Art, Vulnerability, and Even Oprah

Why are some students math averse? How do we build their confidence in mathematics? And, if we can make math fun, can we make any content more fun? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of adding a little silliness to the day. Toby's story about Mr. Wechel is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder that a relaxed and fun environment is conducive to learning. Teaching and learning can both become tedious and monotonous, but we can easily add some spark. If you've been thinking about how to hook your students on your content, this episode is for you! And, let's all help Laura with fractions.

You can find Toby's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last book, It's available at your favorite bookseller. Check it out on Amazon here: https://bit.ly/3OiZr38

How do we encourage students to do brave things? How do we help them grow in confidence? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of creating a safe space for students to take the risks that lead to growth. Felix's story about Mrs. Noel is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder of the power of modeling risk taking. Teaching and learning are both risky business. If you've been thinking about the brave acts that lead to growth, this episode is for you! And, who was chaperoning Laura on those middle school field trips?

You can find Felix's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last book, It's available at your favorite bookseller. Check it out on Amazon here: https://bit.ly/3OiZr38

Is all student behavior purposeful? Do relationships really come first?  Sometimes these "truths" are a little twisted. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of being calm and compassionate when students test our patience. Chandra's story about Mr. Brennan is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder of the power of modeling self-regulation. If you've been thinking about student-teacher relationships and high expectations, this episode is for you. And, why did those 80's movies have so much quick sand?

You can find Chandra's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last book, It's available at your favorite bookseller. Check it out on Amazon here: https://bit.ly/3OiZr38

What's in a name? For kindergarteners, seeing a name printed on a poster or project is a big deal. How do we continue stoking that sense of pride and excitement? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about making sure our students take pride in their names and their work. Cassie's story about Mrs. Gibbs is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder of the power of love and nonjedgment. If you've been thinking about oridary miracles, this episode is for you!

You can find Cassie's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last book, It's available at your favorite bookseller. Check it out on Amazon here: https://bit.ly/3OiZr38

How do you focus on long term impact, beyond the benchmarks and end of year exams? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of helping students develop healthy, lifelong habits. Venus's story about Mr. Poole is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder of the power of having a big WHY in teaching. If you've been thinking about how your content impacts students' lives beyong your classroom, this episode is for you!

You can find Venus's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last book, It's available at your favorite bookseller. Check it out on Amazon here: https://bit.ly/3OiZr38

How do you build a sense of community in the classroom? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of students helping each other reach a goal. Jase's story about Mr. Shipp is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder of the power of community, especially in the current political landscape. If you've been wondering how to build a classroom community, this episode is for you!

You can find Jase's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last book, It's available at your favorite bookseller. Check it out on Amazon here: https://bit.ly/3OiZr38

How do you help the people you teach, lead, and love feel seen? In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about the power of a thoughtful letter of recommendation. They discuss the way honest feedback can impact a student's life. Ava's story about Mr. Luis is the focus of the episode, and it's a beautiful reminder that we don't always get to see the impact of our actions. If you've been wondering whether your hard work makes a difference, this episode gives you evidence that it does.

You can find Ava's story (and all the stories we share on the pod) in the Lessons That Last book, It's available at your favorite bookseller. Check it out on Amazon here: https://bit.ly/3OiZr38

Did you make a resolution to start 2024? Maybe you chose one word or set a quarterly goal? In this inaugural episode of season 2, Julie and Laura talk about stretch goals and the support we all need to reach a big, audacious goal. They unpack Wyatt's story about his high school chorus teacher, Miss Dell, and the faith she had in him. If you love a story of triumph in struggle, this one's for you!

In this episode, we mention the free journal download. Check it out here: https://chalk-and-chances.ck.page/81a6a50a19
You can also check out the Lessons That Last book at https://www.amazon.com/Lessons-that-Last-Reflections-Life-Shaping-ebook/dp/B0CKFMP3ZG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34N6SMS3TWA3H&keywords=lessons+that+last&qid=1705710393&sprefix=lessons+that+last%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1

Moving to a new place is difficult for young people, and often, it's teachers who help them adjust. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about how teachers notice and respond to unspoken needs. They unpack the story Nora shared about the kindness Mrs. Rhett showed when she surprised her with warm clothes. Teachers who look beyond academics and tend to the needs of the whole person, this one's for you!

If you love the stories on the Lessons that Last podcast, check out the Lessons that Last book

The time between Thanksgiving and winter holiday break can be stressful and hectic for teachers. In this episode, Julie and Laura talk about being part of the village that supports students and families. They unpack the story Genisis shared about a service project under the leadership of Mrs. Barrett. They talk about giving to others without giving ourselves away. Teachers who give to others while still holding boundaries, this one's for you!

If you love the stories on the Lessons that Last podcast, check out the Lessons that Last book.