OTT 171: What Do Teachers Think About a 4 Day School Week

'Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread some holiday cheer than with a good old-fashioned Christmas story? 

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Forget about stuffing yourself with mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for a moment because we're going on a literary feast!

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Hi, I'm Trina Deboree from Trina Deboree Teaching and Learning and the podcast One Tired Teacher. I create engaging content for elementary teachers focusing on Science, reading comprehension, STEM, and Makerspace. My passion lies in giving teachers back a fraction of their time so they can put first things first. My ultimate goal is to offer creative content that helps teachers inspire students to learn, dream, think, and wonder.

I will help you move from drudgery teaching, where you feel like you are going against your core values and teacher soul, to an explosion of teaching, where you fulfill your purpose and your ultimate dream of teaching. 

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Picture this: a sanctuary known as the STEM Story Station, where scientific tales unfold not just in words but in actions, experiments, and hands-on discoveries. Our account commences with an open invitation, a warm, collective greeting that reverberates through the expansive halls of makerspaces, whispering of an unparalleled adventure just waiting to be unfurled. 

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Are you tired of seeing your students bored out of their minds in traditional classrooms where their common interests are ignored? Do you want to unleash their creativity and foster a love for hands-on learning? 

Well, my friend, it's time to jump on the makerspace bandwagon! But hold on, before you start picturing an expensive high-tech wonderland, let me tell you a secret: creating a meaningful makerspace doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, with just a shoestring budget and some clever ideas, you can transform your school or classroom into a haven for innovation and tinkering. So grab your toolkit and get ready to embark on this exciting journey of starting a makerspace from scratch!

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

I am calling all educators with the desire to inspire young minds through the wonders of science, technology, engineering, math, and even literacy!

I've got a treat for you today - three mind-blowingly simple STEM activities that can be done in just 40 minutes. There is no need for complicated equipment or advanced knowledge; these activities are so easy even a hamster could do them (well, almost). Get ready to unleash the mad scientist within, and watch your student's eyes light up with curiosity and excitement. Welcome to the world of hassle-free STEM education within your Makerspace, classroom, or media center!

The Importance of STEM Education in Elementary Schools

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - the essential building blocks of a modern education. But why is STEM education so important, especially in elementary schools? Here's a secret: kids of all ages are like sponges! They have an incredible capacity to absorb information and develop skills that will shape their future. Introducing them to STEM learning early on is like giving them superhero powers - they gain problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and creative confidence that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Imagine this: you're an elementary school student with zero interest in science or math (I know it's hard to imagine because we all loved equations at that age! Ha ha!). Suddenly, your teacher throws some flashy experiments into the curriculum mix. Now, you're witnessing chemical reactions transforming ordinary substances into fascinating new entities right before your eyes. Boring becomes mind-blowing! By incorporating hands-on activities and engaging experiments into their education journey, students can experience firsthand how STEM isn't just a bunch of letters but rather a great way to learn about the world around us and build curiosity towards scientific concepts and life in general.

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Are you tired of the same old boring classroom activities? 

Well, it's time to break out the toolboxes and prepare for hands-on learning with makerspace! Makerspace is a revolutionary approach to education that allows students to unleash their creativity and develop critical thinking skills while tinkering with real-world materials. So gather your library staff, classroom teachers, and even your local community because it is time for maker space! From kindergarteners building simple machines to high schoolers designing robots, makerspace takes classrooms by storm across all grade levels.

So, buckle up and prepare to embark on an exciting journey where learning becomes an adventure!

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

In the vast and ever-expanding digital landscape, being a good citizen isn't just about picking up after yourself or minding your manners anymore.

It's time to add digital to our citizenship checklist for young people! That's right; we're venturing into digital citizenship, where knowing how to navigate the virtual world with grace, wisdom, and a pinch of common sense has become essential for both students and adults alike. So, teachers, put on your capes (metaphorical ones, unfortunately) because it's high time we dive into the wild world of digital literacy and equip our young learners with the superpowers they need to conquer this brave new frontier.

If you tuned in last week, you know I shared a blog post/podcast episode called 9 Important Things Students Really Need to Know About Digital Citizenship. In this episode, I spoke about nine things students should know. Be sure to check that out, as well.

In the age of technology, elementary students must understand the concept of digital citizenship and develop essential skills to navigate the digital world responsibly. We all know that social media platforms have become second nature to children nowadays. From posting pictures with filters that make us look like cute little bunnies to participating in online dance challenges, they are immersed in a digital realm where their actions can have lasting consequences in online communities.

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Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

In this digital age where cat videos and viral challenges reign supreme, it's easy to forget that there is more to being an online citizen than just knowing how to double-tap on Instagram. 

Yes, my dear friend, it's time we talk about digital citizenship skills and digital citizenship in a digital world – a concept that goes beyond posting selfies and clever hashtags on social media. So grab your virtual thinking caps and prepare to level up your digital literacy skills because, in this post/podcast, we'll unravel nine crucial things you really need to know about navigating the vast terrain of online communities like a true cyber-savvy pro. Buckle up, folks; it's going to be one wild (and educational) ride!


If you need lessons for digital citizenship, I've got you covered:

Digital Citizenship & Internet Safety Lesson Plans and Activities BUNDLE K-3

Digital Citizenship & Internet Safety Lesson Plans & Activities for Kindergarten

Digital Citizenship & Internet Safety Lesson Plans and Activities for 1st Grade

Digital Citizenship & Internet Safety Lesson Plans and Activities for 2nd Grade

Digital Citizenship & Internet Safety Lesson Plans and Activities for 3rd Grade

After all, the internet is a vast playground filled with opportunities and dangers alike – it's up to us to teach them how to play.

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

As Halloween approaches, teachers search for creative ways to engage their elementary students while embracing the spooky spirit.

Look no further than the makerspace in your classroom! This innovative space promotes hands-on learning and allows students to explore their imaginations and tap into their inner mad scientists during Halloween. So why not blend the fun of Halloween with the educational power of STEM and a Makerspace Extension or Two? We've conjured up five imaginative ideas that will make your students howl excitedly as they bring their eerie creations to life. So play a spooky Halloween tune or two and prepare for a hair-raising adventure in the makerspace world this Halloween!

After all, who knows? The next significant scientific breakthrough could come from an inspired mind that started experimenting during this enchanting season.

More Resources on Teaching During the Halloween Season:

OTT 228: Small Steps, Big Leaps: Halloween STEM Projects for the Elementary Classroom Halloween Story Stations

OTT 227: STEM for Halloween: 3 Ideas for Integrating Seasonal STEM Activities into the Classroom

OTT 147: 3 Secret Tactics for Breathing New Life into Science in October

OTT 148: How to Use More Spooky Fun Halloween Books in Your Makerspace
Primary Classroom

OTT 149: 3 Interesting Ideas for Halloween in Your Primary Classroom

OTT 50: 7 Sensational Halloween Books Kids Will Love

OTT 51: How Teachers Survive Halloween!

More ideas

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!