, science concepts, or reading strategies, they need to also be taught the skill of positive thinking.

The ability to think positively allows students to feel more in control of their own mindset, even when the situations around them feel out of their control.

Students hold the power to positivity, and in this episode, Victoria from The Mindful Apple joins us to share how teachers can help students develop the skill of positive thinking.

Victoria brings with her years of experience in working with students to help develop social emotional learning skills, like positive thinking, and gives students these life skills to build stronger mental health.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 86: Making Social Emotional Learning MORE Than a Buzzword

EPISODE 93: Exploring Growth Mindset with Victoria from The Mindful Apple

FREE RESOURCE: FREE Positivity Classroom Posters (And when you grab the free posters, you’ll be entered in to win the ENTIRE Positivity Social Emotional Learning Unit)

Victoria’s Social Emotional Learning Curriculum

Connect with Victoria:

10 Ways to Use LINKtivities in the Classroom Dec 20, 2021

MAKE THE MOST OF LINKTIVITIES IN YOUR CLASSROOM

It’s no secret that both teachers and students LOVE using LINKtivity® Interactive Learning Guides with their students.

I hear from upper elementary classroom teachers daily just how engaged and motivated students are when they use a LINKtivity® to learn a new skill or strategy.

And, when you start using LINKtivities with your students, it’s kinda like a train you can’t stop coming (nor do you want to!). So- when you start using them on the regular in your classroom, it’s fun to switch it up.

With LINKtivities available in every content area (even seasons and holidays!) - and growing every month - changing up the ways you use LINKtivities with your students keeps it fresh and exciting!

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 different ways that teachers are using LINKtivities with their students.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Enter here to win a FREE YEAR of the LINKtivity® Learning Membership.

VIDEO: 10 Ways to Use LINKtivities in Your Classroom

Join the LINKtivity® Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.

Classroom Technology: A Simple Model for Using it Effectively Dec 13, 2021

WE OFTEN THINK THAT ALL TECH IS CREATED EQUAL…

It’s not.

I love using tech in the classroom as a way to engage and motivate student learning. Tech provides opportunities to support our students in ways that other learning methods can not. These opportunities include things like adding audio support to read text to our students, or allowing students to record their responses rather than writing something. Technology often helps us to eliminate barriers to learning success.

But - just using classroom technology for the sake of using classroom technology is not an effective model for making decisions around technology with your students.

I think learning with multimedia and technology is an essential component of a 21st century classroom, but technology comes in all shapes and sizes, and in this episode, I want to introduce a simple model that we can follow when making decisions about technology in our classroom so that we can use it in the most effective way!

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 95: What is a 21st Century Classroom??

EPISODE 97: Creating a Multimedia Classroom (Part 1: What the Research Says)

EPISODE 98: Creating a Multimedia Classroom (Part 2: Applications for the Classroom)

SAMR Model

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.

Creating a Multimedia Classroom (Part 2: Applications for the Classroom) Dec 06, 2021

WANT TO CREATE A MULTIMEDIA CLASSROOM?

A better questions to ask would be: HOW do we create a multimedia classroom?

Over the past couple of weeks we have been exploring what it means to be a 21st century classroom.

We talked about how a 21 century classroom…

includes creating a collaborative and creative environment and encourages students to reflect on their learning
takes the focus away from a teacher-directed learning approach, and puts students in the center of discovering and exploring their own knowledge.
puts technology and multimedia in a larger role to create a bigger impact

We’ve also unpacked what the research says about multimedia instruction and laid the groundwork for what effective multimedia instruction looks like, as well as how the brain processes multimedia and the positive impact it has on long-term learning.

But - not all multimedia is created equal and if done incorrectly - it could lead to brain processing overload. It’s that whole - too much of a good thing...is no longer good idea.

So, let’s explore how we can implement effective multimedia into daily classroom instruction.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 95: What is a 21st Century Classroom??

EPISODE 97: Creating a Multimedia Classroom (Part 1: What the Research Says)

RESOURCE: Discovery Learning Folders

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - CLICK HERE to join.

Creating a Multimedia Classroom (Part 1: What the Research Says) Nov 22, 2021

6 Components of a Successful Lesson Nov 15, 2021

ALL SUCCESSFUL LESSONS HAVE A FEW THINGS IN COMMON.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been guilty more than once of making myself the star of the show - meaning - as a teacher - I often made the lessons more about me.

Me — standing in front of the classroom with my anchor charts, doing all the talking, inviting minimal participation. When I did invite participation, I was sure to call on those students that I know would have the answers.

Guilty, as charged.

But - I’ve noticed, and I’m sure YOU’VE noticed that the days of standing in front of the classroom while students just listen and absorb just don’t work.

And to be honest - it likely never worked, we just didn’t know any better. It may have worked for some students - the ones that can learn in basically any environment — but for the students that needed to be more engaged, more interactive - not so much.

So, today, I want to explore 6 components or elements of a successful lesson.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 94: 3 Tips for Increasing Student Success (That You Can Start Using TODAY!)

POST: Giving Students More Choice in the Classroom

LINKtivity: 5 Regions of the United States

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - Click here to join.

What is a 21st Century Classroom?? Nov 08, 2021

WHAT IS A 21ST CENTURY CLASSROOM?

If you have been tuning in to the podcast the past few weeks, you may have picked up on the fact that I’ve been putting a lot of focus on the modern classroom, and what’s actually working right now.

I’ve also been challenging some of the teaching ideas and practices that have dominated in the classroom for the past decade or so, and have really been questioning whether or not they are relevant anymore.

We first talked about whether or not learning styles are a myth (learning styles like visual learners vs auditory learners vs kinesthetic learners...etc) — you know all those educational philosophies you were likely taught in college.

We then talked about what’s working right now in the classroom to increase student success. These strategies draw upon modern best teaching practices -things that maybe we didn’t do 10 or so years ago.

All of this conversation has begun to set the stage to a larger question:
What is a 21st century classroom?

If education is changing (which it totally is...). If some of the educational philosophies that played a larger role and had a bigger influence on our teaching practices are no longer relevant...then where does that leave us?

How can we begin creating a 21st century, modern-day classroom that can meet the demands of the students in our classrooms TODAY?

Well, we are just starting this journey, my friend. Because there is a lot to unpack - but I first want to start today with laying the groundwork for what it means to be a 21st century classroom. That way, as we move forward in our discussion, you can reflect on how it compares to your own classroom.
So let’s get started!

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 45: How to Use Rubrics for Assessment AND Instruction

EPISODE 55: Easy Tips to Boost Student Participation While Building a Strong Classroom Community

EPISODE 90: Using Podcasts in the Elementary Classroom

EPISODE 91: The TRUTH About Learning Styles

EPISODE 94: 3 Tips for Increasing Student Success

Join the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - Click here to join.

3 Tips for Increasing Student Success Nov 01, 2021

RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR STUDENTS SUCCEED. 🙋🏻

OK, I think I already know the answer to that question, but it’s worth asking out loud.

Of course you want your students to succeed! It’s likely one of the main reasons you became a teacher (that and to have holidays and summers off, if we’re being honest)

But actually GETTING our students to be successful is certainly a challenge.

Well, I’ve actually been doing a lot of research lately on the causes of student success and what actually helps students to be successful.

And what I’m finding is that, although there are some tried-and-true teaching methods that stand the test of time, there is cause for some true reflection on best teaching practices.

What’s working right now in the classroom?

What are the needs of today’s students? And how have these need changed over the past 5, 10 or even 15 years.

The needs have definitely changed (and our awareness of these needs has certainly been elevated), but our ways of teaching practices may have not caught up to these changes.

So, I actually wanted to invite you along on this journey of researching and studying so that we can all become better educators and supporter of our students.

Here on the podcast I’m going to begin exploring what is means to be a 21st century classroom. I’m seeking out new ways that we can help our students succeed in a changing world.

In this week’s episode, I’ll start by sharing 3 tips for increasing student success (all based on current research findings and best teaching practices)

But don’t worry - I’m not just gonna throw out a bunch of research data at you, because that would be boring…

I’m going to give you some actionable strategies for your classroom so that we can take what we are learning and apply it directly to the students you are teaching.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 91: The TRUTH About Learning Styles

LINKtivity Membership - Click here to join.

Grab my FREE LINKtivity here!

Exploring Growth Mindset with Victoria from The Mindful Apple Oct 25, 2021

Students don't just need to grow academically.
As teachers, we aim to teach the whole child, right?

This of course includes helping our students learn to read and write and everything in between.

But - we also want to help our students learn that they have control over their ability to learn. They can train their brains to push through when things get challenging.

Students have the ability to see failures as learning opportunities, to see struggles and successes in the making.

This is at the heart of growth mindset. It’s the idea that learning is a journey, a process - not a talent. Having a growth mindset can help students on all levels, abilities, and walks of life to overcome obstacles and develop a love of learning.

In this week’s episode, I have brought back on our resident expert on social emotional learning, Victoria from The Mindful Apple.

As a school social worker, Victoria works with teachers and students alike to help develop a growth mindset so that they can be successful, not just in the classroom, but in life.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 60: Easy Calming Strategies for Elementary Students

EPISODE 86: Making Social Emotional Learning MORE Than a Buzzword

RESOURCE: FREE Growth Mindset Sort

Victoria’s Social Emotional Learning Curriculum

Connect with Victoria:

Getting Started with Interactive Notebooks Oct 18, 2021

SO, YOU WANT TO TRY INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOKS, EH?

Of course you do! They’re super cool and students love them.

But, they aren’t just something you can start without putting a little thought into it.

In fact, launching into using interactive notebooks with your students without thinking through the process from start to finish could leave you in puddles of glue and up to your elbows in paper scraps.

And no one has time for that!

So, come along with me in this episode. I’ll be sure to help set you up for success so that interactive notebooks can provide meaningful and authentic learning experiences for your students.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

POST: Setting Up Classroom Routines and Procedures

RESOURCE on TpT: Interactive Notebook

Grab my FREE Interactive Notebook Rubric

The TRUTH About Learning Styles Oct 11, 2021

ARE STUDENT LEARNING STYLES A MYTH?

I remember very few things about what I learned in my college education classes.

Most of what I learned about being a successful teacher I learned through my actual experiences in the classroom.

But - there is one things I DO remember. Does multiple intelligences ring a bell, anyone?

How about learning styles?

In college you, too, likely learned all about the different ways your students interact with and process new information - we refer to these as learning styles.

I was taught that we all have our own unique style of learning — a programmed way of how we like to consume new concepts. And, by absorbing new information in the way that fits this learning style, we learn better.

Seems to make sense, right?

Well - recent studies show that this theory just simply doesn’t hold up.

Bummer.

Or is it?

In this week’s episode, I unpack these new findings and explore what it actually means for students and teachers.

Using Podcasts in the Elementary Classroom Oct 04, 2021

PODCASTS ARE THE NEW LISTENING CENTER… (& SO.MUCH.MORE)

I can still remember. It was 2006 and it was my first year of teaching. One of my friend’s mom wanted to help out a first year teacher (me) by sponsoring my classroom. She asked what I needed and I told her that I desperately wanted a listening center for my classroom.

Being the new teacher, I got last pick on supplies. All the good stuff was taken and the only thing that resembled a listening center was a super old tape player.

Imagine my complete delight when I got a beautiful new (blue) listening center that could play cassette tapes AND CD’s. It came with 6 headphones and and adapter to plug all 6 in at the same time.

It.was.glorious.

The listening center got a LOT of use over the years. I went to the library often to borrow books on tape and I even began recording my own.

Fast forward 15+ years later.

Listening centers are about to get a major upgrade!

Enter: podcasts!

Have you considered using podcasts in your classroom for your students? They aren’t just for adults anymore. In fact, with over 2 MILLION active podcasts, there is no shortage on podcasts for everyone - including kids!

There are so many ways that podcasts can enhance student learning and in this week’s episode, we’ll begin to just scratch the surface!

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

RESOURCES FOR MAKING YOUR OWN PODCAST:

PODCASTS FOR KIDS:

The 25 Best Podcasts for Kids

Best Podcasts for Kids of All Ages

19 Great Learning Podcasts for the Classroom

Grab my FREE Kid Podcast Recording Sheet inside the Members Resource Library under “Student Assessment Resources.”

