Teacher Approved: Elementary Teacher Tips & Strategies

December has a way of sneaking up on you, and suddenly your classroom routines are unraveling while your energy and to-do list are stretched to the limit. In this episode, we’re sharing how to use November to get ahead of the December chaos by prioritizing what matters, letting go of what can wait, and creating a realistic plan. Our goal is to prepare for the predictable so you have room for the unpredictable and can head into the holiday season feeling more prepared.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/december-teacher-planning/

Resources:

• National Park puzzle badge banner
• Barebells Corn Crunch Protein Bars
• Reclaim Your Winter Break Challenge
• 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 36. How Teachers Can Plan Lessons The Week Before a Holiday Break
• Episode 105. Festive Fun in December: Engaging Holiday Activities to Do With Your Class
• Episode 171. 5 Tried and True Tips for Teaching in December
• Episode 233. The Smooth December Framework Every Teacher Needs (And It Starts in November)
• Episode 234. How to Plan Teaching in December So January Feels Easy
• Episode 235. 4 Teacher-Approved Ways to Manage Classroom Behavior in December

Mentioned in this episode:

Reclaim Your Winter Break: a free 4-day challenge with Heidi and Emily, November 15–18. Get ahead of January now so you can leave school behind and enjoy your time off: https://secondstorywindow.net/winterbreak

When classroom behavior starts to slide, it can feel like your only options are to ignore it or stop everything to shut it down. In this episode, we’re sharing our four-step behavior response ladder, plus how to use consequences that teach instead of punish. We talk about avoiding power struggles, creating predictable expectations, and recognizing signs that a student needs more support. Disruption in the classroom will inevitably happen, but when you already have a plan to deal with it, you’ll be able to respond to off-task behavior while you keep the learning going!

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

Resources:

• Trashie Take Back Bags
• Card Shuffler
• 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 102. Classroom Behavior Problems: How to Plan Ahead to Handle Them Effectively
• Episode 164. Why You Need a Classroom Carpet and How to Manage Student Behavior
• Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations
• Episode 285. Positive Classroom Culture is Your Management Secret Weapon
• Episode 290. How to Read the Room When Student Behavior Feels Off

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Halloween in the classroom can be a whole lot of fun, but when the excitement starts climbing, it can feel like you’re trying to teach a room full of caffeinated squirrels! In this classic replay episode, we’re sharing our Halloween survival guide for keeping the fun without letting your classroom structure fall apart. We talk about how to keep your core routines intact while sprinkling in just enough seasonal magic, how to plan ahead with a Plan B schedule, and how to manage parties, costumes, treats, brain breaks, and all that extra energy. The big idea? Follow the candy rule: a handful of fun can create some pretty magical classroom moments, but a whole bucket can lead straight to chaos.

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

Resources:

• Shop all our Halloween resources here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/product-category/halloween/
• 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 33. Class Party Success - Our 7 Step Class Party Planning Checklist
• Episode 34. Plan the Perfect Halloween Class Party With 7 Easy Steps
• Episode 96. How to Plan an Amazing 2nd Grade Class Halloween Party

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

What if the behavior you’re seeing in your classroom is actually giving you useful information? In this episode, we’re looking at how to read the energy in your classroom, use (you guessed it!) structure and spark to understand what students need, and make small, targeted adjustments instead of changing the whole lesson. We’re sharing real classroom examples and talking about why observing before intervening can help you respond to student behavior in more effective ways.

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

Resources:

• Darling Desi on YouTube
• My Moonstone Kitchen
• Ghost figurines
• 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 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations
• Episode 175. 10 Easy Ways to Prevent Behavior Problems Before They Start [Fan Fave]
• Episode 161. How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved Techniques
• Episode 165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the Season
• Episode 35. 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for Teachers
• Episode 246. Why Your Test Review Isn’t Working (And What to Do Instead)

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

There’s nothing quite like looking around your classroom mid-lesson and wondering, “Are they learning, or am I just talking?” In this episode, we’re talking about student engagement and how guided notes can keep students thinking during instruction. We break down five steps for creating guided notes that encourage students to make connections and show what they understand, plus ways to use those notes for study guides, retrieval practice, warm-ups, and exit tickets. The goal isn’t simply to keep kids busy. It’s to create meaningful opportunities for students to think and stay engaged while you teach!

