Episodes

  • 258. Can't Miss Classic: 10 End-of-Year Celebration Ideas Your Students Will Love

    258. Can't Miss Classic: 10 End-of-Year Celebration Ideas Your Students Will Love
    May 18 2026

    As the school year winds down, it’s important to find meaningful ways to celebrate the year with intention. Drawing on ideas from our Teacher Approved community, we explore countdowns, theme days, and creative class celebrations that bring both fun and purpose to those final weeks. These strategies will help keep students engaged, create lasting memories, and honor the classroom community you’ve built, so you can wrap up the year in a way that feels thoughtful, memorable, and manageable.

    Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/last-week-of-school-activities-elementary/

    Resources:

    • Summer Review Packets
    • DLITE Day Packets
    • Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
    • Jane & Edward: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie Edward
    • Check out our book Structure and Spark
    • Join The Teacher Approved Club
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources
    • Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 195. Ditch the Countdown: A Better Way to Create End of Year Closure
    • Episode 62. End of Year Awards: 5 Reasons You Should Rethink This Classroom Tradition
    • Episode 7. The Secret to End of Year Survival
    • Episode 196. The 3 Step Plan to Park Those School Thoughts and Enjoy Your Summer Break

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
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    23 mins
  • 257. 5 Smart Switch-Ups for May Classroom Management

    257. 5 Smart Switch-Ups for May Classroom Management
    May 11 2026

    May can be a tough stretch for teachers, with high emotions, routine pushback, and packed calendars. In this episode, we share why the mid-May slump feels so challenging and how trying to tighten control can backfire. Instead, we walk through five simple ways to rebalance structure and spark so you can keep students engaged, reduce chaos, and finish the school year feeling more steady and in control. These small shifts can bring fresh energy to your classroom without adding extra stress.

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

    Resources:

    • 3 Wins app
    • Foot cream
    • Check out our book Structure and Spark
    • Join The Teacher Approved Club
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources
    • Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 124. Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom Management
    • Episode 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for You
    • Episode 247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix Them
    • Episode 232. 5 Ways Teachers Can Spark Joy When Classroom Energy Tanks

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • 256. Can’t Miss Classic: How to Save Hours at Back-to-School Time by Prepping in May

    256. Can’t Miss Classic: How to Save Hours at Back-to-School Time by Prepping in May
    May 4 2026
    May might feel like the worst time to think about next year, but we’re sharing simple, low-effort ways to get ahead while everything is still fresh. In this episode, we walk through five smart back to school prep strategies you can tackle right now using what you’re already doing. These simple ideas will help you save time, stay organized, and ease that August stress before it even starts.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-prep-in-may/Resources:Freebie: End of Year RoadmapGuided Discovery of School Tools First Day Pattern Block Activities First Day Lego Activities Looking Ahead, Looking Back Bulletin BoardTeacher goodie bag ideasPeanut butter BarebellsCheck out our book Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyIf you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too:Episode 249. 5 Easy Teacher Tasks for March That Pay off Big at Back to SchoolEpisode 252. Can’t Miss Classic: April Planning That Makes August EasierEpisode 188. Ending the School Year Strong: 3 Steps to Help Teachers Thrive in Term 4Episode 193. Why Smart Teachers Start Planning for Next Year in MayMentioned in this episode:Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
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    22 mins
  • 255. 4 Smart Ways to Make End-of-School-Year Group Work Actually Work

    255. 4 Smart Ways to Make End-of-School-Year Group Work Actually Work
    Apr 27 2026

    Late April energy is real, so we’re sharing how to use group work to channel that energy into structured, meaningful collaboration. We break down a simple framework for assigning groups, prepping students with clear expectations, designing tasks that truly require teamwork, and wrapping up in a way that improves future activities. Group work can be the key to keeping students engaged, and might even create extra time for you to get things done before the school year ends.

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

    Resources:

    • Nod Pod
    • Check out our book Structure and Spark
    • Join The Teacher Approved Club
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources
    • Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)
    • Episode 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for You
    • Episode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)
    • Episode 223. The Core 4 Routines Every Classroom Needs to Run Like Clockwork

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • 254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)

    254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)
    Apr 20 2026

    Transitions don’t have to feel chaotic. In this episode, we share simple classroom transition strategies to reduce chatter by intentionally designing what happens before, during, and after each shift in activity. From clear directions and action cues to managing movement and preventing bottlenecks, we walk through practical ways to keep things running smoothly. These small, thoughtful changes can have a big impact on keeping students engaged and your classroom calm.

