Are you constantly swinging between being the “fun teacher” and the “strict teacher”, all before lunchtime? In this episode, we’re tackling one of the trickiest balancing acts in teaching: how to hold high expectations for your students while also making them feel genuinely seen and cared for. We’re diving into the concept of being a “warm demander”, the (unfortunately named but totally essential) teaching strategy where high standards and strong relationships go hand in hand.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/warm-demander-teaching-strategies/

Resources:

• Editable Classroom Seating Chart Maker
• Milk frother with hook whisk
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How They Differ and How to Teach Them
• Episode 97, 3 Secrets for Using Your Classroom Seating Arrangement to Boost Classroom Management
• Episode 163, The 6 Key Ways to Boost Student Engagement Every Day
• Episode 219, How to Build a Classroom Community That Lasts All Year

If you want to kick off the school year with a classroom full of joy, connection, and just a little magic, this can’t-miss classic is for you! We’re revisiting one of our most-loved episodes, all about the simple but powerful “surprise and delight” strategy for building strong student relationships from day one. In it, we share five teacher-tested ways to sprinkle unexpected fun into your routines, and give loads of easy, low-cost examples you can use right away. These small, intentional moments don’t just make your students smile, they create a positive classroom climate that lasts all year!

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-surprise-and-delight/

Resources:

• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Website: National Day Calendar
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 148, How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-School
• Episode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back-to-School
• Episode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back-to-School
• Episode 35, 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for Teachers

By October, some classrooms feel like a true team while others still feel like a group of strangers. In this episode, we’re sharing our five-phase approach to classroom community building (Spark, Surface, Shape, Strengthen, and Sustain) so yours becomes the first kind. These are realistic, doable strategies you can use even during your busiest weeks, because strong classroom communities aren’t left to chance, they’re built with purpose and heart.

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

Resources:

• All-About-Me Backpack (coming soon!)
• Book: Our Class is a Family
• Book: The Name Jar
• Oh Happy Dani Classroom Posters
• Cluedle
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave your review on Apple Podcasts!

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community At Back to School
• Episode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready
• Episode 211, The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of School
• Episode 215, Here’s EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School