Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!   Are you struggling to get your students excited about reading?   Today, I am going to be sharing some of my very favorite ways to make reading lessons more engaging for your students.   Deciding what to talk about on the podcast has been a little tricky lately because school just looks so different for everyone! Some of you are teaching in your classrooms, some of you are teaching virtually, and some are combining the two.    So today we’re talking about four of my favorite ways to make reading lessons engaging for students, that will work whether you’re teaching virtually or in-person.    Episode 78 Takeaways:  + Book clubs make reading more exciting than worksheets or stories from a textbook. + As a reading teacher, the most important thing you can do for your students is to help them learn to love reading. + Centers are a fun way to practice reading skills.  + Whatever grade level you teach, students need to hear books read aloud to them. + Introduce your

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!   Today we’re going to talk about the election. Did you groan? If you did, I don’t blame you. I get it. But I want this to be exciting for you to talk about, because it is for me!    We’re going to explore how to talk to your students about the election without getting political, the importance of having an unbiased lesson about it, and how you can help your students understand the importance and privilege of having elections.    I know it can be scary, but stick with me, and we’re going to make it a whole lot more fun.    Episode 77 Takeaways:    + It is our job as teachers to help kids learn how to think.  + It's important to cover the election because voting is a privilege and a duty. + We are shaping what the world will look like in the future.  + Kids are going to hear about the election, so we can at least make sure they understand the facts.  + Talking about the election leads to meaningful conversations. + There are topics you can cover without telling

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!   Do you miss book clubs with your kids since going virtual? Maybe you’ve never done book clubs before at all but want to start?   Well, I heard you guys asking, so I’m here to bring some answers. Today on the podcast, we are going to chat all about how to run book clubs in a virtual classroom.   In case you didn’t already know, I am a very proud bookworm. I love to read, and I truly believe that it’s because I had teachers who were passionate about sharing reading experiences in the classroom. When I became a teacher, I knew that I needed to help my students to find their love for reading and book clubs were the answer!    Whether your classroom is currently in-person or virtual, book clubs can help increase engagement and excitement about reading.    Episode 76 Takeaways:  + You can separate your kiddos into leveled reading groups.  + You can assign different books to each of your groups.  + Just about any chapter book will work for your book clubs. + Choose

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!   So…….. virtual teaching. How are you feeling? A little overwhelmed? Yeah, I see you.   I know that you feel like you’re drowning with all the new technology, new strategies, and new concerns that come with teaching virtually. I have heard it over and over. Teachers feel like they are drowning, and I don't want anyone drowning on my watch! I'm not a very good swimmer, so I can’t be a good lifeguard, but I got together with my team and we brainstormed some ways to make virtual teaching easier.   These tips will give you some of the tools that you need to make it to dry land, and I feel like right now a good tip or two could be our saving grace. In today’s episode, I am giving you seven different ways to make virtual teaching easier.   Episode 75 Takeaways:    + Use less technology. + Keep a daily schedule.  + Create routines with your students.  + Batch your lesson recording.  + Assign less work.  + Stop grading everything.  + Give yourself grace.    You are g

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!   Raise your hand if you went to college to major in virtual education. Anyone? No, didn’t think so.    In this episode, I want to chat about ways that you can make learning fun, even if you're teaching virtually. In fact, I'm going to be sharing seven different ways to make virtual learning more fun for your students.   None of us really went to school and trained for this, but at a moment's notice we all became online teachers, and many teachers are now teaching online AND in person, which is just crazy!   So now you’re figuring out how to get into staff meetings on Zoom, trying to learn new technology, and frankly just trying to get your kids to use the mute and unmute button properly. It’s exhausting! And yet, you still want it to be fun for your students. You don't want to do the bare minimum. You don't want your virtual classroom to be boring. You want it to be engaging!    My team got together and we brainstormed some ways that you can make this whole v

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast!   Have you ever heard a student in your classroom say something like this?   “I'm not good at math” or “it's too hard” or “I can't.”   Yep. Me too.   Did you know, research shows that students in the US commonly give up quickly on difficult tasks? These limiting mindsets can make it very difficult to teach new and challenging skills in the classroom.   In this episode, I want to talk about how you can change their mindset so that your students aren’t afraid to take on challenging tasks or problems.    The secret? You have to teach your students how to have a growth mindset. We’ll talk all about what a growth mindset is vs. a fixed mindset and how you can teach it in your classroom.    Episode 73 Takeaways:    + Recent studies show that the brain grows when we practice new things and give it challenges.  + A growth mindset is the opposite of a fixed mindset.  Someone with a fixed mindset avoids challenges. + Change your feedback on tasks so students understand

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Is your school implementing a hybrid teaching model this year? It's basically a combination of in-person and virtual learning, usually with students split into two groups, each of them spending some time learning in the classroom and some time learning from home. One of the best ways to teach with a hybrid model is to flip your instruction. Instead of teaching in person and sending kids home to do the work, have them watch the lessons at home and come to school to do the work. This way they have your attention and assistance when they need it most…while they are doing the actual work. On today's episode, I'll walk you through some simple tips for flipping your instruction! Episode 72 Takeaways: +Record Whole Group video lessons +Keep video lessons short & don’t worry about perfection +Batch record and get a bunch done at one time +Share your screen to show powerpoint, passages or anchor charts (you can use your usual curriculum) +Do practice activities in