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

Resources:

• Order our book: Structure and Spark
• Halloween Resources
• Victoria Magazine
• 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 161. How to Get Students Actively Engaged: 5 Teacher Approved Techniques
• Episode 165. Keeping Students Engaged All Year Long, No Matter the Season
• Episode 35. 5 Ways to Increase Student Engagement – Our Secret Weapon for Teachers
• Episode 33. Class Party Success – Our 7 Step Class Party Planning Checklist
• Episode 34. Plan the Perfect Halloween Class Party With 7 Easy Steps
• Episode 96. How to Plan an Amazing 2nd Grade Class Halloween Party

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Once you’ve had a few weeks to get to know your students, it’s the perfect time to take another look at your seating chart. In this replay episode, we’re sharing our best strategies for choosing a seating arrangement, using proximity to keep students on task, and recognizing when a seating setup that worked at first is no longer working for your classroom. We’ll help you make strategic seating changes that support smoother classroom management and a more productive learning environment.

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/classroom-seating-arrangements/

Resources:

• Order our book: Structure and Spark
• Editable Seating Chart Maker
• 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 102. Classroom Behavior Problems: How to Plan Ahead to Handle Them Effectively
• Episode 164. Why You Need a Classroom Carpet and How to Manage Student Behavior
• Episode 285. Positive Classroom Culture is Your Management Secret Weapon
• Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Mondays can feel overwhelming when you’re carrying unfinished tasks and trying to remember EVERYTHING that needs to happen! In this episode, we’re sharing a 5-step weekly reset to help you wrap up loose ends, prepare for the week ahead, and create a clearer starting point for Monday. It’s not about getting everything done, it’s about being prepared with a plan!

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

Resources:

• Order our book: Structure and Spark
• TheraICE Migraine Relief Cap
• Muse Apothecary Pillow Ritual: Calming Pillow Mist
• 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 93. Teacher Morning Routine: 10 Tips for Creating Your Perfect Plan
• Episode 243. How to Protect Your Planning Time (So You Can Stop Working For Free)
• Episode 147. Teacher Approved Tips: How to Plan Ahead for Future Problems!
• Episode 228. The Simple 6-Step Plan for Resetting After a Sub

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Transitions can quietly eat up valuable instructional time, especially when students start moving before directions are finished. In this episode, we’re breaking down a simple framework for making prompted transitions smoother, more efficient, and easier to manage by standardizing your approach. We’ll walk through the key steps and how they can help students know when to listen, when to move, and what to do next. With a consistent format in place, transitions can become a smoother, more predictable part of your classroom day.

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

Resources:

• Order our book: Structure and Spark
• Ungodly Rich
• 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 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 Not Harder
• Episode 254. Why Your Students Get Chatty During Transitions (And How to Stop It)
• Episode 282. 3 Ways to Hold Students Accountable to Your Classroom Expectations

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Your classroom culture is what teaches students how to behave, whether you’re the one doing the teaching or not! In this episode, we’re talking about how to intentionally shape a positive classroom culture that makes classroom management easier. We break down five practical steps and explain how social skills, positive peer pressure, and clearly reinforced expectations can help students take more ownership of how your classroom works.

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

Resources:

• Order our book: Structure and Spark
• Hangers
• 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 283. Why Reaching for a Reward System Might Be the Wrong First Move
• Episode 245. How to Build a Teacher Wardrobe That Fits Your Life
• Episode 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding Questions
• Episode 278. Want Better Behavior? Start with Relationships
• Episode 87. 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to School

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Hallway procedures might seem like a small part of classroom management, but they can have a much bigger impact on classroom success than you might expect. In this classic replay episode, we’re breaking down how to create effective hallway procedures by planning strategically, responding to disruptions, and teaching and practicing expectations with your students. With a little intentional planning and practice, your hallway procedures can become a simple but powerful foundation for a calmer, more successful classroom.

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/hallway-behavior-management/

Resources:

• Order our book: Structure and Spark
• Classroom Procedures and Routines Teaching Slides Bundle
• 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 150. Perfect Your Classroom Procedures with the Help of Our Guiding Questions
• Episode 173. Getting into the Nitty Gritty of Classroom Procedures and Routines
• Episode 75. Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How they Differ and How to Teach Them
• Episode 18. Procedures for Success!
• Episode 98. 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve It

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Rewards might feel like an easy classroom management solution, but are they actually making your life harder? In this Can't Miss Classic, we’re taking a closer look at when rewards help, when they can backfire, and how to use them more intentionally. We’re sharing why you probably don’t need a reward system from day one, how to use short-term and surprise rewards strategically, and simple ways to build classroom community without turning every positive behavior into a transaction.

