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Feeling behind on back-to-school prep? You’re not alone—and you’re not late. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what I do (and don’t) prep during the summer to help you head into the school year feeling calm, confident, and focused on what really matters.

I’ll walk you through my real-life classroom checklist, how I’ve learned to ditch the pressure to “do it all,” and the simple systems that actually make a difference.

Plus, I’ve created a free Back-to-School Prep Checklist just for you—grab it in the show notes or over on my TpT store to help you prep with intention, not overwhelm. 💛

You’ll Learn:
✔ What to focus on during summer prep
✔ What to let go of (guilt-free!)
✔ Easy wins to save time during the year
✔ How to prep in a way that actually supports you

🔗 Snag the free checklist + browse my favorite back-to-school resources at Teachers Pay Teachers – Simply Lauren Denny.

Follow me on Instagram: @simplylaurendenny

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Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com

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Have you ever walked into a kindergarten classroom and instantly felt the energy—bright colors, fun posters, cozy corners—and then flashbacked to your high school or college experience where the walls were... gray, plain, and uninspired? Yeah, me too.

In this episode, I’m diving into a fascinating study that explores how classroom design changes as students get older—and what that says about how we treat learning at different ages. We’ll unpack the research behind why creative environments foster engagement, how classroom aesthetics impact student success, and why older learners deserve inspiration too.

As a former elementary teacher turned high school media instructor, I’m sharing how I’ve intentionally transformed my classroom into a warm, inviting space—and why I launched a sign business to help other teachers do the same. Because comfort isn’t just for little kids. A creative space can shape how students show up—and how they believe in themselves.

We’ll talk:

• What the research says about classroom design and student performance
• Why color, comfort, and creativity belong in every grade level
• How your learning space might be helping—or hurting—your students
• Tips to rethink your classroom setup, no matter your teaching level
• Why I believe classroom design is one of the most underrated tools in education

✨ Plus: High schoolers give the most honest feedback—you’ll hear how mine react to a colorful, comfy classroom made just for them.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• University of Salford's study on classroom design & learning
• Edutopia’s articles on flexible, student-centered learning environments
• My Teachers Pay Teachers shop: Simply Lauren Denny
• Follow @simplylaurendenny on Instagram for teaching tips and cozy classroom inspo

🎯 Whether you’re a new teacher, a veteran educator, or someone who just loves a good cozy vibe—this episode is for you.

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Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com

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Is your classroom stuck in passive mode? It’s time to hit power up on student engagement!

In this episode, I’m breaking down what gamification actually is (hint: it’s more than just points and prizes), why it works, and exactly how to start using it—without overwhelming your teaching flow. Whether you're in an elementary classroom or high school media lab, gamification adds energy, purpose, and joy to your daily lessons.

We’ll cover:

• Why game-based learning isn’t just for kids
• The psychology behind why gamification works
• 5 free tools that help bring your classroom to life:
  • 🧩 Gimkit – Earn points, power-ups, and learning momentum
  • 📸 Plickers – Real-time feedback with zero student devices
  • 🎉 Bamboozle – Team-style fun that’s easy to set up
  • 📊 AhaSlides – Interactive polls, quizzes, and spin-to-win games
  • 🔍 Sporcle – Trivia-style challenges on just about every topic

Plus, I’ll share how I use an XP system in my classroom, how my students actually respond (spoiler: they’re brutally honest), and a few creative ways you can start small and scale up.

🎯 Ready to make learning feel like an adventure?

Grab ready-to-use gamification resources on my TpT store (Simply Lauren Denny), and follow me @simplylaurendenny on Instagram for daily ideas, classroom strategies, and teacher encouragement.

🎙️ These are the good days—let’s make them fun.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHzNL5fx8Zo/?img_index=1

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Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com

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Lauren shares the heart behind her book, Winston and the Missing Apples, and invites you to consider writing your own.

In this inspiring and practical episode, you’ll learn:

• Why storytelling matters in books and in business
• What it really looks like to write and publish your own children’s book
• How to find an illustrator, get an ISBN, and choose between KDP and PrintNinja
• Simple ways to promote your book and start sharing it with readers

Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or a creator with a story to tell—this is your sign to start.

📚 Grab Winston and the Missing Apples and writing resources in Lauren’s Stan Store (linked in bio)
📲 Follow @simplylaurendenny for tips, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes of book life and teaching

Your story matters. Let’s get it into the hands of someone who needs it.

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Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com

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In this engaging conversation, Allison shares her unique journey from Broadway performer to special education teacher. She discusses the importance of empathy in teaching, effective strategies for accommodating diverse learners, and her recent foray into social media as a platform for advocacy and connection. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of teaching, the misconceptions surrounding special education, and the significance of pursuing one's passions.