10 Lessons Learned in 10 Years As The Classroom Nook Sep 27, 2021

REFLECTION FUELS GROWTH.

In September of 2011, I started a journey and had NO IDEA where that journey would bring me.

Well, let me tell you, it been a journey. And I have learned so much about myself as an educator and as a person. I believe that we go further when we stop often to reflect upon where we’ve been.

If we want our students to reflect on their progress and their journey, then we must also develop those same habits.

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 of the most valuable lessons that I’ve learned since starting and growing The Classroom Nook. I hope that these lessons are not only true for myself, but that you may also find that they speak to your own growth and progress as an educator.

Helping Students Grow as Readers Through Goal Setting Sep 20, 2021

GROWTH COMES FROM GOAL-SETTING.

We can teach until we are blue in the face, but often, we take the one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to reading.

We teach everyone the same skills and strategies…at the same time.

But the problem is, students are often in different places when it comes to their most immediate need. And while it’s fine to teach a reading topic to the whole class, we must also make sure that we are giving equal instructional time and attention to the individual reading needs of our students.

That’s where individual student goals can help.

In this week’s episode, I’ll be covering why it’s important to have your students set individual reading goals and how to help them achieve those goals through an action plan.

Readers come in all shapes and sizes, so let’s make sure our approach to reading is custom-made by helping students develop goals that help them to grow!

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 31: How to Use a Reader’s and Writer’s Notebook in the Upper Elementary Classroom

EPISODE 87: Developing Student Writing Goals & Why Your Students Need Them!

POST: Teaching Students to Choose "Just Right" Books During Independent Reading

RESOURCES:

Grab my FREE “Just Right” Bookmark inside the Members Resource Library under “Reading Resources.”

Developing Student Writing Goals & Why Your Students Need Them! Sep 13, 2021

Want to see more progress in your students’ writing?

Then it’s time to take a hard look at how we approach writing in your classroom.

We spend a lot of time teaching skills and strategies for writing, but not every student needs work on the same skill or strategy.

That’s where helping students to develop writing goals can make a huge impact. Setting individual writing goals gives purpose to student writing, and helps students to make progress on what THEY need. Goals drive instruction and serve as a road map for what to work on during independent writing conferences.

But - to help students achieve more success in their writing through goals, we must break it down into a simplified process. In this week’s episode, I’m doing just that.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 63: Conducting Writing Conferences: A Simple Goal-Driven Approach

RESOURCES:

Making Social Emotional Learning MORE Than a Buzzword (Applications for the Classroom) Sep 06, 2021

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING.

It’s such a buzzword lately, especially as teachers try to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic.

Now more than ever our students are struggling socially and emotionally.

Months of learning at home, isolated from teachers and friends has brought a series of issues that teachers are now learning to work through.

Social emotional learning, or SEL for short, is not new, but has certainly created a new buzzword.

The thing is, the social and emotional well-being of our students isn’t just the responsibility of school social workers and counselors - it’s all of our jobs.

Students can not effectively access learning until their social and emotional needs are met. These needs sit at the foundation from which all learning grows from.

That’s why I’ve invited Victoria from The Mindful Apple to come back on the podcast to help us set the stage for the new school year with one big priority: social emotional learning.

She’ll give us the essentials and beyond to empower all educators with the tools to support our students beyond the academics.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

EPISODE 60: Easy Calming Strategies for Elementary Students

Connect with Victoria at The Mindful Apple:

Check out her Teacher and Student Resources
Take a peek at her Website
Follow her on Instagram

FREE Check In Sheet for Checking Students Social Emotional Needs

Check out Victoria’s growing social emotional learning curriculum

Reflecting on Best Teaching Practices (& What to STOP Doing NOW!) Aug 30, 2021

Dear old version of me...

We all look back on your first few years of teaching and cringe at some of the things that we have done with our students.

Sometimes, we just don't know any better...until we do.

Now, I won’t waste your time telling you all about my mistakes, but I do want to share a few things that you can change about your teaching practices today to make a bigger impact with your students.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Grab my FREE “Show What You Know Cards” in our Member’s Resource Library under “Student Assessment Resources.”

Readers & Writers Workshop: Top Questions to Ask Yourself BEFORE Getting Started Aug 23, 2021

STOP.

Before you get started with readers and writers workshop this year, we need to talk.

I know you want to launch into your first reading and writing unit.

I know you’re anxious to start that first novel or that first writing piece with your students. It’s exciting to start fresh.

BUT — before you do, don’t.

Have your properly set yourself up for success when it comes to launching readers and writers workshop? Have you considered all.the.things. to make sure you have crossed all your t’s and dotted all your i’s?

In this week’s episode, I’m covering ALL the essential questions you should be asking yourself BEFORE you hit the ground running with your reading and writing curriculum.

From simple questions like: Where will your students keep their reading and writing materials?to more thought-provoking things to consider like: How will you fit conferencing into your workshop time? …and everything in between.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 29: How to Launch Reader's Workshop in Your Classroom

EPISODE 30: How to Launch Writer's Workshop in the Upper Elementary Classroom

EPISODE 62: Why You Need a "Share Chair" In Your Reading and Writing Workshop

RESOURCES:

IntelliScanner (affiliate link)
Online catalog like Book Source Classroom Organizer.
Smart phone apps like iBookshelf, Book Crawler, and Book Buddy
Launching Reader's and Writer's Workshop Bundle

Grab these TWO FREEBIES inside our Members Resource Library

Teacher’s Guide to Reader’s Workshop — under “Teacher Resources” section
Teacher’s Guide to Writer’s Workshop — under “Teacher Resources” section

Must-Know Tips for New Teachers! Aug 15, 2021

IT CAN BE TOUGH BEING THE NEW GUY, RIGHT?

You may just be beginning your teaching journey, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone!

We’ve all been there. While you might be excited to get that first year under your belt, you’re also likely feeling overwhelmed trying to process all. the. things.

But, wait. Pause. Take a deep breath.

Then - listen to this week’s episode. I’m sharing what really matters as a first year teacher …and what doesn’t. What you should focus on, and what you can put on the back burner.

The truth is: You can’t (and shouldn’t) try to do it all. So, let’s take control of what we can, and be ready to learn along the way!

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 34: Routines and Procedures Every TEACHER Needs

EPISODE 55: Easy Tips to Boost Student Participation While Building a Strong Classroom Community

POST: Back to School Series: Setting Up Classroom Routines and Procedures

What to Prep for Your Classroom NOW, to Save Time LATER Aug 09, 2021

TEACHERS: WANT TO THANK YOURSELF LATER?

Then do yourself a favor (or two) NOW.

Once the school year gets underway, teachers know just how challenging it can be to get ahead of the game. Many times it feels like we are surviving day-to-day.

But - it doesn’t have to be that way!

In fact, with a little thought, planning, and prepping, you could be doing yourself a HUGE favor that you’ll thank yourself later for. Putting in place a few classroom systems can reap huge benefits in the long run.

In this week’s episode I’m talking about simple things that you can prep NOW (before school starts) so that you’re not left scrambling later.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

RESOURCES:

Take-Home Math Games
Take-Home Science Experiments
Classroom Management Survival Kit
Student Data Binder Kit inside the Members Resource Library under “Teacher Resources”.
FREE Fast Finishers inside the Members Resource Library under “Classroom Management Resources.”

8 Things to NOT Do On The First Day of School Aug 02, 2021

It's Back to School time!
I am a self-proclaimed back to school junkie. I love everything about it.

The back to school planning. Decorating my classroom. All of it.

No sooner did a school year end before the wheels were already turning in my head for what that first day of school would look like. (I know, a little annoying, right? I can’t help it..)

There is so much to prep and plan for that first day back, and all across America the To-Do checklists are being created and ticked off as we speak (it’s like music to my ears!).

However before you get too caught up in everything you want to DO as you’re planning for the first day of school, today’s episode is all about what NOT to do on the first day of school.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

POST: Establishing Routines & Procedures (Plus, grab a free routines and procedures guide for the elementary classroom!)

RESOURCE: First Day of School Toolkit

Grab my FREE First Day Checklist inside the Members Resource Library under “TEACHER RESOURCES.”

Teacher Summer Road Trip Theme: Back to School Planning Jul 25, 2021

It’s go-time.

Teachers - start your engines and get ready for the new school year. I don’t have to tell you that planning for a new school year is a bit of an overwhelming process.

As exciting as it is, there are a lot of moving parts when it comes to getting ready for that first day of school.

So let’s break it down. In this FINAL playlist of of our summer road trip, I’ll outline how you can:

design your dream classroom (and on a budget!)
get organized from top to bottom
curriculum map for an entire school year (um - yes, you can!)
have the very best first day of school

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

First Day of School Survival Kit

Classroom Theme Decor Essentials

Classroom Color Scheme Decor Essentials

Teacher Summer Road Trip Theme: Classroom Technology Jul 18, 2021

Most teachers have a love-hate relationship with technology. It’s true that classroom technology can help engage students like no other teaching strategy can. But - with technology comes a whole new set of challenges.

And, teacher technology can be great, too. Never before have we had some many tech tools to help us get organized, manage our classroom resources, and keep our schedule in check. But again - there’s always a learning curve.

So, let’s tackle some of those challenges. In this week’s summer playlist I’ll be covering some important ways that you can maximize the power of technology for both you and your students. We’re talking about:

tips and best practices for managing classroom technology with your students
new learning tools that will spark instant engagement
getting your digital files in tip-top shape for the new school year
how to use online calendars to manage everything from your curriculum planning to meetings, field-trips and more!

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

LINKtivity® Interactive Learning Guides (The Complete Library)

Using Google Calendar for Teachers (Video Tutorial)
Join us on our Teacher Summer Road Trip

Teacher Summer Road Trip Theme: Classroom Management Jul 11, 2021

We all get excited for the beginning of the school year. Those fresh pencils. Boxes of new markers. Crisp chart paper just waiting to be used.

We can’t wait to dive in to all the lessons, activities, and projects that we’ve been prepping and planning.

But wait. Stop right there!

Before you even THINK about anything else when it comes to the new school year, let me ask you this. What’s your classroom management system?

Don’t really have one? Let’s fix that. In this episode I’m focusing on classroom management. If you skip the whole classroom management step of starting a new school year, you’ll find yourself frustrated all year long.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Join the Summer Teacher Road Trip

Classroom Management Survival Kit

Teacher Summer Road Trip Theme: Classroom Community Jul 04, 2021

It’s no secret that if your classroom is a welcoming place for students, they’ll want to be there.

Not spending enough time building a positive classroom community is one of the biggest mistakes a teacher can make. Before you can dive into learning, students need to feel safe, wanted, and a part of the group.

If you crave a classroom full of students that feel like family, then this week’s summer road trip playlist is for you. Learn how to:

building a community of readers (and leaders!)
create a culture of kindness in your classroom
simple keys to success when building a positive learning environment
ways to make your classroom a calm and peaceful place.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

The Mindful Apple - Shop & Blog (Social Emotional Learning Resources)

Teacher Summer Road Trip Theme: The Teacher Life Jun 27, 2021

If you know. You Know.

Teacher life is tough to explain to someone who isn’t a teacher. We have our own language, shared struggles and triumphs - so many things that only another teacher can relate to.

The teacher community is such an amazing group, filled with educators who selflessly give of themselves to their students day after day, year after year.

In this episode, I’ve curated clips that we can all relate to as teachers including:

how to survive a super challenging school year
the 7 habits of highly effective teachers
how to seamlessly share your classroom with another teachers
how to establish your own routines and procedures to keep yourself on point
how to deal with that nagging, ever-present feeling of overwhelm.

Click HERE for complete show notes and the chance to win this week's giveaway (a $25 gift card for TpT or Starbucks!)

Teacher Summer Road Trip Theme: Engaging Students Jun 20, 2021

Staring into a sea of glazed-over eyes is soul crushing for any teacher. All teachers aim for a classroom of engaged and excited learners - but getting there can be quite a feat.

The key is to vary the WAYS that you try to engage your students. Doing one engagement strategy might work for a while, but it will eventually fall flat when the initial excitement dies down. That’s why in this week’s episode I’m sharing multiple ways that you can keep your students excited, engaged, and interacting with each other in all parts of your school day.