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

Resources:

• Order our book:Structure and Spark
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• December Teacher Planner
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Usby Daniel H. Pink
• Skylight Calendar
• Dr Scholl’s Women’s Sneaker
• 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 148, ​​How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-School
• Episode 114, Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1
• Episode 103, When to Use Rewards to Boost Your Behavior Management – And When Not To
• 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

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

By the third week of school, the novelty starts to wear off and classroom expectations can begin to slip. In this episode, we explore how to hold students accountable without becoming harsh, using three practical strategies: reteaching procedures, giving clear directions and expecting follow-through, and helping students take ownership of their behavior. The goal is to stay steady, reinforce what matters, and create a classroom where students know they can count on consistent expectations!

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

Resources:

• Order our book: Structure and Spark
• Trays
• Teacher Approved: Calming Piano Spotify playlist
• 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 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 Not Harder
• Episode 98. 5 Reasons Your Attention Signal Isn’t Working and How to Improve It

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

The first day of school doesn’t have to leave you completely wiped out! In this replay episode, we’re talking about the “back-to-school sandwich” and the often-overlooked moments before and after students arrive. We’re sharing practical ways to prepare emotionally, handle the logistical details, and plan for recovery so you can protect your energy and head into day two feeling a little more grounded. Plus, we’ve got a fun way to celebrate surviving that first day with your teacher friends!

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-day-of-school-tips/

Resources:

• Freebie: Cheers and Chat Invitation
• Guided Discovery of School Tools
• Back to School Readiness Checklists
• The Spellshop, by Sarah Beth Durst
• 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 144, How to Plug-and-Play Your First Day of School Plans
• Episode 145, Our Best Tools for First-Day Planning
• Episode 146, Never Pick Up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided Discovery
• Episode 211, The 3 Questions Every Student Needs Answered in the First 3 Days of School
• Episode 213, 6 Simple Goals to Make Open House or Back-to-School Night a Success
• Episode 215, Here’s EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

As our book Structure and Spark gets ready to go out into the world, we’re looking back at four lessons we wish we had learned much earlier in our teaching careers. In this episode, we unpack the ideas that changed the way we approached teaching, from building the right systems and staying on the student’s side to protecting time outside of school. We learned the hard way that the real goal isn’t to become perfect teachers, it’s to be responsive ones!

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

Resources:

• Last chance to preorder our book Structure and Spark!
• Color Stack Challenge Game
• Yarn Fever! Game
• 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 153. How Teachers Can Thrive During the Back-to-School Season – Our Best Strategies
• Episode 114. Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1
• Episode 81. 20 Teacher Approved Back to School Tips From Listeners!
• Episode 120. Supporting New Teachers with Ashleigh from Rainbow Skies for New Teachers

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

The first few days of school set the tone for everything that follows, so how can you intentionally build a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and needed? In this can’t-miss classic episode, we’re sharing practical ways to answer those three questions from day one through clear procedures, meaningful connection, and opportunities for every student to contribute. We’ll walk you through our approach to the first three days, plus share ideas for classroom jobs that actually matter and help students feel like they belong!

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/first-3-days-of-school-activities/

Resources:

• Pre-order our book:Structure and Spark
• First Day of School Lesson Plan Guide
• Tell, Try, Tally, Talk Google Slides
• DeleteMe
• Our Favorite Back to School Books:First Day Jitters, When You Go to Dragon School, A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School
• 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 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How They Differ and How to Teach Them
• Episode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready
• Episode 207, No Class List? No Problem – Here’s What to Prep While You Wait
• Episode 209, The Most Important Back-to-School Prep No One Talks About

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Strong teacher student relationships are the foundation of effective classroom management! In this episode, we share practical ways to build trust from the very beginning of the school year and explain why cooperation is more powerful than compliance. You'll walk away with simple strategies to build a positive classroom community that supports learning all year long!