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

    Resources:

    • Teacher Approved: Calming Piano Playlist
    • Dehumidifier
    • Straw Organizer
    • Check out our book Structure and Spark
    • Join The Teacher Approved Club
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources
    • Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix Them
    • Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and Endings
    • Episode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a Year
    • Episode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter No Harder

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • 253. Can’t Miss Classic: Stop Fighting the Wiggles and Do This Instead

    253. Can’t Miss Classic: Stop Fighting the Wiggles and Do This Instead
    Apr 13 2026
    In this replay, we’re circling back to some simple, effective classroom movement strategies that boost focus, improve behavior, and make learning stick, all without adding extra time to your day. Instead of treating movement as an add-on, we show you how to weave it into your existing lessons so students stay engaged and energized. These small shifts help channel student energy and create a classroom where both you and your students feel more focused, productive, and successful.Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-movement-strategies/Resources:Printable Brain Break ActivitiesNeuro-Mag Magnesium L-ThreonatePre-order our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter No HarderEpisode 163. The 6 Key Ways to Boost Student Engagement Every DayMentioned in this episode:Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
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    24 mins
  • 252. Can’t Miss Classic: April Planning That Makes August Easier

    252. Can’t Miss Classic: April Planning That Makes August Easier
    Apr 6 2026
    We’re taking advantage of April to get a head start on back-to-school prep with five simple, low-stress tasks you can do right now. From creating helpful lists and reflecting on classroom procedures to capturing real-life examples and testing new ideas, these small steps help you stay organized and intentional. Tune in for practical strategies to do now that your future teacher self will thank you for later!Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/april-teacher-back-to-school-preparation/Resources:Procedure Review SlidesEnd-of-Year Road MapFirst Lie WinsLa Roche Posay Effaclar Gel CleanserPre-order our book: Structure and SparkJoin The Teacher Approved ClubConnect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindowShop our teacher-approved resourcesJoin our Teacher Approved Facebook groupLeave a review on Apple Podcasts!Leave a comment or rating on SpotifyRelated Episodes to Enjoy:Episode 249. 5 Easy Teacher Tasks for March That Pay off Big at Back to SchoolEpisode 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding QuestionsEpisode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure SuccessEpisode 32. 5 Classroom Management Questions to Help Banish Bad Class HabitsEpisode 48. How to Make Classroom Transitions Simple With Clear Beginnings and EndingsEpisode 49. Rapid Classroom Transitions: How to Save 45 Hours a YearEpisode 50. 3 Guidelines to Make Classroom Transitions Work Smarter Not HarderMentioned in this episode:Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for You

    251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for You
    Mar 30 2026

    In this episode, we share five low-cost, high-yield preventative classroom management strategies that help stop problems before they start. From greeting students at the door to using visual prompts and intentional tone, these simple shifts change the atmosphere in your classroom without complicated systems. When you focus on prevention instead of constant correction, you create a calmer, more engaged classroom, even during the tired final months of the school year.

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

    Resources:

    • Why It's Important to Welcome Your Students to Class
    • How Tone of Voice Shapes Your Classroom Culture
    • Allermi allergy spray
    • CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Cream
    • Pre-order our book: Structure and Spark
    • Join The Teacher Approved Club
    • Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow
    • Shop our teacher-approved resources
    • Join our Teacher Approved Facebook group
    • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!
    • Leave a comment or rating on Spotify

    Related Episodes to Enjoy:

    • Episode 124. Spring Fever: 3 Tips to Help Your Spring Classroom Management
    • Episode 247. 4 Spring Classroom Management Headaches and How To Fix Them
    • Episode 177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management Questions
    • Episode 178. 5 Classroom Management Tips for Taming a Chatty Class

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Get a free 10-day trial of the Teacher Approved Club, where members are working through The Great Classroom Closeout Plan this month to take the chaos out of end-of-year cleanup: https://secondstorywindow.net/trial
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins