The Classroom Commute

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN… END? I began this podcast in January of 2020 - ya know - before the world as we knew it changed. When I began the podcast almost 3 years ago - I could not have predicted all the changes that have occurred between then and now. There were the obvious changes like the changes brought on by the pandemic. There were so many changes in the way your classrooms were run, and the changes in the way you had to teach your students. But - teachers pivoted. Then, there were the changes that needed to be put in place as you welcomed students back into the classroom in person. And, like always, teachers planned and prepared to help with the transition. The students that returned to the classrooms post-pandemic were different from those that left your classroom in March of 2020. And - my role, at least I hope, was to help provide you with resources, ideas, and tips for navigating all the changes in the last 3 years. After a lot of thinking and taking all things into consideration, I have decided to take a pause on this podcast and shift my focus to LINKtivities and the LINKtivity Learning Membership. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/147 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode EPISODE 138: The Story of the LINKtivity (Celebrating 1 Year With LINKtivity Learning) Resources for the Upper Elementary Classroom - The Classroom Nook Teacher Shop LINKtivity Learning Membership Follow us on Instagram

YOU HAVEN’T EXPERIENCED BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT LIKE THIS BEFORE… But you’re about to. Teachers know that success in the classroom begins with classroom management. And classroom management starts with relationships. Without building positive relationships with students, you’ll be swimming upstream all year long. Shawn Young, CEO of Classcraft (a behavior management tool), knows this all too well. As a student himself, he often felt bored with school and didn’t feel a sense of belonging. When he became a teacher himself, he wanted to create a different experience for his students - one that was built on the foundation on positive relationships. Out of his own need in the classroom, Shawn began building an online platform that focused on positive behavior interventions. And Classcraft was born. Classcraft is an innovative platform that helps educators make learning meaningful and motivates students through gamification. Not only did he see the impact it had on his own students, but others began to notice as well. And now - Shawn is on a mission to replicate this same positive experience in classrooms around the world. Since launching Classcraft into the world of education, it has been a force to be reckoned with in transforming behavior and classroom cultures. And - I had the privilege to have Shawn on the podcast to talk all about positive behavior intervention & supports, also known as PBIS - and how Classcraft supports PBIS programs. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/146

FEELING LIKE YOUR CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STRATEGY COULD USE A LITTLE FINE-TUNING? Well - you’re in luck! Today I’ve brought on Dr. Lori Friesen to share her most effective classroom management hacks that any teacher can implement immediately to start seeing results. And Dr. Lori knows what she’s talking about. She’s been around the (classroom) block a time or two! Dr. Lori Friesen taught for 10 years in Canada and overseas in Hong Kong and Japan before completing her PhD in Elementary Education with a specialization in Language and Literacy. She taught pre-service teachers at the University of Lethbridge and published The Beginning Teacher’s Handbook for Elementary School as the culminating project for her M.Ed. Dr. Lori completed her PhD at the University of Alberta and has been inducted into the Golden Key International Honor Society in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and excellence. Dr. Lori recently met Oprah Winfrey on Oprah’s The Life You Want series’ show on service where she had an opportunity to share her vision for how to support new teachers. Dr. Lori’s work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including The International Journal of Learning and Childhood Educational International as well as the popular online Edutopia. Host of the popular Beginning Teacher Talk podcast with more than 250,000 downloads and creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy with 1,600+ students, Dr. Lori is dedicated to supporting and inspiring educators around the world. And I had the honor of picking her brain with some of the most simple ways that teachers can fine tune their classroom management plan. Dr. Lori not only shares some amazing classroom management tips - but she also shares how teachers can use these tips to build a strong classroom community that promotes positive interactions with everyone. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/145 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode Grab Lori’s FREE Ultimate Classroom Management Checklist HERE. Keep in Touch with Lori: WebsiteBeginning Teacher TalkInstagramTikTok

