Épisodes

  • This Week in Class - Week 8 - The Power of the Stamp

    This Week in Class - Week 8 - The Power of the Stamp
    Feb 2 2025
    This Week in Class: Week 8 - The Power of the Stamp

    This week in class, I learned about
    • the power of parent conferences
    • the power of the stamp
    • the power of strategic printing!
    As a first-year teacher, I wasn’t sure what to expect going into my first parent conference, but I quickly realized that my ability to connect with people helped set the tone. I also discovered how much insight parents can provide about their children—sometimes, the smallest details make a big difference in the classroom.

    Speaking of small details, who knew that something as simple as a stamp could completely change student engagement? My second graders are all about earning their stamps—so much so that they’re even picking their favorites! And while managing a classroom economy is one thing, managing a school printer is another. Let’s just say I’ve learned some new strategies for getting my copies done without wasting time (or paper).

    Beyond teaching, I also had my first telehealth experience—quick, easy, and no waiting rooms! But back to the classroom: What’s one thing you wish teachers knew about your child during parent conferences? Or if you’ve had a memorable conference, good or bad, I’d love to hear about it! Drop your thoughts in the comments.

    If you want to support my classroom, check out the Amazon Wishlist or DM me to adopt a classroom. Let’s make learning amazing together!
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    19 min
  • Week 7 - I Am an Art Collector

    Week 7 - I Am an Art Collector
    Jan 20 2025
    This Week in Class: Week 7 - I Am an Art Collector

    This Week in Class, I learned about implementing a class economy to encourage positive behavior while balancing efficiency with my time and movements. From creating "Hero's Rewards" with custom superhero money to reflecting on classroom time management, this week felt like I was becoming both an economist and a strategist.

    I even discovered a funny parallel between running a class economy and national monetary policy—it’s all about balance! I reflected on how little things like student-created artwork can brighten your day, even in the midst of chaos.

    Teaching lower-grade students has its unique joys, like witnessing their kindness and creativity firsthand. Plus, I found myself laughing at moments like being called "Teacher" by a janitor—it’s a humble reminder of how others perceive you in this role. Watch to hear more insights, tips, and a challenge:

    What unique names have you been called in your interactions at school, work, or elsewhere? Let me know in the comments!

    For those who want to support my classroom, check out the Amazon Wishlist linked below. Your contributions mean the world and help make learning amazing for my students.

    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/S5ILEODBWSVJ/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2
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    13 min
  • Week 6 - Getting My Steps

    Week 6 - Getting My Steps
    Jan 12 2025
    This Week in Class, I learned about the challenges of classroom management and balancing teacher tasks, all while dealing with the high mental load of teaching. I also got some much-needed rest after a sick day, which led me to reflect on how important it is to take care of yourself as a teacher. One question I had was: Do teacher steps count toward fitness goals? How much does moving around the classroom really add up? I also shared some fun moments with the kids, including their favorite songs like "Banana Banana Meatball" and "Moose on the Loose."

    I reflected on the importance of classroom organization, like ensuring students have sharpened pencils ready before lessons start. And I learned that despite the stress, kids will learn regardless—if I stay organized and engaged, they'll get the second-grade experience they deserve.

    So this week’s challenge: What's your favorite kid's song, and what jobs do you think have a mental load as high as an elementary school teacher? Let me know in the comments!

    For those who want to support my classroom, check out my Amazon Wishlist linked below. Thank you so much to those who’ve helped so far!
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    19 min
  • Week 5 - Your Place in Line

    Week 5 - Your Place in Line
    Jan 11 2025
    This Week in Class, I learned the power of routines, purple glue sticks, and finding your place—literally and metaphorically.

    From creating slides to streamline morning, group, and goodbye routines to observing how systems empower students to self-manage, it was a week of growth. I even discovered how something as small as purple glue can make a big difference!I reflected on life's deeper lessons too—like realizing we each have our own 'spot' in line and that rushing to someone else's will only cause frustration.

    Listen to hear more insights, tips, and a challenge: What's your favorite school supply? Let me know in the comments!For those who want to support my classroom, check out the Amazon Wishlist or DM to adopt a classroom. Let's make learning amazing together!
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    14 min
  • Week 4 - Branding my classroom

    Week 4 - Branding my classroom
    Dec 12 2024
    This Week in Class,, I learned about:
    • classroom management by moving desks
    • experimented with fun, science-based crafts
    • started branding my classroom with a superhero theme.

