Joyful in Primary Podcast

Now that we've got a solid foundation under us, let's add on the other layers of classroom management so that our teacher sunflower can sink its roots deep down and thrive.

It all started with last episode's bedrock principles. Now, we're going to talk about three other layers of classroom management that will lead to a joyful, efficient, wonderful place for our students, and ourselves, to thrive.

The key is to choose one layer at a time to focus on. Don't get overwhelmed by trying to tackle them all at once. Pick the one that needs the most work and start there. You can do it!

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post (with illustration of Layers of Joyful Management Framework)
Last week's blog post
Joyful Teacher Academy waitlist

If classroom management is a big, scary, eyeballs all over the place, monster of a blob to you, then this episode is for you! To be honest, my first few years of teaching, I thought a prize box and candy were the key to classroom management.

I have learned better.

And today, I'm going to help you on your journey to taming classroom management. I'm going to show you the framework I use that keeps my students well managed, engaged, and adds to my teacher joy. We'll start with the most fundamental aspect of classroom management and next week we'll work our way up.

I promise, you can tame the classroom management blob too!

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post
Joyful Teacher Academy waitlist

Teacher, last week we talked about building connections with our students' families. While these may be the most important connections, that doesn't mean we focus on our students any less.

Today's strategy will not only help us build connections with students, it will actually strengthen those connections with families, and it gives them a lifelong skill.

Depression and anxiety are major problems in our country, and they are affecting our precious students as well.

 One of the culprits is negative self-talk. I used to do it, and I'm betting you do or did too. It's natural, but it is not helpful.

I'm going to share how we can teach our students to combat that while they are young. Imagine being able to encourage themselves from childhood!

Are you ready? (Don't forget to grab your FREE downloads below!)

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post
Last week's blog post - Family Connections
Classroom Mantra Starter Kit
SEL Toolkit
SEL blog post
Joyful Teacher Academy Waitlist

Hey there, teacher! How about a secret weapon to deepen those relationships with the families of your students? This is super effective, and it isn't complicated at all!

Today I'm sharing three strategies to use your voice to connect with families. Think about how powerful a conversation is with someone you care about. Now imagine that your students' families get to hear your voice regularly.

I'm going to show you how to make this efficient and manageable, because I know you have a full plate. Are you ready?

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post
Last week's blog post
YouTube channel
Joyful Teacher Academy waitlist

 Dear Teacher, I'm back! Since the last time we chatted, the area in the Appalachians where I live has endured a historic flood. There has been so much devastation, loss, and grief.

Today, I'm sharing my story, because I think it may encourage you. You see, there are three things in particular that I appreciate so much more now. More than likely, you have these gifts right now.

So let's take a minute to be grateful for these precious gifts and let them motivate you as a brand new school year is underway.

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post
YouTube Channel

Teacher, we're at the end of our series! This is the perfect way to end out your school year. Today's episode will fuel you up so you're ready to start a new year.

Don't worry, this won't eat up your entire summer. But focusing purposefully over the summer will let you have pool time, family time, and jump start you for August.

Are you ready?

Links for today's episode:
Today's blog post

You have stressors. I have stressors. All of us primary teachers have stressors.

That's no secret. But what you may not know is that we can make them work for us. Those stressors can help us create a year with more joy than the last. If we put our focus there, we can design solutions so those stressors don't continue to steal our joy.

This third episode in our series will have you ready to tackle the parts of your day that you dread the most. Imagine walking back into your classroom in August with brand new pens, notebooks, and a plan to keep those stressors under control!

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post (with free workbook)

Teacher, your time is precious! This week, we're going to talk about how to eliminate the excess in your day. When you try to juggle too many things, some of them are bound to fall.

I can almost hear you saying, "But Toni, if I don't get everything done, the world will fall apart."

My friend, I promise you it won't. Come along with me and let's zero in on what matters most so you can make YOUR biggest impact. Let's tame that to do list together!

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post (with free workbook)

Teacher, we've almost made it to summer! These last few weeks are always so hectic, and to be completely honest, I'm having to budget my time more carefully than ever. So, we're going to do a recap of one of my favorite series that is completely relevant right now.

The end of the year is so busy. But what if we could finish with more joy, a brighter spirit and ensure that our upcoming year will have a fresh, well planned beginning? That is my hope for you.

I actually go through a process each year that gives me this hope, energy and sustainability to finish the year with joy. In this four part series, we're going to harness the positivity needed to finish this year out joyfully. If that sounds like a plan, you need to stick with me today. Are you ready?

Be sure to grab the downloadable workbook from the link below!

Links in today's episode:
Blog post (with downloadable Finish With Joy workbook)

Teacher, teacher, someone cut line! Someone is talking in the hall! Someone tore a piece from a bulletin board! Someone is running!

Oh, doesn't that just make chills run up your neck?

Guess what? That doesn't have to be your class!

I've developed some hallway behavior hacks this year, because it's the first year I've had to walk long distances through the school with my class. And today, I'm going to share them with you!