I’ve curated clips from past episodes all about:

engaging ways to start a lesson
5-minute fillers that aren’t a waste of time
fool-proof ways in boost student engagement
ways to ditch the boring textbook and replace them with more engaging alternatives.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Join the Teacher Summer Road Trip for all the freebies and a chance to win weekly giveaway prizes!

Show What You Know! Cards

LINKtivity® Interactive Learning Guides

Teacher Summer Road Trip Theme: Writing Instruction Jun 13, 2021

Writing is often hard for students and teachers alike! That’s why in this episode I’ve curated a batch of writing inspiration to help you get your writing plan in order for the upcoming school year. We’ll cover some of the most important aspects of what makes your writing instruction successful in the elementary classroom.

Here’s what I’ve got in store for you in this week’s road trip play list:

Learn how to start your writer’s workshop off strong right from the beginning of the school year
See how you can keep you and your students ultra organized in writer’s workshop by implementing a writer’s notebook.
Bust through those “I don’t know what to write about” woes by learning some simple tips that will help your students generate their own writing ideas.
Make writer’s workshop a more meaningful experience for your students by using a share chair to have your writers collaborate over their writing pieces.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Student Writer’s Notebook

Launching Writer’s Workshop Unit
Don't miss a single freebie or giveaway this summer! Make sure you're on my email list to grab this week’s road trip souvenirs (aka: featured freebies) from our Members Resource Library under “SUMMER ROAD TRIP” section.

Teacher Summer Road Trip Theme: Reading Instruction Jun 06, 2021

Ask Me Anything! This Summer, Get to Know Rachael from The Classroom Commute May 30, 2021

It’s time to have a little fun! Before we hit the road on our summer teacher road trip and visit some of the most popular episodes from this past school year - get to know your road trip buddy (me!).
This is a fun episode! For the first time, I recorded an “Ask Me Anything” episode where I’m answering some Classroom Commute listener questions! From personal questions (like - what’s my favorite TV show) to teacher-related questions (I’ll tell you why I left the classroom) - I’m answering them all!
Be sure that you're signed up to join us on this summer road trip and get access to weekly freebies and giveaways!
Sign up here!

Take a Summer Road Trip with The Classroom Commute Podcast! May 23, 2021

Who’s ready for a summer road trip?

We’ve been carpooling together all school year long - it only makes sense that we take this show on the road and swap the classroom commute for a summer road trip!

Along the way we’ll stop at some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka most popular episodes from the past school year).

And what does every road trip need? An EPIC playlist! I’ve got you covered! I’ll provide the tunes - and by tunes, I mean episodes that are packed with teacher goodness, motivation, and inspiration, ya know - the typical Classroom Commute stuff :)

This summer, I’m in the driver’s seat and I’ll share a weekly playlist that you can listen to as you sit back and enjoy the view out the window!

And, of course what’s a road trip without souvenirs? Yep, I’ve got those, too! With each weekly playlist, I’ll be sharing freebies and giveaways along the way! Be sure you’re on my email list so you don’t miss out!
For complete show notes, visit, classroomnook.com/podcast/71

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Get all the details for our summer road trip (and get on the email list so you don’t miss a single freebie or giveaway) HERE.

Submit your questions for the upcoming Ask Me Anything episode

A Better Way to Teach Theme in Literature To Elementary Students May 16, 2021

HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING THEME WRONG?

Maybe. I was. For a long time.

And my students struggled because of it. I’d asked students the classic prompting questions like What did the character learn? or What was the problem that the character was facing? — all good questions. However when we ask our students to take the giant leap from answering those prompts to identifying theme, we lose them.

What they really need is the bridge to get from the prompt to theme. A repeatable formula that breaks the process of finding theme in literature into simple steps.

And - I’ve got that formula for you today! When I started using this theme-finding formula with my students…it WORKED! Like, really worked. Students were able to identify theme and support it using evidence from the text. It was like magic.

I want your students to be able to do the same so I’m sharing all the details on today’s podcast. It’s must-listen episode for any upper elementary reading teacher.

For complete show notes, visit, classroomnook.com/podcast/70

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

LINKtivity: Story Mountain

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Grab my FREE Teaching Theme Starter Kit

Preparing Your Classroom for Summer Vacation (& How to Enlist Your Students' Help!) May 09, 2021

There's always so much to do before summer vacation.
Before you can turn in your classroom keys for the summer you likely have paperwork to complete, reorganizing your classroom cabinets, closets, and drawers —all those things that got in disarray in the thick of the school year.

And if you’ve ever been that last teacher out the door sailing off into summer vacay mode - then you know how painful it can be! (Trust me - I’ve been there more times than I care to count!)

So, let’s not let it happen again, mmmk?

What if you could be the FIRST teacher checkin’ out for the summer? What if you had your classroom, cleaned, prepped, organized, and ready for custodial approval ….EARLY?

Sounds lovely.

The secret to making it all happen? Don’t do it all yourself! Instead of waiting till your students leave on that last day of school to get your classroom in order, enlist the help of your students to get it done FASTER! And you know what - students actually LOVE to help you clean and organize your classroom. It’s a win-win.

Now, before you start passing out garbage bags, sponges, and cleaning sprays - you need to have a METHOD to the madness. And that’s what this episode is all about. I’ll show you exactly how I successfully and methodically had my students help me prepare my classroom for the summer.
For complete show notes, visit, classroomnook.com/podcast/69
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CLICK HERE to Grab my FREE Classroom Clean-Up Tasks to help you get organized!

Synthesizing Made Easy: How To Help Your Elementary Students Master This Reading Strategy! May 02, 2021

DOES TEACHING STUDENTS TO SYNTHESIZE FEEL LIKE PULLING TEETH?

It sure does…. sometimes. But why is teaching this reading comprehension strategy so hard?

There are a number of reasons students often struggle with synthesizing. One- it’s an abstract concept. Asking students to synthesize requires more than just surface-level thinking. They have to think beyond the text in order to form a synthesis. Two - it’s a multi-level strategy. Synthesizing can’t be taught in isolation. This strategy requires students to draw upon other skills and strategies, like determining importance, or inferring, and using schema in order to form a true synthesis!

So what’s a teacher to do? Throw spaghetti at the all and hope something sticks?

Nah - I’ve got a better teaching strategy for you - and we cover it all in this podcast episode.

We’ll talk about the hurdles and roadblocks and that students face when learning this strategy. We’ll overcome the common mistakes made by teachers AND students when it comes to fully understanding what synthesizing a text truly means.

So - keep your spaghetti in the pot, and have a listen!
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/68
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Reading Comprehension Strategies Podcast Episodes:

EPISODE 41: Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies
EPISODE 42: Reading Comprehension Instruction: How to Teach Making Connections
EPISODE 47: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Visualizing
EPISODE 51: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Making Predictions
EPISODE 56: Boost Reading Comprehension: A Simple Approach to Teaching Students to Ask Questions While Reading
EPISODE 59: A Step-By-Step Guide to Teaching Determining Importance in the Upper Elementary Classroom
EPISODE 64: Helping Your Students Make Inferences When They Read

Learn more about the 3 Types of Synthesizing HERE

List of Aesop’s Fables

Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller
RESOURCE: Forming a Synthesis LINKtivity

Grab my FREE Synthesizing Bookmark inside the Members Resource Library under “Reading Resources.”

Teaching Nonfiction: 5 Must-Try Ideas for the Elementary Classroom Apr 25, 2021

Teachers spend so.much.time on teaching fiction reading skills & strategies.

But the reality is - most of our life is spent reading nonfiction text. Whether it’s a dinner recipe or a manual to try to fix the TV remote control settings that your toddler screwed up (again!) — nonfiction reading skills are not just needed for the classroom, but REAL life!

We should be spending an equal amount of time on nonfiction reading skills & strategies as we do fiction.

Because we read nonfiction texts differently than we do fiction, it’s a mistake to assume that what we teach about fictional stories will naturally translate into nonfiction. These critical reading skills must be explicitly taught, modeled and practiced.

If you’re looking for simple, yet fun ways to teach your students to effectively read nonfiction, then check out these 5 must-try ideas that come straight from my elementary classroom to yours!
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/67
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Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Podcast Episodes for the Reading Comprehension Strategies:

EPISODE 41: Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies
EPISODE 42: Reading Comprehension Instruction: How to Teach Making Connections
EPISODE 47: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Visualizing
EPISODE 51: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Making Predictions
EPISODE 59: A Step-By-Step Guide to Teaching Determining Importance in the Upper Elementary Classroom
EPISODE 64: Helping Your Students Make Inferences When They Read

POST: 3 Easy Steps For Teaching Students to Use Nonfiction Text Features

RESOURCE: Nonfiction Reading Guide Template

Recycle! by Gail Gibbons

Grab my FREE Text Features LINKtivity.

Ditch the Textbook: 4 Super Engaging Alternatives to Teaching From a Textbook Apr 18, 2021

This ain’t your grandma’s classroom.

Years ago the textbook was all we had. Textbooks…and workbooks that went along with the textbook. Ew.

But, we’ve come a loooong way since those days and it’s time to implement some 21st century teaching practices.

So, what does that mean?

It means we ditch the textbook. Now, don’t get me wrong, we can still use textbooks as a tool for teaching. It may guide us in the content that we need to teach, and may serve a purpose (a very small purpose) in the elementary classroom - but think of it as the starting point to get you where you want to go.

And where we want to go is a classroom full of engaged, motivated kiddos who are interacting with you and one another. And let’s be honest, textbooks don’t exactly evoke engaging conversation.

So allow me to give you 4 alternatives to teaching from the textbook. In this week’s podcast I’ve got the solutions to your textbook woes (as well as some resources to make implementing these strategies a whole lot easier!)
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/66
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LINKS & RESOURCES Mentioned in the Episode:
POST: Five Reasons Why You Should Use Reader’s Theater in the Upper Elementary Classroom

RESOURCES: Discovery Learning Folders

POST: Engaging Your Students With LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides (Plus grab a FREE LINKtivity!)

RESOURCES: LINKtivity® Interactive Learning Guides Collection

Mastering Literature Circles or Book Groups in the Elementary Classroom Apr 11, 2021

Do you know what students love to do?
Talk.

Give them a hot second to chat, and pretty quickly your classroom will be filled with conversations about video games, and sports, and whatever the latest kid-trend is.

Unless you’ve asked them to talk about what books they are reading. Theeeen you often hear crickets.

Kids simply don’t know how to talk about the books they are reading. They often don’t know how to discuss the characters and plot and interesting facts.

Enter in: Literature Circles (or book clubs as they are often referred to)

Literature circles harness our students’ love of talking, and turn it in to a book-talking, thought-provoking, student-led conversation that is meaningful, AND builds stronger reader and thinkers.

That is, if they are done correctly and with intention.

That’s where this week’s episode comes into play. We’re breaking it all down with how to structure your book clubs, the roles your students will play, and how to make book-talking magic in your elementary classroom.
See complete show notes at classroomnook.com/podcast/65
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
EPISODE 57: Accountable Talk: A Teacher's Guide to Encouraging Deeper & More Meaningful Talk Among Students (Includes FREE Posters!)

POST: Giving Students More Choice in the Classroom

RESOURCE: Getting Started in Literature Circles (A complete teacher’s guide with teacher & student resources!)

Grab my FREE Literature Circle “Think Sheet” inside the Members Resource Library under “Reading Resources.”

Helping Your Students Make Inferences When They Read Apr 04, 2021

How can teachers help their students to become stronger readers?
Simple. Give them the tools (aka reading comprehension strategies) to help them make sense of what they read.

Ok, maybe not so simple.

Teaching students these strategies does take practice, intentional instruction, and loooots of modeling. But that doesn’t mean we have to make it complicated in the way that we teach these reading strategies.

When it comes to teaching comprehension strategies, like inferring, we can provide our students with simple, concrete examples before turning them loose to try it on for size.

In this episode, we’ll break down reading comprehension instruction, specifically, how to teach students to make inferences while reading. I’ll take a straightforward, step-by-step approach to make sure you know how to explain inferring to your students (and how to explain what it is not.) I’ll show you how to seamlessly go from modeling concrete and tangible examples before transitioning into using this comprehension strategy in different texts.

It’s an episode that you’re going to want to tuck away in your teacher toolbox.