      I also discovered the benefits of shadowing experienced teachers for new teaching methods—like using Good Morning Slides for smoother transitions. Plus, I got to share a heartwarming moment as a 'favorite teacher,' which reminded me to embrace these wins. For parents, I initiated positive communication through Class Dojo to establish trust early. Watch for more real-life insights into teaching tips for new teachers, classroom management, and engaging 2nd-grade activities!
    You can support my class using my attached my Amazon wish list, and you can also adopt my class by sending me a DM. Thank you in advance!

    My Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
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    17 min
  • Week 3 - Igor Stravinsky

    Week 3 - Igor Stravinsky
    Dec 12 2024
    This week I learned:
    • Its ok to not always finish everything
    • Curriculum Night
    • Igor Stravinsky
    So this week, I want to share a few key insights from my third week of teaching second grade. First off, I've got to give a shoutout to my secret weapon: the teacher next door. She’s been teaching for 14 years, and I’m learning so much from her. A lot of what my students enjoy about me probably comes from what I’ve picked up from her!

    One big lesson I’ve learned is that you won’t always finish everything in your lesson plan. There are constant interruptions—fire drills, kids getting picked up, or other disruptions—so flexibility is key. I’m considering condensing lessons into shorter chunks to account for these interruptions.

    Another major point is how important it is to build relationships with students. A veteran teacher told me that if students don’t trust you or care about what you’re saying, they won’t listen. Building that trust makes all the difference in how they receive the lessons.

    This week was also my first *Curriculum Night*, where I presented the structure of our day and the school’s expectations to the parents. I was nervous, but I found that as long as I was honest and sincere, the parents were receptive. Now that I’ve done it once, I have a good base for next year and can even improve it.

    Music plays a big role in my classroom environment, and I’m currently using Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue*, *chillhop*, and *binaural beats to help the kids focus. Funny enough, I tried playing Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite one day, thinking it would be relaxing, but it was way too intense for the kids!

    I’m also working on staying calm throughout the day. Teaching can get stressful, and I’ve noticed how wound up I can get, so I’m making a conscious effort to relax. Fridays are also turning into a day for fun projects, which the kids love. I’m realizing how important it is to have hands-on activities that keep them engaged and excited.

    If you’d like to support my class, I’ve attached my Amazon wish list, and you can also adopt my class by sending me a DM. I’m really enjoying this journey and can’t wait to keep sharing it with you all. I’m thinking about moving these reflections to a podcast platform, so stay tuned for that!

    My Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
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    19 min
  • Week 2 - Who I'm really teaching

    Week 2 - Who I'm really teaching
    Dec 12 2024
    This Week in Class I learned:
    • Who I'm really teaching
    • Paying it forward at the printer
    • Moving desks around
    In this week’s episode of "This Week in Class," I’m reflecting on my second week as a first-year second-grade teacher! There’s a lot I’m figuring out, from classroom seating dynamics to discovering what it means to teach second graders who still have one foot in first grade. I share some of the strategies I’m learning to manage classroom behavior, the importance of adapting materials to fit where each student is on their journey, and how to make the math click with a bit of creativity.

    You'll also hear about my first experience booking a substitute (and what happens when they cancel last-minute), the surprisingly complex task of managing paperwork, and the lesson that sometimes the small gestures, like leaving extra sheets in the printer, are what make the daily grind more manageable. Plus, I talk about the invaluable support I’ve gotten from colleagues, especially in learning when to call for help. Finally, my classroom wish list is up and running, and I’m grateful for all the amazing support so far – every little bit truly helps as I build my teaching toolkit!

    Catch all this and more as I keep you updated on my journey. And if you’re an experienced teacher with tips or resources, please share them in the comments—I’d love to learn from you! Here is my Amazon wishlist for my class: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
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    25 min
  • Week 1 - My First Week

    Week 1 - My First Week
    Nov 3 2024
    This Week in Class...I learned
    • The fist week of school is hard for everybody!!!
    • Being a teacher has a lot of moving parts and teaching is not the only thing that we do
    • Classroom routines are key!
    • The education system is a necessary part of society on multiple levels In this video,

      I reflect on my first week as a second-grade teacher and the surprising challenges that come with it! From juggling administrative tasks to playing multiple roles—teacher, counselor, parent, and even bathroom monitor (lol!) there’s so much more to teaching than just the lessons. I share how I’m learning to set up systems and routines to manage my class, while also being shocked by just how exhausting (but rewarding) it can be. I also talk about worthiness, the importance of community support, and why teachers are so underappreciated despite playing a crucial role in shaping society.

      Join me on this journey as I adjust to my new life in the classroom, and feel free to share your own insights or ask questions. And if you want to help support my classroom, check out the Amazon wish list linked below!

      https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/S5ILEODBWSVJ/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2

      Come back next week so we can talk about all of the things I'm learning as a first year teacher.
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    6 min