211. The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of School
Your first 3 days of school activities do so much more than check boxes. They set the tone for the entire year! In this episode, we’re talking about how to use those first few days to answer the three big questions every student is asking: Am I safe? Am I seen? Am I needed? We’ll walk you through how to build your classroom culture from day one, share our favorite ways to teach procedures, and sprinkle in some stories, book recs, and tips you can try tomorrow.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-3-days-of-school-activities/Resources:First Day of School Lesson Plan GuideTell, Try, Tally, Talk Google SlidesDeleteMeOur Favorite Back to School Books: First Day Jitters, When You Go to Dragon School, A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How They Differ and How to Teach ThemEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem - Here’s What to Prep While You WaitEpisode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks About
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210. Can’t Miss Classic: 4 Ways Teachers Can Lighten Their Mental Load This School Year
We're bringing you a summer replay that's all about decision fatigue - that overwhelming feeling when your brain is running on empty from making 1,500 decisions before lunch. In this episode, we break down why teachers are uniquely susceptible to mental exhaustion and share four practical strategies to lighten your decision-making load. Whether you're mapping out your classroom, planning new routines, or just trying to choose which planner to buy, we'll help you reduce overwhelm and set yourself up for a calmer school year. Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/decision-fatigue-teachers/Resources:Join the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 77, 3 Reasons Why a First Day of School Script Will Save Your SanityEpisode 64, Your Summer To Do List – How Teachers Can Choose the Best Tasks for Big ImpactEpisode 19, Your Back to School Goals
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209. The Most Important Back-To-School Prep No One Talks About
The most important back-to-school prep no one talks about isn't about classroom decorations - it's about preparing YOU. In this episode, we reveal the three critical areas that transform your school year: supporting your life, prepping your teaching self, and creating a recovery plan. We'll show you how to go beyond traditional preparation and create systems that support you as a whole person, helping you not just survive, but truly thrive in the classroom. Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/the-most-important-back-to-school-prep-no-one-talks-about/Resources:Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and ChecklistsBack to School Readiness ChecklistsLMNT - get a FREE sample pack with your purchase!Tamed Wild door hinge magnetsJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 199, Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher SummersEpisode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the CouchEpisode 203, 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-to-School SeasonEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and ReadyEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem - Here’s What to Prep While You Wait
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208. Can’t Miss Classic: 10 Things to Do When You Get Your Class List
This summer, we're sharing our can't-miss classic episodes, and this week's gem is all about that pivotal moment every teacher experiences: receiving your class list. We dive into the mix of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation that comes with seeing those names for the first time. We've crafted 10 practical tips to help you transform that overwhelming moment into a strategic planning session, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for the upcoming school year!Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-to-do-list/Resources:Seating Chart Planning ToolReady for School ChecklistsDaily Morning Messages SlidesJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back to SchoolEpisode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to SchoolEpisode 148, How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-SchoolEpisode 194, Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things NowEpisode 207, No Class List? No Problem—Here’s What to Prep While You Wait
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207. No Class List? No Problem—Here’s What to Prep While You Wait
Think you can’t start classroom prep without a class list? Think again! In this episode, we’re sharing low-effort, couch-friendly tasks you can tackle right now to ease into back-to-school mode—no stress, no student names required. We break down four categories of “painless prep” to help you build momentum, set up smart systems, and feel more confident heading into the new year. And if you’re ready to go deeper, our BTS Success course will walk you through setting up a classroom that basically runs itself—all without sacrificing your summer.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-prep-without-a-class-list/Resources:Back to School Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and ChecklistDecember Teacher Survival Kit BTS Success Course @Thesourdoughmama on InstagramAir fryer paper linersJoin the Teacher Approved Club!Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.Shop our teacher-approved resources.Join our Facebook group, Teacher ApprovedLeave your review on Apple Podcasts!Related Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 199, Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher SummersEpisode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the CouchEpisode 203, 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-to-School SeasonEpisode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready
About Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies
Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest.
Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before.
Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, classroom management, and more. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, the Teacher Approved podcast is your guide to fostering a thriving elementary classroom!
For more teacher approved tips and resources, head to www.secondstorywindow.net and follow along on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
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