CALLING ALL CHROMEBOOK CLASSROOMS! Using classroom technology can be an amazing way to enhance your students’ learning experience — but that doesn’t mean it comes without its challenges. When it comes to using technology with elementary students, teachers often find themselves frustrated and overwhelmed when students lack basic technology skills (20 minutes to login, anyone?), or don’t know where to find important websites needed at a small-group center. That’s why I brought on John Sowash - Chromebook expert and enthusiast! John Sowash is an experienced classroom teacher, former school administrator, author of The Chromebook Classroom, and founder of the Google Certification Academy. John inspires educators to use technology to connect with and challenge students. And today, he’s inspiring US to get comfortable with using Chromebooks in the classroom. And even if your students a different device, John’s tips will certainly help you as well. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/144 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode John’s Resources for Teachers: Class Login ChallengeDirectionsDirectionsTeach “Chromecabulary”Student Technology Skills ChecklistExamplesCamera AppTemplateEPISODE 38: Tips & Best Practices for Technology in the Classroom EPISODE 141: 3 Myths of a 21st Century Classroom

BRAND NEW TO STEM INSTRUCTION? Or - have your tried implementing STEM projects in your classroom but find it results in chaos? (you’re not alone!) Then, allow me to introduce you to Naomi Meredith - former classroom teacher turned K-5 STEM coach. Naomi knows the feeling of overwhelm all to well when it comes to STEM instruction. After accepting a position as a STEM coach, she was thrusted into a new building, a new STEM classroom — and given NO curriculum. But along the way, Naomi has learned a thing or two (or ten!) about what makes STEM instruction successful in the elementary classroom, and she’s here to share her expertise with us. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology. With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, she helps teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. And, I had the honor of picking her brain about all things STEM - and you get to eavesdrop in on our conversation. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/143 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode Grab Naomi’s FREE K-5 STEM Year Long plan HERE! The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast: Welcome to STEM Survival CampManaging Your Makerspace in the ClassroomAfter the Fall by Dan Santat Naomi’s Favorite Timer for Classroom Management Connect with Naomi Meredith: WebsiteInstagramTikTokTwitterYouTubeThe Elementary STEM Coach

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! But you might not have thought to use THIS particular app in the classroom. What is it? Google Keep! If you haven’t thought about using the Google Keep app for your productivity and organizational needs in the classroom - then buckle up - all that is about to change! Today’s guest is none other than the amazing Michelle Emerson from Pocketful of Primary. Michelle Emerson has taught 2nd grade and 4th grade for seven years and now supports teachers around the world by creating digital teacher resources, producing educational videos for teachers on her YouTube channel, Pocketful of Primary, and sharing productivity tips on her podcast, Teaching to the TOP. She believes all teachers should feel empowered by their profession instead of overwhelmed and seeks to help educators master technology and create a work-life balance through her tips and strategies. In our conversation, Michelle is going to blow your mind with new ways that you can use Google Keep to get (and keep) all your ducks in a row! From checklists to collaboration, and so much more - Google Keep is about to become your new virtual teacher bestie. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/142 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Grab Michelle’s FREE Google Keep Headers HERE! Follow Michelle on Social Media: YouTubeInstagramTeaching to the TOPWebsite

DO YOU EVER HEAR EDUCATIONAL BUZZ WORDS AND THINK “WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?” Am I doing that? Or even… do I HAVE to do that? Am I doing it right? Often times we hear buzz words and teachers groan because they’re afraid that that “buzz word” is likely going to bring about change in their classroom. And change can be scary. Maybe that’s how you feel when you hear the phrase 21st century classroom. I say it all the time here on the podcast and YOU might hear it and think… What does that even mean? Do I have a 21st century classroom? Am I doing it right? Today I want to squash some myths that might be floating around about a 21st century classroom. So, let’s dive right in. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/141 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode EPISODE 95: What is a 21st Century Classroom?? Follow The Classroom Nook on Instagram Learn more about the LINKtivity® Learning membership.

We’ve heard it said: Relationships are everything. It’s a bold statement, but - man, is it ever true…ESPECIALLY when it comes to teaching! If the pandemic and the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that teaching and the success of students is more than just the academics that are taught. At least - academics are only a piece of the puzzle. And if academics are like a puzzle... then the teacher-student relationship is the table that you build the puzzle on. And, the conversation that I had on this week’s podcast is simply amazing. Johnny Tiersma, 6th grade teacher and children’s book author, knows a thing or two about building relationships with students. His 16+ years in education has taught him that teaching the curriculum starts with building a positive classroom community. And he doesn’t only KNOW this - he’s passionate about it. So, when he reached out to me to share his 10 truths about building a classroom community - it was a no brainer. This isn’t your average conversation about building a classroom community. Johnny uses not only his teaching experience, but his humor and his heart, along with a few stories to help us all learn how to build a classroom community that feels like family. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/140 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode Book on Amazon: If I Were the Teacher Book website: www.ifiweretheteacher.com Connect with Johnny on Social Media: www.twitter.com/johnnytiersmawww.instagram.com/mrjohnnyteachwww.instagram.com/ifiweretheteacher

WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF BEING THE LAST CAR IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT FROM TIME TO TIME. There’s always one more thing to do. One more set of copies to make. One more…one more. And then it becomes a pattern. Staying late at school night after night… Bringing home work to complete on the weekends becomes the norm. Before you know it - you’re THAT teacher who has no boundaries and feels like their work day as no end and no beginning. Today on the podcast, we’re going to talk about something that I was NOT the best at when I was in the classroom. When I first started teaching I didn’t have any kids yet, I wasn’t married, and I didn’t have a lot at home that I had to devote my time to. So - I poured all of my time and energy into teaching and being in the classroom. And, quite honestly, I could do that because of my circumstances, but that didn’t really set me up for success later when I did have a family and I did need to prioritize a work/home balance. When we don’t develop a healthy balance, we start to establish some bad habits. This week, I’m interviewing Kristen Donegan of Easy Teaching Tools. Kristen Donegan has been an elementary school teacher and Reading Specialist since 2005 in both California and O'ahu, Hawaii. She has enjoyed teaching kindergarten, first grade, a 1/2 combo, and second grade before resigning to continue Easy Teaching Tools Inc. and raise her daughter & son. Kristen has also presented at professional development conferences such as SDE Nationals and Teach Your Heart Out. Founded in 2010, Easy Teaching Tools has helped over a thousand busy teachers implement classroom hacks to save time, implement research-based practices to meet the needs of their students, and focus on work-life balance. Kristen is sharing how teachers can take their time back and be that teacher that leaves at their contracted time, AND doesn’t have to feel bad or guilty for doing so! FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/139 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Connect with Kristen at Easy Teaching Tools: InstagramFacebookBlogPodcastGrab Kristen’s FREE Sub Plans Template HERE!

AS TEACHERS, WE ALL HAVE STORIES TO TELL. When you start out as a first year teacher, you're just beginning a the first chapter. And boy, oh boy the story of teaching sure has its turns, its ups and downs, and its surprising events! Sometimes our stories feel like that dark and stormy night ... (2020 anyone?) While other times you get to play the hero and win the battle! My story as a teacher sure has been all that and more. When I first began teaching 2006, I had NO IDEA where my story would lead me (none of us do!). And while I'm still in the middle of my teaching story, we've come to an exciting chapter! It's the "LINKtivity Learning Turn 1 Year Old" chapter! And we're celebrating! FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/138 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode Learn more about the LINKtivity® Learning membership.

NOT SO “NEWS FLASH”: TEACHERS DO MORE THAN JUST TEACH ACADEMICS… Teachers wear a lot of hats, and if we’re being truly honest, our jobs come with so many more responsibilities than just teaching reading, writing, math, science, and so on. We’re often asked to play many other roles like counselor, parent, comforter, and friend. Our students come to us with not just academic needs, but also emotional and social needs, too. And to ignore these needs would be a disservice to everyone! Whether it is in our job description or not, supporting the whole child - academically, socially, and emotionally just comes with the territory. That’s why, today I wanted to revisit an interview I did about a year ago with Victoria from The Mindful Apple. Victoria is a social worker at an elementary school and she’s been on the podcast several times as our resident expert for all things social emotional learning. In our conversation, Victoria is going to talk to us, specifically, about growth mindset and the importance for classroom teachers to embrace social emotional learning instruction in their everyday teaching. Because, as you already know - whether or not you are trained as a social worker or not (and likely, you are not) teachers are still being called on now more than ever to help students with their social emotional needs. Specifically in this interview, Victoria gives us a great foundation for helping our students develop a growth mindset over a fixed mindset. In this conversation she’ll share practical ways for teachers to help their students in their classroom. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/137 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode EPISODE 60: Easy Calming Strategies for Elementary Students EPISODE 86: Making Social Emotional Learning MORE Than a Buzzword RESOURCE: FREE Growth Mindset Sort Victoria’s Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Connect with Victoria: Join The Mindful Apple community for your weekly brain food : tips, strategies, and resources for your social emotional tool kit! Shop social emotional resources for the elementary classroomTheMindfulApple.comLearn more about the LINKtivity® Learning membership.

