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Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

By: Heidi and Emily Elementary School Teacher and Resource Designer
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About this listen

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to be the kind of teacher you really want to be? We know that feeling and we’re here to help! Each week on The Teacher Approved podcast, we discuss how to be the teacher you dream of being by elevating what matters and simplifying the rest. Join co-hosts Emily and Heidi of Second Story Window as they share research-based and teacher-approved strategies you can count on to make your teaching more efficient and effective than ever before. Topics include classroom management, routines for the elementary school classroom, planning, student-teacher relationships, teacher organization hacks, student engagement, classroom management, and more. Whether you’re a new teacher seeking guidance or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, the Teacher Approved podcast is your guide to fostering a thriving elementary classroom! For more teacher approved tips and resources, head to www.secondstorywindow.net and follow along on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.2022 Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • 238. Can't Miss Classic: 8 Reflection Questions to Help Teachers Start the New Year Strong
    Dec 22 2025

    We’re bringing back a can’t-miss Teacher Approved classic episode to help you ease back into school with intention and clarity. In this replay of our January Reset Reflection, we guide you through eight thoughtful questions designed to help you reflect on what’s working, identify what needs a refresh, and keep that fresh-start energy alive long after winter break ends! This episode is meant to be listened to slowly and casually (hot cocoa encouraged!) so the ideas can simmer until you’re ready to step back into your classroom feeling grounded, focused, and energized for the second half of the year.

    Resources:

    • Classroom Procedures and Routines Editable Slides
    • Parent Teacher Conference Course
    • Editable Classroom Seating Chart
    • Spiral Review Morning Work
    • Spiral Review Homework – 2nd Grade
    • Rechargeable Screwdriver
    • Glass Pot
    • Join the Teacher Approved Club!
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources.
    • Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 3, Strengthening the Brain
    • Episode 18, Procedures for Success!
    • Episode 45, January Classroom Jump Start
    • Episode 76, Teacher Approved Tips: Make Time for Spiral Review and Use SOPs to Save Time in the Classroom

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    26 mins
  • 237. Do These 3 Things Before Winter Break to Make January Easier
    Dec 15 2025

    Looking for a smoother January? In this episode, we share our three favorite strategies for a classroom reset before winter break so you can return feeling calm, prepared, and confident. We walk you through simple ways to spark excitement for the new year, set up future you for success, and plan a gentle, soft start that makes the transition back feel easier for you and your students.

    Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-reset-before-winter-break/

    Resources:

    • December Teacher Survival Kit
    • Adventures with Friends
    • @Engineerdoeseducation on Instagram
    • Join the Teacher Approved Club!
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources.
    • Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 27, Your One Word Theme for the Year
    • Episode 40, 2 Easy Things All Teachers Should Do Before Winter Break
    • Episode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks About
    • Episode 217, 3 Things to Do Before Students Arrive and After They Leave on the First Day
    • Episode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)

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    19 mins
  • 236. Your Tired Teacher Guide to January Prep from Your Couch
    Dec 8 2025

    Ready to make January feel like a gentle start instead of a cold plunge? In this episode, we’re sharing our January launch plan, designed so you can get prepped for the new term from the comfort of your couch. Whether you’re catching up on Hallmark movies or just sneaking in a bit of planning before the break, these tips will help you go back with confidence and calm!

    Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/january-prep-tips-for-tired-teachers/

    🔗 Resources:

    • December Teacher Survival Kit
    • Classroom Procedures and Routines Bundle (Tell, Try, Tally, Talk)
    • Digital Seating Arrangement Tool
    • Free Resource: Goal Setting Pages
    • Spin to Survive book
    • Join the Teacher Approved Club!
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources.
    • Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.

    ❤️ Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 39, Our Top 20 Christmas Books For Your Classroom
    • Episode 146, Never Pick Up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided Discovery
    • Episode 172, The 2nd First Day of School: How to Take Advantage of The Week After Winter Break
    • Episode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From The Couch
    • Episode 233, The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
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