Follow @YourTeacherPal - Allison, on social media

Check out her resources here!

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:09 Transition from Broadway to Teaching
17:28 Teaching Strategies and Accommodations
24:10 Social Media Journey and Advocacy
29:59 Final Thoughts and Advice

Allison transitioned from Broadway to teaching after realizing the lifestyle didn't fit her vision.
Empathy is crucial in teaching, allowing educators to connect with students on a personal level.
Special education encompasses a wide range of abilities and needs, challenging common misconceptions.
Outdoor breaks can significantly improve focus and learning for students.
Social media can serve as a powerful tool for advocacy and community building among educators.
Teaching is a fulfilling career that brings joy and laughter to both teachers and students.
It's important to meet students where they are and provide tailored support.
Allison's journey emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passions and not waiting for the perfect moment.

Allison is a Broadway performer turned Special Education teacher and mom of 2. As a content creator, she loves to share funny and relatable content for fellow teachers and parents, as well as share helpful ideas for making learning fun and inclusive.

education, special education, teaching strategies, social media, children's books, Broadway, empathy, advocacy, teaching, accommodations

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Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com

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In this conversation, Lauren Denny shares her personal journey of writing a children's book titled 'Ben vs. the Alphabet,' inspired by her husband Ben, who navigates life with dyslexia. She discusses the importance of understanding learning differences, particularly dyslexia, and emphasizes that these differences do not equate to a lack of intelligence. The book aims to empower children who feel different, showcasing their strengths and creativity. Lauren also provides practical strategies for teachers and parents to support children with dyslexia, advocating for a more inclusive and understanding approach to education.

• The book 'Ben vs. the Alphabet' is inspired by Lauren's husband.
• Dyslexia is a learning difference, not a reflection of intelligence.
• Children with dyslexia often possess unique strengths and creativity.
• Celebrating small wins is crucial for building confidence.
• Using specific fonts can aid dyslexic students in reading.
• Incorporating multiple senses can enhance learning for dyslexic children.
• Teachers should focus on breaking down tasks into manageable chunks.
• Encouraging students to advocate for their learning needs is important.
• The book aims to show that being different is powerful.
• Lauren's husband connects with students through his own experiences.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to a Personal Journey
02:58 The Story Behind 'Ben vs. the Alphabet'
05:50 Understanding Dyslexia and Learning Differences
09:01 Celebrating Strengths and Resilience

📚 Stay tuned—Ben vs. the Alphabet is coming soon!
🛍️ Find resources for supporting learners on TpT: Simply Lauren Denny
📲 Follow @simplylaurendenny for updates, sneak peeks, and more teacher encouragement

Let’s build classrooms where every kind of learner can shine.

dyslexia, learning differences, children's books, education, teaching strategies, personal stories, resilience, creativity, advocacy, special needs

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Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com

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What if education prepared students for life, not just tests? In this episode of Denny Talks, I’m sharing why career and technical education (CTE) is the future—and how it’s transforming the lives of students across all walks of life.

I’ll take you behind the scenes of my interactive media classroom and my husband’s construction tech program, where students are designing logos, editing videos, framing buildings, and heading to nationals for media and carpentry competitions.

We’ll talk about the power of nontraditional career paths, the opportunities inside CTSO organizations, and why live work with clients, internships, and hands-on learning make all the difference.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or student—this episode will open your eyes to the kind of education that builds confidence, character, and real-world skills.

🎓 Topics include:

• What career tech really looks like
• How students thrive through hands-on learning
• Why CTSOs build more than resumes—they build leaders
• Real examples of projects that prep kids for real careers

📌 Links & Resources:
• Free Canva Branding Workbook
• Social Media Strategy Guide
• My TPT & Etsy Store
• @simplylaurendenny on Instagram

Support the show

Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com

Send me a Text!

Lauren is sharing something really personal — the behind-the-scenes doubt I’ve been battling as I prepare to launch my newest children’s book, Ben Versus the Alphabet.

I talk about the pressure of not being a bestselling author, the fear of not being seen, and the real struggle of trying to promote a book while also being a full-time teacher. But more importantly, I share the mindset shift that’s helping me push forward anyway.

This episode is for the dreamers, the doers, and the people with big hearts who feel small in the middle of the process. If you’ve ever felt like your efforts might not be “enough,” this one is for you.

Let’s talk about the power of finishing what you start, the impact of showing up scared, and why one person helped is sometimes all the success you need.

Support the show

Lauren Denny-- www.laurendenny.com