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post
3 Top Secret Management Tricks
How I Dumped My Prize Box

Teacher, I see you trying to keep that smile as big as it was in the exciting days of the beginning of the year. Trying to keep your enthusiasm up for your lessons. Giving it your all.

But at this point in the year, let's be honest, we're tired. Our excitement is harder to get a hold of.

In spite of all that, we can finish the year strong, with joy and passion.

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post
Part 1: Purpose
toni@teachertoni.com - email to ask about coaching

First, welcome to our podcast's new identity! I'm so excited to have our adventure stated clearly and to go on it with you.

Teacher, summer is coming. I used to count the days down until break started and dread every last one of them. But we have time left to make an impact! Let's see this year through with focus and joy.

So today, we're talking about purpose. And I don't mean, "I teach because I want children to learn." We're not looking for surface level purpose here.

By the end of this episode, you'll know how to uncover YOUR purpose. Your unique purpose, your reason for teaching, can fuel you from deep within and keep your passion going even on hard days.

Are you ready?

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post (with more detailed questions)
toni@teachertoni.com (email me about coaching)

Teacher friend, you are among the best of primary teachers. I know that, because you're here in your spare time. You're dedicating yourself to growing. You're keeping on going.

Maybe you don't fully realize it, but I know you have these three positive traits, just because you're here.

Too often what we do wrong is pointed out without what we do well being acknowledged. Just like we can grow in weak areas, leaning in to our strengths can make us that much more effective.

I also have an exciting announcement! The podcast is getting a new name, and I'm going to share it with you today!

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post

Teacher friend, is your prize box an asset to your classroom, or do you feel like it's a high maintenance relationship?

I decided years ago it just wasn't working out between us, so I dumped my prize box. If you want more time and money to focus on things that have a big impact, you can do it too!

Students really want to be appreciated and recognized for just being themselves. That's at the heart of the strategies I'll share with you today. Here's how I still motivate my classroom, even without a prize box!

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post
Survey to name the podcast
Cheer Cards
Positive Notes Home
Primary Teacher Friends Facebook Group

Teacher friend, does your classroom noise level drive you distracted? Wouldn't it be awesome to have a mute button?

The bad news is that there is no mute button. The good news is there is a solution!

Today, I'm going to share my strategies to keep your classroom on mute. What you need is a well planned system. We're going to put layers in place to block out that noise!

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post
Survey to name the podcast
Hand Signals posters
Music Box post

Primary teacher, your curriculum is not the most important thing in your classroom. You are!

So if you have a brand new curriculum that's driving you crazy, or an old one that you just hate, let me share how I'm coping with curriculums I don't love.

Maybe you feel like there's no room for YOU in your class.

There is!

Maybe it seems like you can never beat the curriculum because there are Just. So. Many. Things.

You don't have to be perfect!

Come on over and let's keep that teacher joy, in spite of curriculums.

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post
Joyful Teacher Academy
Survey for podcast name
Spelling games (Beat the Baby/Granny/Cupid...)

Sweet teacher, I'm so excited for today's episode! I've got a big, happy announcement.

Joyful Teacher Academy is LIVE!

This has been a project of my teacher heart for months, and I can't believe I can finally share it with you.

If you're facing overwhelm, burnout, have lost your teaching joy, or never found the joy in teaching you thought you would, this one's for you.

Don't give up on teaching until you've given this a try. Our kiddos need you!

Joyful Teacher Academy is a one-of-a-kind, online professional development. I'll lead you through mindset shifts and teach you strategies to make your teacher life more joyful and impactful.

Let me show you how!

Links in today's episode:
Joyful Teacher Academy
Today's blog post
Bye, Bye Burnout FREE webinar
Burnout Buster series part 3: Growth

Teacher, if you're feeling burned out, overwhelmed, constantly tired, and not getting the joy from teaching you expected, let's bust that burnout!

Just like engines need fuel to keep going, your teacher heart needs fuel too. So today, we're going to talk about what that fuel is and how you can beat burnout.

I know this works, because it's how I was able to pull myself out of burnout several years ago. I know it can work for you too.

Plus, I'm inviting you to join me for a live webinar that dives deeper into burnout busting strategies that I'm hosting over the next couple weeks. You won't want to miss it!

Links in today's episode:
Today's episode
Burnout Buster Series Part 1: Anchor Thoughts
Burnout Buster Series Part 2: Find Your Why
teachertoni.com/byebye - register for FREE webinar

Teacher, do you feel like the wheels on your teacher bus just aren't going 'round and 'round like they should? Is the magic of teaching fading?

If you're wondering how you can possibly finish this year, start next year knowing what's coming, or even return to work if you're taking a break, this series will get those wheels rolling again.

Just like jets need fuel to keep going, you do too! And your fuel as a teacher is your WHY.

It's your purpose. The reason you started teaching in the first place, or maybe a deeper understanding you've developed along the way.

The thing is, sometimes that gets buried in the to do lists and overwhelm. Believe me, I know it too.

So today, let's dust off your why and fuel your engine!

Links in today's episode:
Today's blog post
Episode 72 - Burnout Buster Series Part 1: Anchor Thoughts
Joyful Teacher Academy waitlist