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Lots of teachers are faced with this new challenge: "How do I teach writing virtually?” The best thing you can do for your students, if you are going to be teaching virtually for long, is to teach the writing lessons yourself. I know that it might sound intimidating, but I hope these tips will help you to feel more confident. Episode 71 Takeaways: +You can choose to teach your lessons on live video or pre-recorded video. +Run your video writing lessons almost exactly how you would run the lesson in class. +Share your screen to show the mentor text and anchor charts. +Keep the video lessons super short (10-15 minutes). +Give them a SMALL independent writing task. Work up to longer times. +Don't aim for perfection. It’s okay to make mistakes, just like if you were teaching in the classroom. +Students can do their writing digitally, on paper, or using a combination of both. +You can schedule Zoom calls or Google Meets with small conference groups. This year is ce

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! Our team has been hard at work this summer and we are SO excited that our new digital math centers have been released and are ready to go! We've had lots of questions about this popular new resource, so today I'm answering your questions about using digital math centers! Whether you are teaching virtually for all or part of your classroom experience this year, these digital math centers are a great resource to keep your students engaged and loving math. Episode 70 Takeaways: +These math centers are interactive Google slides +Any platform where you can assign a powerpoint can work with these centers. +The centers are not self-grading, but simple answer keys are included. +You can view each student’s answers on the Student Work page. +The digital center activities are comparable to our printable math center activities. +These are a separate resource, not an update to the printable version. These digital math centers have already been a best-seller in our Not So

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher podcast! In this episode, I'm chatting with long-time teacher and author, Elizabeth Peterson, about how valuable the Arts are to students and how to integrate them into your classroom in simple ways. In her 20 years of teaching, Elizabeth has been a huge proponent of using the Arts to help students with social and emotional learning.  Episode 69 Takeaways: + You don't have to be a musician or an artist to integrate the arts into your classroom in a helpful way + Teaching kids active listening is all about being active with your ears and brain, not just active with your body + Have "Listen Alouds" where you play a piece of music during snack time and let your students identify sounds, emotions, themes, etc. + Take "Brain Breaks" with your class and have them stand up, stretch or even dance to get their whole body moving + Try "Friendly Friday" and let your students use their creativity to make an encouraging card or note for another classmate + Consistency with these sm

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast. Whether you will be in-person or online, we want our classrooms to be just as safe as they are engaging. In this week’s episode, I am going to dive into five things that teachers will need to reconsider to make sure the upcoming school year is safe for everyone. COVID-19 is making things hard but not impossible! This is not a podcast I had imagined making but it’s our responsibility as teachers to ensure the safety of our students. I am not a doctor. These are my personal tips, but please do make sure you’re following the rules at each of your teaching locations. Takeaways from this episode: Host a virtual open house! Share a little about yourself and allow your students to do the same.  Offer personal supplies instead of encouraging students to share.  Apply for Not So Wimpy’s “Adopt-A-Classroom” program and set up “DonorsChoose” projects! Use virtual manipulatives. Think about sanitization when creating options for Flexible Seating.  Create personal student

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! In this week’s episode we have an amazing guest, Ashley Marquez from Teach, Create, Motivate. Ashley is here to share three strategies to help teachers with classroom management. She brings innovative learning and fun to the classroom. She’ll teach how to calm the chaos while teaching engaging skills that help motivate independent learners.   Teach, Create, Motivate was built because of her need for creative resources for her students. This need for her own classroom grew into helping other teachers and continues to grow.    Takeaways from this episode: Be consistent with your classroom strategy. Use a tool to take control and manage behavior, but stay consistent in delivery and use. This should be maximizing your teaching time.  Create student “buy-in.” Your students should be excited so they’re invested. This is all about presentation; your delivery could make or break this program.  Choices! Give your students choices...these student-led programs are more

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! In this week’s episode I am going to share tips on how to make reading centers easier to manage. Reading centers aren’t just about being busy; they’re about being busy with stuff that is helping to move them forward. Reading centers use activities that review and practice those reading skills that you absolutely need to have them master.  Center time can get chaotic, so I learned how to make my center time more meaningful and better managed so I could handle it as a teacher. I know planning for centers can get really time consuming, so here are some tips to help you get some hours back in your life! I hope some of these spark ideas that will make a difference in how you create and run your reading centers.  Tips from this episode: Spend all the time up front so you are prepared for the whole year, then review them a couple of times throughout the year.  Model your center procedures and then model them again!  Use anchor charts that record what it should look

