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

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

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

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: 

• Website
• Podcast: Beginning Teacher Talk
• Instagram
• TikTok

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

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: 

• Website
• Instagram, TikTok, Twitter & YouTube
• Podcast: The Elementary STEM Coach 

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:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Podcast: Teaching to the TOP
• Website

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.

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:

• www.twitter.com/johnnytiersma
• www.instagram.com/mrjohnnyteach
• www.instagram.com/ifiweretheteacher

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: 

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Blog
• Podcast

Grab Kristen’s FREE Sub Plans Template HERE!

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.