--------------------------------
LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
EPISODE 41: Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies

EPISODE 42: Reading Comprehension Instruction: How to Teach Making Connections

EPISODE 47: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Visualizing

EPISODE 51: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Making Predictions

EPISODE 59: A Step-By-Step Guide to Teaching Determining Importance in the Upper Elementary Classroom

Making Inferences LINKtivity

Here are some of my favorite books to use when modeling inferring (affiliate links):

The Wretched Stone by Chris Van Allsburg
The Memory String by Eve Bunting
This Is Not My Hat by Job Klassen
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson

Grab my FREE Inferring Bookmark inside the Members Resource Library under “Reading Resources.”

Conducting Writing Conferences: A Simple Goal-Driven Approach Mar 28, 2021

Writing conferences used to be a nightmare in my classroom.
They usually involved me and my trusty red pen going through a students’ writing, marking it up— adding suggestion, highlighting misspelled words or missing punctuation. And, after about 5 minutes or so, I'd had the paper back to students and move on to the next student.

There was no talk of writing strategies, no mention of writing goals, no modeling methods to improve student writing.

Nope - just a bunch of red lines (and likely frustrated, disengaged students).

Yikes, I cringe at those early days when I thought that writing conferences were all about me.

The thing about teaching (and really anything in life) is that you don’t do better until you know better.

Now, I know better.

The things that I know now are the things that shaped my entire approach to conducting a writing conference with students. And you know what? Meeting with my students to talk about their writing became SOOO much easier when I simplified my plan of action.

If you’ve been getting a little too much mileage out of your red pen these days, too, then this episode has landed in your ear buds at just the right time.
LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
EPISODE 27: Developing a Strong Classroom Management System

EPISODE 30: How to Launch Writer's Workshop in the Upper Elementary Classroom

EPISODE 62: Why You Need a "Share Chair" In Your Reading and Writing Workshop

POST: Back to School Series: Launching Writer's Workshop

RESOURCES:

Student Writer’s Notebook (Printable & Digital)
Getting Started With Writers Workshop Unit

Why You Need a "Share Chair" In Your Reading and Writing Workshops Mar 21, 2021

There might be something missing from your readers and writers workshop.
A Chair.

Oh - not just any chair. A ‘Share Chair.’

If you’re not using a share chair in your classroom, you’re missing out - BIG TIME.

There is so much power in this chair.

It has the power to build a positive classroom community. It has the power to help students develop the art of accountable talk, promote student engagement — and I haven’t even mentioned the fact that it will help create stronger readers and writers (well, now I have…)

No longer does the feedback come from just you, the teacher. Instead this approach empowers students to be the experts, to own their abilities and tap into their knowledge and skills. A share chair is your secret weapon to getting your students to BEG to share their thinking as it related to reading and writing.

This episode is a must-listen for any elementary teacher who wants to build student thought-leaders in your readers and writers workshops.
See the complete show notes here: classroomnook.com/podcast/62
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LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE
EPISODE 29: How to Launch Reader's Workshop in Your Classroom

EPISODE 30: How to Launch Writer's Workshop in the Upper Elementary Classroom

EPISODE 57: Accountable Talk: A Teacher's Guide to Encouraging Deeper & More Meaningful Talk Among Students

Ending Your Lesson: 10 Standing Ovation-Worthy Ways to Do It Right Mar 14, 2021

How you end a lesson is just as important as what you do during the lesson itself.
If you’ve ever spent hours prepping and planning for a lesson in your classroom (and I know you have), then after all that hard work you’re likely ready to just be done. Close the teacher planner and move on to the next task.
How we end a lesson however, whether it be a mini-lesson, a whole-class activity, or even in small guided reading groups, shouldn’t be an after-thought.
But - it often is.
Teachers often think that 5 minutes at the end of a lesson couldn’t really hold that much weight. You’ve already taught the important content during the actual lesson — just instruct your kiddos to close their books, put away their papers and get ready for lunch, right? What more is there to do?
PLENTY.
In fact, the final few minutes of your lesson could make a BIG impact on your students’ over-all understanding of what you just spent the last 30 minutes teaching them.
When you spend so much time planning for an epic lesson in your classroom - give it an epic ending! And don’t worry, I’m not giving you just one more thing to do. I’ve already compiled 10 plug-and-play lesson-enders that you can do right away in your classroom!
See the complete show notes at classroomnook.com/podcast/61
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

EPISODE 44: Engaging Ways to Start a Lesson

POST: How to Quickly Check Your Students' Understanding

RESOURCE: Show What You Know Cards

SONG: Do The Hustle

Grab my FREE Show What You Know Assessment Cards inside the Members Resource Library under “Student Assessment Resources.”

Easy Calming Strategies for Elementary Students Mar 07, 2021

Students can't learn in crisis mode.
Before we can teach young minds, we must first teach students to tap into their feelings and emotions. Social-emotional health is the foundation for all learning so it is impetrative that we address these needs in our students before we ask them to master academics.

People today are more stressed and worried than ever before due to the pandemic and the impact that it has had on our schools is huge. And if YOU’RE feeling that way, your students are, too.

The difference between the two, however, is that your students likely don't have the coping skills to deal with feelings of worry and overwhelm.

But the problem is, many teachers aren't trained in teaching students coping skills. Teaching strategies of calm wasn’t part of our undergrad work. That’s why I wanted to bring a special guest onto the podcast who is trained and skilled in teaching young minds and hearts to breathe in the calm and breathe out the worry.

In this episode I'm interviewing Victoria from The Mindful Apple. She's a school social worker working with elementary students and has some solid tips and strategies for classroom teachers to help their students grow their calm.

Victoria knows how to take a worried mind and plant seeds of calm there instead.

She's even got a simple strategy for teachers to help them take control of their own emotional command center — and she’s sharing it all with us inside the episode.
For complete show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/60
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Connect with Victoria at The Mindful Apple:

Check out her Teacher and Student Resources
Take a peek at her Website
Follow her on Instagram

FREE Feelings Journal for Students: Grab a week’s worth of writing prompts to use with your students
More resources from The Mindful Apple to help support your students social emotional growth:

A Step-By-Step Guide to Teaching Determining Importance in the Upper Elementary Classroom Feb 28, 2021

Students tend to think that everything they read is important.
But - the problem with trying to remember EVERYTHING you read is that you actually end up remembering very little. Our brains can only retain so much information before it goes into overdrive, so its critical to help little brains, aka our students, develop strategies to strain out the nonessential information from the books that they read.

How do we do this? It should come as no surprise when I say that we need to explicitly teach them how. We need to show students how to separate out the important, must-remember information from the interesting, but not essential details in a text.

Teaching students to determine importance will help set the foundation for students to be able to master other critical reading comprehension strategies like inferring and synthesizing that they will need to pull out from their reading toolbox as well.

In order to infer, students need to be able to pick up on the important details that serve as clues in making inferences. They need to determine importance first.

Synthesizing requires students to collect all the important details from and textual “bread crumbs” left throughout a book in order to come to a much deeper and complete understanding of the story. It starts with determining importance.

For complete show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/59
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE
EPISODE 54: 6 GREAT Reading Activities to Use With Nearly ANY Novel!
Reading Comprehension Strategies:

EPISODE 41: Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies
EPISODE 42: Reading Comprehension Instruction: How to Teach Making Connections
EPISODE 47: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Visualizing
EPISODE 51: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Making Predictions

Favorite Books to use for modeling Determining Importance (affiliate links):

The Important Book by: Margaret Wise Brown (this is a great book to introduce the reading strategy)
Love Will See You Through by Angela Farris Watkins
The Stray Dog by Marc Simont
Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say

Grab my FREE Determining Importance Bookmark inside the Members Resource Library under “Reading Resources.”

Reason's Why Your Reader's Workshop and Writer's Workshop Is Not Working Feb 21, 2021

There are a lot of moving parts in the readers and writers workshop model.

It takes a lot of coordination, planning, and modeling for reading and writing magic to happen.

Reading and writing centers seem chaotic and mismanaged, you’re constantly being interrupted during your small groups, and students still don’t seem to know what they should be doing during independent work time.

Is it really just too hard? Should you just go back to traditional whole-class teaching?

Maybe. OR - you could make a few small tweaks and get back on track.

Chances are, with a few changes to your readers and writers workshop, you could have your workshops running like clockwork - and in return, help your students become strong readers and writers.

Sound like a dream? It’s not! In this week’s podcast episode I’ll share with your 7 common mistakes teachers are making during their literacy block AND how to fix them!
For complete show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/58
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
EPISODE 25: It’s time to Fine-Tune Your Instruction with New Teaching Strategies and Best Practices

EPISODE 29: How to Launch Reader's Workshop in Your Classroom

EPISODE 30: How to Launch Writer's Workshop in the Upper Elementary Classroom

EPISODE 49: Pressing the "Restart" Button On the School Year

Reading Comprehension Strategies:

EPISODE 41: Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies
EPISODE 42: Reading Comprehension Instruction: How to Teach Making Connections
EPISODE 47: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Visualizing
EPISODE 51: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Making Predictions

POST: Setting Up Classroom Routines and Procedures

POST: Back to School Series: Launching Readers Workshop

POST: Back to School Series: Launching Writer's Workshop

RESOURCE:

Getting Started With Reader’s Workshop (printable & digital)

Getting Started With Writer’s Workshop (printable & dgitial)

LINKtivities Interactive Learning Guides

Grab my FREE Routines and Procedures Checklist inside the Members Resource Library under “Classroom Management Resources.”

BONUS: A Massive Update on LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides You WON'T Want to Miss! Feb 17, 2021

If you've been with me for a bit, than you know I like to keep my teacher community updated on new projects that I'm working on, new podcast episodes that drop and even personal life-updates.
But, I've actually been keeping a secret for a while now...
've been working on a HUGE project that has been a year in the making (and longer if you count how long I've been dreaming about it!)

You ready...???

I have found a way to to make audio accessible for ALL students using LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides.
No, not just for students who have access to PowerPoint. Not just for students who use tablets, or laptops, or WHATEVER -- anyone can have access!

This is huge. It means that you can support your English Language Learners or struggling readers with the support that they need to be successful. It means that your students will be able to be even MORE independent when using LINKtivities -- in the classroom or at home.
Now, all you need to access LINKtivities (WITH audio) is one link. THAT'S IT. No downloading the file, no uploading it to a learning platform. Just one link. Simply share the link and you're on your way!
In this episode find out when and how to get your hands on this new, HUGE update to an already amazing resource line!
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/linktivity-update
LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
LINKtivity Interactive Learning - Complete Collection
Updated LINKtivities (With more coming SOON!):

Accountable Talk: A Teacher's Guide to Encouraging Deeper & More Meaningful Talk Among Students Feb 14, 2021

It's undeniable. Students love to talk.
Sometimes is hard to get them to stop talking.

But, not all “talk” is created equal.

It’s one thing to have your students discuss what they did over the weekend, or what new video games they are in to.

But - what teacher hasn’t observed students sitting in a small group trying to discuss a new topic they are learning about or a book that they are reading.

:::Crickets:::

The truth is, when it comes to having deep, meaningful conversation - the kind of talk that moves learning forward - students often struggle to keep the conversation going. Instead of asking thoughtful questions or making insightful comments and observations on what their peers are saying, students often find themselves trapped in the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ auto responder vortex when it comes to classroom discussions.

And - it’s hard for the conversation to flow both ways when students only answer with ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

When the conversation only flows in one direction, you miss out on a valuable opportunity to really dive deep into a topic. That's why I feel it is really important to teach students how to have a meaningful and valuable conversations with you, the teacher, as well as with their peers.

That’s where teaching students the art of accountable talk can be a game changer.

Accountable talk is an intentional open-ended conversation where participants listen, add on to each other's comments, and use clarifying questions to make sure they are understanding what others are saying. When students participate in accountable talk, they can have richer and deeper conversations that go beyond surface-level thinking.
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/57
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Grab my FREE Accountable Talk Posters inside the Members Resource Library under “Classroom Decor.”

Boost Reading Comprehension: A Simple Approach to Teaching Students to Ask Questions While Reading Feb 07, 2021

All teachers would agree that asking questions is (usually) a good thing.
Yes, we have the those students who seem to ask endless questions, or questions that seem off topic or irrelevant, but — overall, we know that students use questioning and wondering as strategy for learning about the world.

AND - when it comes to reading, asking questions is a reading comprehension strategy that needs to be explicitly taught to students to help them learn and engage with the text.