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! This episode is something I didn’t think I’d need to record a few months back, and that’s how to make the Centers safer. COVID has brought a world of uncertainty to what will come in the Fall. I wish I had the answers for everything, but what I can do is come up with some tips to help make things a little better. I am not a Doctor, these are just my personal tips, but please do make sure you’re following the rules at each of your teaching locations. These are just my personal opinions.    I love the Centers so, of course, I am a little bit worried. The hands-on activities at Centers will be at risk this Fall, so think of ways to continue learning that is safe and still engaging.    In this episode I talk about: Laminating your center materials so they can be more easily disinfected Creating a sanitization routine Having students use hand sanitizer BEFORE and AFTER using the activities Having plenty of activities so each student has their own at any given time

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! I am back this week with a new exciting episode. We had a Facebook live party this week and I invited some Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass Alumni to share their stories.    In today’s episode we’re going to meet Dixie, BJ and Karen, and they’re sharing how they felt before and after the Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass last year. We’re going to dive in to see what they’re teaching their students now and how excited they are for you to have the opportunity to take this class now. We might even have a surprise if you listen until the end! We want to support teachers and help them prepare for the unknown year in teaching ahead.    In this episode: Live conversations with Masterclass Alumni  Dixie’s growth journey as a writing teacher BJ’s story of going from overwhelmed & overworked to getting her weekends back Karen’s experience of turning non-user friendly curriculum into simple & effective teaching Favorite writing teacher tips Alumni are using today

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! This episode is different from what you are used to — I’m popping in to invite you to something super special! I’ve been waiting a WHOLE YEAR for this moment! Let me start by asking you a question: Do your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students struggle with writing?   Don’t feel bad, most students struggle with writing. The good news is that implementing a simple yet effective writing workshop can totally change the game. By the end of your writing workshop, students will be begging you for more writing time!   In this episode I talk about:   The Masterclass that has helped over 3,000 teachers flip the script on teaching writing The practical, actionable, and fun strategies that fill the Not So Wimpy Masterclass How we’re specializing in 2nd-5th grades to make writing fun and effective for teachers AND students How you can earn a 10-Hour Professional Development Certificate     The Not So Wimpy Masterclass will walk you through how to become a successful wr

Welcome back to the Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! We’re getting close to the end of this series on teaching writing. This week we’re going to talk about ways to excite your reluctant writers. You know the ones I am talking about. They don’t have any ideas, they don’t want to try, and they get “done” really fast. These are the students we want to help teach with these five strategies to excite reluctant writers. Our goal is to create a positive experience around writing and build the confidence in your little writers.   In this episode I talk about:   Letting your writers choose their writing utensils, it’s more fun to write with a fun pencil, pen or marker Letting your writers choose their topic, let them use their imagination Give your students clear, daily writing tasks Give daily opportunities for students to share their writing Create writing celebrations, make this a quarterly event   I used to dread teaching writing until I mastered the best way to teach it. Now, it’s my favorite subject and it could

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! I am back this week to continue our series on teaching writing. In today’s episode I want to talk about how you can be a kick-butt writing teacher, even if you hate to write. I want you to become more confident when teaching writing. Let’s dive in!   In this episode I talk about: The importance of using mentor text, you don’t have to be their only example Anchor charts will help keep you organized Work with me, sign up for The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass …and so much more!   If you’re interested in building your confidence in teaching writing, join me at The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass. It is my online professional writing course for teachers in grades two through five. I will provide you with step-by-step strategies you’ll need to implement a successful writing workshop in your classroom. I want to take you from a place of feeling overwhelmed and anxious to being fully confident as a writing teacher.   Get on the waitlist so you can receive an ema

Welcome back to The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! I am back this week to continue our series on teaching writing. In today’s episode, I am sharing about the 5 mistakes I see teachers making when teaching writing. Don’t get me wrong, I have made these same mistakes too, but I’m going to break them down for you so you can become more confident when teaching writing. Let’s dive in!   In this episode I talk about: How we unintentionally decrease our student’s love for writing The importance of spending time on revision Less perfection, more celebration   ...and so much more!   If you’re interested in diving deeper into The Not So Wimpy Writing Process, stay tuned for my upcoming online professional development course. It’s called The Not So Wimpy Writing Masterclass and in it, I dive deep into the process we talked about in this episode today. The course will only be available for a short time in June so be sure to get on the waitlist so you don’t miss out!    To take the FREE quiz that I mentioned in this epis

Welcome back to another episode of The Not So Wimpy Teacher Podcast! This week we are continuing on with our series on writing curriculum. I have had so many teachers tell me how much they HATE teaching writing. They don’t feel confident when they teach writing and that makes total sense. As humans, we don’t like doing things that we don’t know how to do or don’t feel confident doing, right? So in today’s episode, I am going to share 3 tips that you can use to make teaching writing more fun for YOU. We always talk about making things fun for our students, but today is all about you. Let’s dive in!   In this episode I talk about: How to make teaching writing fun for the teacher, not just the student Giving students a choice Growth over perfection Investing in trainings to become more confident as a writing teacher   If you’re interested in diving deeper and want to become a more confident writing teacher, stay tuned for my upcoming online professional development course. It’s called The Not So Wimpy Writing