GOOGLE SLIDES: TECH TIP Today’s tip isf for all my Google Slide users out there! You know how sometimes you have a large, lengthy Google Slides presentation, but you only need a few of the slides at a time? If you’ve ever used one of my units before, whether it’s a science unit or a social studies unit, or even one of my reading units, then you know that my units come with a Google Slides presentation for the digital version of the student activities. I always have printable and digital versions for students, and the digital version is provided in Google Slides. For easy of navigating the unit for the teacher, I provide all the student resources that are used for the daily lessons in one large Google Slides presentation. This makes it easy for teachers to review all the resources that they will need for their unit. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/136 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Watch the Video Tutorial HERE. Unit Studies: ScienceSocial StudiesReadingOther “Tech Tip” Episodes: Classroom Technology Tip: YouTube Hack for Teachers!Google Slides Teacher Hack: How to Make an Infinite Cloner on an Image or ObjectGoogle Slides Tip: How to View Students Working on THEIR Digital Device from YOUR Digital DeviceFollow The Classroom Nook on Instagram

What if teaching writing didn’t have to be such a struggle? When it comes to writing, teachers and students face many challenges. Not enough time, not enough motivation, not enough resources. But Megan Polk, from The Literacy Dive is about to change the game when it comes to teaching writing in the elementary classroom. Megan knows what it’s like to work with students who lack basic writing skills. She understands the busy everyday schedule that teachers are working with to try to squeeze in writing. She gets the demands of a 21st century classroom and the struggle to make writing a priority. BUT, Megan knows how to make it work! In our conversation, Megan brings all her experience and knowledge and shares with us how to get your students writing…AND have fun doing it! FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/135 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode POST: Giving Students More Choice in the Classroom Grab Megan’s FREE Writing Prompts HERE. Keep in Touch with Megan: InstagramPodcastWebsite

INTERVIEW WITH: SARA MARYE Have you heard the phrase “science of reading” and been afraid to ask EXACTLY what it means? (ignorance is bliss, right?) Are your worried that it’s just one more NEW thing to add to your teacher plate? (Not ANOTHER reading program!) Good News! I’ve brought on special guest, Sara Marye from The Stellar Teacher to break it all down for us (and spoiler alert - it’s NOT another new curriculum that you have to learn) In fact, the science of reading is NOTHING new, at all - it’s been around for decades. In our conversation, Sara walks us through what exactly the science of reading is and the important implications for the classroom. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/134 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Grab Sara’s Cheat Sheet HERE. Podcast Series on Science Of Reading: Episode #85: What is the Science of Reading and Why is It Important?Episode #86: Understanding Phonological and Phonemic Awareness with Michelle from the Colorful ClassroomEpisode #87: Breaking Down the Elements of Language ComprehensionEpisode #88: Science of Reading Q&A Recommended Reading: Teaching Phonics & Word Study by Wiley BlevinsSpeech to Print by Louisa Cook MoatsThe Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Hennessy Where to find Sara Marye: The Stellar TeacherMembershipInstagram

WHAT DO KLEENEX AND LINKTIVITIES HAVE IN COMMON? Kleenex and LINKtivities don’t have an obvious connection, so let me explain. You see - when you have a runny nose or need to sneeze you have no doubt what you need, right? You need a Kleenex. When you need to wipe away a few tears… You grab a Kleenex. Kleenex has become so synonymous with the word “tissue” that no one looks at you funny when you ask for a Kleenex (a totally made up word) - they know exactly what you mean. Kleenex is a household name and boxes of Kleenex can be found in homes all over the world. You know what else is a made up word? LINKtivity. You know what else can be found in classrooms all over the world? LINKtivities. And we are on a mission to make LINKtivity a classroom name. A name that is synonymous with engaging and interactive 21st century instruction. That might feel like a bold statement, but that’s how passionate and motivated we are to make an impact with LINKtivities in classrooms all over the world. We believe in them. Teachers believe in them. And students are impacted by them. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/133 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Sign up HERE for details about the Back to School with LINKtivity® Event. Follow LINKtivity® Learning on Instagram Join our email family to be sure not to miss out on how to make an impact with LINKtivities this school year.