It helps the reader to clarify what he or she is reading and to better understand the text. It helps them to challenge the text. Ultimately, asking good questions is a way for students to monitor their own comprehension while reading.

But - that doesn’t mean that students automatically know how to ask questions.

In fact, struggling readers approach reading as a passive experience. This means that they read the words with the idea that the meaning of the text will reveal itself if they just read enough words. They don’t stop to ask questions or challenge their thinking.

That’s where today’s podcast episode comes into play. I’m diving deep into this critical reading comprehension strategy and breaking it ALL down for you so that you can get your students asking, wondering, and engaging with the books they are reading.
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/56
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Episode 41: Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies

Episode 47: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Visualizing

Episode 51: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Making Predictions

My favorites texts to use when modeling asking questions:

The Stranger by: Chris Van Allsburg
The Empty Pot by: Demi
Fly Away Home by: Eve Bunting
Plant Secrets by: Emily Goodman

LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guide: Asking Questions

Grab my FREE Asking Questions Bookmark inside the Members Resource Library under Reading Resources.

Easy Tips to Boost Student Participation (& Building Classroom Community!) Jan 31, 2021

Imagine If you could increase student participation & build classroom community… at the same time.

Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?

So often, teachers focus on teaching the content that our curriculum requires, but we often forget a very important core element of teaching.

Relationships.

Students learn best when they have a genuine relationship with their teacher and their classmate. If we fail to set that foundation, we are passing up incredible opportunities for learning and growth in our classroom.

Imagine with me.
You are working on teaching a new concept with your students and instead of having the same three students engaging in your classroom discussions, you have nearly the entire class interacting with one another. And, as a bi-product of that student participation, you begin building a stronger classroom community.

This learning utopia is within reach. Trust me.

Let me share several strategies to help you increase student participation so that you can reap the benefits it will provide for your classroom.

And, as a bonus: you may just become the coolest teacher ever!
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/55
LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Episode 33: 4 Things to Stop Doing in Your Classroom
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Pssst ... Want access to 100+ freebies for upper elementary teachers? Then, mosey on over to the FREE Member's Resource Library on The Classroom Nook website! You'll find resources for all content areas, classroom management and classroom organization tools, classroom décor printables and a whole lot more. CLICK HERE to become a free member.

6 GREAT Reading Activities to Use With Nearly ANY Novel! Jan 24, 2021

ARE YOU ALWAYS ON THE HUNT FOR A GREAT READING RESPONSE ACTIVITY?

As an upper elementary teacher, you probably spend a good chunk of your time reading novels with your students. Am I right?

Well, I’m here to give you some activities to use with your students during your next novel unit. Whether your students are reading the novel as a whole-class, in guided reading groups, in literature circles, or even as individuals, there are some activities that work great with almost any novel.

Tune in to this episode as I'm going to share 6 great activities that I have used over and over in the different novels that I have read with my own students. You’ll love the wide-range of reading activities that will tap in to a variety of reading skills and strategies!

Find complete show notes at classroomnook.com/podcast/54
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Check out my collection of novel units for complete, done-for-you resources!

Using a Reading Genre Wheel to Encourage Reading Variety Jan 17, 2021

We like what we like.

I will ALWAYS order the same chicken dish at my favorite Indian restaurant. It's delicious and it's not worth the risk to order something different and end up not liking it.

Are you like that, too? It's human nature to gravitate toward what we know we will like. But, if I'm being honest, every time I order take-out from said restaurant, I wonder what I'm missing.

So…why am I talking about Indian food on a podcast for teachers? Am I closet foodie? (Well, yes, but that’s a topic for another day)

Here’s where I make the awkward segway into what I really want to talk about. What I’m trying to tell you is that sometimes, we just gotta trying something new. In the case for today, I’m talking about trying a new reading genre.

We all have those students that will ONLY read Magic Tree House books, or a mystery book, or… fill in the blank. They like what they like, and rarely deviate from it.

But - WHAT IF there was an amazing reading genre just waiting for them that they would actually love if they would just give it a chance!

It's our job as teachers to expose our students to a variety of genres throughout the year to turn our students into well-rounded readers. So, in today’s episode I’m sharing my favorite teacher hack for helping you to do just that with a super simple strategy.
For complete show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/53

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Grab a FREE reading genre wheel inside our Member’s Resource Library
Episode 52: Strategies to Help Students Generate New Writing Ideas

Strategies to Help Students Generate New Writing Ideas Jan 10, 2021

Are you guilty of spoon feeding your students ideas for what to write?
I’m right there with you! We have all done it.
We all have those students who just sit there, stare at the wall and say, “I don’t know what to write.”
Often we just intend to give them a quick idea or two as a spring board for their writing pieces, but more often than not, we can find ourselves verbally writing the whole piece for them.
Of course we do it because we just want them to be successful. We don’t want them to feel frustrated and shut down, so we just give them the whole kitchen sink.
But - giving our students all the ideas prohibits them from developing the skill of how to generate their own writing ideas — a skill they will need not just in your classroom, but always.
When we teach students strategies for developing their own writing ideas, we give our students the freedom to write about their own topics of interest and give them permission to be inspired on their own for what to write about.
And, in the end, that’s what will make them LOVE writing.
In today’s episode, I want to give you some simple writing strategies to help your students generate their own ideas for writing.
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/52
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Resource for Picture Illustration is the book, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg.

Resource for Watermelon Seed Writing is the book, The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant.

Grab my FREE Teacher’s Guide to Writer’s Workshop in my Member’s Resource Library.
Watermelon Graphic Organizer from my Getting Started in Writers Workshop unit

Episode 31: How to Use a Reader’s and Writer’s Notebook in the Upper Elementary Classroom

Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Making Predictions Jan 03, 2021

Wouldn't it be nice if we could predict what the future holds?
…especially as we head into 2021. Wow, that’s a loaded question! Maybe we would rather not know. (wink, wink)
Predicting in reading, however. Now THAT’S a necessity!
Proficient readers make predictions naturally, without even knowing it. They predict what a book will be about based on the title, they predict why characters act a certain way, and they guess what will happen next when they get to the end of a chapter.
It’s important that elementary teachers help teach young students to use this same reading comprehension strategy as well. Predicting helps keep the reader’s mind engaged and activated as he or she works through a text. When students actively predict while reading, they stay connected to the text and can reflect upon, refine, and revise their predictions.
This podcast episode will teach you how to introduce, model, practice, and assess your students on making predictions in reading. You won’t want to miss it.
For complete show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/51

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Episode 41: Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies

Episode 42: Reading Comprehension Instruction: How to Teach Making Connections

Episode 47: Reading Comprehension Strategies: How to Teach Visualizing

Here are some of my favorites to use when modeling predictions (affiliate links):

Two Many Tamales by: Gary Soto
Enemy Pie by: Derek Munson
Those Shoes by: Maribeth Boelts
What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by: Steve Jenkins

Grab my FREE Making Predictions Bookmark inside the Members Resource Library under Reading Resources
Resource: Making Connections LINKtivity

Curriculum Mapping Tips for Teachers Dec 27, 2020

Let’s be real. We have all been there.
…flying by the seat of your pants from unit to unit — Not a curriculum map in sight!
There were several years of teaching that I, for SURE, was flying by the seat of my pants when it came to my lesson plans. I didn’t know what I would be teaching next week, let alone a month down the road. Forget about mapping out the curriculum for my entire year — it just didn't happen.
Oh don’t get me wrong — I most DEFINITELY had that cute teacher planner — spent hours researching and picking it out, actually. But - the pages were still as crisp and untouched as the day I bought it.
Maaaaaybe I jotted down a quick lesson title, student activity, or start of a new unit every now and then, but most of the time… nadda.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the random pieces of paper that I had occasionally tucked here and there that resembled lesson planning of some sort, but I don’t think it counts if you can’t actually find the paper when you need it.
Sounds familiar? If so, then this podcast episode is for you.
Now, I understand that curriculum mapping typically isn’t something we (want to) talk about in January as we begin the second half of the school year. However, it’s actually a GREAT time to revisit curriculum mapping. You know your students better than you did at the beginning of the year, you know the pacing that works best for your students, AND you know what teaching strategies, types of activities, and projects that work well with your students.
In fact, January is the PERFECT time to dust off your teacher planning (digital or printable) and get crackin’ on curriculum mapping for the second half of the school year!
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/50
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LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Grab your FREE curriculum mapping template in our Member’s Resource Library
Video Tutorial: How to Create a Curriculum Map for a Year

Video Tutorial: How to Use Google Calendar for Curriculum Mapping

Pressing the "Restart" Button On the School Year Dec 20, 2020

Do you ever wish you could start this whole school year over? Yes, please!
Remember that "fresh year, fresh classroom" feeling that you had at the beginning of the school year? Your classroom was so organized, wasn't it? Everything was crisp and new. You had BIIIIG plans for curriculum and classroom management, right?
If you're like me, you often get to January and just wish you could restart and reinstate all those great plans, ideas, and most DEFINITELY that crisp, clean classroom that welcomed your students in the fall.
Well - why can't you? Why CAN'T you just "restart?" What's stopping you?
If you're feeling less than satisfied about how your year is going, then, by all means - PRESS THE RESTART BUTTON! It’s the PERFECT time to do so.
For complete show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/49
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LINKS & RESOURCES Mentioned in the Episode:
Episode 22: Classroom Decor and Design Made Easy

Episode 29: How to Launch Reader's Workshop in Your Classroom

Episode 30: How to Launch Writer's Workshop in the Upper Elementary Classroom

Episode 34: Routines and Procedures Every TEACHER Needs

Grab my FREE Classroom Theme Design Guides inside the Members Resource Library under Classroom Decor Resources.

Grab my FREE Routines and Procedures Checklist inside the Members Resource Library under Classroom Management Resources.

Blog post: Back to School Series: Launching Readers Workshop

Blog post: Back to School Series: Launching Writer's Workshop

Getting Started with Reader's Workshop
Getting Started with Writer's Workshop

Video Tutorial Library

5 Minute Fillers To Keep Students Engaged Dec 13, 2020

Let me set the scene:
It’s almost time for lunch, you’ve just finished up your math lesson. Your students miraculously put away all their materials quickly, just as you asked (hey, a teacher can dream, right?). You have 5 extra minutes before your students need to line up to head to the cafeteria. Now what?

You know that if you allow your students to just chat with their classmates for a few minutes, your students will likely take that inch you’ve given them and turn it into a mile (read: calmness is about to turn into chaos in about 2 seconds flat)

In these cases, it’s always good to have a few ready-to-go 5 minute fillers that can be pulled out in a moment’s notice.

Here are 5 constructive, no prep activities that you can do when you have 5 minutes to spare after a lesson, before a transition, or at the end of the day.
For full show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/48
LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Grab my FREE Show What You Know Cards inside the Members Resource Library under Student Assessment Resources.
Love the FREE set of the assessment cards? Grab the full set: Show What You Know Cards

How to Teach Visualizing in the Upper Elementary Classroom Dec 06, 2020

As adults, it’s so hard to imagine NOT visualizing while reading.
Visualizing is what makes the characters, settings, and events pop off the page. Visualizing makes us want to keep reading. And - it’s visualizing that allows us to leave reality for a moment and escape into another world.
But - for young readers, it may not be that easy. They may not have been taught to focus their mind in that way - to create that moving in their mind. That’s where clear reading comprehension strategy instruction on visualizing, or picturing as some teacher refer to it as, comes into the…well, picture (pun intended)!
If you’re looking to develop stronger readers in your classroom, then tune in to this week’s episode as we continue our podcast series on teaching reading comprehension strategies in your elementary classroom.

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Episode 41: Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies

Episode 42: Reading Comprehension Instruction: How to Teach Making Connections

Books rich in descriptive language and detail — perfect for teaching visualizing:

A Bad Case of the Stripes by: David Shannon
Color Me a Rhyme by: Jane Yolen
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by: Judy Barrett
The Salamander Room by: Anne Mazer

Grab my FREE Visualizing Bookmark inside the Members Resource Library
LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guide: Visualizing

How to Not Just SURVIVE But THRIVE in the Classroom This Holiday Season! Nov 29, 2020

It’s that crazy time of year!

Holiday crazed kids, trying to keep your students focused, and a million things to do inside AND outside the classroom — all while maintaining your sanity (if that’s even possible!)