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/teacher-student-relationships

Resources:

• Preorder our book Structure and Sparkhttp://secondstorywindow.net/book(and get bonuses!)
• The First Six Weeks of School book
• The Art of Gathering
• First Day Wish Gift
• 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 251. 5 Classroom Management Tricks That Do the Work for You
• Episode 177. Help Your Class Kick Bad Habits with These 5 Classroom Management Questions
• Episode 158. Back-to-School Classroom Management: Are You Working Smarter or Harder?
• Episode 143. The Easiest Back to School Tip
• Episode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure Success

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Ever wonder why some classroom procedures seem to run effortlessly while others constantly need reminders? In this replay episode, we're sharing how a few simple guiding questions can help you plan classroom procedures that actually work...for both you and your students! We'll walk you through 10 benefits of thinking through your routines ahead of time, from preventing common classroom challenges to creating more efficient systems that make the entire school year run more smoothly!

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

Resources:

• Classroom Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and Checklist
• Sun Shade Umbrella for Car
• 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 Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 149, Go Time: 10 Things to Do After You Get Your Class List
• Episode 146, Never Pick up Another Stray Crayon: Why We Love Guided Discovery
• Episode 134, The 10 Stages of Teacher Summer Break
• Episode 89, Hallway Behavior Management: 4 Essential Plans for Improving Hallway Classroom Management
• Episode 75, Classroom Procedures and Expectations: How they Differ and How to Teach Them
• Episode 18, Procedures for Success!

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

Back-to-school exhaustion isn't just about long hours or a heavy workload! In this episode, we explore the surprising reason behind back-to-school fatigue and explain how a lack of automaticity creates extra mental strain. We also share practical systems that help you build external structure, reduce decision fatigue, and free up more of your energy to focus on connecting with your students during those critical first weeks of school.

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

Resources:

• Preorder our book Structure and Sparkhttp://secondstorywindow.net/book(and get bonuses!)
• The Smallest of Joys by Diane Shiffer
• When Gavin Met Stacey by James Corden and Ruth Joneshttps://amzn.to/4vObcBD
• Travel tissues
• Mildliners
• Tell Try Tally Talk Slides
• Procedures & Routines Planning Guide and Checklist
• 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 77. 3 Reasons Why a First Day of School Script Will Save Your Sanity
• Episode 144. How to Plug-And-Play Your First Day of School Plans
• Episode 215. Here’s EXACTLY What to Do in the First 20 Minutes on the First Day of School
• Episode 143. The Easiest Back to School Tip
• Episode 270. The Smart Way to Tackle Your Back to School To-Do List
• Episode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure Success

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

This week we're replaying one of our favorite back-to-school episodes because it's a reminder every teacher needs: don't just prepare your classroom, prepare yourself. We're sharing simple, practical ways to create a softer landing into the school year by setting up your home life, supporting your teaching self, and planning for rest and recovery before the first day even begins. If back-to-school is starting to feel overwhelming, this conversation will help you protect your energy, care for your future self, and head into the new school year with more calm and confidence!

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/the-most-important-back-to-school-prep-no-one-talks-about/

Resources:

• Procedures and Routines Planning Guide and Checklists
• Back to School Readiness Checklists
• LMNT – get a FREE sample pack with your purchase!
• Tamed Wild door hinge magnets
• Preorder 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:

• Episode 199, Time, Tech, & Tasks: The 3 Boundaries That Save Teacher Summers
• Episode 201, 20 Easy Back-to-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do From the Couch
• Episode 203, 6 Teacher Traps We’re Saying No to This Back-to-School Season
• Episode 205, Use This One-Hour Teacher Trick to Start the School Year Calm and Ready
• Episode 207, No Class List? No Problem – Here’s What to Prep While You Wait

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club

We’ve learned the hard way that panic-prepping for back-to-school season isn’t the answer. It can leave teachers feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and still unprepared. In today’s episode, we introduce our simple three-step Overwhelm Buster to help you take back control! Join us as we talk through practical ways to calm your nervous system, prioritize the tasks that matter most, and create a realistic plan so you can start the school year feeling calmer, more confident, and ready for your students.

Prefer to read? Grab the episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-teacher-stress-2/

Resources:

• Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery
• Piles card game
• Preorder 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 143. The Easiest Back to School Tip
• Episode 270. The Smart Way to Tackle Your Back to School To-Do List
• Episode 194. Want a Smoother Back to School? Do These 5 Things Now
• Episode 154. 5 Steps for Classroom Procedure Success
• Episode 201. 20 Easy Back-To-School Teacher Tasks You Can Totally Do from the Couch

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Teacher Approved Club, where members get seasonal morning work pages for grades K–5 this month to add fall and holiday fun without throwing off their routines: https://secondstorywindow.net/club