Interview with: Jerry Kolber Today I have an amazing guest! His name is Jerry Kolber, and Jerry is the co-founder and CEO of edutainment company Atomic Entertainment Group. He is also an Emmy-nominated co-creator and showrunner of Nat Geo's biggest hit series Brain Games and Netflix's Brainchild with Pharrell Williams. He began his career within the production auditing department of New York Undercover has worked in the entertainment field with networks like Disney, Bravo, HBO, National Geographic, Animal Planet and MTV. Overall, Jerry has written, produced, supervised, and run over 400 episodes of various premium television and streaming content pieces. Today, Jerry is focused on education - specifically changing the game to create a system that helps children learn without stamping them all out of the same mold along the way. He is now the voice behind Who Smarted?, a podcast that’s aimed at children ages 6 to 10. Each episode teaches kids something new through humor, stories, and even interactive games. Within just one year, they’ve hit 3 million downloads for the show. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/132 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode Listen to the “Who Smarted?” Podcast HERE. Receive ALL 52 Brainchild Lesson Plans and Activity Handouts FREE! SIGN UP NOW! Sign up HERE to join Space Camp. Join LINKtivity Learning

SO SUMMER IS REALLY ENDING, EH? Well - we are moving on from summer (ready or not) as we head into a new school. August is a weird time for teachers because some of you are already back at school, and some of you have a couple weeks left of summer (but, let’s be honest, are likely already thinking about school) Teachers are all over the map right now, depending on where you are in the country (or even the world). However - I think today’s topic will really help ground us all as we start a new school year. One of the ways that I want to help you kick off a new school year is by sharing 3 questions that every teacher should ask themselves before they start a new year. And if you’ve already started, ask yourself these now- it’s not too late. FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES VISIT: classroomnook.com/podcast/131 Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode Download the August calendar of events HERE. EPISODE 34: Routines and Procedures Every TEACHER Needs EPISODE 97: Creating a Multimedia Classroom Part 1 EPISODE 98: Creating a Multimedia Classroom Part 2 POST: Back to School Series: Setting Up Classroom Routines and Procedures

August is a crazy busy time as teachers are preparing for Back to School! In this episode, learn some amazing ways that you can save both time and money as you prepare for a new school year! From site-wide sales, to flash sales, to giveaways and other fun events...don't miss all that we've got going on in August! Be sure to download our "August Calendar of Savings" to get all the details and links! CLICK HERE for complete show notes ---------------------- LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Summer Teacher Road Trip Teachers Pay Teachers The Classroom Nook Teacher Shop August Calendar of Savings The Classroom Nook on Instagram LINKtivity Learning Membership

Teacher Summer Road Trip 2022: Week 8 This summer we are revisiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka popular podcast episodes) of the 2021-2022 school year. Each week join us here on the podcast as we revisit these action-packed, and idea-inspiring episodes as your rest, and refuel for the upcoming school year. This week’s stop: Gamification in the Upper Elementary Classroom Destination Highlights: FOR COMPLETE SHOWNOTES FROM THE ORIGINAL EPISODE: CLICK HERE ------------------------ LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Click HERE to listen to the TED talk with Paul Anderson Learning Game Apps: KahootQuizletJoin the LINKtivity Learning Membership and get access to my entire vault of LINKtivity Interactive Learning Guides - Click HERE to join.

Teacher Summer Road Trip 2022: Week 7 This summer we are revisiting some of the most popular tourist destinations (aka popular podcast episodes) of the 2021-2022 school year. Each week join us here on the podcast as we revisit these action-packed, and idea-inspiring episodes as your rest, and refuel for the upcoming school year. This week's destination: Top Questions to Ask Before Starting Readers and Writers Workshop Highlights from the episode: FOR COMPLETE SHOWNOTES FROM THE ORIGINAL EPISODE: CLICK HERE ------------------- LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE EPISODE 29: How to Launch Reader's Workshop in Your Classroom EPISODE 30: How to Launch Writer's Workshop in the Upper Elementary Classroom EPISODE 62: Why You Need a "Share Chair" In Your Reading and Writing Workshop RESOURCES: IntelliScannerBook Source Classroom OrganizeriBookshelfBook CrawlerBook BuddyLaunching Reader's and Writer's Workshop Bundle Grab these TWO FREEBIES: Teacher’s Guide to Reader’s Workshop Teacher’s Guide to Writer’s Workshop