Good News! I am here to help you feel less stressed and more prepared for the hectic weeks ahead. Although your to-do list is likely a mile long, you don’t have to feel like your spinning 10 plates in the air. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some helpful tips and tricks to not just help you SURVIVE the holidays in the classroom, but rather THRIVE during this crazy time, (and maybe even sneak in some time for yourself?)

And guess what? Good news! You don’t even have to take notes. All the links and resources I mention are listed below. I consider that a holiday win!
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/46

LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Grab my 12 Christmas Freebies inside the Members Resource Library under Holiday & Seasonal Resources

Online Resources for Christmas Around the World:

Christmas Around the World LINKtivity

Video Tutorial: DIY Pennant Banners for Any Occasion

Holiday Survival Kit (includes):

“Christmas Around the World” Flip book
Holiday Theme Pennant Banners
Reindeer Rewards
& more!

Take-home Math and Science Kits (Perfect for student holiday gifts!)

Grab my Free New Years SCOOT Game inside the Members Resource Library under Holiday & Seasonal Resources

How to Effectively Use Rubrics for Assessment AND Instruction Nov 22, 2020

Assessment drives instruction.

As teachers, we’ve heard that over and over. Teachers need to make sure that the tools they are using to assess their students are effective in giving the teacher insight into student understanding.

You’ve likely already use rubrics for assessment. And,- when the rubrics are written in kid-friendly language, students, too can fully understand how they performed and where there are areas for improvement.

However, have you considered using rubrics as an INSTRUCTIONAL tool? It could be a game-changer in your classroom AND it could help set your students up for major success.

In this week’s episode, you’ll learn how rubrics not only help with assessing student performance, but when used as an instructional tool, rubrics can help set the stage for learning…and ultimately success!
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Grab a FREE rubric to use with interactive notebooks inside our Member’s Resource Library!
For complete show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/45

Engaging Ways to Start a Lesson Nov 15, 2020

We’ve all been there.

We all have started teaching a new lesson, only to notice the students staring at you with glazed over eyes…probably thinking about lunch.

In this episode we are going to talk about some surefire ways to grab your students attention and keep their attention throughout the lesson.

Whether you’re in person or virtual, these 13 quick and engaging ideas will help you start your lesson with engaged students whether it’s beginning your lesson with a story, debate, or my favorite one…food!
Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
Episode 4: 9 Way to Use Music in the Classroom

Readers Theater Scripts

Blog: Five Reasons Why You Should Use Reader’s Theater in the Upper Elementary Classroom

Video library

3 Ways to Use Bulletin Boards With Students Nov 08, 2020

Who doesn't love a good bulletin board display?
But - I just might love a good bulletin board set a little too much.

I’ve been guilty more than once of creating a bulletin board more for ME than for my students. I loved the finish product. I loved seeing the display up in all its glory. But - I rarely actually used a bulletin board for my STUDENTS’ benefit. I rarely referred to the bulletin board to reinforce student learning.

When I was in the classroom, I would obsess over every detail on my bulletin board. One year I made a particularly nice display that I was proud of, but when I made a reference to my bulletin board one day, one of my students asked “What bulletin board?”

Ouch! That hurt. Bad.

But - it opened my eyes to the real purpose of a bulletin board. The bulletin board should be used to teach, to be referenced, and to reinforce what your students are learning.

Today, I have three ideas to share with you. Ideas that will make bulletin boards have a bigger impact in your classroom by engaging students in learning.

In this week’s episode you’ll learn how to STOP just creating pretty bulletin boards that serve no purpose, and get more mileage out of your bulletin boards that result in real student learning.
LINKS & RESOURCES:
See my collection of complete Bulletin Boards Sets HERE

Video Tutorial: How to Create Your Own Bulletin Board Letters
Grab 5 already-done-for-you bulletin board letter sets below for FREE in our Member's Resource Library)

Reading Comprehension Instruction: How to Teach Making Connections Nov 01, 2020

Wouldn’t it be nice if reading comprehension just magically happened?

Spoiler Alert: It doesn’t!

Although as adult readers we use these reading strategies to help us understand what we read without much effort, young readers need to be explicitly taught what the strategies are and how to use them. Over time, readers will learn to weave in and out of these strategies to fully comprehend the text that they're reading.

At the upper elementary level, students have likely been introduced to all seven strategies at one point or another, and they probably see the strategies modeled for them. You're going to continue to do that but there is going to be times when you're going to need to isolate each strategy throughout the school year. Of course, once a strategy is taught, it will still need to be reviewed, written, and continuously practiced.

Many teachers would agree that Making Connections is one of the easiest strategies for students to master, simply because students are likely already doing it without much effort.

Making Connections is a critical reading strategy that helps students make meaning of what they're reading. When they make connections to the text that they're reading, it's going to help them make sense of what they're reading, help them retain the information better, and help them engage more with the text itself.

In this episode, I will walk you through the basics of what the strategy is and how to effectively teach it to your students.

Grab my FREE Making Connections Bookmark inside the Members Resource Library (Find it under the “Reading Resources” section)
Check out these helpful learning tools for teaching making connections & reading strategies:
LINKtivity Making Connections

LINKtivity Reading Strategy Bundle

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For complete show notes and links to additional helpful resources, anchor texts for teaching the strategy and more, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/42

Reading Comprehension Strategy Instruction That WORKS! Oct 25, 2020

What makes someone a great reader?
Ask any elementary student and you’d likely hear responses like:
“Great readers can read fast.”
“Great readers use expression."
“Great readers can read all the words correctly.”

These answers are all correct, however, we want students to understand that reading is more than just being able to read the words on the page. What we really want students to be doing while they read is thinking!

That’s where reading comprehension strategies come in. Reading strategy instruction gives students a guideline for how to think about what they are reading. Educational experts call this “metacognition,” which can be defined as “thinking about thinking.” This concept is at the heart of why we teach and encourage students to use reading strategies. Students need to understand that thinking is essential to reading.

Today is the first of 8 episodes on the topic of reading comprehension instruction. We will go over a new strategy each month starting next week and ending in May. I can’t wait to share with you some tools and some strategies that you can pass on to your students to help improve their reading comprehension.

Buckle up as I share with you some helpful tips, strategies, and resources for teaching your students reading comprehension.

You'll Learn:

The difference between skill and strategy (1:28)
Why we teach reading strategies (3:53)
The 7 main reading comprehension strategies (4:46)
- Making Connections
- Visualizing
- Predicting
- Asking Questions
- Determining Importance
- Inferring
- Synthesizing
The book that basically taught me everything I know about reading comprehension strategies (6:55)
How to introduce strategies (and why you should introduce them all together) (8:15)
How to model reading strategies (10:14)
What a mini lesson might look like (12:08)
Which order to teach the 7 reading strategies (15:17)

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Constructing Meaning Through Kid-Friendly Comprehension Strategy Instruction by Nancy Boyles (affiliate link)

Grab my FREE Reading Comprehension Strategy cards inside the Members Resource Library (Find it under the “Reading Resources” section)
Reading Strategies LINKtivity Bundle

Tips FROM Teachers FOR Teachers: Teaching During a Pandemic Oct 18, 2020

Teaching during a pandemic is something we have never done before. There’s no book we can read written by expert teachers to prepare us for what to expect. We are all learning on the job — taking it day by day, moment by moment even.
But, you know what we do have? Each other.
And, in this week’s episode, I asked teachers who are in the trenches, just like you, to share their best tips for what has worked for them so far. You’ll learn what THEY are doing to deal with things like not being able to have shared classroom supplies, or how they are making small tweaks throughout the day to make mask-wearing more bearable, and a whole lot more!
It’s exhausting, for sure. Here are some wonderful tips from teachers to get you through teaching during a pandemic.
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/40

How to Deal with Overwhelm in Teaching Oct 11, 2020

What happens to you when you get overwhelmed?

For me, my head goes into a tailspin as I think about everything that has to get done.

Teaching is hard but it's even harder if we don't give ourselves room to try out new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. We are learning that lesson so clearly now in 2020 with the pandemic.

This week's episode is sure to leave you encouraged and feeling inspired to head into your week, unafraid of what lies ahead and confident to be your best teacher-self!
For full show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/39

Tips & Best Practices for Technology in the Classroom Oct 04, 2020

Technology is like ice cream. Uh, Wait! What?

Using technology can make learning super sweet, just like ice cream! Technology in the classroom is here to stay so we need to embrace it and learn to love it.
In this episode, I give tips and best practices for teaching your students how to use technology in the classroom so that you don't lose your mind!

BUT - I also believe that as much as children enjoy technology (& ice cream!) they also enjoy crayons, glitter, glue, and “hold in your hand” books. Technology, like ice cream, should be used in moderation. So, let's break it down on how to use it effectively in the classroom to get the biggest bang for your buck! (or scoop for your ice cream bowl!)
For full show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/38

Setting Up a Simple Student Data Binder Sep 27, 2020

Tired of all the loose paperwork floating around your classroom, on your desk, or at home? Let’s tackle the paperwork trail once and for all.
If you’ve listened to my podcast for a while, you know I love organization! Today, I get to indulge a little bit as we talk about organization in the form of creating a simple yet effective student data binder. A student data binder can be your one-stop-shop to all the important documentation that you need to keep track of. From parent communication to progress reports, to sample student work - it's all inside and easily accessible!
You may be thinking, ‘Yay! More work for me to do.” Well, guess what? I’ve done all the work for you and it’s FREE!
For complete show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/37

Why RIGHT NOW is the BEST Time to Be a Teacher Sep 20, 2020

Being a teacher is a lot of work, but in the middle of a pandemic…it’s even harder.
I’m here today to focus on the positive and point out some reasons why it’s the best time to be a teacher even during a pandemic and virtual learning.
Did I get a few eye rolls? Maybe a few chuckles? That’s okay. I’m here to put a little happiness in our lives as well as a new perspective on teaching in 2020.
For full show notes, visit classroomnook.com/podcast/36

Tips & Tools for Successful Co-Teaching or Job Sharing in the Elementary Classroom Sep 13, 2020

Whether you co-teach or just work closely with your grade-level team members, successful co-teaching requires you to be specific and intentional.
The year I had a co-teacher was my worst year teaching, but it was also the year I learned the most about myself as a teacher. I learned to be more patient with the students and be more compassionate toward the students that were the hardest to love.

I had a LOT to learn. In that challenging year, I also learned how to share my classroom with another teacher.
For the full show notes, visit www.classroomnook.com/podcast/35

Routines and Procedures Every TEACHER Needs Sep 06, 2020

We know it’s important for our students to have routines and procedures to provide predictability, order, and peace in your classroom. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s important for teachers to have routines and procedures as well.
Listen to this episode as I discuss how to plan out your day from the morning to the afternoon. Enough with feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list and daily tasks. Learn how to have success in your routine.
For full show notes visit: www.classroomnook.com/podcast/34

4 Things to Stop Doing in Your Classroom...and What to Do Instead Aug 30, 2020

We all look back on our first few years of teaching and cringe at some of the things we have done with our students. Sometimes, we just don't know any better...until we do.
Now, I won’t waste your time telling you all about my mistakes, but I do want to share a few things that you can change about your teaching practices today to make a bigger impact with your students.
In today's episode, I'm share 4 things that you might want to consider to STOP doing...AND what you can do instead for a bigger impact on your students.
For full show notes visit classroomnook.com/podcast/33

Planning an Amazing In-Person or Virtual Open House Aug 23, 2020

Hosting an open house or "Meet the Teacher" night is YOUR time to shine!
It’s your time to meet your students’ families whether in-person or virtually, of course you want to be the hostess with the mostess! Whether you’re starting the year in-person or virtually, planning an open house doesn’t have to be difficult.
In this episode, I’ll give you practical tips and fun ideas for making your students and their families feel comfortable and thrilled that they get to be part of your class.
See full show notes at classroomnook.com/podcast/32

How to Use a Reader’s and Writer’s Notebook in the Upper Elementary Classroom Aug 16, 2020

If you’ve ever needed a simple, yet effective way to organize your students' reading & writing materials - then, it’s time to start using a reader’s & writer’s notebook!
Ever feel overwhelmed by papers on your desk? Have you looked inside your students' desks only to see papers shoved here and there? Me too and I’m here to help.
This episode gives you practical tips on how to organize your reading and writing resources so that you and your students will have everything you need in one easy-to-access location.
Not only will using a reader’s and writer’s notebook help save your sanity when it comes to classroom organization, but it will help teach your students how to be organized and responsible - a great skill for the classroom AND life.
See FULL show notes at classroomnook.com/podcast/31

How to Launch Writer's Workshop in the Upper Elementary Classroom Aug 09, 2020

Want to get more out of your writing time with your students this school year?
Then, take your time at the beginning of the school year to build your writer’s workshop from the ground up. A solid writer’s workshop begins with establishing writing routines and procedures with your students BEFORE launching into your first writing unit.
In this episode, we’re walking through how to get started with writer's workshop at the beginning of the school year. You'll learn how to structure your workshop as well as the most important things to focus on with your students.
For complete show notes visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/30

How to Launch Reader's Workshop in Your Classroom Aug 02, 2020

Learn how to intentionally and thoughtfully launch reader's workshop in your upper elementary classroom in this podcast episode. Rachael walks you through the MOST important things to focus on during the first month of school. You'll learn what you need for a successful reader's workshop and some of the best tips and resources to make it happen!
For full show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/29

8 Tips for Having the Best First Day of School...EVER! Jul 26, 2020

The first day of school is typically filled with all kinds of emotions.
You're excited to meet your new students, show off your fresh classroom, and dive in to a brand new year.
You're also likely feeling over-whelmed, scatter-brained (feeling like you are forgetting something...), and pressed for time to get it all done before day one.
Setting a positive tone on the first day of school is crucial to setting yourself up for success.
In this episode, allow me to walk you through your survival guide for having the best first day of school!

Developing a Strong Classroom Management System Jul 19, 2020

It may be one of your least favorite things to spend time and energy on, but many would argue that it is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing you will do all year.
I'm talking about classroom management, of course. Classroom management is the foundation from which you build your entire school year on. Failing to get it set in place could send you in a year-long tailspin of behavior issues, inconsistency, and hair-pulling frustration.
Don’t make the same mistakes that I made as a new teacher. Make developing a classroom management system a priority in your classroom.
In this week’s episode, I’m giving you the key components of an effective classroom management plan so that you can build a solid base for a positive classroom.
And - if you want a little extra help and motivation, be sure to join the FREE “Getting Your Year in Gear” teacher summer challenge to give you all the tools and step-by-step action plans you need to have your best year yet! See all the details here!
For full show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/27

Building Stronger Classroom Communities Jul 12, 2020

Positive classroom communities can make or break your school year.
It’s that simple.

Inventing time in building a strong community in your classroom will serve you well all year. In this episode, I’m share how a positive classroom community can change your entire year (for the better), and how to do it! We’ll talk about simple ideas that work in ANY classroom as well as resources to help make it easy!

And - if you want a little extra help and motivation, be sure to join the “Getting Your Year in Gear” teacher summer challenge to give you all the tools and step-by-step action plans you need to have your best year yet! See all the details here!
For full show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/26

It’s time to Fine-Tuning Your Instruction with New Teaching Strategies and Best Practices Jul 05, 2020

We all need a tune-up now and then.
Whether you’ve been teaching for 1 year or 20 years, teachers are life-long learners.

Not only that, education is ALWAYS changing (for better or worse), and it’s always worth investing your time into staying current with new teaching strategies and best practices in the classroom.

In this episode we’re diving deep into the best instructional strategies and practices to increase student engagement.

And - if you want the fast-pass to success, be sure to join the “Getting Your Year in Gear” teacher summer challenge to give you all the tools and step-by-step action plans you need to have your best year yet! See all the details here!
For full show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/25

Curriculum Mapping & Planning For a New School Year Jun 28, 2020

What makes the crock-pot one of the best kitchen inventions?
It’s the fact that you can prep ahead of time, set it, and then forget it. You do the work early on, and then you don’t have to think about it as you go about your day. Then, once dinner time rolls around, all you have to do is grab a fork!

You can do the same when it comes to planning for a new school year, too. Spend some time early on planning and mapping out curriculum and systems that will serve you the whole school year.

In this episode, I’m talking all about the things that you can do NOW (before the school year starts) so that you don’t have to spend time, or even THINK about it once the school year begins.

And - if you want a little extra help and motivation for tips, ideas, and strategies on curriculum mapping and planning ahead, be sure to join the FREE “Getting Your Year in Gear” teacher summer challenge to give you all the tools and step-by-step action plans you need to have your best year yet! See all the details here!
For complete show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/24

CCP: Episode 23 // Mastering Classroom Organization Jun 21, 2020

Welcome to week 2 of the "Getting Your Year in Gear" summer teacher challenge! Set the foundation for a successful school year by spending time BEFORE the school year starts getting organized! This episode is packed with helpful tips for how to organize everything in your classroom from student supplies, to teacher materials, to game pieces, math manipulatives, and more!
To join thousands of teachers inside the free challenge: visit classroomnook.com/yearingear

For full show notes for this episode, visit classroomnook.com/podcast/23

Classroom Decor and Design Made Easy Jun 14, 2020

Welcome to week one of the "Getting Your Year in Gear" teacher summer challenge! This week we are discussing how to design the perfect classroom! I've got tips for choosing a classroom theme or color scheme, how to arrange your classroom to make the most of your space, classroom DIY projects for decorating on a budget, as well as bonus tips for how to make your classroom cozy and inviting!
To join thousands of teachers inside the free challenge: visit classroomnook.com/yearingear

For full show notes for this episode, visit classroomnook.com/podcast/22

CCP: Episode 21 // It's time to Get Your Year in Gear (FREE Teacher Summer Challenge!) Jun 08, 2020

Join me this summer for the 2020 “Getting Your Year in Gear” FREE teacher summer challenge as we prep and plan for the new school year with intention and purpose!

It’s a challenge like no other and it’s designed to help you map out your school year so that you can have an incredibly successful school year! We'll be tackling Back to School
To join thousands of teachers inside the free challenge: visit classroomnook.com/yearingear

For full show notes for this episode, visit classroomnook.com/podcast/21

CCP: Episode 20 // Getting Started With Reading Partnerships in the Classroom Jun 01, 2020

In this episode, you'll learn how to build a stronger classroom community through establishing reading partnerships with your students. Reading partnerships go well beyond traditional buddy reading, and can be used to cultivate meaningful conversations between students. You'll learn action steps for how to prepare and set up reading partnerships in your classroom, as well as tips for helping students engage in deep and meaningful connections about the texts that they read together.
For complete show notes, as well as a FREE reading partnerships starter kit, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/20

BONUS Episode // Heading Into Summer After Distance Learning May 18, 2020

Raise your hand if you just want to drop your things and run away from this school year!
If you’re like me, you are SO ready to close the book on this school year. It’s been like no other year, full of a whole new set of challenges that we never expected to encounter. But - here we are.

And you know what I’ve learned from it all? Teachers are freakin’ amazing! They made transitions and pivots and modifications in their teaching like a BOSS! I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this profession and community of educators.

Regardless of how much you may want this school year to be over, I want to encourage you to reflect. If we have to go through such a crazy time, we might as well learn and grow from it, right?

In this week’s episode, I’m helping your wrap your mind around how to head in to summer after distance learning, and how to come out of the whole experience with some positive take-aways.
For complete show notes, head to classroomnook.com/podcast/19

BONUS Episode: Ending the School Year While Distance Learning May 11, 2020

We may be ending the school year unlike any other school year - virtually - but that doesn't mean you have to cancel all the fun! In this episode I'm sharing some simple and fun ways that you can end your school year during this time of distance learning.
For complete show notes, visit classroomnook.com/podcast/18

BONUS Episode: 10 Activities to Do With Students Over Zoom or Google Meet May 04, 2020

Looking for some inspiration to spice up your daily or weekly online class meetings?
Check out these 10 fun teacher-tested, student approved activities that you can incorporate into your distance learning instruction on Zoom or Google Meet!
For full episode details, links, and resources, check out the show notes at classroomnook.com/podcast/17

BONUS EPISODE: 5 Things to KEEP Doing During Distance Learning Apr 27, 2020

As we think about where we are now in our school year with distance learning, there are many things that we CAN'T do.
We can’t physically be with our students in our classrooms and therefore there are many activities, projects, and lessons that we just simply can't do.

Things definitely look and feel a little (or a lot) different, and the way that we are teaching our students has most definitely changed.

You might be feeling disappointed that this is the way you will be ending your school year, and perhaps even grieving that loss – and that’s OK.

As stressful as this time has been for us, our students also have been thrown into this new normal, and it could feel overwhelming for them as well. So it’s important for us to provide as many normal experiences as possible.

Despite all the things we CAN’T Do, in this week's episode, I want to highlight 5 things that you need to KEEP doing for the sake of keeping things as normal as possible for your students.

For complete show notes, visit classroomnook.com/podcast/16

BONUS Episode: Distance Learning Made Simple Apr 20, 2020

There's a new kid in class.
And his name is “Distance Learning.”

And we’re all not so sure how we feel about him. He’s been a little disruptive. He came to us with almost no notice or warning, and well, he doesn’t seem to be moving on any time soon.

In fact, it looks as though many of us will be working with “Distance Learning” for the remainder of the school.

You know what I’m talking about.

Teachers all over the world are now in a new state of teaching. Something most of us have never done before. Suddenly words like “Zoom” have become part of our every day vocabulary as we try to carry on our instruction virtually.

I know that in my conversations with teachers, they are trying new modes of teaching. Some teachers who have never used platforms like Google Classroom are now becoming Google pros overnight.

Not surprisingly, teachers are doing amazing. We were built for this. We know how to go with the flow, make quick changes, modify and keep going.

But, we’d be lying if we said it hasn’t been a challenge. Exhausting, really.

We don’t know when this will all end, but in this week’s BONUS episode, I’m hoping to give some helpful tips for making distance learning simple and straight forward. For complete show notes AND to see all of the helpful video tutorials, head to classroomnook.com/podcast/distancelearning

Kindness in the Classroom (9 Tips for Teaching Students to be Kind) Apr 13, 2020

Simply stated: Kindness needs to be a priority in your classroom.
You can't do math or literacy centers if your students don't know how to work nicely in groups. You can't go on field trips if your students are constantly arguing on the bus on the way there. You can't have fun parties and events in your classroom if your students don't appreciate ANYTHING you do. It's super hard.

Here's the reality-It's very hard to teach a room of students ANYTHING until you teach them to be kind.

If you spend your entire day playing "referee," constantly putting out fires between your students, there's no time for teaching.

Here's what you can do about it - Teach kindness first.

This is not a one-and-done lesson. This is an every day, all day kind of lesson. We have to incorporate kindness practice into absolutely EVERYTHING we do. We have to put kindness reminders EVERYWHERE. And - we have to reinforce it ALL THE TIME.
In this week's episode, I'm sharing 9 tips and ideas for teaching your students to be kind.
For complete show notes, head over to classroomnook.com/podcast/14

Poetry Activities to Use in Your Elementary Classroom Apr 06, 2020

I loved teaching poetry, and for the most part, my students always loved our poetry unit. And -although I'm sharing this post with you in April (National Poetry Month), I want to encourage you to teach poetry all year long. You don't have to wait until Spring each year to bust out your poetry books - in fact - you shouldn't!

Poetry is the perfect genre for teaching reading, writing, and speaking skills and strategies in a short period of time. Since poems are short, incorporating them into your lessons lends itself to a quick bite-sized lesson on skills like fluency, literature analysis, reading comprehension strategies, and more.
For complete details, links, and resources, visit classroomnook.com/podcast/13

3 Steps to Organizing Your Teacher Computer Files Once and For All! Mar 30, 2020

How many times do you waste minutes, hours, or even days searching for the perfect activity or lesson for students that you know you already have saved somewhere on your computer?
You know the story…you’re about to teach a new unit and you remember a super fun lesson that you know would work perfectly. However, you just can’t seem to remember where you stored it on your computer. You search your desktop and computer files…endlessly. Then, when you finally find just what you’re looking for, you swear to get organized…as soon as you have a free moment.

Well, might I suggest, that that “free moment” is now. On today's podcast episode, I’m sharing 3 steps for organizing your computer files so that the next time you’re on the hunt for that specific activity, it’s at your fingertips in an instant.
See complete show notes at www.classroomnook.com/podcast/12

Create Your Own Author Study: Activities For Your Students Mar 23, 2020

Wow - we are coming to a close on this mini-series all about author studies! If you've been following along from the beginning, get ready to hit the ground running with your own author study.
In this final installment of the series, I want to get specific about the types of learning activities and reading responses that work well with an author study and will help enhance your students' author study experience.
This episode is loaded with ideas and activities that work with just about any author study, at any level. We'll talk about activities that will help your students connect with the author, activities that will help students make connections between several books, activities for teaching reading skills and strategies using the books from your author study, and culminating activities to end your author study unit with.
I even have some bonus tips for how to set up your classroom to get it ready for your author's study.
Find all the show notes and helpful links at classroomnook.com/podcast/11

Create Your Own Author Study: Formatting & Differentiating Your Instruction Mar 16, 2020

The beauty of an author study is the ability to mold it and craft the instruction to your current classroom set-up and teaching style.

Author studies work great with:

whole-class instruction
guided reading or small groups
literature circles
departmentalized classrooms
picture book authors
chapter book authors
YOUR STUDENTS!

The good news is there is no one right way to conduct an author study in your classroom. You can have a successful author study in your classroom no matter the set up or make up of the students in your classroom.
In this episode we'll discuss some of the ways to format your author study to best meet the needs of your students whether that's whole-class instruction, small-group instruction -- or both! We'll talk about the pros and cons of both so that you can make the best decision for your students!
Get the full show notes at www.classroomnook.com/podcast/10

Create Your Own Author Study (Selecting Books) Mar 09, 2020

Author studies are a powerful way to help students fall in love with reading. After you've made the careful decision on what author you and your students will focus on, selecting great books is the next step! Great author studies include GREAT books that showcase the author's best work. And - we can use these books to not only hook our readers, but to teach reading (and even writing!) skills along the way!
In this episode we dive deep into how to make the perfect curation of books that your students will read (and love!) throughout your author study. We'll talk about the 3-step process for selecting books and how to organize the book titles in a way that makes sense for your author study.
I'll even give you a backstage pass to how I selected and organized books for my own author study on Eve Bunting.
See full show notes at classroomnook.com/podcast/9

Create Your Own Author Study! (How to Choose an Author) Mar 02, 2020

There are a lot of things that we do as teachers to help turn our students on to reading. We hope that the books we read aloud to them or expose them to in our classroom libraries will help them to find a life-long love for reading early in life.
One of my favorite ways to get students excited about reading is to have them participate in an author study. Author studies are a great way to get your students reading, talking, and ENJOYING new books in your classroom -- all by the same author.
Putting an author study together, however, can be overwhelming. That's why here on the podcast I'm doing a mini-series to help walk you through step-by-step how to create your own author study in your classroom. From choosing an amazing author, to selecting the best books to share, to formatting and differentiating your author study to meet the needs of your students, to crafting awesome lesson - this mini-series has got you covered!
Be sure to check out the full show notes for this episode at classroomnook.com/podcast/8.

Help Your Students Learn Their Math Facts...FOR GOOD! Feb 24, 2020

Let's face it. There are some things that students learn in school, take a test on, and then don't reeeeally need to remember ever again. (um - 10th grade logics and proofs anyone?) However, there are MANY things that we teach our students that are the building blocks for much of what they will learn in future grades.

Math facts are one of those things.

Knowing them is the foundation for sooo much of what is to come in their learning, and NOT knowing them creates a huge barrier to our students' future success.

Here's another fact: math facts can be boring and dull to learn.

Skill and drill seems to be the obvious choice for having our students memorize their facts. However, I am - as I am sure you are, too - a big believer in making learning fun and meaningful. If students connect with their learning, they will REMEMBER their learning. Simple as that. That's why several years ago, my teacher friend and I started having our 4th grade students participate in math challenges.

Total game changer.
In this week's episode I'm share exactly how to use math facts challenges with your students and I even have the free resources to help you get these challenges up and running in your classroom!
For full show notes AND to grab the free resources, head to classroomnook.com/podcast/7

Ways to Use Audio Books in the Classroom Feb 17, 2020

Audio books are great for more than just a listening center. Although they are likely a staple in your reader's workshop instruction, they have potential that goes far beyond reading centers! Using audio books can benefit your elementary students in so many ways. Of course they can be a great model of fluency and expression, but they also help develop listening skills, give students the opportunity to focus only on the content, rather than the act of reading itself, and even can be a great tool for differentiated instruction.
In this episode of The Classroom Commute, I'm sharing several ways that you can use audio books in the classroom to support your learners!
For complete show notes, visit: classroomnook.com/podcast/6

The 7 Habits of Effective Teachers Feb 10, 2020

Do you have a beautiful and organized looking classroom? Are all your lessons plans prepped and ready for the rest of the week/month/year? Does everything in your classroom match perfectly? Do you have a cute teacher planner?

What if I told you that being an effective teacher didn't depend on your classroom's color scheme or decor?

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE a pretty classroom, but today I'd like to share with you 7 habits that I truly believe are the foundation to being an effective and successful teacher - and guess what? None of which can be accomplished using items from the Target dollar bin (gasp!)
See complete show notes at classroomnook.com/podcast/5

9 Ways to Use Music in the Classroom Feb 03, 2020

Music can be so influential in the way we feel or think. Music has always played a huge part in my life growing up and even today. And - when it comes to the classroom, there are ENDLESS ways to use music to spark excitement in learning.

Music can be a powerful tool in the classroom to set the tone for the day, or even to inspire and motive students in their learning! It's a teaching strategy that EVERY teacher should be using regularly in their classroom. If you're not already using music in the classroom then NOW is a perfect time to start!
Check out this week's podcast where I'll be highlighting 9 different ways for using music in the classroom that any teacher can implement! You don't have to be a music teacher to make music apart of your daily learning!
For complete show notes and resource links, head to The Classroom Nook website.

How to Survive a Difficult School Year Jan 27, 2020

It was the first day of school.
I had *some* idea about the kinds of students that would enter in my classroom that year, but I had NO idea that the struggle would begin day 1.

Let me paint you a picture. I was in an integrated 4th grade classroom with 23 students and 4 adults. I was working along side a special ed teacher (who was actually just a long term sub for the teacher on maternity leave - she was amazing though!) and 2 of my students had one-on-one aids. Our classroom was small and the kids were active...very active.

MANY of the students had emotional behavior disorders and were truly not in the right place for success. They needed way more support than what could be provided in an integrated classroom. Most of the students in my class were reading at about a 2nd grade reading level or lower. Yes- I said lower.

Then there were the handful of well-behaved, grade level-appropriate learners that got caught in the cross fire - more than once.

Pretty grim picture, huh? It doesn't get better, I'm afraid to say. By the end of the first day of school, one kid had punched another and three others were in the principal's office.

It was the worst school year ever.

Now before you click away and say "why would I want to read about this?" - there is good new.

I survived.

I survived and lived to tell about it.

Does this sound like your year? Have you been in the same situation before? If you haven't...you will. We all have "that year."

And you know what else? You will survive it, too.

Not every school year is going to be sunshine and cupcakes. In fact, some years are just plain hard! Maybe you have a large class size shoved in a small classroom, perhaps you have a challenging parent or two, or a handful of students that have behavioral or academic struggles. Even if you have the best of intentions, the most amazing curriculum prepped and planned, and the best classroom management strategies set into place, every teacher is dealt a difficult school year from time to time.
Whatever the challenge may be, the truth is, sometimes you just have to make the best of what you've been handed and press on. Instead of throwing your hands up in the air and giving up, put into place some self-care strategies and mindset shifts that will help you successfully complete the year and come out on top.
For full show notes, visit the podcast website: The Classroom Nook.

How to Make Social Studies More Engaging in Your Upper Elementary Classroom Jan 19, 2020

It's no secret - teaching history in the elementary classroom can be a struggle. Teachers are faced with the challenge of making people and events of the past relate-able to young students who have a hard time even remembering or caring about the events and people of last week, let alone last century!

That's why making history come alive in your elementary classroom is so crucial to making students care about what they are learning. As teachers of young students, we are setting the stage to develop learners who care about our world, both past and present, in order to build a stronger group of future leaders and thinkers.

But - lucky for you - I love a good challenge!

Over the years that I've spent creating social studies units, I've figured out a few ways to help make your instruction more engaging when teaching social studies.
In this week's episode I'm uncovering 10 of my favorite ways to make social studies more engaging in your upper elementary classroom.
For full show notes on this week's episode, visit The Classroom Nook website.

Creating A Classroom Community of Readers Dec 20, 2019

Teachers often put a lot of their focus on monitoring and tracking their students' reading abilities and often forget to provide opportunities for students to connect with other readers in their classroom.
Helping our students to feel part of a classroom community of readers can have some many positive impacts on their attitude toward reading.
In this episode, Rachael shares 3 simple reading activities and practices that you can learn about today and implement in your classroom tomorrow that will have students connecting and interacting more when it comes to their reading.
Find all the show notes at The Classroom Nook website!

Welcome to The Classroom Commute Podcast Dec 20, 2019

Welcome to The Classroom Commute Podcast!
If you have a classroom and a commute, then you're in the right place! The Classroom Commute Podcast is THE place for busy teachers who want actionable tips, simple strategies, and a little fun on your ride in to school! Carpool with Rachael each week as she helps to send you in with a grin!
In this first introductory episode, learn all about the host, Rachael Parlett, why she started this podcast, and what you can expect from future episodes!
Head to The Classroom Nook website for more great teaching advice and resources!

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YOU HAVEN’T EXPERIENCED BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT LIKE THIS BEFORE…

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CALLING ALL CHROMEBOOK CLASSROOMS!

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BRAND NEW TO STEM INSTRUCTION?

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THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!

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DO YOU EVER HEAR EDUCATIONAL BUZZ WORDS AND THINK “WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?”

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We’ve heard it said: Relationships are everything.

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WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF BEING THE LAST CAR IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT FROM TIME TO TIME.

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AS TEACHERS, WE ALL HAVE STORIES TO TELL.

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NOT SO “NEWS FLASH”: TEACHERS DO MORE THAN JUST TEACH ACADEMICS…

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GOOGLE SLIDES: TECH TIP

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What if teaching writing didn’t have to be such a struggle?

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INTERVIEW WITH: SARA MARYE

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WHAT DO KLEENEX AND LINKTIVITIES HAVE IN COMMON?

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Interview with: Jerry Kolber

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SO SUMMER IS REALLY ENDING, EH?

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Teacher Summer Road Trip 2022: Week 4

TEACHER SUMMER ROAD TRIP 2022: WEEK 3

Teacher Summer Road Trip 2022: Week 2

TEACHER SUMMER ROAD TRIP 2022: WEEK 1

TEACHERS: RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU’RE READY FOR SUMMER!

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ANYONE CAN CREATE A VIDEO.

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THE SUMMER SLIDE IS A REAL THING.

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THERE’S ALWAYS SO MUCH TO DO BEFORE SUMMER VACATION.

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LET’S TALK ABOUT CYBERBULLYING

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MONITORING STUDENTS WORKING JUST GOT EASIER!

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PLAYING IS LEARNING

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CHOICE IS A POWERFUL MOTIVATOR.

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DIGITAL FOOTPRINTS LAST FOREVER.

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Are you committing one of these technology mistakes in your classroom?

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DON’T YOU JUST LOVE A GOOD TEACHER HACK?

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EFFORTLESSLY DESIGN CLASSROOM RESOURCES!

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HAVE YOU BEEN WONDERING IF LINKTIVITIES ARE RIGHT FOR YOU & YOUR STUDENTS?

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How much digital learning is too much?

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PRIVACY AND SECURITY ARE TWO WORDS THAT CAN HAVE A MASSIVE IMPACT ON STUDENTS’ ONLINE INTERACTIONS.

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WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A GREAT READER?

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This is the YouTube Hack You’ve been Needing!

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READY TO GET YOUR TEACHER LIFE IN CHECK?

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HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH (OF A GOOD THING)?

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The time for positivity is Now.

All of this conversation has begun to set the stage to a larger question:
What is a 21st century classroom?

PODCASTS ARE THE NEW LISTENING CENTER… (& SO.MUCH.MORE)